Gender equality and human development in Macedonia during transition (1991-2006)

The present thesis treats the issue of gender equality in Macedonia during the period of transition from the socialist system to the one of parliamentary democracy. The main aim is to mainstream the gender perspective in the analysis of the transitional policies through the examination of the basic citizenship rights to which citizens are entitled and by the means of the evaluation of their capabilities to exercise these rights. Gender equality, as one of the main strongholds of the concept of human development is measured through the application of nine gender relevant capabilities in a Case study conducted within selected municipalities in the country. Through the analysis of the Macedonian constitutional and legal framework and the assessment of gender based inequalities, the research questions the need for the enactment of a process of engendering of citizenship, which would integrate gender based differences, contemplate the private sphere of citizens lives and pledge participation in the political life of the country. The thesis, finally, analyses the gender equality strategy of the Macedonian government with the purpose to evaluate whether it is context based, i.e. it tackles the main fields where inequalities emerge and in this context whether it envisages a process of engendering of citizenship.

Altinópolis, una utopia brasiliana. Analisi di una esperienza di educazione alla pace e non violenza come pratica alternativa dell'educazione popolare

The present thesis has as its object of study a project called “Education towards Peace and No Violence”, developed in the town of Altinópolis, in the inner part of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Based on the analysis and the studies that were carried out, it was possible to identify the difficulties in the implementation of the project, as well as the positive results evidenced by the reduction of the reports of violence in the town. Through a careful research of the historical facts, it shall be demonstrated the progress of education, particularly in Brazil, throughout the years. In addition, a panoramic view of the studies and programs for peace developed in North America and Occidental Europe will be presented. The education for peace based in the holistic concept of human development appeared as a new educational paradigm that works as a crucial instrument in the construction process towards a peaceful and more human society based in social justice.