Skopje, 24 April 2025 – Fatmir Sabriu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, participated in the closing event of the “Together for Gender Equality: Building Support for Gender-Inclusive Policies” Project, implemented by HERA with the support of the British Embassy in Skopje. The event was organized under the motto “You and I in One Voice: Gender Equality – Our Common Mission”.
In his address before the attendees, State Secretary Sabriu expressed support for projects like this that aim to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality, which is imperative for every community. At the same time, he reconfirmed the Ministry’s efforts to create gender-inclusive policies, the implementation of which, as he said, shapes the progress of any society.
“Gender equality is not just an ideal – it is a necessity. We live in a time when we talk about justice, freedom and human rights more than ever. But these words would remain empty unless we incorporate them into concrete, real policies, and if those policies would not encompass everyone. We are talking about gender-inclusive policies – policies that do not implement solely male or female perspective, but use the human perspective,” Sabriu stressed.
He emphasized that all people deserve an equal chance – regardless of whether they are women, men, regardless of their status in society or gender identity. He added that only by accepting diversity and providing a chance for all, based on criteria such as professionalism, competence, responsibility, dilligence and the like, can we all together do much more for the progress of our country, and thus for ourselves.
Sabriu also dwelled on the connection between gender equality and economic development.
“When women and marginalized groups have equal access to jobs, resources and education, this contributes to greater productivity and innovation. Gender-inclusive policies mean that we shall hear the voice of everyone. That we shall create a system that acknowledges the differences and does not use them as an excuse for exclusion, but as a reason for a better, fairer and more sustainable future,” Sabriu pointed out.
He also touched on discrimination, which, as he emphasized, “eats away at society!” And this is just one more proof that we need gender-inclusive policies.
“When we talk about discrimination, we must emphasize that it will not resolve on its own. It can be resolved through courage, awareness and political will. Therefore, if we aim for progress, we cannot expect it if a significant part of the population is left on the margins,” Sabriu said.
