Skopje, 5 April 2023 (MIA) - Our goal is to ensure stronger prevention of violence, its sanctioning, but also work with the perpetrators of violence, with the aim of eliminating the possibility of repeating the crime, Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Jovanka Trenchevska said Wednesday at the promotion of the glossary of technology-affiliated gender-based violence, produced as part of a campaign on education and raising awareness about violence, but above all better recognition of the violence. The event was organized by the Office of the United Nations Population Fund - UNFPA.

Digital gender-based violence, protective mechanisms and support systems offered by the state through institutions, as well as cooperation with the civil sector and international organizations were discussed.

With the development of technology, Trenchevska noted, information spreads rapidly. We are witnessing the abuse of the internet and digital communication technologies, violence against women, hate speech, sexism, abuse of photos and videos and their falsification.

“Therefore, it is our common obligation to fight against this violation of the human rights of women and girls,” she said.

John Kennedy Mosoti, UNFPA director for North Macedonia, said that they take online violence seriously and have many campaigns against violence, he thanked the Ministry of Labour and the Government and President Pendarovski’s wife for their support in the activities.

“Many women around the world have experienced some form of gender-based violence, perpetrated by the abuse of technology. Whereas, girls and young women are especially exposed to it. The more informed we are about the various ways in which the Internet can be used, that is, abused specifically as a tool for violence, the easier it will be to prevent it, react appropriately and sanction it,” President’s wife Elizabeta Gjorgievska said.

Gjorgievska thanked everyone who spoke openly about the violence thus encouraging other victims to share their feelings, and not to live in fear.

Photo: MIA