On 27 November 2025, the State Audit Office held a promotional event for the Final Audit Report “Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.”
The event was organized within the global initiative “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,” sending a clear message about the need for societal and institutional commitment to creating an environment in which every woman can live free from violence.
Special appreciation was extended to UN Women for their continuous support in strengthening gender equality and protection systems.
In his opening address, the Auditor General, Mr. Maksim Acevski, emphasized the role of audit as an important mechanism for identifying shortcomings, challenges, and necessary systemic measures for setting up a coordinated and effective system for protection from violence against women. He highlighted the importance of public accountability and institutional commitment to implementing the Istanbul Convention.
The importance of this process was emphasized by the international partners' statements.
- H.E. Christoph Sommer, Ambassador of Switzerland, underscored the long-standing cooperation and the need to strengthen gender equality systems.
- Mr. Mikael Aterhög, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden, spoke about the importance of strong institutions and zero tolerance towards violence.
- Ms. Vesna Ivanović Kastered, Head of the UN Women Office, emphasized the need for cross-sectoral coordination and continuous institutional support.
The key part of the event was the presentation of the Final Audit Report delivered by Ms. Katerina Čaloska-Aleksovska, Assistant Auditor General. She presented the main audit findings and systemic weaknesses, the level of implemented measures, institutional challenges, and the need for more efficient application of protocols for prevention and protection. It was stressed that the system's functioning depends on coordination among institutions and their consistent readiness to provide timely, accessible support to victims.
In the expert segment of the event, Ms. Ana Avramoska Nuškovа from the National Network to end violence against women and domestic violence spoke about real-life challenges in practice, gaps within the system, and the need for a sensitive and timely institutional response.
Mr. Martin Nacevski from UN Women presented positive international practices and emerging challenges, including technology-facilitated violence, and recommendations for strengthening national mechanisms.
The event concluded with a shared message that preventing and eliminating violence against women is a collective responsibility, not solely an institutional one. The State Audit Office will continue to monitor the implementation of recommendations and contribute to building protection systems that ensure safety, dignity, and equality for all women and girls.
