Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Migration: Participants of the Western Balkan region gathered at the Regional Conference in Skopje

Migration is not gender-neutral. Social norms, legal frameworks, and protection access shape migration experiences, risks and vulnerabilities. Many fleeing conflict or hardship face exploitation, trafficking, forced labour, and violence, often without support. A regional, multi-sectoral approach is essential to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in migration.

In that regard, Hilfswerk International in cooperation with Migration, Asylum, Refugees Regional Initiative (MARRI) Regional Centre, organised a Regional Conference on Gender-Based Violence in the Migration Context, which took place from 5-6 March 2025 at Hotel Aleksandar Palace in Skopje. This conference served as a platform to discuss gender-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches to prevent and address GBV, considering the unique vulnerabilities faced by people on the move, asylum seekers, and refugees.

The opening session featured remarks from Aleksandar Janev, Director of the Public Security Bureau at the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of North Macedonia, MARRI RC Acting Director Simona Krstevska and Enaida Hadzic, Regional Project Manager at Hilfswerk International.

 “This conference is more than just a meeting of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. It is a call to action—a space where we can confront the realities of gender-based violence in migration, share knowledge, and work together toward meaningful solutions” – stressed Ms. Krstevska in her address.  

On her part, Ms. Hadzic highlighted the importance of regional cooperation stating: “I believe that this conference will contribute to the further exchange of experiences and the strengthening of our common dedication to migration management in a way that is just, humane, and in line with international standards, as well as bring valuable insights and concrete recommendations that will lead us towards more inclusive and efficient policies".

Key experts and policymakers from across the Western Balkans contributed to discussions aimed at shaping policies and collaborative initiatives to better protect migrants from GBV. The participants had the opportunity to explore legal frameworks, institutional responses, and best practices for prevention and protection, while fostering regional and international cooperation. The discussions also tackled the role of the international organizations and academia in developing evidence-based policies on GBV in migration, as well as the responsibility of media in covering migration and GBV-related issues. The aim of this conference was to contribute to improved communication and coordination among key stakeholders to promote and ensure sustainable solutions to the aforementioned challenges in the migration process.

This initiative is part of the project “Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum, and Return Processes in the Western Balkans”, co-financed by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior, implemented by Hilfswerk International and Joint Coordination Platform (JCP).