Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski and President Gordana Siljanovska – Davkova marked the 25th anniversary of UN Resolution 1325 – Women, Peace and Security, at an event organized by the Defense Ministry and the UN Women Office.

The event also featured addresses from European Union Ambassador Maihalis Rokas and UN Women Office Head Vesna Ivanovic – Kastared.

President Siljanovska Davkova highlighted that Resolution 1325 established the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence and their equal participation in peace and security efforts as key principles. She noted that despite the resolution, approximately seven hundred million women and girls currently live near conflict zones, the highest number in three decades.

Minister Misajlovski reported on the progress made in integrating gender perspectives into the Ministry of Defense and the Army’s legal, regulatory, and strategic documents. He emphasized the increasing number of women in the Army, particularly the rise in female officers to approximately 23 percent, the highest percentage to date. He also mentioned that women hold over 50 percent of leadership positions within the Ministry of Defense.

Misajlovski attributed these achievements to the collaborative efforts of employees in the Ministry of Defense, the Army, the UN Women Office, and representatives from the civil sector. He affirmed the Ministry and Army’s commitment to promoting gender equality and creating equal career development opportunities for women and men, ensuring all positions are accessible to both genders.

Looking ahead, Misajlovski stated that the Ministry and the Army will continue to advocate for gender equality policies, raise awareness of equal opportunities, and improve the positions of women within both institutions.

The event also included two panel discussions focusing on national experiences and the leadership of women in security institutions and peace missions.