New statistical data reveals that women in North Macedonia are outpacing men in obtaining advanced academic degrees, dominating both master's and doctoral program completions. The number of doctoral degrees awarded has risen by 14% compared to the previous year.

The data shows women make up a clear majority of graduates at the postgraduate level, continuing a trend that has been building over the past decade. Experts attribute this partly to higher female enrollment rates in universities and stronger academic performance at the undergraduate level.

The 14% increase in doctoral degrees is particularly significant, as it suggests growing investment in research and academic careers despite the country's well-documented brain drain problem. Universities have expanded doctoral programs in several fields including social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.

However, education experts caution that the positive academic trends do not yet translate into proportional representation of women in senior academic positions, corporate leadership, or high-paying sectors. Addressing this gap between educational achievement and professional advancement remains a key challenge for policymakers.