Skopje, 13 December 2023 (MIA) - Promotion and protection of equal rights are prerequisites for justice in society. If we manage to build a system that will effectively protect the rights of all citizens, it will undoubtedly become better, Deputy PM for Good Governance Policies Slavica Grkovska said at a panel discussion on the power of gender equality and inclusion in dealing with corruption within the frameworks of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Conference of the States Parties (COSP), in Atlanta, United States.

Deputy PM Grkovska noted that the increased participation of women in all social processes leads to different points of view and attitudes being taken into consideration, as well as improved decision-making and reduced risks of corruption, the Government said in a press release on Wednesday.

She also expressed gratitude to the U.S. Department of State and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for their support during the formation of the South-East Europe Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Women Leaders Forum in March 2023.

"The regional format of this forum helps us learn from one another and share different practices and experiences, which is important considering the similarities of societies in the region," Grkovska said.

She highlighted the research on gender and corruption in public administration in North Macedonia, which was recently conducted on her initiative. Although results are still being summarized and analyzed, initial results show that women are much more sensitized to recognize corruption.

"Research also shows that as a country, we have to work on other issues, such as strengthening mechanisms for reporting corruption and protecting whistleblowers, and increasing awareness among public administration employees on the risks of corruption," Grkovska added.

Executive Director of UNODC, Ghada Waly, gave the opening address, accompanied by panelists: Deputy PM for Good Governance Policies Slavica Grkovska, Education and Sport in Liechtenstein, Dominique Hasler, the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Adrian Saunders, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice in Ghana, Godfred Dame, and Minister of Public Service and Administration of South Africa, Noxolo Kiviet. ssh/ik/

Photo: Deputy PM's Office