Hailing from the hills of Tetovo, an ethnically diverse town in northwest Macedonia named after the legendary hero Teto famous for clearing the city of snakes, modern-day hero Xhane Kreshova benefits the community by empowering women and improving women’s health. 

Kreshova began her career as nurse in the rural mountain villages near in the late 1960’s, where she witnessed the challenges marginalized woman and girls face and recognized the need to take action.  With no legal framework for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Macedonia at the time, Kreshova instead developed informal networks to serve underprivileged women.

In 2001, following the establishment of NGOs in Macedonia, Kreshova became president of the Forum of Albanian Women, now know as Women's Forum - Tetovo (WF)*, and coordinated dozens of education projects on women’s health and related issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender equality.  Two years later, Kreshova traveled to the United States through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), funded by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), to learn about U.S. efforts to combat human trafficking and violence against women.

Understanding that economic factors contribute to human trafficking and deficiencies in women’s health, Kreshova initiated a microfinance project for rural women to improve their 2 percent employment rate. Kreshova continually manages campaigns to educate young women about the risks of human trafficking.

Within the last year, Kreshova organized workshops on behalf of the campaign “Outwit Cancer – Be a Healthy Woman” in Tetovo and the surrounding villages. Through the initiative, Kreshova educated women about early breast cancer diagnosis and the importance of preventive gynecological examinations with PAP tests. (Learn more about regular PAP tests from the American Cancer Society.)

Kreshova’s indefatigable work to improve the lives of women regardless of ethnic background has earned her the respect and admiration of not only everyday people and local leaders, but also the U.S. government. Because of her exceptional courage and leadership in promoting women’s rights and advancement, Kreshova was nominated for the 2008 Women of Courage Award.

Although Kreshova’s heroism may be less glamorous than the mythical deeds of her hometown’s namesake, Kreshova’s real contributions to women’s health and wellbeing have left an indelible mark on the community and on the lives of countless women throughout the region.

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