About the project

The role of women in Macedonian society changed significantly in the second half of the twentieth century. In the emerging political, economic, social and cultural context, women made their first breakthrough in a multitude of professions that were previously considered as “male”. The extensive and comprehensive modernization and emancipation project sought for rapid change in the structure and image of cities, and women architects equally participated in shaping the new living space.

Women architects made a significant contribution to the architectural scene in the Socialist Republic of Macedonia, especially in the period of the post-earthquake reconstruction of Skopje. For Mimoza Tomikj, Vera Kjosevska, Ljubinka Malenkova, Olga Papesh, Vasilka Ladinska and many others, the period of the 60s, 70s and early 80s was a time of intensive architectural and urban creativity.

Educated in the already renowned architectural schools and cultural centers – Belgrade, Zagreb and Ljubljana, where architectural modernism came directly from European centers – Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Prague, etc., they had a strong impact on the development of the Macedonian architectural scene after their return to Skopje, spreading the modernist idea and culture among the younger generation of architects.

Inspired by the intense global debate on the role of women in society and consequently, in the profession, this project aims to explore, document, study and promote the role and works of these outstanding women of practice – planners, architects and designers; to lead to a better understanding, greater visibility and appreciation of the architectural and cultural heritage they have left for future generations.

The project is financed by the Embassy of Switzerland in North Macedonia.

The project is implemented by the Association for support and promotion of culture – Contineo 2020, Skopje.

Participants in the project: Ana Ivanovska Deskova, Vladimir Deskov, Jovan Ivanovski, Bojana Stojmenovska, Mihajlo Stojanovski and Tea Damjanovska / Graphic design: Elena Dinevska Zarapchiev, Bisera Krckovska / Photography: Vase Amanito / Translation and proofreading: Tashe Strezovski, Eniena Aeti