On 21-22 February, funded by the Netherlands Embassy, the Centre for Democratic Initiatives Vision held a professional training of 120 women candidates for municipal councils and mayors at the forthcoming local elections in Macedonia, which will take place on 22 March. Representative of nine political parties and independent candidates were trained in non-violent conflict resolution, political skills and field work with the voters, public speaking, business image, work with the media, as well as protocol and etiquette. 

H.E. Simone Filippini, greeting the participants, stressed her belief that the presence of women in politics can bring more sincerity and more genuine passion to the political arena. While encouraging women to become active actors of the political life in the country, relying on her own experience as a politician in the Netherlands, Ambassador Filippini gave her advice to the participants: “As politicians, keep your backs straight, look at yourselves in the mirror every morning and act politically in such a way that will continue to see the reflection of a person of high integrity; furthermore, strive remorselessly for a tolerant, truly democratic and inclusive Macedonia.”

This training united the nominated women of different political background in learning new skills and knowledge that will help them in the election campaigns. The participants stressed that the training would help them in their future work as well, so that they can work better for the benefit of the citizens in their communities.

The Netherlands Embassy has supported this project as part of its activities related to strengthening the democratic processes and improving the rule of law in Macedonia.