Civil networks demand urgent measures after seven femicides; latest victim a 17‑year‑old from Bogdanci
Three NGOs call for investigations, legal reform, funding for protection and a moratorium on campaign events after seven recorded femicides.
Three civil networks have sent an open letter to North Macedonian institutions and the international community, calling for immediate measures to prevent gender‑based violence and to better protect women. The groups identify themselves as the Network for Protection from Discrimination, the Platform for Gender Equality and the National Network against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.
In the letter the organizations demand urgent investigations into how institutions handled recent femicide cases, changes to the law and secured public funding for victim protection. They say seven femicides have been recorded in the country, and the latest victim was a 17-year-old girl from Bogdanci. According to the networks, some victims had previously reported violence and sought help, but institutions failed to provide adequate protection.
Concrete demands from the civic networks
- Initiate immediate and transparent investigations into institutional responses in femicide cases;
- Adopt legislative changes that strengthen prevention and protection mechanisms;
- Allocate dedicated funds to shelters, hotlines and protection services for victims;
- Declare a moratorium on ceremonial and promotional events within the “16 Days of Activism against Gender‑Based Violence” campaign until measures are in place.
In their public message the networks wrote: "We do not need a state that mourns murdered women. We need a state that will protect them while they are alive." They also demand a prompt and concrete reaction from national institutions.
The organizations urged both domestic authorities and international partners to act without delay, warning that prevention and protection systems must be strengthened now to stop further lives being lost.
Photo: press material from the event
