Representation of women in leading, decision-making positions should become sustainable policy: conference
Skopje, 13 October 2022 (MIA) – The representation of women in leading and decision-making positions is increasing in the country, but this should become a sustainable policy while always keeping in mind that the status of women is closely related to a country’s progress, success and well-being. The world needs the persistence and patience with which women approach problems, particularly given the current political and security context in the world.
These were part of the conclusions at Thursday’s second “Women in Foreign Policy” international conference in Skopje, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conference is held under the auspices of Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski.
Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said societies are very stable if women are politically and economically powerful.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that promoting the representation of women in foreign policy and in leading and decision-making positions is of essential importance. We believe that this is an important factor in creating a friendlier, more cooperative environment,” Osmani added.
He pointed out that as a NATO member state, and more recently as a country that is negotiating for EU accession, and will take over OSCE chairpersonship in a few months, North Macedonia is particularly committed to further promoting gender-responsive policies and raising awareness of gender equality.
Deputy PM for good governance policies Slavica Grkovska pointed out that the Government is firmly committed to policies that will create conditions for gender equality in all fields.
“In our policies as a Government, we take into account the conclusions of last year's conference, regarding the need to increase the participation of women in foreign policy, in the decision-making process, as well as in relation to the overall role of women in society, as active and constructive political stakeholders. as well as the need for greater involvement of women in the business sector. And, on this occasion, we reaffirm our commitments and positions,” Grkovska added.
She mentioned that this year the United Nations has declared the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, because this approach to solving problems is necessary, given the current global political and security context in the world.
“The successful stories of women diplomats can be an inspiration to new generations of girls and women, who see themselves in leading and diplomatic positions, and should be aware of the values and potentials they can give to the world. When we talk about the equal participation of women in diplomacy, we must keep in mind that there is a need for gender equality everywhere,” said Grkovska.
According to her, equality between women and men is an important indicator of whether and to what extent a society is just.
Albania’s Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Megi Fino told the conference that in Albania, most of the ministers in the Government are women, the Parliament Speaker is a woman, and as the EU accession negotiations started, they have a chief negotiator who is a woman.
“All these women are highly qualified and experienced, and ensure the functioning of our country. The role of women in politics remains a challenge and must remain at the center of our discussions to ensure the full implementation of our commitments,” Fino added.
The two-day conference, which continues on Friday, brings together a large number of state officials, prominent figures from the political community and the expert public, diplomats from the region and beyond, as well as representatives of the youth organizations in the country to discuss topics such as the inclusion of women in international relations, their role in creating policies, leading negotiations, dealing with conflicts and securing sustainable peace.
