Skopje, 24 November 2024 (MIA) – The OSCE Mission in Skopje is organizing Sunday an event on violence against young women and girls as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Speaking at the event, that aims to identify and address the practical challenges in preventing and prosecuting violence against young women and girls, Education Minister Vesna Janevska said 15 violence-related cases were reported to the Ministry since the start of the school year.

Violence and school don’t belong together, she stressed. “The Ministry is committed to protecting children and young people, to fostering secure and supportive environment where they can grow, learn and prosper,” said Janevska. 

The education system, she added, has established a system to prevent and address violence, including against girls. 

“In the context of prevention of unsolicited behavior, including violence against girls and young women, the Ministry is in regular communication with all schools. Since the start of the year, we’ve given clear directions on the importance of activities designed to raise awareness about peaceful school communities. Mutual understanding, respect and empathy are the foundation of such communities,” said the Minister thanking the OSCE Mission for its support. 

We must enforce equality, urged President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova.

“We must nourish peace. We have no use of all guaranteed human rights if we live in conflict. We all need peace to not feel threatened,” said Siljanovska Davkova.

After a debate, a Declaration of Intent is set to be signed representing a public commitment to counter violence against young women and girls. The Declaration outlines ten action points with concrete measures the OSCE Mission will support in 2025.

Photo: MIA