The “WE CARE: United We Stand to Fight Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence” project aims to strengthen the prevention of and response to gender-based violence (GBV) in North Macedonia, with a particular focus on sexual violence. The initiative supports civil society organisations (CSOs), institutions, and local communities in creating a more coordinated, effective, and survivor-centred system for protection, reporting, and accountability.

The project empowers women’s organisations and local CSOs through sub-granting, mentoring, training, and advocacy support, enabling them to improve services for survivors and contribute proactively to policy reforms and public awareness efforts. At the same time, it strengthens cooperation between CSOs and key institutions such as the police, prosecution offices, and anti-discrimination bodies to improve institutional responses to sexual and gender-based violence.

Through monitoring, data collection, strategic litigation, and evidence-based advocacy, the initiative seeks to improve public accountability and influence legal and policy reforms in line with international human rights standards. Awareness-raising activities targeting women, youth, and marginalised groups will also help improve understanding of reporting mechanisms and access to protection services.

Overall, the project contributes to stronger institutional capacities, improved protection for survivors, and greater progress toward gender equality and human rights protection in North Macedonia.

• Strengthen the capacities of women’s CSOs to provide services, advocate for policy reforms, and monitor institutional responses to gender-based violence and sexual violence.
• Improve public policies and legal protection mechanisms related to the prevention of gender-based violence and support for survivors.
• Enhance cooperation between civil society organisations and institutions responsible for handling GBV cases.
• Build the capacities of prosecutors, police, and other key institutions to ensure gender-sensitive and human rights-based investigation and reporting practices.
• Increase awareness among women, youth, and marginalised communities about their rights, reporting procedures, and available support services.

• Local CSOs improve their capacities for advocacy, service delivery, monitoring, and policy engagement through mentoring and financial support.
• Community-based advocacy initiatives and evidence-based reports on sexual violence are developed and used to support local and national policy dialogue.
• Monitoring and data collection on GBV and sexual violence are strengthened through regular reporting and analysis.
• Evidence generated through monitoring and strategic litigation contributes to policy reforms and stronger national and international advocacy efforts.
• Key institutions improve their procedures and practices through specialised tools, protocols, training, and mentorship focused on survivor-centred approaches and gender-sensitive responses.