Skopje, 6 March 2023 (MIA) - Tracing the path to digital transformation, women's participation in the labor market, challenges and opportunities, and digital tools to promote gender equality are in the focus of Monday's conference on "Women and Digitalization - breaking barriers, opening opportunities to advance gender equality".

Deputy PM for good governance policies Slavica Grkovska deliveres an opening address at the conference, which is organized by UN Women and UNDP. According to Grkovska, digitalization is not only a strategic goal of the government. 

"Digital transformation is not only important for the fulfillment of a government strategic goal to achieve modern and efficient public administration. Digitalization that provides swift and efficient services is directly related to other goals, which are the government's goals, but also goals that are in the interest of our country, economic growth, higher standard, higher quality education, rule of law, transparency and reduction of corruption," said Grkovska. 

She noted that gender equality in every segment is an issue that cannot be bypassed, while digitalization can help a lot in improving situations such as new opportunities for greater participation of women in the labor market, greater involvement in changes and fully exploiting their potential. 

Minister of Information Society and Administration Azir Aliu pointed out that there is disproportion in the structure of management positions and therefore, we cannot say that we are an open society.

"We can make strategies, but if it doesn't help the career development of those people, it won't mean anything. We need to open paths, enable people to realize their portfolios, regardless of whether it is a man or a woman in question," Aliu said. 

Skopje Mayor Danela Arsovska spoke of projects implemented by the City of Skopje towards providing equal opportunities for women. 

"Given that the gender component is important and there are things that women need more than men, we act and work to make it possible and make it a part of our everyday life," said Arsovska. 

Arsovska said any tool that can give women a higher level of opportunities to participate in all processes of local self-government and the building of local and national policies should be stimulated.

Head of the UN Women Office in the country Vesna Ivanović-Kastared said although highly educated women work in the world of digitalization, this sector is not gender neutral and men still traditionally dominate as in many fields of public and political life.

"Digitalization enables women to make a breakthrough in these fields, which are traditionally dominated by men, and we all need to support that. Bridging this digital gender divide requires improved access to internet devices, education and training. Let's not forget that some girls do not have the same opportunities and access to education as boys. Let's not forget that some women do not have the opportunity to have their own computer, telephone or access to the Internet," said Ivanović-Kastared. 

According to her, deep-rooted gender stereotypes prevent women and girls, particularly those from vulnerable groups, from taking advantage of the countless opportunities that digital technologies offer for personal and professional progress, and any change must have everyone's needs and contributions in the foreground.

The conference is organized as part of events to mark International Women's Day - March 8, and several representatives and experts from the public sector will participate in it.