In the Municipality of Gevgelija, we had a fruitful discussion about the terms “gender” and “sex” as well as the question of why it is necessary to apply gender-responsible budgeting as a tool in the preparation of the annual programs and measures of the municipalities. Councilors of the municipality, members of the inter-sectoral group for gender equality, as well as representatives of local institutions and the municipal administration had the opportunity to hear the recommendations from the monitoring report on the practice of gender equality in the municipality, prepared by our local partners Regional Center for Sustainable Development in Gevgelija, as well as the budget analysis of the initiatives that resulted from the operation in the municipality in the past year and a half.
Consultation meetings with citizens, zero tolerance for gender-based violence, easier access to the labor market, but also opportunities for self-employment for women, as well as the education of EOC members and the municipal administration were only part of the initiatives proposed in this municipality by the citizens in cooperation with the municipality and local civic organizations.
Although there were visible differences regarding the understanding of the terminology related to gender equality, it should be noted that all those present at the debate agreed that equal opportunities, as well as the inclusion of all groups of citizens in social life, are crucial for the progress of both the municipality and the quality of community life.
At the event, the coordinator for equal opportunities of Kavadarci municipality, Marija Kamcheva, gave her presentation, speaking about the achievements of KEM, but also about the challenges they face both as a Commission and as a coordinator. The municipality of Kavadarci is also part of the project “Through Gender Lenses” and one of the municipalities that achieved the greatest progress in the application of gender-responsive budgeting as a tool for promoting gender equality on the territory of the municipality.
The “Through Gender Lenses” project is financed by the European Union and is being implemented by the Center for Research and Policy Making in cooperation with the Rural Coalition, Roma Women and Youth Association “LULUDI”, Journalists for Human Rights, and Educational Humanitarian Organization – Echo.