President Stevo Pendarovski has joined the UN’s ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’, an international campaign to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls and gender-based violence.
“We need to have zero tolerance for all forms of gender-based violence, in every sphere – in families, in schools, in institutions, in the workplace, on the Internet, in the media, in public spaces,” President Pendarovski says in a video address.
The COVID-19 pandemic, he adds, reminded us that home is not the safest place for many women and children, victims of domestic and gender-based violence, as reports have shown an alarming increase in such cases, both in the country and worldwide.
According to the President, such an alarming increase is the final signal the institutions need to step up response and provide comprehensive strategy and support for victims of violence.
“With the ratification of the Istanbul Convention and the Action Plan for its implementation, we made a big step forward in improving institutional mechanisms for the prevention and protection against gender-based violence. However, better results require budget support, commitment and institutional support at both national and local levels. A systematic approach to education is needed to recognize all forms of gender-based violence, to protect against, prevent and report violence, and to support victims,” says Pendarovski.
He points out it is necessary that each of us takes responsibility.
“Whenever we witness violence against women and girls or domestic violence, it is our duty, as human beings, and support and help victims. Seek help, report violence to the police, social work centers, helplines, civil society organizations, inform close friends or relatives. If we want a society of free and dignified citizens, we must enable everyone to have a place in the community in which they feel safe and secure. Let’s combat violence against women and girls, and all forms of gender-based violence, every day, all of us together,” urges President Pendarovski.
The presidential Villa Vodno lights up orange in support of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
