The Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women of the Republic of Macedonia (ESE) commenced its operations in July 1994 as a pilot – project of the Dutch Interchurch Assistance and the Ecumenical fund for Solidarity of Women. The Association seeks to empower women and encourage their participation in decision-making.

ESE's strategic goals are:

• To provide free of charge professional counseling, support and information on domestic violence;
• To develop and strengthen the participation of NGOs on issues related to women and health.
• To strengthen women's role in political life and to recognize and facilitate gender related concepts and policies on  national and local level.
• To analyze legal and factual issues related to women and ensure  appropriate legislation.

ESE also works on the issue of domestic violence, through victim support and political lobbying.  In 2003, the association established a legal aid center that provides direct services to women victims of domestic violence.  At the center, women can obtain legal advice and pro bono representation. The center has enjoyed great success, and ESE has become part of the non-formal system for protection of victims of DV in Macedonia. Currently, there are three legal aid centers working in Macedonia in Skopje, Stip and Tetovo.  For a long time, ESE has been working to help pass legislation on DV in Macedonia.  Finally, in 2004, the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and Family Code have been adopted and entered into force.

Beginning from December 2003, ESE initiated the preparation of a CEDAW shadow report, which is now complete.

Mihova Gabriela, an assistant of the programme for Women’s human rights for Legal aid centers, will take the leading role in managing the STOPVAW country page for the Republic of Macedonia. Gabriela is involved in implementing the following activities: operations of the legal aid centre for victims of domestic violence; participation in preparing the legal analysis for the Shadow Report to CEDAW; preparation of a national-level domestic violence report; education and trainings for NGOs working with victims of domestic violence; preparation of protocols and standards for the regulation of domestic violence cases on a national level, and; conducting activities within the Central Prison “Idrizovo” Skopje correctional facility. Gabriela has been working with the Association since 2001.