A Voice For the Voiceless

MISSION

The Advocacy Project seeks to help community-based advocates produce, disseminate and use information, and so become more effective advocates for human rights and social justice

Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women

The Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women seeks to empower women and encourage their participation in decision-making. ESE's strategic goals are 1. to provide free of charge professional counseling, support and information on domestic violence; 2. to develop and strengthen the participation of NGOs on issues related to women and health; 3. to strengthen women's role in political life and to recognize and facilitate gender related concepts and policies on a national and local level; and 4. to analyze legal and factual issues related to women and ensure appropriate legislation. (Source: Stop VAW)

• In 2003, the association established a legal aid center that provides direct services to women victims of domestic violence.  At the center, women can obtain legal advice and pro bonorepresentation. (Source: Stop VAW)  ESE provides also provides medical and psychological assistance to victims of domestic violence.  In addition, ESE helps educate civil and criminal justice officials about domestic violence, and develops protocols for government officials and relevant professional groups (e.g. law enforcement, judges, medical professionals) in dealing with domestic violence cases.

• ESE is currently working with Macedonia’s Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, as well as with other government and NGO representatives, to prepare a National Program for Combating Domestic Violence. The National Program aims to ensure an appropriate, long-term and sustainable government initiative to prevent domestic violence and protect its victims.

• ESE offers free health information, support and counseling to women throughout their life span (adolescence to menopause). They also operate the Women’s Health Information Center in Skopje.  A team of health professionals and medical practitioners provides free quality counseling on menopause, contraception, and pregnancy. 

• ESE is currently conducting research on the availability and quality of health care in the Roma community.  This information will be used to provide policy recommendations for improving Roma access to medical care.

• ESE strives to increase women's participation in politics by conducting workshops, training and seminars to build the capacity of rural women to engage on civic initiatives that matter in their communities; developing contacts between rural women and women leaders who can serve as mentors and role-models; creating a network to link young women in political parties, women MPs and women from rural areas; maintaining a database of rural women leaders who can serve as leaders in their communities; developing and distributing manuals written in clear and accessible language to address common challenges for rural women leaders and activists; sponsoring a series called “Ask the Politicians Questions” to increase contacts between rural women and local officials; educating youth about issues surrounding European Union integration; and publishing an annual bulletin on the scope of ESE’s work in this area.

• ESE works with local NGOs in the cities of Skopje, Tetovo and Stip to operate legal aid centers for victims of domestic violence. 

• In 2005, ESE was selected as a “leader NGOs” under the US Agency for International Development’s Civil Society Strengthening Project.  The goal of this project is to make Macedonian civil society a more effective, influential, and permanent partner alongside government and business in shaping the country’s present and future.  Seventeen “leader NGOs” in the country have been selected for targeted support, in order to increase resources for civil society, help NGOs achieve concrete results on issues that matter to citizens, and improve the sector’s image.  (Source: ISC website)

• Reports

ESE has put out a report about domestic violence based off of their field research.

• Blogs

AP Peace Fellow, Stephanie Gilbert, is worked with ESE during the summer of 2007.  Read Stephanie's blog.

• AdvocacyNet

July 26, 2007
Roma Women Advocates Denounce 'Racist' Roma Beauty Pageant

November 26, 2003
Macedonian Government Kicks Off National Campaign Against Violence
Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty



Outreach Partners

• American Bar Association/Europe and Eurasia Rule of Law Initiative (ABA/CEELI)
• South East European Leader Initiative-Dialogue for Action
• World Health Organization 
    

• Government Action: After years of advocacy efforts to promote anti-domestic violence legislation, ESE was pleased to witness the adoption of amendments to the Criminal Code and Family Law in 2004 and 2005, respectively.  These changes explicitly criminalize domestic violence, provide for protective measures for victims, and impose harsher penalties for perpetrators.  ESE is currently working to ensure the implementation of these laws.  

• Government Action: In addition, thanks to the efforts of ESE and similar organizations, the government has begun to provide services to victims of domestic violence, including shelters and legal representation.

Contact:
Maksim Gorki 20 1/4
Skopje 1000
Macedonia
Tel: +389 (0) 2 3298 295
Email ESE