Global campaign “Sixteen Days of Activism Against Violence on Women” is organized by 1700 organizations from over 100 countries around the world. starting on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25) and lasting until December 10 (International Human Rights Day).
That was the reason for the City Gender Equality Council to organize a conference “Know That You Are Not Alone”. Guest speaker was Tatjana Macura, minister without portfolio in charge of gender equality, prevention of violence against women and economic and political empowerment of women, in addition to the representatives of the Police, Public Prosecution, Health Center, and Center for Social Work.
“In June, City of Kruševac adopted Local Action Plan for Gender Equality 2024 – 2027. When talking about violence on women, a significant development has been made in the past 10 years, I believe that we have raised awareness and encouraged women to report to the appropriate institutions any kind of violence against them, and the institutions will respond in accordance with the Domestic Violence Prevention Law that regulates actions taken by state intitutions in prevention of this kind of violence, support to the victims, and sanctions of the perpetrators”, stated Dr. Dragana Barišić, president of the City Assembly and president of the Gender Equality Council.
The Council’s affairs revolve around gender equality and equal opportunities for both genders, but, first and foremost, to those who are insufficiently represented in numerous social spheres, which are women. Additionally, the Council ensures that the City is following the European Gender Equality Charter, which was signed by the City of Kruševac.
“Everyone needs to contribute to society, so as to achieve zero tolerance towards violence”, concluded President Barišić.
Tatjana Macura, minister without portfolio in charge of gender equality, prevention of violence against women and economic and political empowerment of women, said that this conference in Kruševac is second held, after the first one in Belgrade.
“It is of great importance for the state to send a message that our society is one without violence. We have been discussing about the possible ways of motivating women-victims and people close to them to report the violent acts during these sixteen days of activism, and our activities did not start and will not start because of this campaign. I would also like to remind everyone that today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and people from the especially vulnerable categories of society are at a greater risk than the ones that fall into the majority category. Globally, we have been working on human rights protection and the mechanisms of support on a state and local level, and I am very glad that this conference and topic attracted this number of women to attend and listen”, concluded Macura.
After the introductory speeches, the representatives of the relevant institutions actively participated in the campaign.
