Preparation of investigative story research study within the package: Increased political participation for marginalized groups, Macedonia: Western Balkans CSSF

In 2019, the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities worked on the project “Increased political participation for marginalized groups, Macedonia: Western Balkans CSSF,” supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. The research consisted of assessment of sociocultural and structural opportunities and impediments for strengthening women’s participation in politics. This study provides and overview of the development of women’s and gender equity activism since 1999 to the present day, drawing on demographically sensitive empirical data collected through desk analysis as well as prior field research. It provides not only a technical analysis and formal responses but in depth understanding of cultural specificities that can serve both as impediment and as drivers of positive change. Qualitative and quantitative research, combined with statistical analysis but also discourse and cultural analysis, provide a comprehensive overview of the degree of women’s active participation in political decision making, needs regarding voters’ education as well as motivation of women politicians. The study resulted in comprehensive research analysis with recommendations “Women’s Political Participation in North Macedonia,”available at the following link: https://www.wfd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/WPP-WFD-MK.pdf