Outcome MKD_D_1.2

By 2025, people in North Macedonia benefit from improved rule of law, evidence- based, anticipatory and gender responsive policies, greater social cohesion and effective service delivery by transparent, accountable and responsive institutions (UNSDCF Outcome 4)

Although the outcome was not fully achieved in 2024, it is on track as progress was made to improve the legal and institutional frame on gender equality, enhance evidence-based policy making, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and create more effective and gender-responsive service provision. Improved policy frame and institutional capacities on gender equality In 2024, significant progress was made in enhancing the capacity to mainstream gender and integrate gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) into policymaking and budgeting processes. Central level budget users, including 13 line ministries and 8 state agencies engendered sectoral programmes through the application of GRB as an approach. Consequently, women benefitted from sector-specific measures designed to respond to challenges in the areas of public health, vocational education and training, access to property rights, and media. Additionally, the Government facilitated strengthened expertise in GRB by supporting capacity development within public administration, with UN Women’s support. As a result, 106 representatives from 21 line ministries and state agencies are better able to apply gender equality principles, conduct gender analysis, and develop gender budget statements. This laid the foundation for improved integration of gender considerations into future sectoral programs and measures. At the local level, women and the most excluded groups benefited from 79 gender-responsive local sectoral programs, foreseeing measures that span from childcare, specialized services in response to GBV, assistance to children with disabilities, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development. Additionally, two local governments developed strategic documents to advance gender equality and integrate gender into local policy and budget planning cycles. Through the UN Women training and mentoring program on gender-responsive budgeting (GRB), 16 representatives from 10 newly onboarded Local Self-Government Units (LSGUs) enhanced their knowledge of GRB principles and practices. Notably, four of the new LSGUs have already submitted gender-sensitive work programs for 2025 to their local councils, demonstrating early application of their enhanced capacity. Strengthened Oversight and accountability towards gender equality commitments In 2024, the State Audit Office led a groundbreaking regional cooperative audit on SDG 5 in cooperation with the Supreme Audit Institutions of Kosovo and Albania. This regional audit thematically focused on assessing government policies and measures for the inclusion of rural women in the labor market, tackling one of the most critical and persisting gender inequality areas in the country and the region. These initiatives for auditing gender equality position North Macedonia and the countries in the Western Balkans among the pioneers conducting gender audits and represent important milestones in ensuring efficient oversight of public spending and strengthening the accountability of the institutions to advance gender equality. Considering the progress made to date, the original strategy and theory of change for this outcome is still applicable. UN Women should continue expanding its interventions with a focus on strengthening technical level capacities, improving the oversight and accountability interventions, and increased engagement with civil society and gender advocates. If, as expected, this approach is successful, then the results achieved will ensure systematic capacity development of public administration, sustainable application of gender responsive budgeting at central and local level, and effective integration of gender equality priorities in the EU accession agenda. Important lessons can be drawn, which can foster scalability of the interventions and greater Government ownership, such as investing in models for sustainable capacity development of public administration on GRB such as the establishment of a Government-led Resource Center on GRB and developing guidance tools for mainstreaming gender in the EU accession processes. EU Integration processes more effectively consider GE priorities Through a series of targeted interventions, UN Women, under the GRG Programme Outcome II (GEF), has significantly strengthened the capacity of institutions, public administration, and civil society to effectively prioritize and integrate gender equality (GE) throughout North Macedonia’s EU integration processes. The long-term collaboration and implemented initiatives between UN Women and the State Statistical Office (SSO) culminated in stronger institutional commitment from the SSO in the reporting year, exemplified by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with UN Women in the presence of the UN Assistant Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women. This MoU reinforced an exceptional partnership and commitment to advancing gender-responsive governance through evidence-based data use. Through the MoU, North Macedonia is now better positioned to prioritize gender equality (GE) in its EU integration processes, aligning with the recommendations outlined in the European Commission’s 2024 Progress Report, which underscored the importance of robust data collection. The MoU ensures that the SSO will systematically collect, analyse, and disseminate gender data in line with EU standards, enabling policymakers to address gender disparities with targeted, evidence-based approaches. By embedding gender data practices into national frameworks and decision-making processes, the MoU strengthens North Macedonia’s ability to meet EU GAP III indicators and demonstrates a commitment to gender-responsive governance, which is critical for achieving sustainable and inclusive development aligned with EU expectations. More than seven workshops engaged over 175 participants, including state employees, civil society representatives, and stakeholders, to strengthen gender mainstreaming in North Macedonia's EU integration process. Four workshops trained over 60 public officials on incorporating gender perspectives into national frameworks aligned with the EU gender acquis, fostering institutional capacity and ownership. Over 80 participants in workshops co-organized with the Ministry of European Affairs gained insights into integrating gender considerations into Sector Working Groups and EU policies, supported by sector-specific analyses and recommendations. Additionally, targeted training for 35 civil society representatives enhanced their understanding of EU integration and equipped them to advocate for gender equality, further supported by a new guideline in Macedonian. Furthermore, an advanced Training of Trainers program certified 14 trainers from key government institutions, equipping them to champion gender equality in their respective ministries and organizations. This initiative ensured the availability of a sustainable pool of national experts to support gender-responsive governance and knowledge management. These efforts have collectively strengthened the ability of North Macedonia’s institutions and stakeholders to prioritize and integrate gender equality within the EU integration framework. By fostering institutional capacity, public awareness, and cross-sector collaboration, these initiatives have ensured that gender equality is more effectively embedded into policies, processes, and practices, advancing North Macedonia’s alignment with EU standards and commitments.