Bihać, (Fena) – The European Union has granted 165,000 euros in non-repayable funds to civil society organizations across ten municipalities and cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, aimed at enhancing social protection, promoting women’s economic empowerment, and addressing gender-based violence.
Contracts were signed in Bihać, with organizations from Bihać, Gacko, Tuzla, Vlasenica, Bijeljina, Derventa, Novi Grad, Olovo, Sapna, and Gradiška set to receive funding. These projects focus on improving the situation for women experiencing various vulnerabilities.
Biljana Barović, Head of the EU Office in Banja Luka, underscored that gender equality and women’s empowerment are fundamental EU principles, mentioning the recently initiated program worth 7.5 million euros to enhance institutional responses to violence against women.
The project “Providing assistance to vulnerable women and developing an integrated social protection program,” valued at 550,000 euros, is being executed by the “Žene s Une” association in collaboration with ASB.
Barović reiterated that gender equality and women’s empowerment are not only core values of the European Union but also critical aspects of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European journey.
“Many women in Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to encounter discrimination, poverty, and violence, often lacking sufficient institutional support. This situation needs to be addressed. Through this project, we back local initiatives aimed at bolstering women’s social protection, aligning with our larger commitment, including the recently launched program of 7.5 million euros to enhance responses to gender-based violence,” Barović stated, emphasizing the necessity of collaborative efforts for creating a safer and more economically stable environment for women.
Bihać Mayor Elvedin Sedić highlighted the significance of social responsibility and support for women, asserting that such initiatives convey a strong message that women are not alone. (24.12.)
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