"Leave no one behind" is a commitment that, among other things, guarantees equity and inclusiveness in all areas of development. The link between gender equality and sustainable development is deep and measurable. Women and vulnerable groups are often the most affected by environmental degradation, even though they contribute least to its causes. In households where traditional energy sources such as wood and coal are used (a dominant cause of pollution in North Macedonia), women spend significantly more time on unpaid domestic work and are more exposed to indoor air pollution.
Investing in women and gender-responsive solutions has proven to be transformative, as empowering women not only accelerates economic growth, but also fosters innovation and environmental sustainability. This principle is embedded in the Green Finance Facility (GFF) joint programme. This initiative not only aligns with the country's priorities for renewable energy and energy efficiency but also acts as a mechanism to tackle crucial gaps, including those related to gender equality. It is included in all phases of the US$47 million programme – from its design to implementation and monitoring. The design of the GFF began with a gender analysis of the financial sector, identifying the root causes of inequality and tailoring interventions to address these challenges.
On this basis, the target audiences were formed. From the defined marketable but underserved groups (female-led households, persons with disabilities, single parents, Roma, remittance recipients and returning migrants), priority is given to women. They receive a 30% grant for energy efficient or renewable energy solutions.
Recognizing women as key agents of change in household and community decision-making is essential for improving air quality and combating climate change in North Macedonia. Irena, from a household with a person with disability, is benefiting from GFF through the purchase of a heat pump and refrigerator.
"We are benefiting from lower energy usage and lower costs while making contributions to a positive change for a greener future. That is something that is really important for all of us here in Skopje, considering the air-pollution problem we are facing. I am also proud that we can show our children that our individual actions and contributions matter," says Irena.
Snezana Bosnjak, a 49-year-old single parent with a household of three members, invested in an air source heat pump.
"I was planning to move to a more suitable solution for our home for some time now, but the economic aspect is a very influencing factor. We live in the municipality of Lisice in Skopje, which is one of the most polluted areas. As the main motive, I wanted my daughters to live in a better environment at home, but it is also good to know that we contribute to improving the situation in Lisice. I hope that more and more households can make the same step," says Snezana.
The Green Finance Facility (GFF) joint programme in North Macedonia is not just a project—it's a movement that empowers women to be the driving force behind change. By investing in women and gender-responsive solutions, this initiative is transforming lives, improving the environment, and offering hope for a brighter, greener future. Women like Irena and Snezana, despite facing challenges, are proving that even small steps—like upgrading to energy-efficient solutions—can create ripples of positive change in their homes, their communities, and the planet. Their stories remind us that when women are given the tools and support they need, they become powerful agents of transformation, helping to heal both the environment and the social fabric of society. The GFF Programme is a testament to the incredible impact of inclusivity, showing that true progress happens when no one is left behind.
The joint programme "Green Finance Facility to Improve Air Quality and Combat Climate Change in North Macedonia" is supported by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund, under the leadership of the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO). It is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and local financial institutions in collaboration with the Government of North Macedonia.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
