Skopje, 16 July, 2020 - The United Nations Population Fund in North Macedonia and the British Embassy in Skopje started a new partnership to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cooperation is about strengthening prevention and response to GBV during COVID-19 outbreak on the municipality level through advocacy with partners, strengthening the capacities of two shelters, health, psychological, social and police service providers, and increasing the awareness and services for survivors of GBV.

The project, titled “Safe Services to support Survivors of Gender based Violence (GBV) during COVID-19” has been designed to reach women and strengthen services whilst maintaining the social distance necessary to prevent further spread of COVID-19, to reduce the risk to project beneficiaries and staff. To this end, UNFPA has prioritized digital tools and aligned all project activities with the WHO recommendations for preventing COVID-19.  Where social interaction cannot be prevented, staff and beneficiaries will have access to PPE such as gloves, masks and face shields.

The three key activities: advocacy, strengthening service provision and communication efforts will be implemented through the online digital platforms.