Skopje – Hilfswerk International, in cooperation with MARRI Regional Centre, organized the Regional Conference on Gender-Based Violence in the Migration Context on 5-6 March 2025 in Skopje. The conference served as a platform for discussing gender-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches to preventing and addressing gender-based violence (GBV), considering the unique vulnerabilities faced by people on the move, asylum seekers, and refugees.
The opening session featured remarks from Aleksandar Janev, Director of the Public Security Bureau at the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of North Macedonia; Simona Krstevska, MARRI RC Acting Director; and Enaida Hadzic, Regional Project Manager at Hilfswerk International.
In his address, Janev emphasized the Ministry of Interior and the Police of the Republic of North Macedonia’s commitment to building institutional capacities and providing support to GBV victims through education and the introduction of new models of action. He encouraged open dialogue to acknowledge challenges and identify appropriate solutions.
“This conference is more than just a meeting of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. It is a call to action—a space where we can confront the realities of gender-based violence in migration, share knowledge, and work together toward meaningful solutions” – stressed Director Krstevska in her remarks.
On her part, Enaida Hadzic highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, stating that the conference would facilitate the exchange of experiences and reinforce a collective commitment to migration management that is just, humane, and aligned with international standards. She also emphasized the value of generating insights and concrete recommendations for more inclusive and effective policies.
Key experts and policymakers from across the Western Balkans contributed to the discussions, which explored legal frameworks, institutional responses, and best practices for prevention and protection. The conference also fostered regional and international cooperation while addressing the role of international organizations and academia in developing evidence-based policies on GBV in migration. Additionally, discussions covered the media’s responsibility in reporting on migration and GBV-related issues.
By improving communication and coordination among key stakeholders, the conference raised awareness of GBV as a critical issue in migration contexts. It underscored how migration experiences are shaped by gender and underlying inequalities, with the ultimate goal of fostering concrete recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to address GBV in migration.
This initiative is part of the project “Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum, and Return Processes in the Western Balkans”, co-financed by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior; and implemented by Hilfswerk International and Joint Coordination Platform (JCP).