On 23 December 2025, the National Network to End Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence marked 15 years of existence and action with a public event presenting its work, key achievements over the years, and the next priorities in advocacy and support for women survivors of violence. The anniversary was an opportunity to recognize all those who have contributed to the Network’s growth and impact over the years, while also sending a clear message about the need for continuous, joint, and solidarity-based action.
Under the slogan “From Silence to Voice,” the anniversary highlighted the path the Network has taken over the past 15 years — from opening issues that had long been silenced to building a strong and recognizable voice against violence. The event also had a fundraising dimension, with opportunities to support the Network by purchasing tickets as donations, as well as through donation boxes placed at the venue. In this way, the anniversary celebration was not only symbolic, but also directly aimed at securing support for the Network’s future activities.
The anniversary was marked through several steps. On 4 December, a briefing with journalists was organized, followed by a meeting with donors and partners, during which the most significant results from the past 15 years were presented, as well as the Network’s future directions. Through these events, the Network shared its achievements in developing specialized services, advocating for systemic change, and supporting women and children affected by violence, while also emphasizing the importance of continuing and advancing this work in the coming period.
As part of the anniversary activities, two videos were produced to present the essence of the work of the Network and the Women’s Support Centers. In the video dedicated to the centers, coordinators Monika Chekalovikj from Skopje, Guldjan Mazlami from Tetovo, and Natasha Bekirova from Bitola spoke about how they support women survivors of violence, what kind of assistance they provide, and why such services are essential for the safety, stabilization, and recovery of the women using them.
The video gained additional value through the reconstruction of two real-life stories, performed with concealed identities in order to protect the safety and dignity of the women involved. Supporters of the Network portrayed the survivors, enabling an authentic and emotional presentation of their experiences without directly exposing the women themselves.
In the second video, dedicated to the 15 years of the Network’s work, speakers included Sanela Shkrijelj, the Network’s first president, Neda Chalovska Dimovska, activist, expert, and former president, Elena Dimushevska, Executive Director, Ana Avramoska Nushkova from the Network’s team, as well as Aziza Sali from the Women’s Rights Initiative from Shuto Orizari, an organization supported through subgranting. Their testimonies captured the evolution of the Network over the years, its role in opening important social issues, and its commitment to building a strong and solidaristic community that does not remain silent in the face of violence.
The main anniversary event was held on 23 December at the Youth Cultural Center in Skopje, attended by more than 85 guests — collaborators, member organizations, employees, former employees, supporters, donors, partners, and friends of the Network. The event was filled with emotion, gratitude, and a sense of togetherness, and the programme highlighted both the history and the future of the organization.
As part of the programme, the video dedicated to survivors and the Network’s 15-year journey was first screened, after which Executive Director Elena Dimushevska addressed the audience. In her speech, she reflected on the growth of the Network, the challenges it has faced, and the importance of every joint step taken toward securing better protection, support, and justice for women survivors of violence. Following her address, she invited the Network team members onto the stage, followed by the member organizations, emphasizing that all achievements are the result of shared and long-term dedication.
At the event, 11 special certificates of appreciation were presented for outstanding contribution and support to the Network’s work. Recognition was given to: UN Women, Kvinna till Kvinna, Emine Zendeli Foundation, NLB Bank, the Women Parliamentarians’ Club, the Commission for Equal Opportunities of Women and Men, Sanela Shkrijelj as the first president of the Network, the City of Skopje, the Municipality of Bitola, the Municipality of Kavadarci, and the Municipality of Centar. In addition, certificates of appreciation were awarded to all donors of the Network, as well as acknowledgements to the member organizations and to individuals and organizations for their dedication and support throughout the years.
These recognitions represented a strong symbol of the alliances the Network has built over the years — with institutions, donors, civil society organizations, local self-governments, supporters, and individuals who believe in the same goal: a society in which no woman is left alone in her most difficult moment.
In the period leading up to and during the anniversary, several short videos and online banners were also produced, reflecting the work of the Network and announcing and promoting the event itself. These materials contributed to the wider visibility of the anniversary and helped bring the message “From Silence to Voice” closer to the broader public.
Marking 15 years of existence was not only a reflection on what has been achieved, but also a reminder that the fight against violence against women requires persistence, cooperation, and constant social mobilization. Through this anniversary, the National Network once again confirmed that silence can be transformed into a voice — a strong, loud, and collective voice against violence.
