Skopje, 24 December 2021 (MIA) – The Gender Equality Strategy 2021-2026 will establish a comprehensive framework of activities to improve gender equality and the status of women, equal access to resources and equal participation in decision-making in all spheres of the society, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Jagoda Shahpaska said Friday. The vision for gender equality means equal visibility of both men and women, she told a public debate at the committee for equal opportunities of women and men, her office said in a press release. “Equal pay for the same job with the same professional qualifications is a key precondition for economic development of a country,” Shahpaska stressed. According to her, North Macedonia under the strategy aims to improve gender equality in 13 areas, including eliminating stereotypes and violence against women, policy creation and employment measures. “In line with the amended labor law, we create policies that regulate parental leave and paternal leave will be introduced for the first time. Also, flexible working hours, part-time work, work from home, workplace protection will be regulated,” said Shahpaska. The Gender Equality Strategy 2021-2026 is supported by UN Women, UNFPA, the OSCE Mission and UNDP, said the press release.