Summary

This analysis evaluates the adoption and implementation of gender equality commitments given during the pre-election period of the presidential and parliamentary campaigns in North Macedonia. It was conducted during the conference "Violence on Women in Politics - Solutions to Strengthen the Political Participation of Women", held on February 9, 2024, in Skopje. 

The analysis shows the gap between the commitments made by the political parties during the conference and their actual practices. Women’s forums within parties play a crucial role in promoting gender equality but they often lack financial independence and recognition. Even though the political party representatives expressed commitment to gender equality strengthening, the internal party structures remained inconsistent to these commitments. Many parties have not clearly defined or increased their gender quotas in leadership positions, and male dominance persists in decision-making processes. 

Despite meeting the legal requirement of having at least 40% of the less represented gender on candidate lists, women are often placed in lower, less winnable positions, undermining their chances of election. 

The analysis concludes that while progress has been made, the implementation of gender commitments still falls short of the expressed intentions, particularly during political and economic crises.