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SARAJEVO, November 27 (FENA) – The '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence' campaign, implemented by the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the global UNiTE initiative of the UN Secretary-General, officially began today in Sarajevo. The initiative aims to eliminate violence against women and girls.
This year's campaign focuses on preventing and responding to technology-facilitated violence against women, which increasingly shapes the daily lives of women and girls.
As part of the campaign’s opening, a panel discussion titled ''Safe Digital Spaces: How Can BiH Stop Online Violence?'' was held, bringing together representatives of institutions, the diplomatic community, civil society, media, and youth. The goal was to jointly advocate for a supportive digital environment and send a clear message that #NoExcuseForOnlineViolence.
Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to BiH, emphasized the European Union's strong commitment to eliminating and preventing gender-based violence across society.
''Gender-based violence remains a serious global problem present both in the EU and in BiH,'' he said, noting that more than 35 women have been killed in BiH over the past two years. He added that the recent murder of Aldina Jahić again showed that these crimes must not remain mere statistics, but a call for urgent action.
He pointed out that the EU is investing 7.5 million euros, in partnership with UN Women, UNDP, UNICEF, and UNFPA, to address the root causes of violence, strengthen shelters, and support survivors, including through economic empowerment.
''Through the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), we are establishing high standards for the removal of illegal content and the protection of fundamental rights, which will also be required of BiH on its EU path,'' he said.
Babajide stated that the EU will continue to cooperate with BiH institutions, civil society, and international partners to ensure that women and girls are safer, both online and offline.
UN Resident Coordinator in BiH, Arnhild Spence, said that the UN and its partners in BiH maintain zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
She emphasized the need for stronger protection systems, especially in cases of technology-mediated violence.
''Digital spaces must be safe, and technology should empower women and girls, not be a source of fear and shame,'' Spence said.
She also noted that in BiH, women make up only 20 percent of elected officials, despite the expectation of equal representation.
Spence stressed that legislation alone is not enough and that ''public attitudes must change''.
Building a safe digital and social environment, she said, is the shared responsibility of governments, civil society, youth, the private sector, and technology platforms.
''Only through joint action can we create an environment where women and girls live without fear,'' Spence concluded.
Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić, Director of the Agency for Gender Equality of BiH within the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, highlighted key priorities in their work, one of which is the need for legislative reforms in BiH.
''BiH must continue working on legislative reforms that clearly recognize all forms of violence. This includes digital violence, which is spreading rapidly, and must not be dismissed as less important simply because it may seem less tangible,'' she said, adding that aligning with international standards and strengthening institutional capacities also remain priorities.
She welcomed efforts by lawmakers in the Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska, who, through amendments to criminal laws, have recognized the sharing of intimate content without consent as a criminal offense.
''A key element is specialized support. Survivors of both offline and online violence must have access to shelters, SOS hotlines, psychological and legal assistance, and digital reporting mechanisms. Protection must be equally accessible to everyone across the country,'' she said.
This year’s campaign is organized as part of the global ''16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence'' initiative and is implemented through the Gender Equality Accelerator (GEA) program. The program is financially supported by the European Union (EU), Sweden, and Denmark, and implemented by UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF in BiH, as part of UN cooperation with BiH institutions to advance gender equality and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
(FENA) A. B.
