The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign at the University of East Sarajevo, organized by the TPO Foundation as part of the UNIGEM project, started on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concluded on December 10th, Human Rights Day.

As part of the campaign, on November 13th, 2024, Professor Dr. Goran Balotić held a lecture at the Faculty of Economics in Pale on the topic “The Concept of Social Responsibility – Economy and Solidarity.” Attendees had the opportunity to learn how the concept of socially responsible business practices in modern enterprises contributes to strengthening solidarity and social cohesion in society.

On the same faculty, on December 10th, a lecture titled “Starting Your Own Business – A Second Chance for Victims of Violence” was held. The lecture was presented by Dr. Jelena Marjanović as part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign.

Considering that statistical data reveals a high percentage of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina who have experienced violence, as well as the alarming rate at which they return to abusive relationships, the goal of the lecture was to define measures for supporting and assisting victims. In addition to the importance of psychological support, the focus was also placed on the economic empowerment of women to prepare them for life outside abusive environments. Economic dependency is one of the key reasons why women endure violence, and why shelters provide only short-term solutions.