On December 7th 2023, a panel discussion organized by the National Network against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence was successfully held in Veles, which was attended by all interested representatives from various municipalities in North Macedonia, representatives from the councils, councilors and presidents of the councils, as well as employees of the social departments. protection and the commissions for equal opportunities in the municipalities.
During the first part, the panelists referred to the different forms of gender-based violence covered in our national legislation. The current situation with the existing available services for the protection, assistance and support of women victims of violence was presented, as well as the role and importance of the local self-government in establishing and maintaining specialized services for the assistance and support of women and children victims of violence. This activity was carried out within the project financed by the Swedish Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.
In the second part with 4 panelists, the main focus was the importance of gender equality in addressing violence against women and girls, which raised important reflections/discussions and ideas for future actions and interventions. The panelists covered several key aspects that define gender equality and the gender pay gap, where the importance of understanding this issue was highlighted. Wage inequality most threatens the financial security of women and girls, making them more vulnerable to violence and dependent on abusive relationships. In addition, the significance of the model of comprehensive sexual education was explained, as well as the results of the one-year piloting of this model in several schools. The panel discussion also talked about women’s poverty as well as the specific challenges of rural women that include limited access to resources and services, which makes them more susceptible to various forms of violence.
The discussion that followed enriched these aspects with experiences, opinions and suggestions from various attendees of the event. Future actions require active cooperation among all stakeholders to improve the situation and promote gender equality in the fight against violence. This activity is realized as part of the project supported by the Embassy of France in North Macedonia.
