Skopje, December 14, 2023 - Last night, in Skopje, a panel discussion titled "Digital Empowerment and Gender Equality: Fight Against Digital Gender-Based Violence" took place. The event, organized by the Stella network in collaboration with UNFPA North Macedonia and the Embassy of Switzerland in North Macedonia, brought together representatives of national institutions, professors, and lawyers, as well as students and other guests.

"Institutions, academia, civil society, and other stakeholders must stand tall to raise awareness of the risks and foster a culture of support, empathy, and understanding. You all play a key role in societal transformation, and your engagement in the fight against gender-based violence targeting girls, boys, trans, and non-binary people is irreplaceable," conveyed Lucien Aegerter, Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland.

"Digital platforms should ensure transparent protection and awareness of users about their rights, give users the right to choose what content they will see and how their data will be used," said Afrodita Shalja, Head of the UNFPA Office in North Macedonia.

"We need to create a space where we can freely discuss these topics and build a common future together through solidarity," said Sara Milenkovska, co-founder of the Stella network.

The panellists of the event, including Nikolina Kenig, PhD, professor of psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy, Elena Mihajlova Stratilati, PhD, professor of international law at the Faculty of Law, Marta Gusar, lawyer, and Ljupka Ljubinovska, representative from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, presented legal, psychological, and institutional perspectives on digital violence, and also explored possible preventive measures and ways to ensure adequate protection.

There was a discussion about how digital transformation, with its "neutrality," normalizes and intensifies digital violence. Topics covered included the spectrum of psychological consequences for victims of digital violence, the existing gap between laws, institutions, and legal responsibilities, the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, and the recognition of digital violence by institutions.

Notably, students present at the event actively engaged in the discussions, offering their perspectives and posing questions.