annual report_united women banja luka

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3 2009 Contact Information: United Women Banja Luka Address: Kalemegdanska 18, Banja Luka Bosnia and Herzegovina Telephone/fax: Telephone: Web:

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5 Preface It is our pleasure to present you the annual report of United Women Banja Luka for During this period, focus of our work remained on promotion and protection of women s human rights and gender equality in all fields of public and private life. The Report provides analysis of the environment in which we implemented our activities during 2009, and highlights the key activities within program areas of United Women Banja Luka, and the most important results in our work. United Women Banja Luka work focused on activities within our specific program areas fighting violence against women and gender based violence, enhancing participation and influence of women in politics, governance, and decision making processes, improving gender sensibility of media, and combating trafficking of women and girls. We improved cooperation, partnerships, and networking with other civil society organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as official institutions at all levels of governance in BiH. United Women Banja Luka were active in legislative and public policy advocacy, and participated in drafting the Law on Changes and Amendments of the Law on Gender Equality of BiH and BiH Strategy on Fighting Against Domestic Violence for period We contributed in raising public awareness about violence against women through 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign, and continuous work with representatives of public institutions authorized to work on this issue from local to state level of BiH. During Butmir talks about constitutional changes of BiH, United Women Banja Luka joined other women s NGOs in BiH and the region, and requested from BiH politicians and representatives of the international community to include women in these processes. Important part of our work focuses on providing direct services for women and children victims of violence. During 2009, 214 women received free legal information and advice and 70 women received legal assistance, while 688 SOS calls for assistance from women victims of violence were received by SOS volunteers. During 2009, forty two (42) women and fifty one (51) children received shelter and assistance in the Safe House Banja Luka. This represents increase in relation to 2008, when thirty four (34) women and thirty six (36) children received shelter and assistance in the Safe House Banja Luka. United Women Banja Luka professional team continued to cooperate with police officers and representatives of the Center for Social Work Banja Luka through participation in the Team for Assistance and Support for Victims of Domestic Violence in Banja Luka region. During 2009, Mobile Team intervened in 204 cases of domestic violence, and in more than 90% of the cases victims of violence were a wife of abuser and dependant minor children. United Women Banja Luka provided legal information and assistance in 202 cases, and accompanied 19 women and 24 minor dependant children to the Safe House Banja Luka.

6 United Women Banja Luka is proud on successful partnerships and cooperation with numerous women s nongovernmental organizations and public institutions in BiH and the region. We worked together with other women BiH NGO activists to strengthen joint activities, visibility, and impact of the Women s Network of BiH and RING NGO Network Against Trafficking of People in BiH. During 2009, we worked together with Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka on strengthening regional cooperation of women s groups and organizations, and establishing informal regional women s network. We are remaining committed to support enhancing professional capacities and expertise of our professional team, in order to improve our actions on promotion and protection of women s human rights and gender equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. Two members of our professional team are currently involved in post-graduate programs of gender studies and political sciences. United Women Banja Luka is using the opportunity to express gratitude for outstanding support of all our donors, partner organizations and institutions, as well as women and men citizens of Banja Luka and other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in which we implemented our activities that are subject of this Report. Nada Golubovic Executive Director United Women Banja Luka

7 about united Women banja Luka United Women Banja Luka is nongovernmental organization founded on 16 August 1996 in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through the activities and projects of our association, we are advocating for improving social position of a woman, and her right to life without violence in a family and public life. We want to see more women at decision-making positions in official institutions at all levels of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our vision is "Woman aware of her power, equal, respected, employed, and happy." Our mission is "Strengthening and affirmation of women through advocacy and work on implementation of women s human rights." Program Areas and Strategic Objectives of United Women Banja Luka: a. advocacy against violence against Women and gender based violence in bosnia and Herzegovina Strategic Objectives: Ensuring efficient legal counseling, shelter, and other services for women and children victims of domestic violence, improving cooperation and coordination of NGOs and official institutions in fighting against violence against women, public advocacy for introducing gender sensitive and responsive budgeting in the area of fighting domestic violence against women, strengthening public awareness about gender based violence, monitoring implementation of domestic laws and international conventions and documents aimed to protect women from violence, as well as making influence on positive changes of discriminative laws and public policies in this area. b. media and gender equality in bosnia and Herzegovina Strategic Objectives: Diminishing gender stereotypes in media, making influence on positive changes of media policies and programs to increase visibility and improve portrayal of women and women's issues in media, strengthening implementation of international conventions and documents aimed to improve gender equality in BiH media, gender sensitive education of women and men media professionals, creating possibilities for eliminating gender based discrimination in all fields of social economic, and political life through increasing public awareness about existence of Gender Equality Law in BiH, developing informed public opinion about gender based discrimination, and encouraging active participation of women and men citizens in actions aimed for improving women's position in our environment.

8 c. gender equality in PubLic and PoLiticaL Life in bosnia and Herzegovina Strategic Objectives: Empowering women to participate in political and social changes through their active role in creation of public policies and political decision making on local, entity, and state levels of Bosnia and Herzegovina, strengthening implementation of domestic laws and international conventions and documents aimed for ensure equality of women and men in public and political life of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and making influence on positive changes of discriminative laws and public policies in this area. d. advocacy against trafficking of PeoPLe in bosnia and Herzegovina Strategic Objectives: Increasing public awareness about the issue of trafficking of people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially women and children, as the most vulnerable categories exposed to influence of criminal networks of human traffickers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, strengthening networking and common actions of women s NGOs in BiH aimed to combat trafficking of women, and public advocacy for strengthening implementation of domestic laws and international conventions and documents in the area of combating trafficking of women.

9 analysis of the environment in WHicH We implemented our activities during LegisLative changes in the area of Women s Human rights and gender equality During 2009, two laws relevant for the area of protection of women s human rights and gender equality were adopted at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina Law on Prohibiting Discrimination of BiH and Law on Changes and Amendments of Gender Equality Law of BiH. BiH Parliamentary Assembly adopted Anti-Discrimination Law of BiH on 23 July , and the Law on Changes and Amendments of the Law on Gender Equality of BiH on 4 November In the basic legal definition of discrimination, Anti-Discrimination Law of BiH recognizes, among other, sex, sexual expression or orientation as the basis of discrimination, and defines protected rights in areas of labor and employment, education, science, sport, social and health protection, housing, judicial protection and public administration, public informing and media, public and political life, etc. It authorizes Ombudsman of BiH to examine cases of violation based on complaints of citizens, and provides adequate judicial protection against discrimination. United Women Banja Luka closely monitored processes of legislative and public policy changes in the area of women s human rights and gender equality in BiH. Together with other women s NGOs in BiH, we advocated for legislative provisions that will enhance protection of women s rights and gender equality in the practice. Natalija Petric, Legal Advisor of United Women Banja Luka was appointed as the only civil society representative in the Working Group for Preparation of the Changes and Amendments of the Gender Equality Law of BiH, which was coordinated by the Gender Equality Agency of BiH. This role brought many challenges for us, above all, to coordinate share of information about the process with other women s NGOs throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, and ensure joint recommendations for enhancing text of the changes. At the end of June 2009, three public discussions were organized by the Gender Equality Agency of BiH in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar, in order to present the Draft Law on Changes and Amendments of the Gender Equality Law of BiH, and gather views of interested public institutions and NGOs. In coordination with other women s NGOs in BiH, United Women Banja Luka prepared concrete amendments, and submitted them to the Gender Equality Agency of BiH. We requested keeping the protection from gender based discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, strengthening judicial protection, opening possibil- 1 The Anti-Discrimination Law of BiH, Official Gazette of BiH, No. 59/09, from 28 July 2009, local language version available for download at the web page of Ombudsman of BiH at the following link: 2 The Law on Changes and Amendments of the Law on Gender Equality of BiH, Official Gazette of BiH, No. 102/09, from 29 December 2009, local language version available for download at the web page of Gender Center of Republika Srpska at the following link:

10 ities for collective complaints/petitions based on violations of the Law, and ensuring clear provisions of the Law in relation to the equal representation of women and men in public life and political decision making. Law on Changes and Amendments of the Gender Equality Law of BiH introduced several changes related to precise legal definitions of gender based discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment, victimization, and gender violence, specification of authorities and responsibilities of the institutional mechanisms for gender equality in BiH, and introducing quota of at least 40% of less represented sex in state bodies at all levels of governance in BiH, including legislative, executive and judicial governance, political parties, and state owned companies. Despite requests and recommendations of numerous civil society groups in BiH, adopted changes and amendments of the Law on Gender Equality of BiH erased provision related to prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation. It is important to emphasize that the most recent changes of the Election Law of BiH (April 2010) failed to harmonize this Law with the Law on Gender Equality of BiH. The Draft Anti-Discrimination Law of BiH was facing large public criticism by major religious communities in BiH gathered in the Inter-Religious Council of BiH. This organization submitted amendments on the Law to the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH asking for sexual orientation to be excluded from Anti- Discrimination Law of BiH, justifying it with presumption that this provision would mean an open road for legalizing same sex marriages and adoption of children by same sex couples in BiH. Furthermore, religious groups argued that having sexual orientation as a base of discrimination would prohibit criticism and expressing negative attitude against LGBT persons in the public, as this could be qualified as hate speech. United Women Banja Luka joined other civil society organizations in BiH that advocated for protection and promotion of human rights of LGBTQ people in BiH, and together we lobbied for quality oriented Anti-Discrimination Law of BiH and not Law that would legalize discrimination. 3.2 PubLic PoLicy development in the field of Prevention and combating violence against Women Actions of the governmental institutions at the entity and state level of Bosnia and Herzegovina continued in the field of setting up the legislative and public policy framework, as well as actions on prevention and combating violence against women and domestic violence. BiH State Strategy for Prevention and Combating Domestic Violence for the period was adopted on 5 March 2009 by the Council of Ministers of BiH, and both houses of BiH Parliamentary Assembly in May Objective of the Strategy is to coordinate implementation of strategic and action plans of both BiH entities (Republika Srpska and Federation of BiH) for fighting domestic violence, in order to enhance their implementation in the practice. This was identified as necessary due to fragmentation and lack of harmonization between legislative in BiH, as well as lack of standardized data collection on domestic violence

11 at the state level. Purpose of the Strategy is to place a victim of domestic violence in the center of interest and protection, to increase awareness about domestic violence as the social issue, and severe violation of the basic human rights, which should be priority for all institutions and individuals in the country. The Strategy also calls for commitment of local communities to set up the fighting domestic violence as political and social priority, ensure resources, and multi-disciplinary approach in prevention and fighting this issue. As the key activities of official institutions in BiH, the Strategy plans analysis and harmonization of the BiH legislation in the area of domestic violence, ensuring greater protection of victims, increasing sensibility of the public and promotion of the prevention of domestic violence, as well as systemic collection, processing and publishing data about domestic violence. Representatives of the United Women Banja Luka and Foundation of Local Democracy from Sarajevo were only civil society members of the Working Group that prepared the Strategy. We lobbied for enhancing state support for the women s shelters and free aid legal and social services for women and children victims of violence. In June 2009, Gender Center of FBiH Government published six-month progress report about implementation of the Strategic Plan for Prevention of Domestic Violence in Federation of BiH. The Strategic Plan for the period was adopted by the FBiH Government in November It represents operational document, and focuses on developing educational programs for women and men professionals that are working on prevention of domestic violence. Long term strategic objective is to ensure harmonized and responsible preventive work of governmental institutions and nongovernmental organizations on prevention of domestic violence in Federation of BiH. The Strategic Plan includes six key objectives, as follows: adoption and harmonization of the legislation, networking of professional services, education, and increasing sensibility of the professionals and the public, developing and strengthening multi-disciplinary model of prevention, and establishing joint data base and SOS line for reporting cases of domestic violence. Six Months Progress Report recognized the challenges in implementation of the planned activities, and lack of financial resources for planning and implementation of gender sensitive education of women and men professionals about domestic violence, programs of support for women victims of violence, as well as work with abusers. With adopting the Report, Government of Federation of BiH requested from cantonal governments to plan and allocate support to relevant public institutions and NGOs, in order to enhance their work on protection of women victims. United Women Banja Luka supported the contribution of sister women s NGOs in Federation of BiH in the process of preparing the Strategic Plan through sharing experiences and lessons learned on prevention of domestic violence against women and children, especially experiences of SOS telephone, free legal aid services, work of women s shelter, and public advocacy actions for increased state support through public budgets for shelters.

12 Dragana Dardić, Program Director of Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka and Milkica Milojević, President of the Association BiH Journalists during street action in Banja Luka, on 25 November 2009 Gender Center of RS Government intensified work on preparation of the Strategy for Fighting Domestic Violence in Republika Srpska for the period from 2009 to United Women Banja Luka was involved in the process through reviewing pre-draft of the Strategy, and providing recommendations in terms of enhancing gender responsive budgeting in the area of fighting domestic violence against women, and ensuring continuous training of women and men professionals about domestic violence and gender equality. We especially emphasized importance of placing focus on work with abusers through strengthening penalties, and obligatory psychosocial treatment. Draft Strategy is adopted by RS Government and RS People s Assembly, and currently is in the phase of the final adoption. Together with women's NGOs throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Women Banja Luka continues to closely monitor actions of official institutions at all levels in this area, and conduct numerous public advocacy activities aimed to improve state response in protecting women from violence. Furthermore, we continue with activities of gender sensitive education of public officials, and education of women and men employees of centers for social work and police at level of local communities in order to influence improvements of their services for women and children victims/survivors of domestic violence. At the level of our local community, priority of United Women Banja Luka remains enhancing cooperation with police and Center for Social Work through Multi-disciplinary Mobile Team for Assisting Victims of Violence, periodical working meetings with representatives of these institutions, and strengthening work with media on raising public awareness about violence against women and gender equality.

13 activities of bih council of ministers related to gender equality in bosnia and Herzegovina In April 2009, BiH Council of Ministers initiated changes of four BiH level laws in the area of media and communications with objective to harmonize them with the Law on Gender Equality of BiH and UN CEDAW Committee recommendations. However, BiH Parliamentary Assembly failed to support this initiative. On the session held on 4 April 2009, BiH Council of Ministers initiated changes of the four key laws in the area of media and communications - Law on Public Radio and Television System of BiH, Law on Public Radio and Television Service, Law on Freedom of Access to Information of BiH, and Law on Communications of BiH - with key objective to harmonize these laws with the Law on Gender Equality of BiH and Recommendations of the CEDAW Committee of United Nations. Recommendations of the CEDAW Committee made in 2006 requested from the state authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure full implementation of Gender Equality Law of BiH in the practice, and harmonization of all other laws with this law. Decision of the BiH Council of Ministers can be seen as positive step toward engendering legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of media and communications, as this has been one of the most critical areas regarding gender based discrimination. The Law on Changes and Amendments of the Law on Free Access to Information of BiH has been adopted in December 2009, and does not include any provision related to its harmonization with the Gender Equality Law in BiH 3. In the moment of preparing this Report, we have the information that BiH Parliamentary Assembly rejected to harmonize other three laws with the Gender Equality Law of BiH, with justification that is not possible to harmonize all state level laws with the Gender Equality Law of BiH. Nikola Špirić, Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers Signed UNIFEM Campaign Say NO to Violence Against Women On 25 June 2009 at UNIFEM Headquarters in New York, Nikola Špirić, Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers signed UNIFEM Campaign Say NO to Violence Against Women, and joined more than 200 ministers and heads of states from 68 governments, as well as more than five million individuals who have supported UNIFEM s global call to end violence against women. Gender discrimination and violence against women are huge challenges that require action on a daily basis. We have implemented many reforms, and still have many reforms ahead of us, said Špirić during his visit at UNIFEM. 3 Law on Changes and Amendments of the Law on Free Access to Information of BiH has been published in Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina no. 102/09.

14 UNIFEM Executive Director Ines Alberdi thanked Nikola Špirić for his commitment and leadership to improve the situation of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina. New national action plan on domestic violence of BiH offers a strong framework for combating domestic violence throughout the country, she said. UNIFEM will continue to actively support the government and civil society in the implementation of this strategy. UNIFEM s Say NO initiative advances the objectives of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon s campaign UNiTE to End Violence Against Women through social mobilization. On 25 November 2008, Say NO presented more than 5 million signatures to the UN Secretary-General, demonstrating public support to make ending violence against women a top priority for governments everywhere. 3.4 changes in PoLiticaL environment and Women's ParticiPation in decision- making in bosnia and Herzegovina Women continue to be invisible in political negotiations about important issues that affect lives of both women and men at all levels of BiH. October 2009 talks between BiH political leaders about constitutional reform in BiH failed to include women. Three male political leaders of key parliamentary political parties Croatian Democratic Community (HDZ) of BiH, Union of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), and Party for Democratic Action (SDA) are leading negotiations about important political topics in their narrow circles. The international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, namely the members of the Peace Implementation Council for BiH and High Representative and Special Representative of EU in BiH support this model, and are remaining silent for obvious discrimination and absence of women from political decision making and their low representation in governance. In October 2009, on the initiative of the Office of the High Representative for BiH, Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs and USA Administration, new round of talks between BiH political leaders about future organization of BiH were organized in EUFOR base in Butmir, near Sarajevo. Women were again invisible during these talks about important political changes and future of BiH. Together with partner organization Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka, United Women Banja Luka continued to publicly advocate for participation of women in all political negotiations related to future organization of BiH. Together with women NGO activists from the Balkan region that participated in the round table on women s networking supported by Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, we developed an open letter to initiators of Butmir talks and BiH negotiators demanding for women s participation in continuation of talks on constitutional changes in BiH. In June 2009, Parliamentary Assembly of BiH discussed proposal for changes and amendments of the Election Law of BiH, submitted by the Gender Equality Commission of BiH Parliament, and supported by the Gender Equality Agency of BiH, that requested introduction of closed lists for the elections in BiH. While majority of delegates agreed about existing gender gap in legislative governance at all levels in BiH, they said that one democracy option right of citizens to vote and chose their candidates can-

15 not be placed at risk to ensure higher participation of women. Representatives in BiH parliament also emphasized need for identifying solution for increasing representation of women in executive governance at all levels in BiH. Together with our partners from women s NGOs throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Women Banja Luka continued to support female politicians in BiH. We extended cooperation with women that were elected as delegates in local councils/municipal assemblies in BiH, as well as four women municipal majors in BiH after the local elections held in October Together we work on identifying strategies and developing and implementation of concrete actions aimed to engender local public policies, and enhance women s human rights and gender equality in the practice. As positive example during this period, we are emphasizing initiative of the female delegate in the Municipal Assembly of Gradiska for setting up the multi-disciplinary mobile team for assistance for women victims of violence in Gradiska region, establishing local SOS telephone for women victims of violence, and increased support of municipal authorities in fighting domestic violence in this local community. This is important follow up, and direct result of the round table discussion on domestic violence held in Gradiska during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in BiH.

16 United Women Banja Luka continued to host periodical working meetings with Nada Tesanovic, Vice President of the People s Assembly of Republika Srpska, and Ivka Ristic, President of the Commission for Equal Opportunities in the RS Parliament, in order to inform them about current women s issues and gender equality, and get their support for legislative advocacy we conduct as one of the key strategies of United Women Banja Luka. They remain committed and supportive to our activities, and actively support our work on education of female politicians, and networking of women in politics, female journalists, and NGO activists. During 2009, they supported us in advocacy for changes of the Law on Social Protection of Republika Srpska, in order to recognize women and children victims of domestic violence as social categories, and safe houses for victims of violence as institutions of social protection. Adoption of a new Law on Social Protection of Republika Srpska is still in parliamentary procedure, and we will continue to work on this issue during changes in media focus on Women's issues and gender equality United Women Banja Luka continues to monitor electronic and printed media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and their reporting about women's issues and gender equality. During 2009, we identified gradual progress in media reporting about women s issues and gender equality. However, articles and reports that are challenging gender stereotypes are still sporadic, and predominantly appear in so-called alternative media, such are Internet portals run by civil society groups, or political magazines that are not considered as mainstream media in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It remains widespread practice in Bosnia and Herzegovina that news stories with women and gender equality issues as subjects are dominant in so called "dark chronicles," - mostly cases of severe violence against women, such are domestic violence, trafficking of women and girls, sexual exploitation, etc. Persistent issue represents the fact that majority of media does not respect privacy of victims, and frequently reveals their identity in media, exposing them to further trauma, public stigma, and condemnation. Underage victims are especially vulnerable to such human rights violation, and United Women Banja Luka and sister NGOs continuously address this problem in communication with media management structures and during campaigns of raising public awareness about gender violence. In a moment of preparing this Report, a case of 17 years old girl from Bratunac, victim of forced prostitution and trafficking was revealed as a top news story in electronic and printed media of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The case involved police investigations, arrests and hearings by a prosecutor s office of seventeen adult men accused for abuse and exploitation, some of them on very influential positions in a local community (public officials, professors, police officers, religious classes teacher), and even one minister in state level government of BiH.

17 Together with women s NGOs in BiH joined in RING Anti-Trafficking Network of BiH, United Women Banja Luka reacted and publicly condemned the case, called media to protect identity of a victim, and official institutions in BiH to ensure security of a victim and undertake urgent measures to prosecute all persons responsible for this crime. United Women Banja Luka filed complaints in front of the Press Council of BiH against BiH printed media that revealed identity of a victim and published discriminatory articles and news reports related to this case. During 2009, United Women Banja Luka continued to cooperate with the Radio Television of Republika Srpska (RTRS), as one of three public broadcasting services in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nada Golubović, from United Women Banja Luka, and Radmila Žigić, from Women s Association LARA Bijeljina are continuing to contribute in work of the Program Council of RTRS. As the key successes from this period, we are emphasizing initiative of RTRS program management to produce and broadcast serial of TV programs on women s issues and gender equality. These programs started with 2009 Autumn Program Scheme at RTRS under title In Focus. United Women Banja Luka has been identified as key partner for this activity, and we agreed to assist in developing conception, choosing topics, and guests of TV programs. Preparation and broadcasting of these programs continued in 2010 as well. With assistance of United Women Banja Luka, RTRS also prepared special program scheme during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence in 2009, with broadcasting special TV programs and news reports about actions of women s NGOs in BiH during the Campaign, and presenting activities of women in parliaments and local administrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

18 key results of the activities of united Women banja Luka in 2009 Activities of United Women Banja Luka in 2009 were directly linked to the four program areas and strategic objectives the Association. a. advocacy against violence against Women and gender based violence in bosnia and Herzegovina A.1 Woman and Law Phase Providing Free Legal and Psychosocial Assistance for Women Victims of Violence and Public Advocacy Against Violence Against Women, implemented in partnership with Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka, with support of Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation from Sweden A.2 Safe House for Women and Children Victims of Violence in Banja Luka, with support of the Government of Republika Srpska, and City Administration Banja Luka A.3 Gender Responsive Budgeting for Safe Shelters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with support of UNIFEM A.4 Team for Assistance and Support for Victims of Domestic Violence in Banja Luka, in partnership with the Center for Public Security Banja Luka and Center for Social Work Banja Luka, with support of the City Administration Banja Luka A.5 Capacity Building and Advocacy Actions Planning Safe Houses for Victims of Violence in BiH, with support of Rosa Luxemburg Foundation from Germany A.6 Gender Stereotypes as a Cause of Violence Against Women and Girls workshops with boys and girls high school students in Banja Luka, Gradiska, Derventa, Visegrad, and Trebinje, with support of UNIFEM A.7 Campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with support of EED Germany and Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation from Sweden a.1 Woman and LaW - PHase Providing free LegaL and PsycHosociaL assistance for Women victims of violence Overall project objective is strengthening and improving position of women within BiH society - in family as well as in the public life through elimination of all forms of violence against women and reaching equality between women and men. United Women Banja Luka and Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka are implementing this project since 1997.

19 Results in 2009: Increased legal security of women victims of violence in wide Banja Luka region and increased free access to legal advices and information about their rights of women victims of violence and domestic violence all ages and social status from Banja Luka region During 2009, United Women Banja Luka professional team (Practicing Lawyer/Attorney and Lawyer) was providing continuous legal assistance to women victims of violence in wider Banja Luka region. Women victims of violence had assistance of SOS volunteers provided through SOS telephone. In the period from 1 January to 31 December 2009, we provided free legal advice and information for two hundred and fourteen (214) women, and legal assistance for seventy (70) women that contacted our office. SOS volunteers provided psychological support and information to 688 women that called SOS telephone. Lawyer Advisor and Lawyer Attorney also provided continuous free legal advices and assistance to women beneficiaries of the Safe House Banja Luka. Visible progress in implementation of BiH laws aimed for prevention and treatment of violence against women on local level, and BiH as the whole, and improved response of women and men professionals in providing protection for women victims Through providing legal assistance to women victims of violence, we were able to identify challenges and obstacles in implementation of laws and public policies aimed for protection of women victims of violence. We used these experiences to lobby for legislative and policy changes at the state and entity level. During 2009, Natalija Petric, Practicing Lawyer/Attorney of the Woman and Law project participated in two state level working groups aimed for development of BiH Strategy for Fighting Domestic Violence and preparation of the Law on Changes and Amendments of the Law on Gender Equality of BiH. BiH Strategy for Fighting Domestic Violence was adopted in March 2009, and incorporated actions aimed to improve protection of women victims of violence, as well as recognized role of women s NGOs in this process. Law on Changes and Amendments of the Law on Gender Equality of BiH was adopted by Parliamentary Assembly of BiH in November 2009, and entered into force in December Two important changes for which we lobbied are that gender based violence is defined in the Law in accordance with the international norms and standards, and quota of at least 40% was introduced in relation to equal participation of women in political decision making and governance. Through activities of the Safe House Banja Luka during 2009, we contributed in successful implementation of the special protection measure of sheltering victims of violence, and providing them urgent assistance and care. Based on the Domestic Violence Law of Republika Srpska, financial support for the safe houses for women and children victims of violence in Republika Srpska for 2010 was planned in the local public budget of Banja Luka and entity budget of Republika Srpska. United Women Banja Luka cooperated with women s NGOs in both BiH entities to develop joint platform for introducing this provision in

20 the Domestic Violence Law of Federation of BiH, as well as to develop joint standards and methodology for work of the safe houses for women and children victims of violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Improved knowledge of women and men professionals in local official institutions about all aspects of violence against women Seventy three (73) participants thirty one (31) men and forty two (42) women representatives of police, centers for social work, municipal administrations, and NGOs from Banja Luka, Doboj, Šamac, Teslić, Pelagićevo, Derventa, Bosanski Brod, Modriča, Petrovo, Brčko District, Bijeljina, Lopare, Zvornik, Ugljevik, Bratunac, Gradiška, Novi Grad, Kozarska Dubica and Kostajnica participated in four one day workshops about domestic violence. Workshops were aimed to increase awareness about violence against women and knowledge about the most efficient ways to assist women victims, and share experiences about efficient models for work on providing assistance and support for women and children victims of violence through mobile teams and safe house. Concrete steps and recommendations for enhancing protection and assistance for women victims of domestic violence defined by participants at the workshops reflect improved sensitivity and knowledge about nature and impact of domestic violence on women victims, need for more efficient protection, and coordination of all institutions and local NGOs. Key recommendation from these activities point at need for more coherent and coordinated work of local official institutions, continuous education and increasing sensibility of women and men professionals for issues of violence against women and domestic violence, and cooperation with local NGOs in providing assistance for women victims of violence. In a group evaluations conducted after the workshops, all women and men participants confirmed they have increased understanding of issues related to domestic violence and position of women victims. Women and men participants at the workshop on domestic violence, 2009

21 Majority of participants assessed topics discussed during workshops as very useful for their future work, and some participants said that practical examples of procedures used during concrete field interventions in cases of domestic violence helped them to improve their future work with victims of domestic violence. Participants also emphasized usefulness of learning about procedures for accommodating women and children victims of domestic violence in a Safe House, as well as functioning of a Mobile Team for Field Interventions in Cases of Domestic Violence in Banja Luka region. a.2 safe House for Women and children victims of domestic violence from the banja Luka region 4 Safe House for Women and Children Victims of Domestic Violence in region of Banja Luka was founded on the initiative of NGO United Women Banja Luka, and was opened for the first beneficiaries on 12 February 2007, when all working conditions were met, and initial financing of the Safe House was secured. On 14 March 2007, Safe House Banja Luka received Decision of Department for Social Affairs of City Administration Banja Luka that confirmed fulfillment of conditions related to premises, equipment, and professional staff for opening and work of the Safe House, with written approval of the Ministry of Health and Social Care of Republika Srpska. In the period from 1 January until 31 December 2009, shelter and full care, assistance, and support in the Safe House Banja Luka was provided for forty-two (42) women and fifty-one (51) children from the area of Banja Luka, Laktaši, Gradiška, Ribnik, Kneževo, Srbac, Novi Grad, Prnjavor, Drvar, Glamoč, Šipovo and Zvornik. Apart from Banja Luka, none of the local communities planned and allocated financial support for protection of victims of domestic violence. Team for Assistance and Support for Victims of Domestic Violence in Banja Luka (Mobile Team) makes decision about sheltering women and children victims of violence with place of residence in Banja Luka region. This Team operates since 1 May 2007, as joint initiative of the Center for Public Security Banja Luka, Center for Social Work Banja Luka and United Women Banja Luka. Twenty three (23) women with children were sheltered in the Safe House Banja Luka based on decision of the Mobile Team. Five (5) women with their underage children that have residence outside Banja Luka region were sheltered in the Safe House Banja Luka based on assessment of United Women Banja Luka/Safe House Team, with informing centers for social work from the local community where beneficiates have permanent residence. Number of women beneficiaries of the Safe House Banja Luka with residence in other local communities of BiH increased in 2009, and we were providing shelter for the urgent cases, with real danger of repeating violence in upcoming period, and for women with no other option for a shelter. Fifteen (15) women were sheltered in the Safe House Banja Luka based on decision of authorized center for social work, which assessed that further stay of a woman in violent relationship was not possible. 4 Detailed report about work of the Safe House for Women and Children Victims of Domestic Violence in Banja Luka for 2009 is available at following link

22 a.3 gender responsive budgeting for safe shelters in bosnia and Herzegovina Project objective was to engage responsible officials from local, cantonal and entity governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina in prevention of domestic violence, and protection of women and children victims of domestic violence through including shelter running costs in local, cantonal, and entity budgets. During 2009, United Women Banja Luka worked with women from ten women s nongovernmental organizations from Republika Srpska and Federation of BiH that are running shelters for women and children victims of violence. We shared our experiences in working on introducing gender responsive budgeting in the area of fighting domestic violence, collecting and analysis of data needed for inclusion of running costs for the shelter on public budgets, and lobbying for legislative changes in the process of changing of the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence in Republika Srpska, adopted in January As result of exchange of experiences and knowledge, women s NGOs from Federation of BiH worked together with UNIFEM and United Women Banja Luka to organize a meeting with women and men representatives of the Parliament of Federation of BiH, and lobby them to support the amendment of the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence in FBiH that would clearly define obligations of all levels of government to plan and allocate financial support for running costs for shelters for women and children victims of violence in FBiH, in ratio 40%-30%-30% (federal-cantonal-municipal level). As a part of the project activities, United Women Banja Luka organized the round table with women and men representatives of local administrations and centers for social work in Banja Luka, Bijeljina, Visegrad, municipal assembly and center for social work from Prijedor, Ministry of Health and Social Care of Republika Srpska, Gender Center of RS Government, and women s NGOs from Banja Luka, Modrica, Prijedor, Bijeljina, and Visegrad. Round table focused on presentation of good practices of financing Shelter for Women and Children Victims of Violence from Banja Luka, and legislative obligations of local communities to allocate financial resources for supporting shelters in Republika Srpska. Participants of the round table emphasized importance of adoption of the new Law on Social Protection of Republika Srpska that would recognize victims of domestic violence as categories eligible for social assistance, and shelters as institutions of social protection a.4 team for assistance and support for victims of domestic violence in banja Luka Team for Assistance and Support for Victims of Domestic Violence (Mobile Team) Banja Luka has been established in 2007, based on the Protocol for Assistance and Support to Victims of Domestic Violence, signed by the City Administration Banja Luka, Center for Social Work Banja Luka, Center for Public Security Banja Luka, and nongovernmental organization United Women Banja Luka. Mobile Team was established for the purpose of immediate and efficient protection of victims of domestic violence, and undertaking adequate measures of immediate protection of victims, and necessary actions for initiating judicial procedure against abusers.

23 Members of the Team for Assistance and Support for Victims of Domestic Violence are following: - Representatives of the police-police officers authorized for city region where a case of domestic violence is reported, - Representative of the Center for Social Work Banja Luka, - Representative of the nongovernmental organization United Women Banja Luka. Representative of United Women Banja Luka on duty shift joins the Mobile Team upon call from the representative of the Center for Social Work Banja Luka. Together they at the place where domestic violence was reported. Mobile Team is active 24/7, including weekends, and holidays. During 2009, Mobile Team had two hundred and four (204) field interventions in wider region of Banja Luka, which represents decrease in relation to past two years (in 2007, 375 interventions, and in 2008, 234 interventions). As key reasons for decrease of field interventions, United Women Banja Luka identified following: mistrust and hesitance of victims of violence to report it to the institutions due to slow work and processing of domestic violence by official institutions, small number of victims of violence that received efficient assistance from the institutions, absence of implementation of special protection measures in the practice, and no systemic solutions for exit strategies of victims. Out of 204, reported cases to the Mobile Team, men were abusers in 99, 01% of cases, while women were reported as abusers in only 0,98% of cases. In only 28,9% of cases, women victims of violence previously asked for the assistance from official institutions. Based on work in the Mobile Team, United Women Banja Luka provided initial assistance and support to victims of violence, shelter for nineteen (19) women and forty three (43) children victims of violence, and assisted to thirty (30) women to receive urgent medical assistance. a.5 capacity building and advocacy actions PLanning safe Houses for victims of violence in bih Project had following key objectives: Supporting and strengthening network of women s NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina to promote women s human rights and work together on diminishing violence against women and children; Strengthening cooperation of local civil society organizations that are working on gender equality issues in BiH and our common voice and actions toward positive legislative and public policy changes aimed to efficiently protect women and children from violence; Increasing capacities of women s NGOs in BiH to present violence against women in BiH media, and raise public awareness and sensitivity of BiH journalists and citizens toward this issue.

24 Key Results: - Fifty (50) women NGO activists from both entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in three capacity building and advocacy action planning meetings related to work of the safe houses for women and children victims of violence; - Developed draft common budget for running costs of the safe houses for women and children victims of violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina; - Developed draft standards for work of the safe houses for women and children victims of violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina; - Initiated changes and amendments of the Domestic Violence Law in Federation of BiH related to introducing obligation of the official authorities at entity, cantonal and municipal level to plan and allocate financial resources for running costs of the safe houses from their budgets in ratio 40% entity government, 30% cantonal government, and 30% municipal administration; Initiated changes and amendments of the Law on Social Protection of Republika Srpska related to recognizing victims of domestic violence as social categories, and safe houses as institutions of social protection Women participants at the second networking and capacity building meeting Standards for Work and Assistance to Victims for the Safe Houses for Victims of Domestic Violence, 8 to 10 November 2009, Zenica, BiH

25 a.6 gender stereotypes as a cause of violence against Women and girls In the period from February to June 2009, United Women Banja Luka conducted a research with 50 young men and 50 young women age from 16 to 18 from Banja Luka, Gradiška, Derventa, Višegrad, and Trebinje, on their perception of gender roles of men and women and the influence of stereotypes and prejudices on violence against women and girls. Objective of the project was increasing knowledge of young boys and girls students on gender roles and stereotypes with objective of prevention of violence against women and girls and the gender stereotypes that perpetuate it. The research was conducted with financial and consultative assistance by United Nations Developing Fund for Women - UNIFEM and in cooperation with pedagogues and psychologists from five high schools in targeted local communities. After the project team collected the data, using focus groups, trainers organized ten (10) educational and sensitization workshops. The goal of the workshops was to prevent gender-based violence against women and girls and to create possibilities for respecting human rights and enhancing gender equality. Purpose of the workshops was to connect the knowledge on gender roles that young men and women have with stereotypes that can cause violence against women and girls. The authors noticed that in high school students' perception there was a clear difference between gender roles of men and women in private and public life as well. Women are those in charge of the households, and the men are there to protect them. Male professions are connected with high level of education, strength and power, while women are primarily seen as mothers, and secondly, as persons involved in jobs that require lower level of education. High school students reported that there was no school program in elementary or secondary schools they attended, tackling the issues of gender roles, stereotypes, prevention of gender based violence. Educational program that tackles the traditional concepts of differences between sexes as well as creation and development of school's curriculum that takes into consideration gender issues would help to create gender equality and prevent violence against women and girls. Round table on stereotypes as cause of violence against women and girls, 2009

26 Some of the Statements of Boys and Girls High School Students During the Workshops: When I get married, my wife will work of course, but it is well known what her job in the house is!!! My mom takes care about ironing, cooking, washing, raising children, and my dad solves big problems!!! My dad helps my mom, but this should be secret, as people would say he is henpecked!!! What is allowed to a man is not allowed to a woman!!! A slap in the face sometimes gets her in order!!! It is not normal for a man to cry!!! Women are teasing, that s why a man has to punish them!!! Mother is sensitive and dad is strong!!! Male child is more welcomed than female child!!! Jealousy is normal occurrence!!! I am guilty because he also slaps another girl, because I allowed him to slap me the first time!!! Early pregnancy is shameful for a woman and her family!!! I have the right to change partners, and my girlfriend has not!!! I will not have a serious relationship or marry a girl that changes partners!!! I have the right to change partners, naturally!!! The major social role for a woman is to be a mother!!! A man has to protect and financially support his family!!! If my girlfriend makes a mistake, I know how to punish her!!! My dad decides about my friends. I am the one who makes decisions in my relationship with a girlfriend!!! I want to be equal with my boyfriend!!! a.7 campaign 16 days of activism against gender violence in bosnia and Herzegovina Enhanced common voice of women's NGOs in protection of women's human rights and promotion of gender equality in BiH In 2009, staff of Woman and Law Project focused to enhance cooperation with women s NGOs throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina on preparation, coordination, and implementation of the activities within the Campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in BiH. Thanks to the contribution and resources from Kvinna till Kvinna and the Project Gender Equality in BiH Informed Public Opinion and Gender Sensitive Media supported by EED Germany, we were able to translate 2009 Take

27 Action Kit for the Global Campaign into local language, organize two working meetings with women s NGOs in BiH (in March and October 2009) in order to plan activities of the Campaign, and prepare joint BiH Calendar of Activities. Joint activities of the Campaign were coordinated street actions, distribution of info leaflets, press conferences, city lights, and round tables. United Women Banja Luka contributed in the White Ribbon Campaign of Gender Center of Republika Srpska. Activists of United Women Banja Luka and Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka were supported by women journalists in street action on 25 November, the International Day of Fighting Violence Against Women, when we distributed white ribbons, leaflets, info material to women and men citizens of Banja Luka. Representative of United Women Banja Luka participated on the breakfast with journalists organized by Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka as a part of XPress Project, and shared information on our work with women and children victims of violence. We enhanced visibility and impact of the BiH Campaign through disseminating information via list serves in the region (in Serbia zenskaposla and Croatia cik-cak net), as well as communication with the Center for Global Women s Leadership, which published BiH Calendar of Activities and translation of 2009 Toolkit on their web page. Nongovernmental organizations that participated in the Campaign acted as Women s Network of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As result of direct lobbying and public advocacy of United Women Banja Luka and Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka, and support of women s NGOs in BiH, Dragoljub Davidovic, City Major of Banja Luka and Uros Pena, Director of Police of Republika Srpska issued proclamations to support 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in BiH. With organizing well coordinated action of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in cooperation with women s nongovernmental organizations throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are contributing to strengthening activism, networking and joint work of local women s NGOs in BiH and increased public awareness about violence against women in our society. *Initiative Aimed to Empower Women of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Seek Social Justice* In June 2009, with Support of the Open Society Fund, United Women Banja Luka initiated two-year project to increase awareness and knowledge of women in BiH about their legally guaranteed social rights. Partners in this initiative are women s organizations Lara from Bijeljina and Most from Visegrad. During 2009, project team implemented comprehensive research on sample of seven hundred and eight (709) women from thirty-nine (39) local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to assess their knowledge about social rights. During 2010, United Women Banja Luka will analyze collected data and develop strategy for educational public discussions and radio programs.

28 b. media and gender equality in bosnia and Herzegovina b.1 gender equality in bosnia and Herzegovina = informed PubLic opinion and gender sensitive media United Women Banja Luka is implementing this project since 2005, with support of Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED), from Germany and partnership with Amica e.v. from Freiburg, Germany. Development goal of the project is to create possibilities for diminishing gender-based discrimination in all fields of social, economic, and political life of Bosnia and Herzegovina through increasing gender sensibility of media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, strengthening an informed public opinion about gender discrimination, and advocacy for improving position of women in our environment. Results: Awareness Rising, Networking and Education on Gender Equality - Hundred and eighty one (181) participants hundred and fifty seven (157) women and twenty four (24) men representatives of electronic and printed media, official institutions, political parties and NGOs from Bosnia and Herzegovina actively participated in two workshops, one conference, two working meetings/workshops, one media monitoring action, and one round table discussion, and enhanced their knowledge and awareness on gender equality issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also increased knowledge on legislative and policy frameworks on gender equality in media of neighboring countries Croatia and Serbia, and two countries members of the European Union Germany and Sweden, and learned about challenges, strategies and best practices in working on gender equality issues from the perspective of women s nongovernmental organizations, and female politicians in these countries, with focus on role and actions of media in prevention of violence against women and non-stereotypical portrayal of women politicians. Eva Gutensohn from the Feminist Radio Program LaRadio at the Radio Dreyckland, Freiburg, Germany interviewed by the journalists of Radio Television of Republika Srpska during the Conference Experiences of Gender Mainstreaming in Media in the Balkan Region and Countries of the European Union February 2009

29 Public Advocacy Initiatives - During project activities implemented in 2009, women and men participants developed specific recommendations for enhancing gender mainstreaming processes in media in BiH and the region, need for harmonization of Gender Equality Law of BiH and the Election Law of BiH, introducing gender desegregated data related to election processes and gender violence, engendering Rule Book on Media Presentations of Political Subjects during Pre-election Campaigns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, specific recommendations on improving coordination and cooperation of women's civil society groups and official authorities on fighting sexual abuse and violence, and other issues. In follow up period, United Women Banja Luka sent recommendations to all electronic and printed media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, key parliamentary political parties, official institutions with mandate to initiate positive changes Central Election Commission of BiH, Regulatory Agency for Communications of BiH, responsible ministries at entity and state level, institutional mechanisms for gender equality at all levels in BiH, local women s and human rights nongovernmental organizations in BiH and the region (via networks) and international organizations in BiH UN Gender Group members, and foreign aid agencies. United Women Banja Luka continued with public advocacy activities aimed to put these recommendations in the practice through meetings and communications with official institutions, political parties, and media statements. - In October 2009, United Women Banja Luka and Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka sent an open letter Including Women in Butmir Talks to key politicians and negotiators on constitutional changes in BiH, as well as representatives of the international community, namely Sweden, USA, and EU to protest regarding invisibility of women s voices in these processes. We requested enhancing women s participation in decision-making and governance, and respect of international and domestic laws that promote full and equal participation of women in governance. In a follow up process, James Steinberg, US Deputy Secretary of State, as one of the participants of Butmir talks responded us with the support letter, and shared commitment to supporting civil society efforts in promoting gender equality and advocating for greater participation of women in governance and decision making. - Irena Hadziabdic, member of the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina that participated in our workshop for women politicians held in June 2009, was recently appointed as a President of the Commission. During follow up period after the workshop, we continued communication and exchange of information, and she committed to support our advocacy actions toward harmonization of the Election Law of BiH with Gender Equality Law of BiH.

30 Gender Media Monitoring - On 10 November 2009, eighteen (18) women NGO activists and journalists monitored news reports and articles in ten (10) electronic and printed media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to collect data on representation of women and men, topics covered in BiH media, and way how media in Bosnia and Herzegovina portray women and men in news. Monitoring was conducted with using knowledge gained during capacity building workshop, GMMP 2009/2010 resource materials/manual, and quantitative coding sheets. Two case studies of articles/news stories were selected for further qualitative analysis with using GMMP methodology. Through our feedback contacts and communication with women that participated in this monitoring action, majority of women monitors confirmed usefulness of this initiative for increasing their understanding of role and responsibility of media in promoting women's human rights and challenging gender equality issues. Women monitors also said that monitoring methodology and tools helped them to understand importance of applying gender analysis on media portrayal of women, and identify gender based discrimination in news reporting of BiH media. Gender and Media Monitoring Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 10 November 2009, Hikmeta Rizvanović, Woman BiH Mostar Gordana Vidović, Executive Director of NGO "Future" Modriča, presents methodology and tools for quantitative media analysis at the Capacity Building Workshop for Gender in Media Monitoring in BiH, 5 and 6 March 2009, Mostar

31 Increased Focus on Gender Equality in Public Broadcasting Service of Republika Srpska - Radio Television of Republika Srpska, as one of three public broadcasting services in Bosnia and Herzegovina reflect continuous progress and improvements in terms of increasing gender sensibility of programs and joining civil society actions and initiatives. During 2009, RTRS prepared and broadcasted special thematic TV programs with title "In Focus", among which more than 50% was dedicated to specific issues of women's human rights and gender equality (domestic violence, trafficking of women and girls, women in politics, women's health, etc.) United Women Banja Luka was selected as a local partner in preparation of thematic issues and selecting guests for these TV programs. This initiative was fully sponsored by RTRS. - RTRS prepared special program scheme during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence in 2009, which featured activities of numerous women's NGOs, promoted women in politics, and brought into public focus specific women's issues, and contributed into joint Calendar of Activities prepared by women s NGOs in BiH. This was the second year that RTRS independently conducted this initiative with using their own resources. Increased Political Support of Official Authorities to Fighting Violence Against Women - As a part of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence in 2009, Dragoljub Davidović, City Major of Banja Luka and Uroš Pena, Director of Police of Republika Srpska issued proclamations to support 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in BiH. This was the first time that highest officials on local and entity level in BiH show public support and commitment to objectives of the Campaign. These proclamations were direct result of public advocacy and lobbying activities conducted by United Women Banja Luka and other women's NGOs in BiH. Additionally, Gender Center of RS Government organized press conference with participation of the Milorad Dodik, Prime minister of RS, and other high officials of Republika Srpska Government. They publicly supported the Campaign and supported zero tolerance for male violence against women. Although these actions can be seen just as formal act of support, they received a lot's of media attention, and have significant influence on creating public opinion of women and men citizens on violence against women in BiH.

32 c. gender equality in PubLic and PoLiticaL Life in bosnia and Herzegovina c.1 Woman today - PHase Promoting Women's ParticiPation in PubLic and PoLiticaL Life United Women Banja Luka and Helsinki Citizens' Assembly Banja Luka are implementing this project since 1997, with support of Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation from Sweden. Long-term goal of the project is decreasing of all forms of gender-based discrimination of women, and creating environment in which women and men have equal possibilities. Specific project objective in 2009 was reaching gender sensitive and responsible policies at the local level trough increasing number and influence of women in local bodies of governance after the elections in Key Results in 2009: - Eighty-seven (87) women and men citizens of Banja Luka actively participated in the public discussions and expressed opinion on actual issues and topics that were focus of these discussions; - Hundred and eighteen (118) women citizens of Gradiška, Kozarska Dubica, Novi Grad, and Prijedor participated in the public discussions and expressed their views; - Ninety-eight (98) persons participated in workshops organized in targeted local communities Gradiška, Kozarska Dubica, Novi Grad, Prijedor and Banja Luka. We educated women representatives in the municipal/city assemblies, and employees in municipal administrations to recognize priorities, and we agreed about concrete activities and public advocacy actions they are ready to implement. In each local community, women workshop participants developed priorities for future work, and mini plans how to implement planned activities. Women workshop participants concluded there is lack of education about gender equality. Through education of women from local governmental institutions, we helped them to understand importance, and need for different levels of networking and placing women into center, in order to move them from social margins. - Twenty-five (25) persons from five cities, which participated in the workshop on strengthening capacities of women representatives in the municipal assemblies and members of the municipal gender equality commissions expressed readiness to advocate for changes; - Thirty-two (32) women participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Macedonia decided to create a regional network and they sent the protest letter related to exclusion of women from Butmir process about constitutional changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina; - Five (5) TV programs and two press conferences presented women s issues and priorities to women

33 and men citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. One TV program was broadcasted during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, free of charge, as contribution of the public service Radio Television of Republika Srpska to Woman Today Project. It enabled us to present activities of Women s Network of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Two (2) press conferences informed media about importance of 8 March International Women s Day, and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Women participants of the Regional Round Table in December 2009, Banja Luka With networking of women from different fields of public and political life, and different local communities, analyzing women s issues and public advocacy for solving joint priorities, we identified actual problems in BiH society, expressed women s opinion about them, and made this opinion visible in the public. On this way, we reduced discrimination, because only men had the opportunity to express the opinion about numerous important issues. We worked toward enhancing participation of women in transition and building of a democratic society together with men. On this way, we created preconditions for equal participation of women in all social processes. Through networking of women in a local community, entity, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the region-croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia - we enabled greater influence of women in a local community, entity, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. Together we lobbied for involving women in negotiations about destiny of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and agreed about establishing Regional Women s Network.

34 c.2 PubLic advocacy actions aimed to improve Women s Human rights and gender equality in bosnia and Herzegovina Banja Luka, 27 October 2009 For the Butmir talks initiators: Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg High Representative to BiH Valentin Inzko P R O T E S T Being concerned with the progress of Butmir talks so far, and recalling that true democracy cannot exist without equal participation of women, Udruzene Zene and Helsinki Citizens Assembly, together with the participants at the round table which resulted in the forming of the Regional Women s Network in Banja Luka on 23rd October, we request that the international representatives and local leaders include women in the continuation of talks on constitutional changes in BiH. Women were excluded from all negotiating teams, which have been deciding about the BiH destiny, starting from the time of the Dayton Peace Agreement signing onwards. Butmir talks are no exception to this, while the results of these talks will have an impact on all BiH male and female citizens equally. Participants at the round table held in Banja Luka who arrived from BiH, Croatia, Serbia Montenegro and Macedonia, are surprised with the behavior of Butmir talks' initiators, especially Carl Bildt, Foreign Minister of Sweden, the country which is currently presiding over the EU. The EU countries are obliged to show appreciation towards the gender balance, pursuant to resolutions, declarations, rule books and road maps, when adopting any decision on the EU level. Contrary to the expectations of the BiH women, but also of the women from the region, Butmir talks initiators ignored all above mentioned, and proceeded with the practice of ignoring and excluding women, although they were in position to decide about who was to sit at the negotiating table. This has only encouraged local politicians to pursue with the practice of women discrimination, violation of domestic legal regulations, first of all BiH Law on Gender Equality, and to ignore obligations that were taken over by the signing of the international and regional relevant contracts. Negotiating table should host women as well who could give a different contribution to the talks and direct them towards the needs and interests of ordinary citizens of this country, who cannot live on the principle of constitutionality. Thus, we request that the international representatives consider our protest and prevent that only men decide upon the destiny of BiH male and female citizens! Lidija Živanović Executive Director Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka Nada Golubović Executive Director United Women Banja Luka

35 June 2009 To: City Administration Banja Luka, Center for Social Work Banja Luka, Government of Republika Srpska, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska, Safe House Modriča, Safe House Prijedor Cc: All media From: Nada Golubović, Executive Director, United Women Banja Luka PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF TEMPORARy CLOSURE OF THE SAFE HOUSE SHELTER FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE On 1 June 2009, United Women Banja Luka will temporary close the Safe House Shelter for Women and Children Victims of Violence in Banja Luka due to impossibility of further financing for current work and ensuring conditions for satisfying the basic needs, food, and hygiene. Direct consequence of the temporary closure of the Safe House is exit of eighteen persons from different cities of Republika Srpska currently sheltered in the Safe House, eight women and ten children from 1.5 to 17 years of age. Despite legislative regulations, among other, the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence which regulates that means for temporary accommodation and shelter of victims of violence in the Safe House will be provided up to 70% from the entity budget, and up to 30% from the budgets of municipalities and cities, because of its lack of implementation in the practice, we are forced to temporary close the Safe House. Our continuous requests directed to Government of Republika Srpska did not bring results, and we did not receive planned resources from the entity budget. Justifications we received from the authorized Ministry vary from calling upon insufficient budgetary inflow due to global economic crisis to emphasizing more priority categories that need assistance. Until now, we only received financial support from the City Administration Banja Luka as one part of the planned resources in the city budget for supporting sheltering women and children survivors of violence. Thanks to this support in amount of BAM, until today, we succeeded to cover the basic needs of women and children victims of violence. On 1 June 2009, the Safe House for Women and Children Victims of Violence in Banja Luka will temporary cease its work until Government of Republika Srpska fulfils its obligations toward women and children survivors of domestic violence, and allocate legally regulated financial means planned for their accommodation in the Safe House. Nada Golubović Executive Director of the Association

36 Sarajevo, Banja Luka, 13 May 2009 PRESS STATEMENT With his scandalous statement that Balkan tradition is to beat wives if they are not listening, made yesterday on the parliamentary session of the House of Peoples in the Parliament of Federation of BiH, delegate Muharem Serbezovski, President of the Human Rights Commission provoked our shock and revolt. Nongovernmental organizations are expressing the strongest protest because of the statement of delegate Serbezovski, which approves violence against women because it represents a part of folklore of Balkan peoples. There is no excuse for representative of women and men citizens and President of the Human Rights Commission to express publicly such attitude at the parliamentary session. It is additionally disturbing for us that other delegates perceive such statement as congenial!!!! Moreover, his colleague Zoran Budimlić in his statement at the parliamentary session compares women with rebellious and spoiled children! We are demanding from the Parliament of Federation of BiH to condemn strongly such attitudes, and we are requesting urgent removal of Muharem Serbezovski from the position of the President of the Human Rights Commission. We are demanding from authorities to protect our right on dignity and life without violence!

37 City of Banja Luka Major PROCLAMATION - 16 DAyS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE WHEREAS, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign designed to develop strategies to increase international awareness of the systemic nature of violence against women; and WHEREAS, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign runs annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through December 10 (International Human Rights Day) to symbolically link violence against women and human rights and to emphasize that such violence is a human rights violation; and WHEREAS, according to the United Nations, at least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime with the abuser usually someone known to her; and violence against women is the most pervasive human rights violation because of its affect on women across borders, categories of age, race, class, and in times of peace as well as conflict; and WHEREAS, the 16 Days Campaign provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, activists, and governments to work together in solidarity and draw upon this period of heightened international attention to gain support for their local efforts to eliminate violence against women; and WHEREAS, City of Banja Luka already provided significant contribution in solving this issue in our local community, and with this, showed solidarity with more than 2,800 organizations worldwide who take part or have taken part in this campaign and the organizations worldwide who desire change for a better, more equal and more just world; and WHEREAS, violence against women is violence against sisters, daughters, mothers, grandmothers, granddaughters, girlfriends, wives and partners; and, WHEREAS, violence against women devastates relationships, families, communities, work places, schools, neighborhoods, villages, cities and towns the world over; and WHEREAS, it is only through awareness of the breadth of this human rights and public health crisis that it can be stopped and prevented; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Major of Banja Luka, Dragoljub Davidović, do hereby proclaim November 25 to December 10 as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence in City of Banja Luka. Given under our hand and seal of the City of Banja Luka, on 25 November Dragoljub Davidović City Major of Banja Luka

38 d. advocacy against trafficking of PeoPLe in bosnia and Herzegovina During 2009, United Women Banja Luka continued with public advocacy activities and education about the issue of trafficking of people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, targeting specifically young boys and girls. In period from 1 October 2009 to 31 December 2010, United Women Banja Luka will participate as a partner in implementation of the project Comprehensive Approach in Solving the Issue of Child Pornography in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Project will be implemented by the Ministry of Security of BiH Department for Fighting Trafficking of People, the Association International Forum of Solidarity Emmaus, in cooperation with OAK Foundation and Save the Children Norway. The main objective of the project is prevention of child s pornography, and other forms of sexual abuse and exploitation of children in Bosnia and Herzegovina with using informational and communication technology. The project also plans to establish free SOS line for assistance and reporting the cases of abuse, offering information to children and parents, implementation of a mini-campaign of prevention and awareness rising of children in risk and their parents about dangers and possible abuses of information and communication technologies for the purpose of exploiting children, and child pornography in general. One of the project objectives is establishing unique data base that would consist of information about criminal offenders in this field, and joining to the network of web portals that are promoting safe usage of Internet, and organization of educational workshops for children of risk age in elementary and secondary schools of BiH, their parents, members of school councils, and teachers, with objective of the raising awareness about existence of this issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its prevention. During 2009, United Women Banja Luka continued with implementation of the project Fighting Against Trafficking of People, supported by the World Vision Australia and World Vision Switzerland. Objective of the project is increasing awareness of young people about this socially dangerous issue, ways of recruiting of victims, and links of trafficking of people with other issues that affect youth people, such are drug addiction, prostitution, and smuggling of people. The project was implemented in four local communities of Republika Srpska - Kneževo, Kotor Varoš, Čelinac and Banja Luka in final grades of fourteen (14) elementary schools. Workshops consisted of role plays on two hypothetic situations related to trafficking of people for the purpose of prostitution and forced unpaid labor. As a part of the project, we prepared booklet in a form of comic book that presents situations described in role-plays. After the role-plays with children, Boris Ivanović, Director of SIPA Office in Banja Luka and Lana Jajčević, activist of "United Women" Banja Luka presented theoretical part of the workshop and responded on questions of girls and boys students that participated in workshops. Evaluation workshops consisted of theatre plays on the topic of trafficking of people prepared by girls and boys students, and one-day excursion for children that participated in the project activities.

39 United Women Banja Luka continued to actively participate in joint advocacy activities aimed for raising awareness and fighting against trafficking of women and girls organized by the RING NGO Anti- Trafficking Network in BiH, and coordination meetings organized by the BiH State Coordinator for Fighting Against Trafficking of People.

40 strengthening cooperation WitH other nongovernmental organizations and official institutions in bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad Accomplished Results in 2009 United Women Banja Luka continued to work on strengthening our visibility in local and regional environment and improving cooperation, exchange of information and joint initiatives with other nongovernmental organizations in both entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in the region. Through various project activities of our Association and public advocacy initiatives aimed to fight violence against women and increase participation and influence of women in political decision making at all levels, we improved cooperation with local women's organizations. Within program area of fighting violence against women in Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Women Banja Luka cooperated with women s NGOs in BiH, members of the Women s Network of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and RING NGO Anti-trafficking Network, and organized joint billboard campaign, distribution of info leaflets, media presentations, and street actions as contribution to 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in period from 25 November International Day of Fighting Violence Against Women and 10 December International Day of Human Rights. Campaign activities helped us to improve cooperation and gain increased media attention for the issues of violence against women. United Women Banja Luka cooperated with women s NGOs in BiH that are running shelters for women and children victims of violence on developing advocacy priorities for introducing gender sensitive and responsive budgeting in the area of fighting domestic violence and violence against women on local and entity level in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and developing common standards for work of the shelters in BiH. Representatives of United Women Banja Luka also participated in the Women s March of Solidarity, organized by the Network Women in Black on 9 March 2009 in Belgrade, which marked 101 Anniversary of the International Women s Day, and 10 Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. As a part of this action, Center for Cultural Decontamination from Belgrade organized Women s Fair of Thoughts and Actions, with participation of women s nongovernmental organizations from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. Women's March of Solidarity, 9 March 2009, Begrade

41 Within program area related to improving gender equality in media of Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Women Banja Luka continued cooperation with women s NGOs and women journalists and media workers throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, and successfully contributed to improving visibility and impact of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also extended cooperation with women s nongovernmental organizations from Croatia and Serbia, and hosted women experts from Sweden and Germany that contributed in gender equality education of women and men journalists, female politicians, and NGO activists from BiH with sharing their experiences about successes and challenges of gender mainstreaming processes in media. Ute Becker from Amica e.v. Freiburg, Germany at the Panel Presentation Experiences of Gender Mainstreaming in Media in the Balkan Region and Countries of the European Union February 2009 Through direct participation of Natalija Petric, United Women Banja Luka professional team member in multi-disciplinary working groups for developing BiH Strategy for Fighting Domestic Violence and drafting the Law on Changes and Amendments of Gender Equality Law in BiH, we improved cooperation with official institutions, especially those responsible for policy development and improvement of women's human rights and gender equality in BiH society. We strengthened our cooperation with women politicians in legislative and executive governance at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, namely women involved in work of People s Assembly of Republika Srpska, City Administration Banja Luka, Gender Center of Republika Srpska Government, Gender Center of Federation of BiH Government, and Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

42 strategic Priorities in the Work of united Women banja Luka during 2010 United Women Banja Luka will continue to follow our strategic objectives from previous period, and especially focus on following priorities: Fighting against violence against women and diminishing gender based discrimination in private and public life, with focus on increasing sensibility of the official institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina on this issue, monitoring implementation of domestic laws and international conventions in BiH aimed to protect women from all forms of violence, developing and implementation of educational programs with different target groups aimed for increasing awareness about domestic violence, and public advocacy actions, including Campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in BiH, aimed to raise awareness of women and men citizens in BiH about this issue; Increasing access to justice for women victims of violence, and providing direct free legal and psychosocial support for women and children victims of domestic violence through free legal counseling, SOS telephone for women victims of violence, contribution in work of Mobile Team for Field Interventions in Cases of Domestic Violence in Banja Luka and services of Safe House for Women and Children Victims of Domestic Violence in Banja Luka; Public advocacy for real implementation of Gender Equality Law of BiH and Gender Action Plan of BiH, as key legislative and public policy documents aimed for ensuring equality of women and men in private and public life through monitoring work of official institutions at all levels; Diminishing discrimination and abuse of women in electronic and printed media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through public advocacy actions and activities aimed to improve portrayal of women and women s issues in media, create conditions for equal access of women and men on creation of media policies, and increase of gender sensitivity of women and men journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Empowering women to participate in political and social changes through their active role in creation of public policies, and political decision making on local, entity, and state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Fighting trafficking of women and girls in Bosnia and Herzegovina through public advocacy and educational activities aimed for increasing public awareness about the issue among youth people as the key target group, but also women and men citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Supporting sustainable return and social development in Bosnia and Herzegovina through work on strengthening position of women in urban and rural communities, and implementing activities that contribute to peace and reconciliation processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina;

43 Strengthening cooperation with other nongovernmental organizations and official institutions at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other countries in the region, with key objective of enhancing implementation of domestic laws and international conventions aimed to protect women s human rights and gender equality; Developing internal capacities and working on organizational development of United Women Banja Luka, through continuous capacity building of professional staff, volunteers and supporters

44 organizational structure of the united Women banja Luka Nada Golubović Executive Director of the Association, (BSc. Technology, Faculty of Technology, Specialization in Medical Biochemistry) a. members of management board: Vlado Cvijić Dijana Pejić Dragana Dardić Nada Tešanović Executive Director of NGO Krajina Banja Luka, President of the Board Program Manager of NGO Genesis Banja Luka, Member Program Director, NGO Helsinki Citizens Assembly Banja Luka, Member Vice President of the People s Assembly of Republika Srpska, Member b. ProfessionaL staff: Aleksandra Radeta Stegić Lana Jajčević Natalija Petrić Dijana Đurić Miroslav Samardžić Aleksandra Petrić Minja Damjanović Secretary of the Association, Professor of History (BA. History, Faculty of Philosophy Banja Luka, Department for History) Lawyer, Project Coordinator, (BA. Law, Faculty of Law Banja Luka) Practicing Attorney, Legal Advisor, (BA. Law, Faculty of Law, Barrister Exam, M.A. in Gender Studies, Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies, University of Sarajevo, BiH, PhD Candidate in Gender Studies, University of Novi Sad) Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor and Psychotherapist in the Safe House Banja Luka (BA. Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, M.A. Student of Psychology, Banja Luka) Financial Manager, Project Coordinator, Graduated Economist (BSc. Economics, Faculty of Economics, Banja Luka) Human Rights Advisor, Deputy Executive Director, (BA. Law, Faculty of Law, Banja Luka, M.A. International Human Rights, Joseph Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, Colorado, USA) Project Coordinator, Graduated Economist (BSc. Economics, Faculty of Economics Banja Luka)

45 Amela Bašić Dragana Miljević Nada Jeličić Marjeta Grbić Gordana Vrbica Jasminka Pavić Milica Smiljanić Coordinator of the Safe House Banja Luka, Graduated Psychologist (BA. Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy Banja Luka, Department of Psychology) Social Worker of the Safe House, Banja Luka (BA. Social Work, Faculty of Philosophy Banja Luka, Department of Social Work) Housekeeper, Safe House Banja Luka, High School Nurse, Safe House Banja Luka, High School Nurse, Safe House Banja Luka, High School Nurse, Safe House Banja Luka, High School Chief Nurse, Safe House Banja Luka, University Level Degree c. sos telephone volunteers: Amela Bašić Anja Damjanović Minja Damjanović Jovanka Ivković Jelena Jeličić Maja Kovjenić Iva Papić Branka Spremo Snežana Spremo Stanka Spremo Graduated Psychologist (BA. Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy Banja Luka, Department of Psychology) Student of Economics, (Faculty of Economics Banja Luka) Graduated Economist (Faculty of Economics Banja Luka) Economic Technician, High School Student of Design, (Faculty for Electronic Business and Design Banja Luka) BA. Candidate in Psychology, (Faculty of Philosophy Banja Luka) Graduated Psychologist (M.A. Student of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy Banja Luka, Department for Psychology) Student of Serbian Language and Literature, (Faculty of Philosophy Banja Luka, Department of Serbian Language and Literature) Student of Psychology and English Language and Literature, (Faculty of Philosophy Banja Luka, Departments of Psychology, and English Language and Literature) Student of French Language and Literature (Faculty of Philosophy Banja Luka, Department of French Language and Literature)

46 financial overview of the united Women banja Luka for 2009 No. Donor Title of the Project Contracted Amount in BAM 1 EED Germany Gender Equality in BiH (* received in 2008) 2 EED Germany Gender Equality in BiH/rest of donation per first phase of the project 3 City Administration Banja Luka 4 City Administration Banja Luka 5 City Administration Banja Luka 6 City Administration Banja Luka 7 Government of Republika Srpska 8 Center for Social Work Banja Luka Received Amount Variance BAM in BAM in International conference Meeting - Serbia, BiH, Croatia - campaign against violence Meeting of women NGO representatives Co-financing of the running costs Safe House and Campaign against violence Co-financing of the running costs Safe House Team for Assistance and Support for Victims of Violence 9 Australian Embassy Setting up the house yard Safe House 10 UNIFEM SPCA/SVK/2008/42 Stereotypes as Cause of Violence Against Women and Girls 11 UNIFEM Gender Responsible Budgeting 12 World Vision Education About Trafficking of People 13 Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Germany 14 Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation Sweden (1.116) unspent ,88 (1.033,12) unspent Capacity Building and Advocacy Action Planning Safe Houses in BiH Woman and Law

47 Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation Sweden 16 Fund Open Society Institute (FOSI) Additional Contract International Conference Introducing Women About their Social Rights 17 EMMAUS Comprehensive Approach in Solving the Issue of Child Pornography in Bosnia and Herzegovina 18 Aragosta Invest One Time Assistance for the Safe House m:tel Telephone Company 20 Individual donations of women and men citizens 21 Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH One Time Assistance for the Safe House One Time Assistance for the Safe House Intervention resources for the Safe House Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH 23 City Development Agency Banja Luka 24 Post Office Company Srpska Assistance for sustainability of the Safe House Support for the Women s Art Festival Support for the Women s Art Festival Interest rate for 2008 Per all bank accounts Membership fee Transfer from 2008 Per all bank accounts and projects Total (*92.511) (2.149,12)

48 Enter in 2009 Amount in BAM Transfer from Donor Contribution Donations of Individuals 175 Interest Rates 532 TOTAL: Costs in 2009 In BAM Nett Salaries Taxes and Contributions on Salaries Stipends Equipment 0 Office Costs Costs of the Activities Bank Fees Total Balance

49

50 Preparation and printing of this publication was possible thanks to the support of Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation from Sweden PUBLICATION PREPARED By: United Women Banja Luka Address: Kalemegdanska 18, Banja Luka Bosnia and Herzegovina Telephone: Telephone&Fax: Web: Banja Luka, 2010 Editor: Aleksandra Petrić For the Publisher: Nada Golubović Layout: Maja Ilić Print: GRAFID, Banja Luka