For 15 years, Fevzije Shabani has been wearing a military uniform in North Macedonia. She is the only Albanian female in the military police unit.

While in the armed forces of North Macedonia, the Albanians are representing the army uniform with pride and discipline. The fact that Fevzija is a woman does not differentiate her from male military troops.

“Every beginning is difficult, but over time we get used to it and are equal to men. Nothing is difficult for us…” says Fevzije Shabani.

There have been some difficult moments in her career. She has turned these experiences into strength.

“In this profession, during all the years of work, the most serious things have been Covid and the floods in Hasanbeg. I have seen very bad, serious things, but I have become strong”, says the soldier.

Her career has not been easy at all. The fact that she is Albanian and female has not stopped her from pursuing her dream.

“Even if someone had judged me, I don’t get upset. I love the uniform, I love this job and I don’t care about other people’s prejudices… Let them fulfill their dreams, because it’s good, it’s not bad. Every job is taught. So we are in the 21st century and there is nothing wrong with choosing to join the army”, says Fevzije Shabani.

Albanian women in the Army of North Macedonia are located mainly in the unit of professional soldiers, where out of 5.8% of women in total, only 1.6% are Albanian. Of the active personnel in the army, women make up 9.3 percent of the total number. Women officers constitute 18.6 percent of the total number of officers in the army. Female non-commissioned officers are 11.8 percent of the total number of non-commissioned officers.