Skopje, North Macedonia – “Working for UNFPA isn't just a job for me – it's a passion.  I believe that everyone, no matter where they come from or what challenges they face, deserves a healthy and fulfilling life”, says Marija Matovska, Programme Assistant at UNFPA North Macedonia, in an interview for UNFPA Western Balkans Newsletter. 

WBN: What motivates your work and what is your vision for UNFPA's mandate?

Working for UNFPA isn't just a job for me – it's a passion.  I believe that everyone, no matter where they come from or what challenges they face, deserves a healthy and fulfilling life. I'm driven by a deep desire to help create a world where all women and girls have access to the sexual and reproductive health services they need, where they can make their own choices about their bodies and futures, and where they're empowered to become everything they're capable of. 

I dream of seeing UNFPA's mission fully realized: a world with zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices like child marriage. This isn't just something I've learned from a book; it's something I've lived. Growing up with two brothers – one with Down Syndrome and the other with typical development – shaped my understanding of the world. Our parents always treated us equally, teaching us the importance of human rights, equality, and equal opportunities.  But as I got older, I saw, especially through my brother's experiences, that the world isn't always fair.  There's discrimination, inequality, and so many barriers that some people face, making their lives much harder.  This realization led me to work in the civil society sector and eventually brought me to UNFPA. I realized this is where I can make the biggest difference and contribute to real, systemic change.

WBN: What kind of organization's work environment and culture do you work in?

I'm growing up in a supportive and collaborative environment at UNFPA.  Teamwork, respect, and open communication are valued here. My colleagues are passionate about our mission, and we work together well.  We're encouraged to discuss new ideas where everyone's perspective is appreciated, which makes it a great place to work and contribute.  Seeing the real impact of our work is incredibly rewarding.  For example, when we implemented the mobile ambulance program, bringing gynecological services to remote areas, we heard amazing stories from women we helped, some even saying we saved their lives. We even have a video with one woman sharing her story, saying it was like she got a second chance at life.  I cry every time I watch it because it reminds me that this is what our teamwork accomplishes. On a personal note, I appreciate the flexibility and understanding I've received as a mother of two by the management and the team. It allows me to maintain a healthy work-life balance – or life-work harmony – which is very important.
 

WBN: How do you develop new skills, learn new things and dedicate yourself to career development? How do you balance work and home responsibilities?

I'm a big believer in continuous learning, and UNFPA offers many great opportunities for professional development. I love taking advantage of workshops, online courses, and mentoring programs to stay up to date about topics such as sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence. I'm especially interested in the LNOB (Leave No One Behind) concept, vulnerable populations, and new forms of harmful practices, like technology-facilitated gender-based violence.  I recently had an incredible experience at the Global TfGBV Pilot Training in Bangkok, where I met colleagues worldwide. We learned from each other, sharing our experiences and best practices. I'm committed to growing in my career and always look for challenging assignments that let me expand my skills and contribute to UNFPA's goals.

Balancing work, family, and my well-being is a priority for me.  I'm so grateful for the supportive environment and flexible work arrangements at UNFPA, which make it possible to manage all three. Throughout that time, I learned to prioritize tasks, use technology to remote work when needed, and rely on my great support system at home. It means I can be fully present at work and with my family and even have some "me time."  I feel like a happy employee, finding fulfillment in both my career and my personal life.