Strumica, 8 March 2025 (MIA) - Without strong women, we have no strong future, they are the driving force of society, the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) leader, Venko Filipche, said at the 10th International Women's Day march in Strumica, organized by the SDSM Women's Forum. This year’s slogan is "Standing Together for Equality, Justice, and Peace."

“For ten years, we have marched equally side by side. On this International Women's Day, it is important to speak loudly about what we do for the other 365 days of the year. SDSM stands for equality, justice, and peace. SDSM stands for a society where everyone has an equal opportunity. From here, from Strumica, I say that without strong women, we have no strong future; you are the driving force of society. And the pillar of social democracy is progress and the future. Social democrats always look ahead. The pillars of social democracy are also equality and justice. Today, we march for these pillars. We march to say NO to inequality, NO to discrimination, NO to violence,” Filipche said.

“We recognize that more needs to be done, and we will continue the fight. We need a society where women are empowered at all levels, with no barriers. A society where solidarity is instinctive when it comes to women. We will not stop until these goals become reality. SDSM remains steadfast in the fight for equality, justice, and peace. Happy International Women’s Day!” Filipche said.

“The fight for the rights of women and girls is a fight for a just society, one that depends on all of us," SDSM leader noted. He emphasized that it is unfortunate that, in this very month dedicated to women, the public has witnessed scandalous statements filled with hate speech and discrimination against women, coming from a high-ranking public official.

During his speech, he stressed that today’s march is about saying no to discrimination and inequality, reaffirming that the fight for equality is far from over.

SDSM vice president Fani Karanfilova-Panovska added that the party has enacted several key laws in recent years to improve women's status in society, alongside economic measures aimed at empowering women. The Criminal Code was also amended to include new offenses such as femicide, stalking, and hate speech.

Karanfilova-Panovska stated that the fight is not over and highlighted what she described as the real danger of right-wing policies, which seek to deny rights won through blood, sweat, and tears, to reduce women to roles they did not choose, and to silence their voices.

The President of the SDSM Women's Forum, Daniela Koleva, highlighted that women are the driving force, continuously setting new goals and moving forward.

“We are committed to the fight for greater political and economic representation. Our mission is not just to demand equality but to actively create conditions for women to lead, manage, and be key decision-makers on issues that shape our lives and future. Today, we celebrate our courage, efforts, perseverance, and achievements. But it is also a day to set new goals and take another step forward,” Koleva said.

Photo: SDSM