At the International Slavic University in Bitola, the event “The Importance of Promoting Gender Equality in Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls” was held. The event took place on Monday, November 20, starting at 10:30 AM, organized by the National Network Against Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence.

The event consisted of two panel discussions covering various issues related to gender equality and violence against women. The first panel discussion featured the launch of the thematic report “The Silent Terror That Knows No Boundaries – Recognizing Stalking as a Distinct Form of Violence Against Women and Girls in North Macedonia,” prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milena Spasovska. Stalking is a newly recognized criminal offense in Macedonian legislation, and challenges remain in its recognition, reporting, victim protection, and appropriate punishment of perpetrators.

The second panel focused on different aspects of gender equality, their impact on the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls, and the future steps needed to improve national and local policies aimed at promoting gender equality in all areas.