Women’s rights are human rights that have been protected for more than 70 years by international law and the United Nations. Women have the right to live free from violence, slavery and discrimination. Women have equal rights to education, to own property, to vote and to earn a fair and equal salary like all others engaged in the labour market.
Unfortunately, in the Republic of North Macedonia like everywhere around the world, women and girls face denial of their rights, discrimination and violence simply because of their gender affiliation.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8, but also every day, CIVIL is raising its voice in support of all women around the world, and demands an end to discrimination and violence against women. CIVIL demands from the institutions, decision-makers and lawmakers to strengthen the procedures and processes for consistent respect for all human rights and freedoms, and thus also rights related to gender equality. This implies also consistent implementation and promotion of laws for protection of human rights and freedoms and for protection against gender-based discrimination. State and local self-government institutions, as well as society as a whole, must work on emancipation and respect for women’s rights.
Unfortunately, celebrating International Day of Women’s Rights in our society for decades has come down to an extremely low understanding of human rights and freedoms, and thus also of gender equality, which is guaranteed by the Constitution, laws and international law.
Equal representation of women of 50% in institutions and in decision-making structures is a must and should be implemented as soon as possible.
CIVIL demands from the Parliament and the Government to implement effective legal measures and to introduce practices of strictest sanctions for any practice that puts women in a subordinate position or discriminates her at the workplace, in the family, in the public or any other place or situation. The media and civil society organizations have an obligation to manifest higher responsibility and to work on civic education for gender equality.
CIVIL reminds of the proposal it published in 2018, for March 8 to be declared a non-working day for all women in the country.
March 8, in society and in politics, should be recognized as an occasion for action, not to be used for formal celebrations and declarations, but for promotion of essential gender equality.
Everyone has to be involved in order to put an end to gender discrimination and violence!
CIVIL Communication Team
