The minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, addressed the conference “Gender Equality at the Core of EU Accession: North Macedonia’s Path Forward” held in Skopje and organized by the Ministry of european affairs and UN Women. The event brought together high-level institutional representatives, experts, and partner organizations around a shared goal—integrating gender equality as a central component of European integration.
In her opening remarks, minister Bozhinovska emphasized that gender equality is a fundamental European value and a clear condition for EU membership, but above all, an investment in the country’s stability, economic growth, and sustainable future.
“Europe has made it clear that equality is not a choice, but a standard. And we accept that standard because we believe in a state without privileged and underprivileged citizens”, the minister stressed.
She noted that the energy sector—as a strategic sector and a political pillar of European integration—remains one of the areas with the lowest participation of women, which represents not only a social injustice but also an obstacle to a successful green transition.
“Women are least represented in technical professions, energy innovation and leadership positions. This is a limitation we must overcome if we want a modern, European, and competitive economy. Equality does not happen by itself—it is built. In a sector like energy, where women often have to prove themselves twice as much, it is my responsibility as a leader to open the door for other women. If institutions create fair rules and clear opportunities, talent will stand out”, Bozhinovska stated.
The Minister also highlighted the fact that the Ministry of energy today is an institution with full gender balance—50% women and 50% men—which, she noted, is proof that institutions can and must be drivers of equality.
In the speech, it was announced that the principles of equal treatment, equal pay, non-discrimination and gender inclusion will be integrated into all key energy reforms.
The Minister welcomed the cooperation with UN Women and the development of ten gender GAP analyses, which will serve as a foundation for new measures, statistical indicators, and evidence-based policies.
“The green transition will not succeed if half of the population remains outside the process. Our obligation is to create a system that is stable, European, and fair—a system in which every woman has access to education, technology, innovation, and leadership positions in the energy sector. Europe is not building a new energy system to repeat the injustice of the old one. Europe is building a system in which everyone gets a chance to contribute—and we must be part of that vision”, Bozhinovska underlined.
The conference concluded with a call for strengthened coordination among institutions, donors, and civil society, as well as a shared assessment that North Macedonia has the potential to become a regional leader in creating an inclusive and gender-equal green transition.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
