Empowering women means empowering the whole society

To amplify the voices of young women as drivers of change and to highlight both progress and remaining challenges in the field of gender equality, International Women’s Day was marked with a series of activities emphasizing the need to reaffirm our shared commitments to gender equality, justice, and action.

The event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, and the United Nations in North Macedonia, is part of the activities marking International Women’s Day 2026, which globally carries the theme: “Rights. Justice. Action for all women and girls.”

The event aimed to promote women’s leadership in North Macedonia by opening discussions on the issues affecting young women in their pursuit of leadership roles, sharing experiences of current women leaders, and promoting a mentoring network for young women.

In his address, Fatmir Sabriu, State Secretary for Social Policy, Demography and Youth, reflected on the recent tragedy that shook the entire society. As he said, “behind that tragedy stand many questions—about the system, about violence, about the responsibility of institutions, but also about the responsibility of every individual.” He emphasized that this 8 March is not only a day for greetings and celebration, but also a symbolic reminder of the need to build a system that works, and individuals who carry both personal and social responsibility. He also referred to the national regulatory framework addressing the challenges in this area.

“We have taken significant steps in the fight against gender-based and domestic violence. We adopted the Law on Prevention and Protection from Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, strengthened the criminal provisions with a clear definition of gender-based violence and introduced new criminal offenses, and prepared the National Strategy for Prevention and Protection from Gender-Based and Domestic Violence 2026–2033, which will contribute to a clearer, more coordinated, and more accountable system. In parallel, we established multisectoral support services for survivors and invested in raising public awareness. But laws and institutions are only part of the solution—the real change begins with responsibility at the individual level,” Sabriu stressed.

By amplifying the voices of young women as agents of change, the dialogue aims to inspire their leadership ambitions, connect ongoing reforms with the broader process of women’s empowerment, and reaffirm shared commitments to gender equality, justice, and action.

“As the oldest and largest university in the country, UKIM carries a special responsibility. Through education, we shape not only the professional paths of students, but also the value system of society,” emphasized the Rector of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Prof. PhD Biljana Angelova.

For Rita Columbia, UN Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia, young women have the potential to lead transformative change, spark innovation, and serve as public leaders in their communities and in society as a whole. Yet, for centuries, women have faced barriers and challenges in fulfilling their dreams and goals.

“In the 21st century, women and girls should not face legal or systemic obstacles to fulfill their potential. Girls and boys, women and men should have equal opportunities; however, girls and women require stronger support from society to seize the opportunities until society embraces gender equality fully and unconditionally. As the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, “Gender equality lifts societies. When power is shared, freedom expands,” Columbia said. 

More than 100 young people, representatives of the Government of North Macedonia, university professors, civil society representatives, as well as representatives of the United Nations and the diplomatic community, participated in the high-level dialogue dedicated to young women and women leaders, held today at the Rectorate of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje.

Legislation, such as that derived from the Istanbul Convention, is essential for ensuring meaningful protection, empowerment, and justice for women and girls. But we all share a collective responsibility to ensure its consistent implementation, so that all women and girls can realize their potential and become drivers of social change. This was the key conclusion of today’s event in Skopje marking International Women’s Day.

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