Health Education and Research Association (HERA)

Established by university students in 2000 in Skopje, the Health Education and Research Association (HERA) aims to eradicate gender-based violence and promote the inclusion of sexual and reproductive rights in national policies in North Macedonia. Through a number of programmes, HERA provides health, social, and legal services to women, mostly from marginalised communities. The group runs the only family centre for survivors of gender-based violence in the country. HERA delivers comprehensive sexuality education and advocates for its inclusion in the formal education system. It also undertakes lobbying and monitoring of legislation on gender equality and provides expert support to the government to fulfil national and international gender equality commitments.