Marked 25 years of UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security

Hosted by the Ministry of Defence of North Macedonia and UN Women North Macedonia, the event brought together representatives from the Government, diplomatic community, defence and security institutions, and international partners to reaffirm their commitment to advancing women’s leadership in peace and security decision-making.
“We, women, do not seek advantage, but recognition and the use of our equal abilities in the fight for the common good. The Women, Peace and Security Agenda does not call for mercy, but for reason and honour,” noted the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova.
“We can see remarkable progress in the Ministry of Defence as well, where today the percentage of women holding leadership positions exceeds 50%,” said Minister of Defence, Vlado Misajlovski. He added that fair gender representation and the creation of equal career development opportunities for women and men are among the most distinctive policies and strategic priorities of the Ministry of Defence and the Army.
“Additional work is needed to transform institutions and power structures. North Macedonia has made important strides with its national action plans, integrating gender perspectives into peace and security. Our shared vision is clear: a Europe — and a world — where women’s leadership in peace and security is no longer the exception to the rule. Because when women lead, peace lasts,” said the EU Ambassador to North Macedonia Michalis Rokas.
“Women are disproportionately affected as victims of conflicts, exposed to gender-based violence in various forms during conflicts, while at the same time being powerful agents of peace who play a vital role in their prevention, resolution, and recovery. However, the promise of Resolution 1325 remains unfulfilled. This anniversary is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” emphasized the Head of the UN Women Office in North Macedonia, Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede.
Through two inspiring panels, ambassadors and senior officials discussed how countries are putting the Women, Peace and Security agenda into practice from women’s participation in peacekeeping missions to leadership in defence and crisis response.
In North Macedonia, progress is visible through the implementation of the Second National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 (2020–2025), supported by UN Women and the British Embassy Skopje, strengthening gender equality mechanisms within the defence and security sectors.
The event concluded with a shared call to action: To turn the legacy of Resolution 1325 into lasting change, ensuring that women’s voices, leadership, and resilience remain at the heart of peace and security in North Macedonia and beyond.