In a dedicated effort to enhance the quality and sensitivity of reporting on gender-based violence, professionals from local media and other interested parties in North Macedonia were part of a workshop organised with the support of the European Union and the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services. Recognising the pivotal role of the media in shaping public opinion, the workshop aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for responsible and effective reporting on this critical issue.
Zoran TRAJCEVSKI, the Director for the Agency for audio and audiovisual media services emphasised that “It is essential that media use their power and, through active and appropriate handling of cases of gender-based violence in media content, strengthen and influence both individual and collective awareness of the severity of this problem. The appropriate treatment of cases of gender-based violence includes, among other things, the following in reporting: avoiding hate speech, not reporting in a stereotypical manner, and making maximum efforts to avoid secondary victimisation of the victims of such violence, etc.”
Aleksandra BOGDANOVSKA, Senior Project Officer of the EU and Council of Europe action “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in North Macedonia – PRO-FREX”, stated that: “The media plays a crucial role in addressing gender-based violence. It has the potential not only to inform but also to inspire positive changes in public attitudes and behaviour. Unfortunately, we often witness reporting that reinforces harmful stereotypes and traditional roles of women and contributes to the secondary victimisation of survivors through sensationalism."
Gender-based violence, including domestic violence, remains a serious problem in the Macedonian society. Official data from the analysis “Women and Men in North Macedonia” shows a worrying trend of increasing cases where in 2022 alone, 1 117 crimes related to domestic violence were recorded, with 942 women as victims.
Participants mentioned that statistics cover data from 2020, 2021, and 2022 while official data for 2023 and 2024 are missing which creates gaps also in reporting about this phenomenon. The Republic of North Macedonia still lacks a Central Registry of victims of gender-based and domestic violence, despite its requirement under the Istanbul Convention).
During the workshop consultants from the Council of Europe offered valuable insights into the fundamental aspects of gender-based violence, providing an overview of North Macedonia’s legislative framework and addressing the challenges posed by anti-gender movements in the country. Participants gained an in-depth understanding of relevant domestic laws and European standards addressing gender-based violence. The session emphasised the importance of recognising prevention mechanisms, understanding the roles of social institutions, and applying legal frameworks to ensure that media reporting is accurate, aligned with established standards, and fosters greater accountability and societal awareness.
Ana NUSHKOVA AVRAMOSKA, a Legal advisor at the National network against violence against women and domestic violence shared with the participants that measures, activities, and services for the prevention and protection against gender-based and domestic violence should be implemented in a way that empowers the victim, enabling them to achieve independence and self-help in the future. According to her, the victim has the right to participate in assessing their needs, to be informed about available measures and services, and to take part in selecting the appropriate support and protection.
Dragana DRNDAREVSKA, a representative of the Commission for Prevention and Protection against Discrimination highlighted an example of good reporting— “Anatomy of the murder in Kocani - Because of the small-town mentality, she remained silent, when she dared to ask for help, the state betrayed her”. Despite being a case of femicide and stated as such, which is rare, the journalistic reporting was highly professional and gender sensitive. It emphasised patriarchal norms and the role of both male and female citizens in perpetuating those norms, highlighting the double standards often applied when the victim is a woman. The portrayal of the perpetrator was also realistic, avoiding the common stereotypes of him being a “family man” or “kind neighbour,” which are often used to downplay such crimes. The in-depth analysis concludes with a section that focuses on the institutions and their responsibility and contribution to this femicide.
Marina TUNEVA, a media expert echoed to “Strive to be gender-sensitive because it fosters inclusivity, and I am pleased to see such initiatives being recognised and visible. What matters is that, through this approach, we support each other and promote diverse initiatives related to gender equality. If we understand what needs to be done in media reporting and among other stakeholders, we can create meaningful improvements. Women received minimal coverage in online media during parliamentary elections—only 20% inclusion. Female candidates for public office are rarely portrayed, and when they are, it is often through a stereotypical lens. There must be continuity in reporting, regular attention to these issues, and a focus on women, not just during campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism. The Council of Europe recommends excellent initiatives, such as encouraging the media to combat discrimination and stereotypes. Women’s voices and perspectives must be present and amplified in the media landscape."
Katherine SARIKAKIS, the author of the “Guidelines of the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services on monitoring of the application of reporting standards in gender-based violence cases in the media” concluded: “The current socio-political context of violence encompasses various forms of aggression, particularly against women in the public sphere, including journalists, politicians, public figures, activists, and authors. Gender-based violence, in its many forms, such as physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse, is pervasive in these contexts and often goes underreported or dismissed. It extends to violence in political arenas, such as during elections, referendums, and demonstrations, where women are targeted for their political activism, often facing harassment, threats, and assault. This violence also manifests in sports and cultural events, where women’s participation and visibility are often undermined, and they face gendered violence ranging from discrimination to direct physical harm. It requires urgent and targeted attention and action to address the systemic inequalities and societal norms that perpetuate such violence.”
The workshop underscored the significance of responsible reporting, emphasising that media professionals play a vital role in challenging stereotypes, breaking stigmas, and fostering a more empathetic understanding of gender-based violence. It stressed the need to avoid justifying, excusing, sensationalising, trivialising, or glamorising any form of gender-based violence through language or visual communication.
The media’s unique ability to challenge harmful stereotypes, dismantle deeply ingrained stigmas, and cultivate a more compassionate and informed understanding of this pressing issue was highlighted. Participants were encouraged to recognise the power of their platforms and the importance of using them to promote awareness and accountability.
Further details on reporting and monitoring the application of corresponding standards can be found in the “Guidelines of the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services on monitoring of the application of reporting standards in gender-based violence cases in the media”, developed with the support of EU and Council of Europe, available in Macedonian and English.
This workshop was organised by the Division for co-operation on freedom of expression under the action “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in North Macedonia (PRO-FREX),” which is part of the joint programme of the European Union and Council of Europe "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye 2023-2026”.
