Under the project “Development of Training Programs for Members of Municipal/City Gender Equality Commissions in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (2021-2022), funded by the European Union and implemented by the Association of Citizens “NEŠTO VIŠE” and Amica Educa in cooperation with the Gender Centers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, grant funds totaling 100,000 KM (97,800 KM) have been awarded to 20 organizations from 15 local communities.
The selected projects focus on the prevention and combatting of violence against girls and women, especially those from vulnerable and marginalized groups (persons with disabilities, individuals from rural areas, members of minority communities with a particular focus on the Roma population, etc.), in line with the Gender Action Plan of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The local communities covered by this project include Bosanska Krupa, Busovača, Derventa, Goražde, Ilidža, Kalesija, Kalinovik, Jajce, Laktaši, Mostar, Nevesinje, Kostajnica, Novo Sarajevo, Prijedor, Prnjavor, Šamac, Tešanj, Teslić, Tuzla, and Vlasenica. They will address specific issues such as violence prevention based on gender, strengthening women’s activism, empowering women through economics, sports, and education, as well as supporting and working with mothers of children with disabilities.
Duško Cvjetinović, Secretary of the Association of Citizens “NEŠTO VIŠE,” on behalf of the organization, congratulated all representatives of the associations who signed the contracts, expressing hope that this initiative will lead to increased engagement of organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of gender equality and lay the foundation for future progress in this area.
While all projects share a common goal, their approaches vary. Desanka Nikolić, President of the Women’s Association “Podrinje” from Vlasenica, explained their form of activism, which involves providing various types of assistance to women in their community.
“In this project, we plan to work with women who have experienced domestic violence, focusing on lectures about gender equality, gender relations, and domestic violence. These activities will specifically target women from rural areas who may not be familiar with their rights and protection options. In our association, we already provide legal assistance to women who have experienced violence and are in the process of divorce, and this project will enable us to continue and expand these efforts.”
Nermin Alibašić, representing OFK Sloboda Tuzla, outlined their collective’s efforts to empower women through sports activities.
“Our project aims to achieve gender equality, and we plan to showcase successful women who will inspire the entire community to strive for success. As a sports collective, our activities will focus on sports, including skills enhancement and organizing a sports tournament for women’s teams.”
The overall objective of the project is to strengthen the role and position of women in political, social, and economic processes and to support local partnerships in establishing effective mechanisms for gender equality in local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project will establish a functional operational structure within local governments to support the promotion and advocacy of women’s rights, particularly those living in rural areas; enhance the capacities of local stakeholders, public and civil sectors, to effectively implement the agenda for basic human rights, with a specific focus on women from vulnerable categories (women with disabilities, minorities, LGBT community members); and develop a model to enhance gender equality in local communities that can be replicated in other communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
