The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia experienced average annual real GDP growth of 4.9% between 2005 and 2008. Growth has been driven by investment and private consumption. While inflation had remained below 4% since 2002, it increased rapidly in 2007-08 due to higher food and energy prices, reaching 8.3% in 2008 (IMF, 2009). However, inflation sharply decreased in 2009 (European Commission, 2009).

Macedonia ratified CEDAW in 1991. The right to non-discrimination is upheld in the country’s Constitution and Macedonian law provides men and women with equal rights and freedoms. Recent amendments removed the last discriminatory provisions in the legislation, but social stereotypes still prevail, particularly in the media. Macedonian social institutions place women at a lower position than men in many areas of life, including within the family.