Violence Against Women in Politics and Elections –“Be Safe” Help-Line, Local Elections 2025: Challenges and Next Steps

On the occasion of 25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, IMPETUS – Center for Internet, Development and Good Governance organized a working meeting at the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The event was hosted by the Club of Women MPs and organised in cooperation with The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) – Skopje. IMPETUS was represented by Liljana Pecova-Ilieska.

The discussion, titled:
“Violence Against Women in Politics and Elections – ‘Be Safe’ Help-Line, Local Elections 2025: Challenges and Next Steps” focused on the growing problem of violence against women in political life and during electoral processes.

Violence against women in politics is not just a “women’s issue” – it is a democratic deficit. It undermines equal participation, silences voices, and weakens public trust in institutions.

The meeting highlighted the importance of:

• Strengthening safe and trusted reporting channels, such as the “Be Safe” help-line
• Providing timely support and protection mechanisms for women candidates, elected officials, and activists
• Ensuring that institutions, parties and oversight bodies respond effectively to cases of online and offline violence

Creating safe channels for reporting and support is a crucial step toward more inclusive, gender-responsive and resilient democratic institutions ahead of the Local Elections 2025.