Marija arsovska biography of george washington

As part of its Balkan Journey, Friends of Europe’s Working Group on women’s economic empowerment in the Western Balkans held its inaugural meeting on 8 April 2022 in Tirana, the capital of Albania, to set its agenda and main focal points for the next two years. The first round of discussions was hosted by the municipality of Tirana, with opening remarks by Mayor Erion Veliaj.

In the kick-off meeting, high-level personalities and experts provided their insights on the main obstacles hindering women from thriving economically in the region. “Currently, there are more women in power in the history of the Balkan region, but the gap between men and women is getting larger. Why is that the case?” asked Dharmendra Kanani, Director of Asia, Peace, Security & Defense and Digital & Chief Spokesperson at Friends of Europe, to initiate the debate.

The main reasons highlighted by members of the Working Group for the increasing gender gap in the Western Balkans included: an education system based on gender roles from a very young age, which often leads to gender-based discrimination and violence; the unsustainability of projects aimed at improving the active participation of women in public life and the labour market, due to changes in funding priorities; and the lack of data to provide a more precise picture of the situation.

The Working Group emphasised that “women are not a homogenous group”. However, mainly due to the lack of data and socially imposed gender roles, policies are made based on general assumptions, and this may contribute to the widening gender gap. Several members elaborated on a low level of men taking paternity leave, explaining that further legal obligations for equal parental leave to be taken by both parents would facilitate women’s return to the labour market after giving birth. In addition, a lack of information on human rights exists among women in the Western Balkans, espe

So we did the everyday things in Macedonia – Lena learned that people here like going out later in the day; she learned that lunch is our main meal of the day (instead of dinner) and that food is a big part of socializing. It reminded me of myself in America, when I was initially unsure how to serve new food or greet people. Luckily, it's something you pick up on quickly!

My family and I welcomed Lena and Melanie to a traditional lunch at our home. We had 'selsko meso' (mixed meat in a pot), 'tavce gravce' (Macedonian-style baked beans), and 'sopska salata' (traditional salad), all homemade and authentic. We walked around my hometown and took them to some historical monuments in Macedonia, like the ASNOM memorial center, to show them some essential parts of my country's history. In the U.S., besides school, I learned a lot about the country's history through visits to tourist sites in Washington, D.C., and I loved it.

We also showed them the Saint George orthodox church near Kumanovo, built in the 11th century, which they were so excited to see! Churches in America are newer buildings and usually have a close community tied to them. Besides churches being worship places, they're a big part of our historical heritage, with many old paintings of saints. I'm glad they got to see one.

Those few days, not only did my host mom, Lena, visit me, but a few days later, my local coordinator, Connie, also flew in! I'm so lucky that they both visited me during their trip around Europe. My heart was full from reconnecting with these people, who were a big part of my exchange year. Together, we strolled around Skopje's capital and tried even more food.

I was so happy to see my family connecting with them, too. Different languages and different cultures, yet now my mom can say she has friends from America, too! I'm so thankful that my host mom kept an open mind when she came to a country so different from hers. She was curious, non-judgmental, and excited to see