Skopje, November 4, 2022 – Recognition and acknowledgments for the representatives of various national institutions in North Macedonia who participated in the meetings with the local community in the municipality of Suto Orizari as part of the “There is help for life without violence” campaign for their support in strengthening efforts against violence against women and girls, were awarded today in Skopje by representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the British Embassy in Skopje and the UNFPA Office in North Macedonia.

“The local community is an important link in raising public awareness regarding violence against women and domestic violence, to give them support and to accompany them to the institutions that should begin the procedure for protection of the victim,” said Lidija Shterjov, head of the Department for Social Inclusion at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.

“Building bridges between local communities, civil society and institutions is important in the fight against gender-based violence. You represent the residents of your community, you are the ‘face’ of the services and support that is available,” said Andrew Brand, head of programs at the British Embassy in Skopje.

Afrodita Shalja, head of the UNFPA office in North Macedonia, expressed her gratitude to the present ‘leaders of change’ who work directly with the victims, survivors and their loved ones, and are the face of the institutions and face that victims look to for help and support.

That concluded the meetings in the community of the municipality of Suto Orizari, which were attended by representatives of the institutions, NGOs, religious leaders and residents of the community, and were held within the campaign for prevention and protection from gender-based and family violence, the purpose of which is to promote and inform citizens about the available services for victims and survivors.

The communication activities within the project, implemented by UNFPA – North Macedonia in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and financial support of the British Embassy in Skopje, will also take place in other municipalities in the upcoming period.