16 Days of Activism Campaign - A renewed commitment for ending Gender-Based Violence

Under the slogan “Change the story, end the violence”, the annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign against gender-based violence was launched yesterday, bringing numerous partners and organizations united in the efforts to end all forms of gender-based violence

Skopje, 26 November 2025 – Now is the time to unite and to change the story, to end the violence against women and girls. This is the message that echoed yesterday during the official launch of this year’s “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, held at the Faculty of Economics in Skopje. 

The national campaign is jointly organized by all United Nations agencies in the country, the Delegation of the European Union, the OSCE Mission to Skopje and numerous institutional and civil society partners, reaffirming a broad and unified commitment to preventing and responding to violence against women and girls.

This campaign is drawing particular attention to the widespread impact of gender-based violence across all spheres of life, including the heightened risks faced by refugees and by forcibly displaced and stateless women and girls, and highlights four forms of violence that often remain under-recognized, from economic violence, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, psychological abuse, and violence against women in politics. Although frequently overlooked, these hidden forms of violence have long-lasting consequences on the autonomy, mental health, economic security and social participation of women and girls. They persist due to deeply rooted inequalities, harmful social norms and gender stereotypes that continue to shape relationships, institutions and communities. These challenges are even more pronounced for refugees and for forcibly displaced and stateless women and girls, who often face multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination and vulnerability.

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Demographics and Youth, Gjoko Velkovski stated that violence must not be ignored!

“Unfortunately, the numbers show that in 2025, out of a total of 1,260 registered victims, as many as 932 are women victims of domestic violence. This figure should serve as a call to action for all of us – to undertake concrete measures to reduce violence. Addressing this problem must be thorough, determined, and vigorous. Institutions must act more proactively in line with the existing legislation, which provides them with a clear mandate to implement measures and mechanisms for protection”, he added.

The 16 days of activism campaign this year will run under the slogan “Change the Story. End the Violence.” and calls for earlier recognition of warning signs, stronger prevention measures, improved institutional responses, and greater accountability for perpetrators. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive implementation of national legislation, including the Criminal Code provisions on psychological and economic violence, the Law on Prevention and Protection from Gender-Based Violence, as well as alignment with the standards of the Istanbul Convention. The campaign also stresses the importance of economic empowerment and reintegration support for survivors.

The EU Ambassador, Michalis Rokas emphasized that for the European Union, gender equality is not only a core value - it is a pillar of our democratic vision. 

“Evidence shows that when gender inequality persists, violence increases. We stand here tonight- in solidarity with survivors. In support of those who work to protect them. And with determination to do our best, as institutions and individuals, to prevent violence”, Rokas said. 

Partners highlighted the need for stronger engagement of men and boys, parents, youth networks, educators and local communities, whose involvement is essential to breaking cycles of violence. The campaign underscores that violence has many faces, and that economic control, digital abuse and psychological manipulation are equally damaging as physical violence, often leaving invisible but profound scars.

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Kilian Wahl also noted - violence is preventable. 

“But prevention demands courage, from institutions to act, and from communities to speak up, challenge harmful norms, and refuse silence. Ending violence is a shared responsibility and we must carry it out with consistency, compassion and commitment”, he said.

This year’s campaign urges society at large, institutions, communities and individuals, to take a clear stand against all forms of gender-based violence. It calls for a culture of prevention grounded in respect, equality and zero tolerance for abuse. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every woman and girl in North Macedonia, including refugee and stateless women and girls, can live free from violence, exercise her rights, and feel safe in her home, workplace, school, community and public life. Among many activities, the campaign includes innovative social theatre performances in several cities throughout the country, designed to offer experiential learning through interactive theatre performances on various gender-based violence forms. 

The UN Resident Coordinator to North Macedonia, Rita Columbia concluded that we have the knowledge and tools to end gender-based violence.

“Now we need to unite our efforts, stand shoulder to shoulder, and deliver on the promises we've made. Together, we hold the power to build a future where every woman and girl is free from fear and harm. Ending violence against women is not merely a moral obligation—it's a fundamental cornerstone for the nation’s peace, development, and prosperity”, she said. 

During the event yesterday, the new edition of “NAVIGATOR,” an educational online game created to raise awareness about human rights, was also presented. Unlike last year, this edition introduces significant upgrades that enrich the learning process and strengthen interactive elements. A novelty is the introduction of the “Orange Planet,” dedicated to the global campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.” The other planets continue to cover topics from various areas related to human rights, now with expanded content and an improved game system offering a more dynamic and engaging user experience.

“Navigator” is a result of the joint engagement of Europe House, the UN family in North Macedonia, the game development association “Galactic Omnivore,” the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association, and is implemented with support from the Ministry of Education.