GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN NORTH MACEDONIA: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious social and legal problem that affects all
societies, including North Macedonia. This type of violence is deeply rooted in unequal
power relations between the sexes and social norms that reinforce those inequalities.
Gender-based violence includes physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence
directed at a person because of their sex or gender. It not only causes direct harm to the
victims, but also affects their well-being, personal development and participation in
society.
North Macedonia, as a country that strives for European integration and adoption
of European values, takes significant steps to deal with this problem through legislation,
strategies and programs for prevention and protection of victims. However,
numerous challenges remain that hinder these efforts, such as insufficient public awareness,
cultural barriers, inadequate implementation of laws, insufficient support for victims,
as well as inequality in victims’ access to justice.
This paper aims to analyze the current situation regarding gender-based violence
in North Macedonia, to identify the main challenges the country is facing and to
propose specific strategies and measures to overcome them. Through the analysis of existing
data, the legislative framework and a case study, we will try to provide a complete
overview of the problem and offer recommendations to improve the situation.