In the Republic of Macedonia, the current gender equality paradigm is determined by the strategic approach of Gender Mainstreaming. The National Gender Equality Action Plan of R. Macedonia 2007-2012 stipulates that the Gender equality mainstreaming in all policies and practices represents a key concept and an essence in performing the policy of equality between genders which represents responsibility of the Government and all the Ministries for its application. More specifically, it represents an integration of the gender perspective in the process of assessment of the implications of each planned action on women and men, including legislation, policies and programs in all spheres and levels of social living.
Gender equality mainstreaming for the purpose of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, implicates (re)organization, improvement, development and assessment of the general HIV prevention policies, strategies and programs, in order to include the gender perspective on all levels and in all phases by policymakers. Also, this means a commitment to overcoming the traditional patriarchal matrix regulating the relations between men and women, as a real barrier in achieving essential gender equality.
The gender equality mainstreaming in all policies and practices for HIV/ AIDS prevention, actually represents the creation of conditions in which, roles, problems and experiences of both women and men shall be an integral part of the planning, preparation, implementation, monitoring and assessment of all laws, policies and programs related to HIV/AIDS, in order to increase benefits for both women and men. Consequently, gender equality mainstreaming in all policies and practices in the HIV prevention, treatment care and support is of key importance for all decisions and interventions in that area, and of course, shall lead to improvement of the prevention and quality of treatment, care and support of concerned communities– drug users, sex workers, men having sex with men and persons living with HIV.
Read the full guide report: Guide for integration of the gender perspective in the national HIV/AIDS response of R. Macedonia.