The government is prioritizing the strengthening of women’s roles in all areas of society to foster prosperity and sustainability. Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska highlighted this commitment at an economic forum focused on empowering working women.

A key strategy involves enhancing girls’ access to professional knowledge and skills within the education system. This includes promoting their participation in STEM, ICT, and technical fields, which offer both secure employment and opportunities for advanced studies.

The number of female students in secondary vocational education is steadily increasing. This academic year saw an increase of approximately 1,000 students compared to 2021/22, bringing the total to 20,150 female students.

Efforts are being made to strengthen career counseling in schools. This aims to help girls understand their opportunities, overcome stereotypes, and develop self-confidence to pursue their talents and potential. The goal is to guide them toward professions that lead to personal fulfillment and contribute positively to society.

The Law on Primary Education has been amended to include a program for professional orientation, and secondary schools will have career counselors. The European Training Foundation will assist in training these counselors to ensure they possess the necessary skills.

The introduction of single-shift classes and extended stays in schools is seen as a crucial step in improving the quality of education. More time spent at school, including extracurricular activities, allows students to explore their interests and develop new skills. Single-shift teaching also ensures equal opportunities and access to resources for all students.

Currently, 150 schools operate on a single-shift basis. An analysis by the Ministry of Education and Science and the World Bank indicates that completing 300 classrooms and 70 sanitary facilities, requiring an investment of around 8 million euros, is necessary for full optimization of the school network.

Extended school stays also support women by providing them with more time for professional development without compromising their parental responsibilities. The underlying principle is that unlocking the potential of women benefits the entire society and leads to shared prosperity.