U.S. Embassy Recognizes Contributions of Six Outstanding Women In Macedonia

Ambassador Milovanovic Presents Awards in Ceremony
 
On Monday, March 6, 2006, Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic and Dr. Zlat Milovanovic hosted a ceremony to recognize six women from Macedonia for outstanding contributions to their professional fields, and for their work in addressing important challenges and issues in Macedonia.
 
This marks the fourth year that the U.S. Embassy in Skopje has held a program to recognize the accomplishments and leadership of women in the Republic of Macedonia. 
 
In remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Milovanovic noted that women are playing a major role in economic development in Macedonia, and added, “women are essential to building and maintaining responsible governments, moving democracies forward, and creating a better quality of life in families and communities.”  
 
The Outstanding Women’s Awards program reflects the U.S. Department of State’s views that human rights, particularly the rights of women, are one of America’s key foreign policy priorities throughout the world, and a central component of democracy.
 
Ambassador Milovanovic recognized the following women: 

1.  Sonja Bajdeska, Deputy Chief of the Division for Policy, Planning and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense.  One of the few women in a senior-level policy position in Macedonia’s defense establishment, Ms. Bajdeska has played an important role in developing defense and security policies, in working with Adriatic Charter partners, and in addressing issues in the country’s NATO Membership Action Plan.

2.  Sanija Burageva, Chief Inspector in the Organized Crime Department, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Ministry of Interior. She has been a leader in efforts to combat trafficking in persons, prevent domestic violence, and overcome problems related to juvenile crime in Macedonia.
 
3.  Gezime Fejzi, Head of Fejzi Dairy in Gostivar.  Ms. Fejzi is recognized as an innovative business leader in the dairy sector, setting and maintaining high standards for quality food production, and creating employment opportunities.
 
4.  Divna Jordanovska, Manager and Co-owner of Cekorovi Winery, Kavadarci.  Ms. Jordanovska has effectively developed and marketed a recognizable brand of wines, reflecting the uniqueness of a local grape variety, and has found markets for quality wines both in Macedonia and abroad.
 
5.  Milena Stevanovic, Physician and Specialist in Infectious Diseases at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, State Hospital, Skopje; and Assistant at the Medical Faculty. Dr. Stevanovic is recognized for her work in educating the population, especially school-age students, on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and on the effective and compassionate treatment of persons with HIV/AIDS.
 
6.  Violeta Velkoska, Executive Director of the "All For Fair Trials” NGO Coalition, Skopje.  Ms. Velkoska has been an active and noteworthy advocate for improving the functioning of Macedonia’s criminal justice system.  Her leadership in monitoring trials has provided detailed information that serves as a basis for ensuring that good professional practices are followed in the courts.