Systemic solutions, the introduction of long-term measures, and active fieldwork and support are needed to increase the employment rate of Roma women. Currently, only 17% of Roma women in the country are formally employed, making them three times less represented in the labor market compared to others. Expanding formal employment opportunities would allow more Roma women to pursue personal and professional growth and achieve economic independence. These were among the key conclusions of the national conference held today in Skopje, titled “Employed Roma Woman = Independent Roma Woman,” organized by HERA – Health Education and Research Association, as part of the project “Employed Roma Woman = Independent Roma Woman,” financially supported by the Swedish foundation Kvinna till Kvinna.
At the conference, welcoming speeches were given by Mabera Kamberi, Head of the Department for Coordination and Technical Support of the Minister for Social Policy, Demography, and Youth, Elizabeta Bozhinoska, Program Director of HERA, and Vesna Peshova, Acting Deputy Director at the Employment Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia.
Ms. Kamberi emphasized: “The greatest responsibility for respecting the human rights and dignity of the Roma, and for promoting, respecting, and practicing these rights, lies with decision-makers, those shaping public opinion, and the non-governmental sector as a partner in this effort. Today’s National Conference ‘Employed Roma Woman = Independent Roma Woman,’ dedicated to Roma women, is an exceptional opportunity for all of us—institutions, international collaborators and partners, as well as NGOs—to address this critical issue. I believe we will manage to honestly answer many questions and collectively trace a path forward to improve the status of Roma women across all sectors.”
Ms. Peshova highlighted that “one of the target groups the Employment Agency focuses on for capacity-strengthening of the unemployed people is the unemployed Roma, who make up 10% of the total registered unemployed. The 2024 Operational Plan outlines programs, measures, and employment services aimed at creating new jobs and increasing the employability of the unemployed, particularly those from vulnerable categories.”
She added that all employers and unemployed individuals have access to these programs, measures, and services, with a specific aim to ensure that at least 5% of the participants are from the Roma community.
Elizabeta Bozhinoska, Program Director of HERA, stated: “There is a persistent and harmful stereotype that Roma, including women, are not willing to work. This perception not only damages the community but also overlooks the real barriers Roma women face, such as discrimination, lack of access to education, and exclusion from formal employment networks. However, evidence tells a different story: Roma women, like many others, are eager to work and contribute to their families and society. Employment is their top priority. That’s why we must work together to ensure that Roma women are recognized for the economic potential they truly represent, and given the opportunity to fully contribute to the future of North Macedonia.”
The participants discussed the access of Roma women to the labor market in the Republic of North Macedonia, the obstacles they face, and the necessary steps to increase their participation, which would lead to greater economic independence for Roma women within society.
In addition to the successes achieved, the work of field contact points in four cities was also presented. These individuals supported unemployed Roma women by guiding them through the process of registering as active job seekers with the Employment Agency of North Macedonia (AVRSM), helping them access employment measures offered by the agency, and assisting them in overcoming challenges in the employment process. Recommendations for systemic solutions were presented, along with an analysis of the challenges faced when using the employment measures from the National Operational Plan (NOP), and suggestions for its improvement for 2025.
Among the speakers at the event were Sabina Asanova and Sibela Umerovska. Sabina worked in the field with HERA as a contact person, while Sibela shared her career journey as a successful example of someone from the Roma community who has pursued education and formal employment. Additionally, Dujgu Demirova and Ramize Jusinova, employed Roma women who received support from fieldworkers, also spoke. Experts from the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth participated in the event, along with representatives from the civil sector who focus on the economic empowerment of Roma women.
