CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS – Regional Youth Training on Feminist Tourism and Entrepreneurship
Struga, North Macedonia | 23–27 June 2025
If you are between the ages of 18 and 29 and passionate about cultural heritage, gender equality, and youth leadership, and if you are from North Macedonia, Serbia, or Albania and eager to turn your interest in feminism and tourism into a powerful tool for empowerment and change, this is the right call for you! You are welcome to apply!
We invite you to apply for a transformative 4-day regional training program as part of the cross-border initiative “Uncovering HERstory: Empowering Youth and Preserving Feminist Heritage.”
About the Initiative:
Across the Western Balkans, feminist contributions to our shared history have too often been erased or overlooked. This regional initiative seeks to uncover and celebrate these stories – raise the voices of women who helped shape our societies. By connecting cultural preservation with youth empowerment and social entrepreneurship, the project reimagines tourism as a tool for gender equality, community development, and regional reconciliation.
When? – 23–27 June 2025
Where? – Struga, North Macedonia
What is it about?
This dynamic training will gather 20 young change-makers from North Macedonia, Serbia, and Albania to explore how feminist heritage can fuel social impact and economic opportunity. You’ll work side by side with historians, feminist scholars, entrepreneurs, and communication experts to prepare yourself for further development of inclusive, youth-led cultural tourism products that celebrate untold feminist narratives.
Throughout the training, participants will engage in interactive sessions on:
- Feminist narratives and heritage in the Western Balkans
- Sustainable and community-based tourism as a tool for local development
- Gender-sensitive entrepreneurship and ethical storytelling
- Digital promotion and branding for cultural content
By the end of the training, you will have helped lay the foundation for further development of Feminist Touristic Guide that connects historical sites, cultural stories, and social values across borders.
Why Participate?
- Gain practical cross-sector skills in feminist tourism and entrepreneurship
- Collaborate with inspiring peers and build a regional youth network
- Co-create an innovative feminist touristic guide that will be used in three countries
- Receive a certificate of participation and the opportunity to become a tour guide in your local community
- Be part of a wider movement promoting peace, inclusivity, and gender equality through cultural activism
Who Can Apply?
- Youth aged 18–29 from North Macedonia, Serbia, or Albania
- Young people from rural, disadvantaged backgrounds, ethnic minorities, and youth with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply
- Applicants should have a strong interest in cultural heritage, social justice, tourism, entrepreneurship and gender equality
- Gender balance will be ensured throughout the selection process
How to Apply?
Submit your application via this form: [Insert application link]
Deadline: 12th of June 2025
All costs, including travel, accommodation, meals, and materials, will be fully covered by the organizers.
Join the Movement!
Let’s uncover HERstory together – preserving feminist legacies, empowering youth, and promoting peace and equality through cultural tourism.
For more information, contact:
dragana.karovska@hera.org.mk
Follow us on:
https://www.instagram.com/heramladi/
https://www.facebook.com/hera.macedonia
The views, opinions and content expressed in this [podcast/publication/event] are thoseof the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Association for Local Democracy-ALDA and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). ALDA and AFD are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.