The Spouse of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, addressed today the Women's session within the 16th Eurasian Economic Summit on "Women's Experience in the Process of Modernization".

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your Excellencies,

I have gladly accepted the invitation to take part at the Women's Session during the 16th Eurasian Economic Summit, organized by the Marmara Foundation. I extend my appreciation to the host of this Forum, Ms. Mujgan Suver, for her perseverance and determination to establish a separate women's forum within the Eurasian Economic Summit, dealing with topics particularly of women's interest.

I am pleased that, for the third year in a row, I have the opportunity to address this eminent forum and talk about women as active participants in social life.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As wife of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to become engaged in certain areas as patron or supporter of a variety of initiatives and actions. Without any hesitation, I have dedicated myself to women and children related activities to which I devote most of my time and energy. These activities give me energy and optimism that I can contribute and thus bring change. I seek inspiration in children's smiles and in creating conditions for their carefree childhood or in the countless success stories of women in every field.

Dear Attendees,

Today women are recognized as equal participants and contributors in all segments of public, economic, social and political life - in institutions, state and local government, politics, education, health system, judiciary, business, culture etc. They contribute in the overall social and economic development of the country. The creation of such opportunities for women is innate process, and, in the recent decades, this is recognized in the concepts of gender equality and creation of equal opportunities.

Gender equality is a concept that needs to be further developed, a concept that we strive to become a reality and ensure continuous improvement, with the main goal - to improve the status of women, i.e. to achieve gender equality and ensure equal opportunities. This process involves all government institutions and the civil society, including the international organizations which play particularly important role, through which most positive examples and practices at global level are recognized and enforced.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Balance in nature, regardless of our beliefs, shows that half of the world's population is women. Logical conclusion of the current situation should be that exactly that half of the world's population contributes for the half of the contributions in the global development process. However, the reality is different and no matter how we wish to interpret the current situations, the past reminds us that for many centuries women were in a subordinate position to men and that the equality between men and women is not yet a completed process.

Period which is most important for the awakening of public awareness for improvement of the status of women is the 1970s when the first World Conference on Women in the United Nations was organized and the proclamation of the Year of Women (1975), a period when the feminist movements emerged globally. During this period, women were seen from their position in terms of their contribution to the international development, which was based on the theory of modernization and was accepted by most governments and development agencies. This approach was extended in the 1980s when the status of women was considered not only in terms of their contribution to the development of the societies, but also in terms of their position in relation to men, recognizing the subordinate position of women and the unequal relations.

Within the largest global organization, several conferences were organized and several conventions and declarations dedicated to women were adopted. These documents committed the international community to improving the status of women and strengthening of their position in public and private life. UN member states are obliged to implement actions relating to areas of special interest to women – women's rights, education, health, economy, participation in decision making and many others. The goal was represented by women and was dedicated to women. The status of women is to be in accordance with their personal needs, parity especially in relation to the rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities, affected by the promotion of personal, social, cultural, political and economic equality for all.

However, modernization of woman does not only mean making decisions, platforms, action plans, but it means change of the concepts in our thinking, change in the traditional and conventional values and stereotypes, as well as change in encouraging and securing political acceptance will of such thinking. Modernization of women means first of all change of her way of thinking and understanding the concepts of gender equality. Moreover, it means social acceptance and providing equal opportunities for women and gender non-discrimination.

My country is a positive example in this regard. The legal regulations on equal opportunities, the adoption of the National Gender Equality Plan, the establishment of the Equal Opportunities Committee in the Parliament and many other examples speak of the existence of political will all reforms to be promoted and fulfilled. This is also a great progress in achieving gender equality, but we should not stop at this point. We should take every opportunity we have to ensure that women's rights are at hand and insured. Since modern woman means modernized society, society that will provide more successful examples of women leaders in every area.

Thank you.

The Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), within the frameworks of the “Help on Time” national campaign to raise funds for reconstruction and adaptation of the premises of the Emergency Room at the Children’s Hospital, under the patronage of the wife of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, donated a total of 55.000 Euros, funds needed for the first phase of the project.

The funds were donated at the VIP donor cocktail which was held last night in MKC Skopje, which was attended by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, and his wife, Ms. Maja Ivanova.

- Today, in the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, something unexpected happened, but, in any case, welcomed, the wife of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, said in his speech at the donor cocktail held last night. We received a letter for a significant donation and support for the Campaign, which made us very happy. That letter answered all our questions. The letter and the support are from a sincere and true friend of the Republic of Macedonia. The funds for reconstruction of the premises within the Children’s Hospital as Emergency Room in the amount of 55.000 Euros will be donated by the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency, TIKA, Ms. Ivanova said.
The donated funds cover the costs for construction and adaptation of the premises. Suitable medical equipment is further needed, which will find effective application in the renovated premises and will enable faster and better intervention for urgent cases.

Despite the major donation from the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), at the VIP donor cocktail, Dr. Aspazija Sofijanova, Director of the Children’s Hospital, announced the donors who have helped the project with donations of more than 120.000 Denars. Among the others are: Tinex, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Macedonia, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Republic of Macedonia, Financial Union Skopje - Western Union, as well as Alkaloid and Kozuvcanka.

The gala event was attended by renowned and prominent public, social and political life figures in the country. Among them were the director of the Children’s Hospital, Dr. Aspazija Sofijanova, who is the campaign coordinator, as well as the national campaign partners, Ms. Mariett Shuurman, Ambassador of the Netherlands in the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Mary J. Wohlers, wife of the Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Macedonia, the non-profit organization LinkAcross and representatives of the marketing agency “New Moment”.

National Fundraising Campaign was launched today for reconstruction and adaptation of the premises as Pediatric Emergency Room within the Children's Hospital, which will provide better and timely health protection for children, namely patients up to 18 years. As part of the ongoing campaign under the motto "Help on Time", it is needed to collect 55.000 EUR. The Emergency Room will be located on the ground floor in the hospital, at an area of 130 m².

Patron of the National Campaign is the wife of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, who stated that there is nothing more valuable and precious than the life of a child.

"There is nothing more valuable and precious than the life of a child. I believe and expect that the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia will recognize this great and noble mission and action and will give huge support, regardless of their religious, ethnic or national origin, because children are our future, they always unite us. What personally may seem like a small contribution to us is surely a priceless contribution to those it is intended for. Seconds are very important in saving a child's life in the Emergency Room", Ms. Maja Ivanova said.

"Being responsible for the future generations and driven by the maternal instinct and the need to care for our children, and, above all, for their health, I have accepted, with great pleasure, the invitation to be the patron of this great and noble mission and action. I support this initiative, with sincere thought and with great enthusiasm, faith and hope that all of us present here today will do the best for our children, for our loved ones", Ms. Ivanova said at the press conference, and also expressed gratitude for the media support.

Campaign partners are the U.S. Ambassador's wife, Ms. Mary J. Wohlers, the Dutch Ambassador, Ms. Marriet Shuurman and Clay Buttemere, representing the NGO "LinkAcross".

The Hospital Director, Ms. Aspazija Sofijanova said that the funds are intended for renovation and adaptation of the hospital premises, electrical installation, ventilation, water supply, sewage and medical gasses systems. She said it would become a small, mini, hospital where children would immediately be treated.

"The funds are to be collected at the fundraising cocktail for VIPs under the auspices of the President's wife, Ms. Maja Ivanova, which will be held on April 2nd, 2013, at the Macedonian Cultural Center, as well as with personal donations at the phone number for this campaign – 14321", Ms. Sofijanova said.

The wife of the U.S. Ambassador, Ms. Mary J. Wohlers, said that she believes it is a very valuable investment because we are all investing in the lives of all future generations in Macedonia.

"As a nurse, I am aware that a child's life can be lost very quickly and that medical help is needed on time. This Emergency Room will allow grouping and diagnosis, treatment, and sending the child home after proper care is given or his admission in the hospital. The Campaign is an opportunity for the community members to demonstrate their civic responsibility with donations", Ms. Wohlers said.

Ambassador Shuurman stressed that the society can not prosper without civic activism and that everyone is obliged to be an active citizen. The slogan of the Dutch Embassy is "You Can if You Want". She urged all citizens, companies and institutions to donate funds and get involved in the implementation of the project for reconstruction and adaptation of the premises of the first Pediatric Emergency Room in Macedonia.

The spouse of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, who is accompanying the President during the official visit to the State of Qatar, today visited the “Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs”.

Ms. Ivanova visited several departments of the “Shafallah Centre”, with particular interest in the Autism Department and the Department of Medical and Genetic Research.

She was hosted by the President of the “Shafallah Center”, Hassan Ali Bin Ali, who is also Chairman of the organization “One Billion Strong”, where Ms. Ivanova is a member of the Honorary Board. “One Billion Strong” is a global initiative to help people with disabilities, founded by Sheikha Mozah, spouse of the Emir of Qatar.During the visit, Ms. Ivanova informed Bin Ali about the existing programs for children with special needs in the Republic of Macedonia.

On this occasion, a draft Memorandum of Understanding was proposed by the “Shafallah Center” for cooperation with the Macedonian Academy of Arts and Sciences in the areas of education, science and genetics. Ms. Ivanova expressed appreciation for this proposal, which will be considered by MANU after her return to the Republic of Macedonia.

Yesterday evening, Ms. Maja Ivanova had a working dinner with the spouse of the Emir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser, where they exchanged views and ideas for cooperation in areas where they are both active, especially in programs for children with special needs.

The spouse of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, in the Center of the Army today attended the opening of the first edition of the children film festival, titled “Our Small Festival”, held under auspices and under the auspices of the Minister of Culture, Elizabeta Kanceska Milevska.

The festival, organized by “Nashe Maalo” was officially opened by the Minister of Culture, and was attended by numerous pupils, teachers and parents.

The first children film festival offers a program that integrates a number of educational workshops, projections of children movies and entertainment content which will bring closer to children, through informal education, the film, music, art, and all other segments and types of culture.

As the Minister of Culture Kanceska-Milevska said, this educational film festival, implemented through the annual competition of the Ministry of Culture to support projects of national interest, will fill the gap of regular program of children films, through a very careful selection of European production children films.

“Our Small Festival” is also supported by several municipalities and the EU Delegation in Skopje.

The spouse of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, on the occasion of the International Children’s Day, donated bed linen to the Pediatric Clinic in Skopje. As part of the donation, small patients received new pillows, quilts, coverlets, sheets and pillow cases.

“We can rightly say that the Republic of Macedonia supports and develops children’s rights as citizen’s rights. Today’s donation to the Clinic is fully funded by the Honorary Consul of Macedonia in Izmir, Turkey, Ms. Gaye Akçen, in cooperation with the Consul General of Macedonia in Istanbul, Ms. Zerin Abas”, Ms. Ivanova said.

She expressed hope that this donation will bring at least little light these days to the children who are accommodated and treated in the Pediatric Clinic.

“The only desire that I have this International Children’s Day is these children to be cured as soon as possible and leave the clinic and return to the arms of their parents, grandparents, schools, so that they can continue their carefree childhood. I often say it is worth to walk million steps to get a hug by a child, a childish smile, a kiss, and I think we will succeed in this”, the Spouse of the President said, Ms. Maja Ivanova.

She also wished the children who are treated at the clinic to get out of there healthy as soon as possible.

The Consul General of Macedonia in Istanbul, Zerin Abas, said that she is very happy that she is involved in this humanitarian action.

"Children are our future and we should always invest in them, in education, health etc. They are the biggest investment and in the future they will return our investment", Consul General Abas said.

The spouse of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova. today in the Primary School “Blaze Koneski” in Prilep, attended the celebration of the “Day of the Apple” as part of the campaign “Healthy Food for Faultless Childhood”, which is being implemented under her auspices.

School pupils, personnel, parents and associates, with the support of the municipality of Prilep, organized an all-day event with various and numerous activities, and, in the school yard, there was an exhibition of creative works and products of apples.

“What we saw in Prilep today, on the “Day of the Apple” should symbolically and practically be our children’s everyday practice. I am particularly happy when we are all unselfishly dedicated to the activities that are aimed at creating children’s safe and healthy future”, Ms. Ivanova said in her welcome speech, expressing satisfaction that in this action, besides schools, parents are actively involved and the campaign becomes more massive.

She urged and encouraged the other schools, through such creative events, to stimulate interest and awareness among children for healthy habits and proper nutrition.

"On this occasion, I will use the motto of one wonderful show "That Wonderful Country". Our country is indeed wonderful, rich in fertile soil, sunny days and all the prerequisites to have healthy generations are here", Ms. Ivanova said, adding that when it comes to children, as before and in the future, we will continue to give our support, because there is nothing more important than the future, and children are exactly our future.

"Every one of us is obliged to contribute to their better life. Life means health, and health means, above all, healthy nutrition. That is why we are here, the spouse of the President said.

"The Day of the Apple" is one of many public events as part of the action "Days of Fruits and Vegetables", within the campaign "Healthy Food for Faultless Childhood". The campaign aimed to encourage interest among children in healthy and proper nutrition, is part of the program "Integration of environmental education in the Macedonian educational system" implemented successfully by the Citizens' Association OHO, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science, in all educational institutions in Macedonia.

The wife of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, today visited the State High School for Rehabilitation and Education “St. Naum Ohridski” in Skopje, where, under the motto “Our Minds, our Hands, our Deeds” the World Healthy Food Day was marked.

Ms. Ivanova has given her support to the project “Healthy Habits through Healthy Food”, organized by this School, with an aim to educate pupils on the importance of healthy food, to raise awareness about food preparing hygiene practices and thus to enable greater socialization of children with special needs.

As part of the event, Ms. Ivanova visited the workshop on fruits and vegetables figures, and had the opportunity to witness the exceptional talent of children with special needs, and also took part in the auction where the were best figures were awarded. She addressed all present and emphasized the efforts on raising awareness among the population about healthy food, especially for children, who are our future and the greatest fortune.

On the occasion of the five-year anniversary of the death of our greatest music star, Tose Proeski, Ms. Maja Ivanova, at this event, awarded the pupils from the High School "St. Naum Ohridski" music CDs with all issued albums of the Macedonian angel.

Hence, Ms. Ivanova said that it is a great pleasure for her that today she is among children – the most faithful and sincere audience in Tose's short life and added that, with his deeds, primarily as a humanist, he will always be part of all Macedonian hearts.

Distinguished Attendees,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a great supporter of the national campaign against breast cancer, it is my distinct honor to address this, fifth in a sequence, Annual National Conference. I avail myself of this opportunity to commend the organizers, the association “Borka – For Every New Day”, association which, with its activities, is the voiced and most persistent promoter of the fight against breast cancer in the Republic of Macedonia, most dedicated activist for raising awareness among women about the disease, and one of the principal supporters of women faced with this disease. I would like to assure you that, for their unselfish commitment, we are immensely thankful.

Marking the month of October as the world month dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, we are part of the international health campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the disease. The campaign aims to raise funds for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of this disease.

In the course of this month, as well as throughout the year, events are being organized that focus the attention of the public to this disease and campaigns that offer support and information for those affected by breast cancer. Therefore, we must praise all the projects, campaigns and activities of the national institutions, health care facilities, medical professionals and civil society. Moreover, we all need to support their goal - to attract the attention of the female population on the importance of prevention and early detection of this disease. To remind them of regular individual and medical examinations and their inclusion in the annual screening programs for early detection and possible prevention. Thus, we would significantly influence the detection of the disease in its early stages when treatment is much more efficient. That being so, we will all contribute to the fight against this disease, and with all our support, with every step we make of our goodwill and assistance, we offer our hand to help another woman, another one of us. Such extremely useful activity is seen in the groups for psycho-social support and assistance as part of the organization “Borka”, the place where one woman offers her helping hand to another woman, and out of her own experience, encourages her in her personal struggle. Exactly this is the very first and most necessary assistance. Help which, in fact, is most appreciated and is, indeed, most worthy.

Accordingly, of particular importance for such activities is to grant them tribute for the investment, support and commitment of many individuals, as well as of a great number of socially responsible businesses, each, in its own way, trying to provide personal contribution to the national fight against breast cancer.

Respected attendees,
Today, we express our support to all who are affected by breast cancer, either directly or indirectly, as parents, partners, spouses, children, friends. But, above all, we are here to express our persistence and desire to help women who are now facing the biggest obstacle in their life time. Let’s show them that they are not alone. Let’s show them that our compassion is not an empty word or a vain promise, that our compassion is actually our commitment, our help and our fight for easier dealing with this disease. With every step we make in light of creation of better conditions for its treatment, we are getting closer to eradicate this disease through prevention and early detection.
Therefore, today, I would like to salute especially those who have managed to overcome the disease. They are here with us today, to witness of their faith, perseverance, persistence and sacrifice. They are real fighters. They are actually our greatest inspiration. Inspiration for all those who are still fighting it. Inspiration for those who have a loved one facing this disease. And, above all, they encourage and instigate our future activities and endeavors.
Therefore, I call you all to applaud exactly those women - winners, leaders, instigators of all our future initiatives in the fight against breast cancer.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are aware that statistics is extremely important, but not the most important. We are people, not numbers or statistics. We have the ability to help, support and encourage each other. Thus, every individual should be involved in such initiatives, where we can give our personal contribution and make a change. It is said: “the one who has ever saved a human life, has saved the whole world”. If individual activism would help in making a small change in the life of a woman affected by breast cancer or help a woman in timely detecting the threat before it is too late, we have achieved great success. It certainly gives us great motivation for further mobilization.

Conditions for this exist, but they need to be fully in charge of this noble mission. The sooner - the better. Governmental institutions, led by the initiatives of their employees, as well as the initiatives implemented by the civil society, provide the legal framework and adopt strategies on health issues for further development of this segment of the health policy, organize campaigns for early diagnosis, ensure dignified and equal treatment and equal access to treatment for all.

In continuity we are creating, updating and strengthening the partnership between the state, the civil society and the business community. Partnership based on this high human and noble goal - the fight against breast cancer. Partnership that constantly and diligently works on raising awareness, with a greater and increased public engagement, spreading the pink wave and its symbolism.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Every month is a Breast Cancer month. Every day is a day of hope, perseverance in the fight against breast cancer. We can not and we must not limit our activities neither in time nor in space. Our goal is continuous struggle that begins with prevention, not only in Skopje, but in every part of the Republic of Macedonia.

With such a message, at the very end, I would like to invite you all, together, to try with new strengths and new thoughts, each and every day to contribute as much as possible in the areas where we can do so. Let’s help exactly where our help is needed.

Thank you.

Сопругата на претседателот на Република Македонија, г-ѓа Маја Иванова, ја даде својата поддршка на Меѓународниот проект за зголемување на пристапноста кон образованието за лицата со инвалидитет, на настанот кој под нејзино покровителство денес се одржа денес на плоштадот „Македонија“. Целта на проектот е да се иницираат суштински промени во образовниот процес, со што ќе се овозможи промоција и гарантирање на еднакви права за лицата со инвалидитет. На настанот за подигнување на јавната свест за значењето на соодветното образование на лицата со посебни потреби, учествуваа ученици од градинките и училиштата, професори и студенти, јавни личности, естрадни уметници, спортисти и граѓани.

Во своето обраќање пред присутните г-ѓа Иванова истакна:

Почитувани,
Ми претставува особено задоволство што денес сум овде меѓу вас и што ја имам можноста да ја дадам својата поддршка во реализацијата на меѓународниот проект за зголемување на пристапноста кон образованието  за лицата со инвалидитет. Ме радува што оваа иницијатива е поддржана од  голем број здруженија и институции, но уште повеќе што е поддржана од  граѓаните на Република Македонија.

Денес сме тука сите заедно да придонесеме кон една многу значајна цел, да го привлечеме вниманието на јавноста кон еден значаен сегмент од нашето општество – образованието, но, образование кое е еднакво пристапно за сите граѓани. Правото на образование е загарантирано со Уставот и законите на Република Македонија. Тоа е универзално човеково право и предност која денешното современо општество мора да му ја овозможи на секој поединец. Како што секој граѓанин треба да има можност да го оствари секое свое право, така и лицата со инвалидитет мора да имаат еднакви можности и пристапност до нивото на образование кое тие сакаат да го стекнат. Затоа, сите заедно, свесни за значењето на овој сегмент во издигнувањето на една здрава, општествено свесна и социјално реализирана личност, треба да работиме посветено за остварување на ова право на лицата со инвалидитет.

Почитувани,
Лицата со посебни потреби се уникатни поединци кои поседуваат богатство на знаења, вештини, интереси и искуства. Кои можат да дадат огромна разновидност, и со својот потенцијал и креативна енергија да бидат активни чинители во општеството. Тие ги прават истите работи како и сите ние, но на малку поразличен начин, и сигурна сум дека можат да ги постигнат истите резултати, па дури и повеќе. Да ги поздравиме и наградиме нивните успеси кои сите нас нè прават среќни и горди. Оваа година, радоста за златен медал од Параолимписките игри во Лондон ни ја донесе нашата гордост, Оливера Наковска-Бикова. Да ја поздравиме и да и го честитаме овој голем успех и, воедно, да поттикнеме уште многу поединци да се борат со секојдневните препреки, потпирајќи се на нашата поддршка. Токму затоа треба да се фокусираме на нивните способности, а не на нивниот инвалидитет. Треба да се фокусираме на нивната личност, а не на нивниот недостаток. Тие се рамноправни граѓани на нашата заедница, и наша обврска е да направиме сè што е во наша моќ за да им овозможиме еднакви услови и полна социјална интеграција.

Во тој контекст, образованието игра клучна улога. Ако на едно дете, еден човек со инвалидитет, не му дадеме можност за соодветно образование, тоа значи дека од старт сме му ја скратиле можноста за нормален и продуктивен живот. Тоа е неприфатливо!

Постојано и со сите напори мора да го промовираме значењето на образовниот процес, преку кој лицата со инвалидност ќе можат да се образуваат од најмала возраст, па сè до стекнување на највисоки академски степени. Образованието е од суштинско значење за проширување на животните видици. Со целосна интеграција во образовните и социјалните системи, кај лицата со инвалидност ќе се зајакне самодовербата и чувството на независност. Ќе се отворат вратите кон поквалитетен и поудобен живот, и ќе се зајакнат перспективите за постигнување успеси.

Би сакала да нагласам – лицата со инвалидитет се луѓе како и сите други. Имаат душа, желби и копнежи, аспирации и амбиции. Ним не им е потребно нашето сожалување, туку нашето пријателство и охрабрување. Ним не им е потребна милостина, туку услови за напредок и просперитет. Секој граѓанин на Република Македонија треба да ја развие таа свесност и да ги негува овие темелни вредности. Убедена сум дека тоа го можеме и дека тоа ќе го направиме.

За крај, би сакала да упатам искрена благодарност до здруженијата, универзитетите, училиштата, градинките, кои се вклучија и го поддржуваат овој проект, како и државните институции преку кои Република Македонија во своето домашно законодавство има постигнато солидна основа во заштита на правата на лицата со инвалидитет. Ја поздравувам нивната посветеност во реализацијата на една ваква благородна мисија.

Ви благодарам.