In a new video statement, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev extends his best wishes to women on International Women’s Day, saying the fight for women’s rights begins with each of us individually. He also notes women need to be treated better in our society so that gender equality can be eventually achieved.
“I choose to challenge us to change the culture of the treatment women have in our society,” PM Zaev says in the video statement.
“I’m joining the call of the Public Prosecutor’s Office to immediately and thoroughly prosecute the Public Room case, a crime in which a huge number of women were victims of gender-based violence. We don’t have a minute to lose. The victims must be protected.”
The Prime Minister also urges institutions to speed up the adoption of legislation changes regulating online sexual harassment so that any future Public Rooms are prevented.
“Today I choose to call for a change in how we understand gender equality. It is more than equal representation. It is strongly tied to women’s rights and how we apply them in everyday life,” Zaev points out.
“When I say the fight for women’s rights starts with each of us, I dare you to follow my example.”
Women hold more than 70 percent of the positions in the PM’s cabinet, he says, with most of the leadership positions held by women.
Out of eight government ministries headed by SDSM politicians, four departments are run by women, he notes.
The PM also says advanced democracies empower women politically and economically, and because North Macedonia aspires to be such a democracy, women need to be made decision-makers as well.
“Happy 8th of March, for a gender-equal society,” the PM extends his best wishes to women on International Women’s Day.
