Social mentoring brings positive change to women survivors

The social mentoring model, which combines key elements of mentoring with individual professional action plans, was adapted to the needs of women survivors of violence and piloted in North Macedonia by the Association for Research, Communications and Development- PUBLIC, supported by UN Women, within the EU-funded regional programme “Implementing Norms, Changing Minds.” Magdalena Chadinoska Kuzmanoski, a social mentor who works with five women survivors of violence on economic empowerment and reintegration into the labour market, shares how women have become psychologically and financially resilient thanks to the social mentoring programme.

Social mentoring leads to employment and provides financial security and improved quality of life for survivors and their dependents. Through social mentoring, participants become aware of their qualities and skills, and they are proud of themselves for having the courage to leave a violent environment and succeed on their own. Once the mentoring is completed, potential jobs are mapped for participants, and they get access to external training for additional qualifications based on their needs and capacities. Soft skills development and professional training help them become more competitive in the labour market.

Social mentors suggest women for employment opportunities only when they are certain that they will be able to cope with the demands of the job and the working atmosphere. This approach is respected by businesses and state institutions, and it has resulted in the employment of 13 women so far. There are also benefits for employers – they are hiring a dedicated employee demonstrating that they are inclusive employers. Once the women are employed, social mentors continue to work directly with the woman and the employer to ensure job retention or advancement.  

“The most significant change is when a woman starts gaining confidence and believing in herself and her abilities. In the beginning, survivors are often confused and scared because the financial burden and responsibility falls on them. We also focus on empowering them to deal with any shame imposed on them by society. Every positive change in each woman survivor is a success in itself – when a person walks more boldly and confidently, responds more readily to new challenges and moves more decisively towards new solutions, this is a core achievement that enables them to succeed in both getting and remaining employed” – stressed Chadikovska Kuzmanovski. Read more: https://bit.ly/3BzJIX7