Skopje, 31 October 2025 (MIA) — Since 2013, the number of female army members has steadily increased and women hold over 50% of management positions in the Ministry of Defense, Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski said in his remarks at Friday's celebration of the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council's landmark Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Minister Misajlovski noted that 23% of army officers were women and that some of the most successful Military Academy cadets were females. He also said there was a Gender Equality Officer post within the Office of the Chief of the General Staff for the first time in the Army's history and there was also an authorized person and a deputy for protecting against workplace harassment.

He also spoke about the deployment of women in peacekeeping and other operations.

"Macedonia has participated in all international missions and operations carried out by the United Nations, the European Union and NATO, including both male and female personnel," he said. 

"Fair gender representation and the creation of equal career development conditions for women and men is one of the Ministry of Defense and the Army's notable policies and strategic priorities," he said, highlighting the institutions' high professionalism and commitment to gender equality.

"We are also continuously working on increasing women's representation in management and command positions," he said. 

Misajlovski said the EU had pointed out the country as a positive example of promoting women and youth in society. He also spoke about the state's commitment to implementing gender equality policies, raising awareness of equal opportunities and advancing the positions of women in the Ministry of Defense and the Army.

"Leading by example and by results, we have shown that we know how to do this and we can do this, so we will keep being an inspiration for all other institutions," the defense minister said. mr/