This public event, attended by approximately 750 to 850 people, was supported not only by the celebrity sportsmen featured in the campaign, but also by many singers and musicians who performed free of charge in support of the initiative. UNFPA role model Dani Dimitrovska, Robert Bilbilov, Gjoko Taneski, Beni Shakiri, Tamara Todevska and others performed at the stage, trying to give their best contribution to the awareness raising efforts of the campaign.

Minister of Labour Dzelal Bajrami, UNFPA National Programme Coordinator Tatjana Shikoska and Gert Kampan, Head of Development within the Embassy of the Kingdom of Holland, addressed the gathered audience calling for intensifying the efforts for elimination of the extremely negative phenomenon of violence within the home. Ms. Shikoska handed over Certificate of Appreciation to the three sportsmen who took part in the campaign – Artim Shakiri, Primislav Dimovski and Kiril Lazarov – for their support, as well as to the marketing agency “Publicis” who organized the campaign pro-bono.

During the 2-hours event, NGO volunteers disseminated leaflets, brochures and posters, giving also purple ribbons – the official logo and signage of the campaign. Branded three-wheel ‘rickshas’ offered free ride along the Macedonia Street to the place of the event, giving away promotional and informative materials.

The campaign “A Real Man Never Hits a Woman” is part of the extensive three-year programme of five UN agencies (UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNIFEM and WHO) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy for strengthening the national capacities for prevention of and response to domestic violence. Wider awareness raising is one part of the activities envisaged with this multifaceted programme, aimed at modification of perpetrators’ mindsets and actions, towards complete elimination of this devastating practice.

More photos of the event along with vivid discussion on the topic are available through the Facebook Group - A Real Man Never Hits a Woman