In Eastern Europe, including the Western Balkans, persistent gender inequalities and discrimination continue to affect family dynamics and society as a whole. These harmful norms and practices discriminate against women and girls, resulting in low female employment rates across the region. The Western Balkans in particular show significant gender disparities in labour force participation, pay and the burden of unpaid care work. The rate of women’s labour force participation in North Macedonia in 2023 amounted to 42.6 per cent, while the rate among men was 62.8 per cent. The low level of activity and underrepresentation of women in the labour force represent untapped potential for the country’s economy.