For the past few years, Bosnia and Herzegovina, like the rest of the world, has been celebrating every 25th day of the month as Orange Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness, preventing violence against women and girls and sending messages of support to victims.
As part of the campaign #WomenMakingDifference, the Institute for Youth Development KULT promoted the stories of successful women from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia who are changing their communities for the better. Our focus was on the positive values they promote through their work and social engagement and the support they offer to women, girls and other members of the community. The Institute’s goal with the regional campaign #WomenMakingDifference was encouraging youth to follow the lead of others and find the motivation to take part in ending violence against women and girls. The campaign also emphasized the importance of fighting for gender equality.
Nine women from the region were involved in the campaign: Anjeza Bojaxhiu from Albania, Kristina Jozić, Amila Tatarević and Jasna Zečević from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nina Đukanović from Montenegro, Irena Stojcevska and Magdalena Chadinoska Kuzmanoski from North Macedonia and Brankica Janković and Miljana Pejić from Serbia.
Anjeza Bojaxhiu is the Gender Equality Officer in the Municipality of Tirana. Kristina Jozić is a police officer and president of the Network of Police Officers, Amila Tatarević is the president of the “BABY STEPS” Association, which is focused on the challenges of parenting, and Jasna Zečević is the director of the Citizens’ Association “Vive Žene” in Tuzla, which provides free psychological support and legal assistance to women victims of violence and runs the only safe house for victims of violence in the Tuzla Canton. Nina Đukanović is the founder of the brand Djevojčice sa klikerima (“Girls with Marbles”) which launched several important campaigns combating online violence against women and girls in Montenegro. Irena Stojcevska and Magdalena Chadinoska Kuzmanoski work in social mentoring – Magdalena works for the Association for Research, Communications and Development “Public” as a social mentor, and Irena works at the Youth Cultural Center in Bitolje.
These women dedicate their time to fighting for gender equality, supporting women victims of violence and improving the relevant legal and institutional state mechanisms in the Western Balkans. Their efforts are creating a better future for us and future generations. Through their work, social engagement and influence in their local community, these nine women are fighting for gender equality across the Western Balkans, which, as they say, will take a lot more time, work and effort.
They all agree on one key point: it’s essential to discuss and educate future generations about this topic. Basic knowledge about this topic often starts at home and within the family, but the education system should build on these basics. In the countries of the Western Balkans, progress is happening extremely slowly. However, the goal of their activities in each of these countries is to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and the freedom to make their own choices, free from stereotypes and prejudices. They recognize the value of small victories and every incremental step that advances their goals, believing that these efforts will help solidify the messages they’ve shared within the community.
Respecting women’s rights will not take away from anyone else’s rights. The pursuit of equality benefits not only women but the entire society and begins with each of us individually. Equality builds a strong and successful society in all aspects, which is why it is essential to get involved and contribute to this fight. The fight is difficult, but women like these will truly make a difference and emerge as winners.
You can find the inspiring stories of these women at https://www.mladi.org/bs/projekti/4/orangeday
The Institute will continue celebrating the 25th of every month with various activities and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about gender equality and preventing all forms of violence. These initiatives will inform the public about the prevalence of violence against women and girls, educate young people on how to report and prevent violence, advocate for effective solutions to stop or reduce violence, and promote gender equality.
We thank all the women who recognized the importance of this campaign and decided to contribute, and we look forward to working together to achieve gender equality!
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