Skopje, 8 March 2024 (MIA) - Team Europe and the UN in North Macedonia presented the 2024 European Woman of the Year award on International Women’s Day on Friday. Seven exquisite women recognised as change-makers within their respective communities were presented with the award.

European Woman of the Year is an award established in 2022 by the Delegation of the European Union as a way to acknowledge and promote equality and equal opportunities as a fundamental EU value.

The second, 2024 edition is organised under the patronage of Team Europe and the UN Representation in North Macedonia. Each nominee was introduced by an ambassador representing international organizations and embassies in the country.

EU Ambassador David Geer, in his speech during the award ceremony, pointed out that March 8 is the day when we discuss the importance of women's rights and gender equality.

“We want to make a difference and talk about women who are making a difference, who are advancing equality, who are breaking taboos, and by the acts that they do day in and day out in the community. Seven women have been selected from across the country, each of them is remarkable in different ways and each of them is an inspiration of the way forward. The promotion of equality is a European value but is also an international value,” Geer said.

Roma activist from Skopje, Almira Fasljii Muarem, was presented by Petra Drexler, Ambassador of Germany. In her speech, she reminded that the term that best describes her is "female fighter," as the ongoing struggle for gender equality, the fight against discrimination towards Roma women, and the campaign for women's inclusion across all spheres of life serve as the guiding principles she adheres to daily.

Maria Duda Dibiaggo, entrepreneur from Kriva Palanka, who was presented by Björn Gabriel, Head of EIB Representation, in her remarks today on the occasion of receiving the award, she pointed out that the word that best describes her is "courage," which was most essential when returning from the US to Macedonia and starting her own business. Specifically, she undertook the challenge of entering a male-dominated field - farming or working with aggressive animals. Her courage inspired her to work with aggressive animals, and following her interaction with them, the animals had a therapeutic effect on people with disabilities, adults, and children.

Katerina Koteska-Stisniovska, attorney at law from Bitola, is the nominee, presented by José Luis Lozano Garcia, Ambassador of Spain. As she stated, the word that best describes her is "fearless" because every woman should be fearless in her own achievement, as a woman, mother, but also as an equal member of society.

Elmedina Abdullahi, environmental advocate from Tetovo, who was presented by Sophia Philippidou, Ambassador of Greece, said that her word is “love” – love for life, nature, and children, because, as she said, every task done with love leads to success.

Gresa Mustafai, athlete from Struga, who was presented by Gregor Presker, Ambassador of Slovenia, said that she sees herself as strong, sincere, and motivated. Her message to the youngest is that they should not be afraid of new challenges.

Ana Vitanova Ringacheva, university professor from Strumica, presented by Ami Larson Jain, Ambassador of Sweden, in her address on the occasion of the award, she stressed that she chooses the word "sharing" for herself because she considers teaching to be the noblest profession, and as she stated, being a teacher is a life mission.

Daliborka Zlateva, advocate for the disabled from Veles, presented by Rossana Dudziak, UN Resident Coordinator, she highlighted that she sees herself as determined, persistent, and brave. Her personal mission involves filtering and integrating individuals with disabilities into society and providing services to the most vulnerable and those who are powerless.

Photo: MIA