PANEL DISCUSSION: “Young People as Drivers of Change – Preventing Violence Through Participation and Education”
5 December 2025, Europe House Skopje
As part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, the Crisis Center Nadezh (“Hope”), with the support of the European Union, organized a panel discussion dedicated to the role of young people in preventing and reducing violence in the community. The event brought together representatives of institutions, local government, international organizations and the civil sector, united by a common goal — creating effective policies and programmes that will enable a society free of violence. A short film produced within the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign was also screened.
Young People – Drivers of Change
The event was opened by Maja Acevska, President of the Crisis Center Nadezh, who highlighted the central message: “Young people are key to preventing violence. They do not want to remain passive – they want to be involved.”
Moderator Mitana Stevkovska, lawyer at Crisis Center Nadezh, added: “We are all responsible, but young people are the ones who can spark the strongest change.”
The Role of Institutions and Public Policy
As part of the opening remarks, Lidija Shterjov, Head of the Department for Prevention and Protection from Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence at the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, also addressed the audience. She emphasized: “We often say that young people are the future, but they are our present. We must include them now.”
Shterjov also reflected on the new eight-year national strategy for violence prevention, which covers non-violent communication, healthy relationships, digital safety, and school prevention teams:
“Violence among young people doesn’t appear suddenly. It is the result of accumulated conflicts and lack of support.”
The Local Community as a Partner
The Mayor of the Municipality of Gazi Baba, Boban Stefkovski, stressed the role of municipalities in early prevention: “As a local community we must stay alert — not only to react, but to prevent.”
He emphasized the importance of education and active youth engagement: “Without investment in education, there is no real prevention. But if young people remain passive, even education alone will not bring change.”
European Perspective and International Support
Irena Ivanova, Programme Manager for Civil Society and Gender Equality at the Delegation of the European Union, noted that this is a global issue faced also by EU member states: “This is still a very sad phenomenon. In the EU, every third woman experiences violence.” She added: “This campaign shouldn’t last only 16 days — it should last the whole year.”
Support, Intervention and the Role of the Police
In the panel, Julijana Stanchova, Assistant Chief of the Criminal Affairs Department in Karposh at the Ministry of Interior, emphasized: “People are lives, not numbers. Our stance must be zero tolerance toward violence.” Stanchova also spoke about the continuous training of police officers, especially after the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, as well as the soft-skills training and guidance that young officers receive from more experienced colleagues: “Everyone should feel free to know they will be seen, they will be heard. We must strive to contribute and leave a mark, to work with heart.”
The Civil Sector and Youth Work
Zharko Zmijanac, Acting Operations Director of the First Children’s Embassy “Megjashi”, emphasized the role of the family, schools and peers in a child’s development.
Youth worker Ljupčo Velkovski spoke about the importance of youth centers: “Young people can get involved in local policies. But we must ensure the sustainability of youth centers.”
Psychological Support and the Voice of Survivors
Aleksandra Pančevska, psychologist at SOS Children’s Village, spoke about the importance of support among women who have survived violence: “Strengthening self-confidence is crucial. Some of the women we support want to raise their voices and help others.”
Education from the Earliest Age
Teacher Olivija Georgievska from IPS Macedonia emphasized the power of education: “Education must begin at preschool age — through games, programmes, activities.” She added an encouraging message: “There is always hope. Every day is a new day. Each of us leaves some kind of mark.”
Rehabilitation of Perpetrators – Part of the Solution
Iva Mihajlovska, representative of HERA, emphasized the need for systemic support for rehabilitation programs: “Rehabilitating perpetrators requires resources. It is extensive work of 16 sessions, and the support must be continuous.” In this regard, it was noted that the state must provide funding for all referred individuals, not only those referred through Centers for Social Work.
Increased Awareness Among Young People
A representative from the Women’s Organization of the City of Skopje shared that awareness among youth is growing: “Awareness among young people has increased. They already know where they can seek information.”
The panel discussion confirmed that young people are essential partners in the processes of preventing violence. Through education, active participation, strong institutions and supportive communities, it is possible to create a society in which violence has no place. As one of the speakers emphasized: “There is no room for silence.”
The NGO Crisis Center “Nadezh” is implementing the project “Implementation of the Strategic Plan of Crisis Center Nadezh 2022–2025”, funded by the European Union.
