Macedonia commemorates the 10th year of the Law on Equal Opportunities between Women and Men
Date:
On International Women’s Day, over 100 representatives of the Government, the UN, civil society, experts and academia in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia* gathered to reflect on the progress made since the adoption of the Law on Equal Opportunities between Women and Men in 2006. They discussed important challenges ahead to close the gender gap and develop budgets that would advance gender equality.
In 2006, the Government of fYR Macedonia adopted a Law on Equal Opportunities between Women and Men for the first time. The legislation brought many aspects of gender equality to the forefront of policy makers’ agendas at the central and local level. Most importantly, it set clear provisions for mainstreaming gender in policymaking, planning and budgeting.
The national conference titled “Financing for Gender Equality and the 2030 Agenda” was organized under the global umbrella theme of “Planet 50-50: Step it Up for Gender Equality” this year. The commitment of the Government to effectively implement the Law on Equal Opportunities through gender-responsive policy making and budgeting was opened for discussion.
Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Ms. Frosina Remenski, addressed the audience and the media, making a clear commitment that herself as the first woman Minister of Labour and Social Policy since the independence of the country would make every effort to achieve gender equality. The Minister pointed to the progress achieved by increasing the electoral quota to 40 percent but stressed that efforts need to continue until 50-50 representation is reached.
Minister Remenski also announced other steps that will be taken by the Government, such as active policy measures for the empowerment of women, prevention of domestic violence, ratification of the Istanbul Convention, provision of necessary compensation for overtime work and full enjoyment of sexual and reproductive rights, including the right to termination of pregnancy.
In the evening of 8th of March, the seventh edition of the Women’s Rights Nights was officially launched. Initiated by the UN Women office in Skopje in 2010, Women’s Rights Nights transformed into a traditional event organized by the city of Skopje every year. This year, it is bringing together feminists, women politicians, gender equality advocates and women athletes to discuss the opportunities enjoyed by women and men in different spheres of life, such as sports, politics, economy and social life.
*fYR Macedonia in all references