Gender Gap Analysis in the Home Affairs Sector in North Macedonia

Gender equality and non-discrimination are fundamental values of the European Union and key requirements for countries seeking EU membership. As North Macedonia advances in the EU accession process, aligning national institutions and policies with EU standards on gender equality has become increasingly important. While the country has made progress by adopting laws and policies promoting equal opportunities, such as the Law on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men and the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, gaps remain in the practical implementation of gender equality across government sectors. The Gender Gap Analysis in the Home Affairs Sector in North Macedonia examines how gender perspectives are integrated within policies and institutional practices related to safety, security, and the rule of law. In particular, the analysis focuses on areas linked to organized crime, police reform, and capacity-building for the Border Police in addressing transnational challenges such as illegal migration, asylum, and human trafficking. The publication assesses how gender mainstreaming is applied within the Sector Working Group on Home Affairs, which supports the country’s EU integration process. It reviews existing policies, institutional practices, and cooperation mechanisms to determine whether the experiences, needs, and priorities of women and men are adequately reflected in the sector’s work. Based on the analysis, the publication identifies key gaps in policy development, institutional coordination, and gender representation. It also provides practical recommendations to strengthen gender-sensitive policymaking and improve institutional capacity. By promoting gender-responsive approaches in the Home Affairs sector, the analysis aims to support more inclusive and effective security policies and contribute to North Macedonia’s alignment with EU standards.