Ahead of the International Women’s Day, the Third Gender Equality and the Western Balkans Judicial Forum, organised by the AIRE Centre with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom, will take place on March 7, 2025, in Skopje, North Macedonia. This event will bring together key judicial actors from the region and beyond to address the critical issue of gender inequalities and to examine how the judiciary can better respond to these challenges.

This year, we are not asking for flowers—we are calling for the basic human rights that every individual deserves: safety, security, and equality. In a region where gender-based violence, including femicide, remains a grave concern, the judiciary’s role is more vital than ever. The forum will focus on how judicial systems can better prevent, investigate, prosecute, and punish gender-based violence in accordance with international human rights standards.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights, this forum will provide a unique platform for regional and international experts, including representatives from the European Court of Human Rights, judicial leaders, NGOs, and academics, to engage in crucial conversations about tackling gender inequalities in the Western Balkans.

Why is it important? The forum provides a unique platform for the judicial community to come together, share experiences, and enhance their understanding of how to address gender-based violence and inequality within the context of human rights. By engaging in these discussions, we can make meaningful progress toward a safer and more just environment for women and all individuals in the Western Balkans.