At the invitation of the Commission for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men, the State Audit Office (SAO) participated in the public hearing dedicated to “Implementation of the Istanbul Convention with a focus on specialized services for women victims of gender-based and domestic violence.”
The event, opened by the Chairwoman of the Commission, Žaklina Peshevska, was attended by representatives of various institutions, including the President of the country, Prof. Dr. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, the Vice President of Parliament, and the Deputy Minister of Social Policy.
On behalf of the SAO, Katerina Chaloska-Aleksovska, Assistant Auditor General, presented the key findings from the Final Performance Audit Report on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, with a focus on specialized services for women victims.
The audit, covering the period 2018–2023, showed that the implementation is partial: out of the 52 activities planned in the Action Plan, 22 were fully implemented, 20 were not implemented, and 10 were partially implemented.
The lack of shelters, counseling centers, specialized services, and an integrated data-sharing system, as well as insufficient financial planning, limits women’s access to timely and high-quality support.
The discussion emphasized the need for a more coordinated institutional approach, regular monitoring, and stable funding to ensure effective services for victims of violence.
The State Audit Office will continue to monitor the implementation of its recommendations and contribute to the creation of a system that ensures safety, dignity, and protection for every woman.
