UN Report on the Women's Day

Gender equality - still an issue in the Macedonian society

More than 75% of the illiterate population in Macedonia are women. The missed opportunities for education are directly linked with the circle of poverty that strikes many families. The literacy is of essential importance for improving the care and development of children.

On the occasion of 8 March, the International Day of Women, the United Nations came with their evaluation of the women position in our country. In the report called "Gender equality - still an issue in the Macedonian society", which was announced in all domestic media, UN say that "although many Macedonian women enjoy all kinds of freedom in their everyday life, the real equality still remains an open issue among many of them".

This years International Women Day, the United Nations dedicated to the issue of HIV/AIDS and in that context they emphasize: "Despite the fact that Macedonia has a low rate of HIV/AIDS, the global trends and statistics suggest that women are especially vulnerable towards these disease. On global level, young woemn get infected quicker and younger, and only a few of them are aware of the basic measures of protection. Trafficking with people is another serious issue that tangles women in the region. Very often, bad economic conditions are the reason why women become victims. These women are often negated their basic human rights and are left to suffer violence and abuse, as well as various health risks, including the HIV/AIDS.

The UN see the women position in Macedonia through the level of literacy, presenting the fact, which states that "more than 75% of the illiterate population in Macedonia are women" and that "the missed opportunities for education are directly linked with the circle of poverty that strikes many families, and that "the literacy is of essential importance for improving the care and development of children".

"Family violence is also an issue which strikes many women in the country. Placing it on the margins and the lack of official data often mean that this question remains "in the shadow of the public dialogue". The recent study of the UN  Women Development Fund refers to the conclusion that only 20% of the physically abused women report the crime in the police.

"In Macedonia the inequality remains, not only among men and women, but also among women from the rural and urban areas, as well as among different ethnic groups", says Frode Mauring, coordinator of the UN agency. "Generally speaking, it is essential that women are involved in the reconstruction process and the process of economic recovery. This includes women in all levels - from those in the rural areas to those at high political positions. UN agencies in Macedonia are dedicated to the treatment of gender balance through its initiatives. They greet the finalisation of the country's report within the "UN Convention for eliminating all forms of women discrimination".

 

K.B.