Macedonia (FYROM)

National Statistics

In recent years, Macedonia has struggled economically, reporting a minus 2.4 percent real growth rate and 35 percent unemployment in 2009. Also last year, per capita income was estimated at $9,000, and almost a third of the population lived in poverty. Approximately 67 percent of the citizenry lives in urban areas, but a fifth of the Gross National Product was still derived from the agricultural sector. Two-thirds of the population, 64.2 percent, is Macedonian and 25.2 percent are Albanian. Almost 65 percent of the population are Macedonian Orthodox and one-third is Muslim. Macedonian women have equal rights with males according to both the Constitution and legal codes, however, customs continue to dictate a secondary role for women. The Department of Gender Equality is responsible for protecting women's legal rights. In the 1990s, women, working chiefly through nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), became heavily involved in promoting social, political, health, and cultural improvements for women. Despite that work, major problems surround the issues of domestic violence and human trafficking.

Mothers have legal rights with fathers where children are concerned, but little information is available as to whether or not those rights exist in practice. Although women do have equal inheritance and property rights, vast inequities exist in practice. Among Albanian women living in Macedonian, many have had suffrage rights usurped by male family members who cast proxy votes on their behalf. Macedonian law guarantees a third of party seats to women; and out of 120 seats in Parliament, 38 are female. However, only two women sit on the 22-member cabinet.

Macedonia ranks 158th in the world in infant mortality, with a rate of 9.01 deaths per 1,000 live births. The life expectancy for women is of 77.38 years compared to 72.18 for males. The median age for females is 36.2 years. Macedonian women have a fertility rate of 1.58 children. Males are more likely to be literate than females, 98.2 percent compared to 94.1 percent, but there is no gender difference in levels of education.

Domestic violence is a major social problem, but it has not been not been adequately addressed. Since it is considered a family rather than a legal issue, only limited official help is available. Researchers have demonstrated the prevalence of psychological abuse of women in Macedonia. While NGOs do provide some assistance, their ability to help is limited by lack of resources. Macedonia serves as a transit point for human trafficking from eastern Europe to the Middle East and western Europe. All forms of rape are illegal, but many cases, particularly those involving the rape of spouses, are not reported. Even when reported, few cases are prosecuted because of strict laws concerning proof. Prostitution is illegal, but laws are rarely enforced. The same is true of sexual harassment laws.