On 30.10.2024, Center for Civic Initiative (CCI) welcomed Philip G. Anderson, Deputy Ambassador at the Australian Embassy in Belgrade for Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, along with Honorary Consul Zoran Kostovski. During their visit, the CCI team provided an overview of the organization’s accomplishments over its 27-year of operation, with a special focus on the recent "SHE Empowered" project, implemented from 25 March to 25 July, 2024, with support from the Australian Embassy. This initiative aimed to empower marginalized rural women and girls in the Municipality of Dolneni. The project began with a comprehensive needs assessment, led by a researcher who developed a methodology to evaluate the skills of unemployed women and girls in relation to the needs of local businesses and municipal opportunities. This assessment was followed by targeted training sessions designed to enhance employability for this group. As a result, partnerships were fostered with the business sector, opening avenues for employment for women and girls who participated in the training.
Deputy Ambassador Anderson and Honorary Consul Kostovski also visited the Municipality of Dolneni, where they learned about local challenges, needs, and future plans. They discussed the ongoing collaboration between CCI and the municipality, specifically around the "SHE Empowered" project. During this meeting, they spoke with Mrs. Ajshe Muaremoska-Topaloska, Head of the Department for Public Activities in the Municipality of Dolneni, who shared insights on the impact of the project and potential areas for further cooperation.
