Vesna Jovanova

Education should be made available to everybody
 

Professional experience: Although I am a professor of philosophy, I have never had the chance to work in accordance with my profession. I started working at quite an early age, as a student. Although I had worked in many different places, I finally managed to find myself in ESE.  

Engagement in the civil sector: I have been working at the Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of women in the Republic of Macedonia – ESE since 2000. Until 2005 I worked on the programme for strengthening the women NGO capacities. Since 2005, I have been in charge of the ESE development department, which, besides collecting finances is in charge of public and media relations.  

Hobbies and interests: The professional engagements and the family, leaves me no time for a hobby, which is the case for many women. 

Toughest decision: No decision is tough; there are only positive and negative consequences of making them. 

Ambitions: Not to put myself in a position to lie to myself or my dearest ones. 

In her free time she reads: I try to find time for reading other literature, besides the professional. At the moment I am reading, and kindly recommending, “Baudolino” by Umberto Eco and “The Third Heaven Conspiracy” by Giulio Leoni.

Where does she go in her free time: Where my children want to go. 

At weekends: If I am not at work, I spend the weekend with my family at home.  

Which national/local problem does she find especially important and why? The education, which should be made available to everybody. 

Which global problem does she find especially important and why? The education, again. According to the second one of the Millennium Development Goals, must be guaranteed that all boys and girls complete their primary education. The world, including us, is far from this goal.   

What would she change in Macedonia and the world? The societies’ attitudes to women.  

Advice / message: Sharing the duties, responsibilities, and benefits is the basis for equality.   

I could never: Represent majority’s attitudes if I do not share them.