Gashi and Hilal discuss gender equality, youth inclusion and combating digital violence

Speaker of Parliament Afrim Gashi held a meeting with Zeina Hilal, Director of Gender and Youth Programmes at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), ahead of tomorrow’s event titled “Advancing gender equality and combating digital violence against women in politics in North Macedonia.”

According to Gashi’s office, the discussions focused on current challenges in the field of gender equality, increasing young people’s involvement in public and political life, and ensuring opportunities for their active and equal participation in decision-making.

A particular part of the discussion was devoted to the difficulties women and young people face in the digital sphere, including digital violence and various forms of discrimination. In this regard, the need to continuously improve institutional prevention and protection mechanisms was underscored, along with raising awareness about identifying and preventing all forms of violence and inequality.

The meeting also addressed the impact of gender stereotypes on women’s opportunities for equal participation in public life. The two officials agreed that it is important to create an environment in which women and young people have equal opportunities to contribute to democratic processes and policymaking.

Gashi and Hilal agreed that Parliament and the Inter-Parliamentary Union should continue working to strengthen institutional cooperation and exchange experiences and best practices. According to them, joint engagement on these issues is of great importance in building a society in which equality, inclusion and respect for human rights are fundamental values.

Gashi’s office emphasized that continued cooperation with the IPU helps create a safer, more equal and more inclusive environment for women and young people, enabling them to participate actively in public life and contribute fully to the development of a democratic society.