UNDP sounds alarm over femicide cases in North Macedonia

Violence against women and girls remains the most widespread human rights violation. Both global and national data are alarming — every third woman is a victim of some form of gender-based violence, it was emphasized in the remarks before the performance of the two one-act plays of “Convicted” this evening in Strumica.

According to Petre Tanchev, member of the Strumica Municipal Council, the “16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Girls” campaign is not just a symbolic period of the year, CE Report quotes MIA.

“It is a global call not to remain silent, not to look away, and not to allow any woman, girl, or young girl to be left without support, without protection, and without a voice. As members of the Commission for Equal Opportunities, it is our duty and responsibility to change that — to strengthen the institutional response, to create clear protection mechanisms, to establish a safe network where every woman will know she has somewhere to turn, that she will be heard, protected, and supported,” Tanchev said.

For Kristina Pejčić, gender equality specialist at the UNDP Office, through events like this — which use art as a space for collective learning and social change — UNDP and the Municipality of Strumica reaffirm their commitment to creating a safer physical and online environment for everyone.

“In partnership with the Municipality of Strumica, the play once again brings to life the harsh reality of violence against women and girls, within the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign. Through an interactive theatrical format, the audience is encouraged to think critically, react, and participate in exposing stereotypes and institutional weaknesses,” Pejčić said.

The play consists of two acts inspired by true stories. The first act follows the story of a girl who becomes a victim of digital violence after sharing private photos with a person she met online. The second act depicts the long struggle of a woman trapped in a cycle of domestic violence. Despite her persistent attempts to seek help, institutions fail to react in time — a story that tragically ends in femicide.

According to official data from 2019 to 2023, 20 cases of femicide were recorded in North Macedonia, and 17 criminal proceedings were initiated in which 19 women were killed. In the majority of cases, the perpetrators were partners or spouses, and the killings occurred at home.

The event was organized by UNDP within the project “Support to the Police for Effective Prevention and Response to Cybercrime and Gender-Based Violence and Harassment,” financially supported by the Republic of Korea through the Korean National Police Agency.