Gostivar, 6 September 2023 (MIA) – With a multimedia event in Gostivar, and addresses by Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Jovanka Trenchevska, and the EU Ambassador to North Macedonia, David Geer, messages were sent to the youth encouraging their social participation and raising awareness about equality in society, as part of the “Leave a Mark” caravan.

At the event, Ambassador Geer spoke about the activism of his youth, when, he said, he believed he could change the world even in a small environment like his birthplace. The Ambassador said that Gostivar is a place where the multiculturalism is evident.

“Gostivar is a beautiful town with diversity, with young population and my message tonight for young people is: become active, and if you are already active, remain active, while the message to the entire population is: this town has a beautiful heritage, a heritage of diversity, and we are stronger and wealthier when we are working together and make the most of that heritage,” said the Ambassador.

In her address, Minister Trenchevska touched upon her activism in the field of gender equality, and noted that the percentage of women in Parliament in North Macedonia is above the European average, and the best in the region.

“We have done a lot so far with civil and international organizations and we won’t stop here. Women have a place in all areas of society. Strength isn’t required there, but courage and wisdom are necessary, and women have that. In this way I want to convey a message to the young and to the women, that we are creating policies that mean a higher quality and a more dignified life for everyone in the country,” said Trenchevska.

The “Leave a Mark” caravan aims to encourage young people to increase their social participation, as well as to raise awareness of equality in society.

The series of public events “Join Us and Tell Your Story: Leave a Mark” are implemented by the Institute for Good Governance and Euro-Atlantic Perspectives, in co-operation with the Ministry for Labor and Social Policy, with the support of the action “Combating hatred and intolerance in North Macedonia” as part of the joint EU and Council of Europe program “Horizontal Facility for Western Balkans and Turkey”.

Photo: MIA