Within the UNIGEM (Universities and Gender Mainstreaming) project TPO Foundation in partnership with the University Gender Resource Center of the University of Sarajevo, Foundation ZATO and 19 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro is organising the International Conference “Gender and Peace in the Balkans: Charting the Path Forward?” The three-day conference will be held in Sarajevo from February 25-27, 2025 and it will havea hybrid format allowing for in-person or online participation (live video streaming).

The three partner universities of the UNIGEM project held meetings last week to review the activities completed so far and discuss future plans. On December 19, 2024, the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory (IFDT) of the University of Belgrade (UNBG) held an online meeting with the members of the Gender Equality Committee of UNBG. Four members of the Committee attended, two from the Rectorate’s professional services and two from organizational units of the University. The meeting presented the achievements of the UNIGEM project this year and plans for the[…]

As part of the UNIGEM project, the TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center at the University of Sarajevo’s Center for Human Rights held a two-day training for police officers from the Police Directorate of the Ministry of Interior of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton in Mostar on December 19 and 20, 2024. The training was titled “Gender-Based Violence: Police-Criminal and Legal Aspects.” A similar two-day training under the same title was also organized in cooperation with the Police Directorate of the Ministry of Interior of the Una-Sana Canton for police[…]

Faculty members and students of the University “Džemal Bijedić” in Mostar, alongside the TPO Foundation, organized a series of lectures, workshops, and discussions as part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. This initiative aimed to educate both academic and non-academic staff, as well as students, on gender equality and gender-based violence.

The “VITEZ” University organized a panel discussion titled “Women’s Health in the Shadow of Violence: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Problem-Solving.” This significant event, held on December 20, 2024, brought together experts from various fields to discuss critical issues related to the health of women who are victims of violence and possible multidisciplinary approaches to resolving this complex issue.

After the Winter School held at the University of Tuzla in 2024 within the framework of the UNIGEM project, students, under the mentorship of selected professors, prepared final academic and artistic works which have been collected in the Anthology Gender and Art. The Anthology was edited by Jasmina Husanović, Anisa Avdagić, Selma Veseljević Jerković, and Maja Dedić. The works intervene in the critical production of knowledge about artistic practices and works from the perspective of gender theories, in an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach. The papers present interesting interdisciplinary approaches to[…]

The TPO Foundation in Sarajevo organized a series of educational sessions on the topic of “Corruption and Gender-Based Violence” as part of the UNIGEM project. The trainings took place from November 11 to 14, 2024, and were aimed at various target groups, including university staff, civil servants, police officers, and students. The goal was to raise awareness about the connection between corruption and gender-based violence, as well as to strengthen participants’ capacity to recognize and fight these issues. The sessions were led by two experienced trainers from Serbia: Gorjana Mirčić-Čaluković[…]

An exhibition of works created during the Winter School “Gender and Art” opened on December 23, 2024, in the lobby of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies “Prof. Dr. Zdravko Grebo” at the University of Sarajevo. The exhibition will be open to the public on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CIS until Friday, January 31, 2025. The exhibition showcases group works created by the participants of the Winter School “Gender and Art,” which was held under the guidance of Assistant Professor Dr. Nela Hasanbegović from the Academy of[…]

As part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign (December 2024), Lana Bobić held 19 online training sessions on the topic of “Coercive Control” for teaching staff at UNIGEM partner universities. Gender-based violence manifests in various forms, and one of the most subtle and difficult to recognize is coercive control. The TPO Foundation, together with 19 partner universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, has been organizing various forms of education for the past four years in conjunction with the “16 Days of Activism Against[…]

What is gender, why is an atmosphere of fear around gender equality being created, and why do right-wing populist discourses use anti-gender narratives to achieve their political goals? These are the questions discussed in online seminars during December 2024, within the framework of the UNIGEM project. The seminars were led by Dr. Jadranka Rebeka Anić, a scientific advisor from Split, and the participants were students from the partner universities of the TPO Foundation, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations. Although gender, sex, and gender equality have been widely discussed[…]

Students of the Sarajevo Secondary Medical School made a significant contribution to the campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” organized by the TPO Foundation as part of the UNIGEM project. First, they created wall newspapers and displayed them in the school hall, followed by an exhibition of educational art posters, which were placed from the first to the third floor of the school. Both activities were coordinated by Selvira Mašnić. The wall newspapers and posters attracted considerable attention, with approximately 700 people viewing them. Of these, 130 students[…]

Students and teachers at Obala Gymnasium were very active and engaged during the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, organized by the TPO Foundation as part of the UNIGEM project. They carried out six different activities, all coordinated by Professor Enisa Klačar. In addition to creating a video with messages of support for victims and survivors, made by students Lejla Bandić, Hanan Lukač, Emina Spahić, Sajra Leka, Nadja Krečo, Lamija Zorbić, and Tia Žigić, a panel discussion was organized with psychologist and gestalt psychotherapist Senka Čimpo. Through this engagement, the students[…]

The Office for Gender Equality at the University of Hercegovina successfully organized workshops within the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, which is implemented by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo as part of the UNIGEM project. The first workshop was led by Prof. Dr. Irma Džambo, who spoke on the topic of the “Battered Woman Syndrome,” a term more commonly known in literature as the syndrome of the (pre)beaten woman. As Prof. Džambo highlighted, the battered woman syndrome is a psychological consequence of living in violence from an[…]

Sarajevo’s Third Gymnasium, in collaboration with the Music High School, carried out a series of activities as part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, organized by the TPO Foundation within the UNIGEM project. The campaign, under the school project name “Empathy – Responsibility – Solidarity” (supporting victims and survivors), began on November 25 and ran until December 10. During this period, a variety of activities were carried out involving students, teachers, and staff. The first activity was an exhibition of posters titled “Help for Victims and[…]

At the student dormitory “Prof. Dr. Fikret Hadžić” in the “Izvor Nade” Foundation, in collaboration with the TPO Foundation through the UNIGEM project, an open forum titled “Women in Focus: Strength and Perspective Through Open Dialogue” was held. This event, which marked the conclusion of the online campaign “Don’t Blink” by the “Izvor Nade” Foundation, served as a space for dialogue, understanding, and connection, dedicated to empowering women and the collective fight against gender-based violence. The panelists included Alma Kovačević, a dentist, entrepreneur, and chairwoman of the Board of Directors[…]

The December meetings wrapped up this year’s series of intellectual gatherings, where important societal topics were discussed. The final Socratic Cafés of the year took place on December 18, 2024, in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Zenica. In Sarajevo, at the “Boris Smoje” gallery, a discussion was held on the theme “Deconstructing Toxic Masculinity: A Path to a More Equal Society,” moderated by Elmana Cerić. Participants had the chance to explore what “toxic masculinity” means, the difference between “masculinity” and “toxic masculinity,” and whether this issue affects only men, or also[…]

On December 18th, a special evening was held at the Belgrade cultural institution “Parobrod,” dedicated to the Sarajevo avant-garde group Collegium Artisticum, which shaped the cultural landscape of Sarajevo from 1939 to 1941. The screening of the documentary Colors and Rhythms of Unrest – Collegium Artisticum 1939-1941 and the promotion of the biographical book Ani Radošević, Poetess of the Movement by Saida Mustajbegović highlighted the significant role of this group in the artistic and political struggles of the time. The TPO Foundation published the book Ani Radošević, Poetess of the[…]

The TPO Foundation has released its new publication titled “Laurels for a Woman’s Head: The Gender Dimension of Literary Awarding in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” The authors of the edition are Adisa Bašić and Ajla Demiragić. The publication is printed on 168 pages, containing five chapters. In addition to the introductory part, it includes chapters such as “The System of Literary Awarding and the Question of Gender: What Are Literary Awards and Who (or What) Do They Serve?”, “Gender Aspects of Bosnian-Herzegovinian Literary Awards,” “Concluding Considerations,” and the last, fifth chapter,[…]

Teachers and students from the Mixed Secondary School “Bosanski Petrovac” successfully carried out all planned activities within the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, organized by the TPO Foundation as part of the UNIGEM project. They produced a short film on the topic of gender-based violence and a short video based on elements of Forum Theater. The film was presented to all students of both the Mixed Secondary and the “Ahmet Hromadžić” Primary School in Bosanski Petrovac. Another result of the campaign was a series of drawings conveying[…]

The TPO Foundation today marked Human Rights Day and the conclusion of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign against violence against women with a panel discussion on the topic “How to Live in a Patriarchal Society Without Demonstrating a Significant Will for Change?” The panel discussion was held at the Jewish Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina and was organized in collaboration with seven high schools: Third Gymnasium, Obala Gymnasium, School of Applied Arts, Music School, Medical School, School of Traffic and Communications, and the School of Leather, Textiles, and Design.[…]

The TPO Foundation wrapped up its “16 Days of Activism” campaign against gender-based violence with the theme “See Beyond.” During the campaign, a donation drive was held to provide hygiene packages to the Women’s House in Zmajevac near Gradačac. As part of the closing of the campaign, TPO Foundation representatives Ivana Kulić and Saida Mustajbegović engaged in discussions with the women living at the shelter on the topic of period poverty and the importance of breaking the taboos surrounding gender-based and economic violence. Through this interactive meeting, ideas were exchanged[…]

Foundation and Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST) organized a panel discussion on the topic “Influencing Change – Promoting Equality.” The panelists were Nadine Mičić, Mirza Mustafagić, and Brankica Raković, with Emina Ganić moderating the event. The discussion began by defining the term “influencing,” considering that there is no direct translation for this term in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. The panelists highlighted that this is a new profession worldwide and a rapidly evolving industry, though there is still some skepticism and the belief that it’s not a “real job.” The conversation then[…]

Throughout the month, the teachers and students of the school participated in a campaign organized by the TPO Foundation as part of the UNIGEM project under the slogan “Support Victims and Survivors,” as well as the project “Be Responsible: Support, React, Report” (Youth in Action for Peacebuilding and Promoting Tolerance). Along with coordinator Alma Ahmethodžić, they carried out various activities. The students from this Sarajevo school participated in a roundtable discussion with their peers from other schools, where they debated issues of conflict resolution, violence, and violence-based behavior in the[…]

At the student dormitory “Prof. Dr. Fikret Hadžić” in the “Izvor Nade” Foundation, in collaboration with the TPO Foundation through the UNIGEM project, an open forum titled “Women in Focus: Strength and Perspective Through Open Dialogue” was held. This event, which marked the conclusion of the online campaign “Don’t Blink” by the “Izvor Nade” Foundation, served as a space for dialogue, understanding, and connection, dedicated to empowering women and the collective fight against gender-based violence. The panelists included Alma Kovačević, a dentist, entrepreneur, and chairwoman of the Board of Directors[…]

As part of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, the “Harmani I” Elementary School in Bihać, in collaboration with the TPO Foundation and within the framework of the UNIGEM project, organized a series of events from December 5 to 10 to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and International Human Rights Day. For the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, two workshops were held, involving 32 eighth-grade students. The activity was led by school counselor Josipa Dupanović. A total of 45 students participated in three workshops marking Human[…]

he Sarajevo Second Gymnasium hosted a series of three workshops with students aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence. The workshops were held from November 27 to December 10, 2024, as part of the “16 Days of Activism – Fighting Gender-Based Violence” campaign, organized by the TPO Foundation. Under the mentorship of Professor Lejla Čaušević, the students of the II-3 IB class took part in the first workshop on November 27, 2024, dedicated to this topic. They first presented their research on gender-based violence and then engaged in a discussion,[…]

The TPO Foundation continued its philosophical gatherings in the new season of Socratic Cafes, interactive discussions designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and critical thinking on key societal issues. The first events were held in Sarajevo and Mostar, with subsequent gatherings taking place in Sarajevo and East Sarajevo as well. In Sarajevo, at the “Boris Smoje” gallery, the second and third Socratic Cafes were held. The first was moderated by Professor Željka Tubić, and the second by Professor Dr. Adem Olovčić. In East Sarajevo, specifically at the cafeteria of[…]

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 TPO Foundation carried out the “16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women” campaign at the Faculty of Security Studies at the University of Banja Luka, as part of the UNIGEM project. On December 2, 2024, a lecture/workshop on the topic “Violence Against Women – Forms and (Criminal) Legal Protection” was organized. Under the mentorship of professors Dragana Vasiljević and Žana Vrućinić, students successfully defined the concept of violence against women from both a criminal-legal and psychological perspective. They learned to recognize the various forms of violence against women,[…]

Students and teachers from the Secondary School of Metalworking Professions in Sarajevo participated in the campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” organized by the TPO Foundation as part of the UNIGEM project. On December 2nd and 5th, 2024, two workshops titled “STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN BiH: Support for Victims and Survivors” were held at this school. The activity involved 22 students and teachers Mirsad Cvrk, Amina Koro-Jusić, and Maida Mehić. The goal was for the students to contribute to the protection of violence victims. Additionally, on December[…]

On Monday, December 9, 2024, a panel discussion titled “University and Gender Equality” was held at the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Sarajevo. The event was organized as part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign by Prof. Dr. Sarina Bakić and Assistant Selma Alispahić, with the support of the TPO Foundation and the UNIGEM project. Prof. Dr. Amila Ždralović spoke about the Gender Equality Council at UNSA, while Lamija Subašić presented the project “Introducing Gender-Sensitive Policies in Higher Education” (UNIGEM). The panel was[…]

As part of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, on December 6, 2024, professors from the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (FASTO) at the University of Sarajevo held a workshop for women titled “Strength and Confidence: Tae-bo and Self-Defense Techniques for Women.” The workshop was held within the UNIGEM project and co-organized by the TPO Foundation, the University Gender Resource Center, and FASTO. The workshop was led by Prof. Dr. Lejla Šebić and Prof. Dr. Safet Kapo. Over 100 women participated, where the professors shared both theoretical and practical[…]

The “Voice of Women” organization from Bihać and the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo organized a professional conference in the capital on the topic of “Femicide as a Separate Criminal Offense in the Criminal Code of FBiH,” under the general motto “For Better Protection of Women from Violence in FBiH.” The participants of the conference, held within the UNIGEM project, included highly respected speakers, with topics divided into two panels. The aim was to provide the wider society with a scientific-professional response regarding the need and form of criminal legal regulation[…]

A two-day conference titled “Gender and Gender Equality in Cyberspace” took place in Sarajevo, organized by the TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGERC). This interdisciplinary event focused on exploring the intersections of gender, technology, and the digital world. The conference provided a platform for exchanging research, ideas, and experiences on how gender issues are represented, amplified, or triggered in the online space. It was especially aimed at students, offering them a chance to delve into these important topics. Among the participants was Džejlana Čejvan, an economics student,[…]

Police officers of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) of Canton 10 participated in the training “Police Investigation and Procedures in Cases of Domestic Violence,” organized by the TPO Foundation in cooperation with the Canton 10 MoI. This highly significant training was conducted as part of the TPO Foundation’s UNIGEM project. It is particularly important that it was attended primarily by young police officers, who gained additional knowledge as well as expert advice and guidelines on conducting police investigations and handling cases of domestic violence. The training, attended by more than[…]

The TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGERC) are pleased to announce the Student Conference on Gender and Gender Equality in Cyberspace. This two-day interdisciplinary event provides a unique opportunity for male and female students to exchange ideas, research and experiences on how the digital world shapes, reflects and challenges gender relations. The conference will be held on November 29 and 30, 2024 at the Hotel Holiday Sarajevo. The main theme of the conference, “Gender and Gender Equality in Cyberspace”, explores the interrelationship between gender and technology. Thirteen[…]

The Conference will be held on December 2, 2024, at the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Zenica, as part of the campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women.” The conference is part of the UNIGEM project and is jointly organized by the University of Zenica and the TPO Foundation, with the support of the British Embassy. The conference will feature scholars and activists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Australia. Download brochure

With the key message “LOOK at the last few years,” the TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center, within the UNIGEM project and with the support of the British Embassy, are marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women campaign. This year, with the special message “Support Victims and Survivors,” the aim is to encourage and support those whose voices have been silenced, and who are unheard in the cacophony of administrative, political, and cultural barriers. At the press conference held on November 26, 2024, at the[…]

TPO Foundation has successfully launched a new season of Socratic Cafés, interactive discussions designed to foster the exchange of ideas and critical reflection on key social issues. The events, held in Sarajevo and Mostar, gathere Sarajevo The first Socratic Café was held on November 6, 2024, at the Boris Smoje Gallery in Sarajevo, moderated by Elmana Cerić. The topic of discussion was: “Why Should We All Be Feminists? Debunking Myths and Prejudices.” The discussion began with the question of whether everyone should embrace feminism and explored its contemporary meaning. Participants[…]

A two-day educational workshop on gender-based violence prevention was held in Tuzla for police officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tuzla Canton (TK). The workshop was organized by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo in collaboration with the TK Police Directorate, as part of the UNIGEM project, supported by the UK Government. The workshop aimed to enhance knowledge and sensitivity of police officers regarding gender-based violence cases. Led by academic Prof. Dr. Nedžad Korajlić and MA in Law Adisa Jusić, the training covered specific procedures in handling gender-based violence[…]

On Friday, November 8, the University Gender Resource Center had the honor of hosting a group of students from the University of Osijek, accompanied by the UNIGEM project coordinator for this partner institution, Prof. Dr. Anita Dremel. Our coordinators, Lamija Subašić and Ivana Kulić, warmly welcomed the guests and introduced them to the activities of the UNIGEM project, as well as a variety of resources available through the TPO Foundation’s Gender Resource Center. During the visit, the students expressed particular interest in TPO Foundation’s publications on gender issues, underscoring their[…]

The Winter School “Gender and Art” concluded successfully in Tuzla, bringing together intellectuals, artists, and students from across the region to explore gender perspectives within various art forms. Organized by the University of Tuzla, TPO Foundation, and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) of the University of Sarajevo, this unique event offered a space for innovative thinking and constructive knowledge exchange. The Winter School featured a range of lectures and workshops that examined gender through literature, theater, film, and visual arts, with a focus on the impact of art as[…]

In recent days, the city of Zenica hosted two significant book promotions, organized by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo in collaboration with the Rotary Club Zenica and Rotaract Club Zenica. These events opened crucial discussions on gender justice and the role of women in today’s labor landscape. Promotion of the anthology “Discourses of Gender Justice” The first event took place on Monday, October 28, 2024, featuring the anthology “Discourses of Gender Justice: An Analysis of Legal Frameworks and Judicial Practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia”, held at the[…]

On October 25, 2024, an online launch was held for the collection of works titled “Gender and Violence in the Balkans” created as an outcome of the Winter School under the UNIGEM project, held in February this year in Novi Sad. The collection was presented by award-winning students whose papers were included in this publication: Milevoj Marin, Darija Spasić, and Sumejja Muratagić-Tadić, with the discussion moderated by Prof. Dr. Smiljana Milinkov from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad. The publication is divided into four main thematic areas: gender-based[…]

A conference titled “Anti-Gender Threats to Rights and Freedoms in Bosnia and Herzegovina” was held in Sarajevo, bringing together experts, activists, and representatives from the academic community to analyze and understand narratives and practices that threaten gender equality. Organized by the CURE Foundation and the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the conference featured several key panels focused on examining anti-gender actions and exploring ways to respond to them. One of the prominent panels, titled “Diversity of Anti-Gender Actions in Society: From Narratives to Mobilization and How to[…]

The Winter School titled “Gender and Art” was officially opened in Tuzla, bringing together students, academic lecturers, and artists from across the region. Organized by the University of Tuzla, TPO Foundation, and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) at the University of Sarajevo, the school offers a comprehensive program of 18 lectures and workshops. The school runs until November 2 and gathers participants from 19 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro, who will explore how gender dynamics influence various forms of artistic practice. At the opening ceremony,[…]

The Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Zenica-Doboj Canton (MUP ZDK), in collaboration with the TPO Foundation, successfully organized a one-day educational session titled “Handling Public Assemblies and Public Events in ZDK: Focusing on Media Relations and Gender Equality.” Held at the Police Training Center of the ZDK Police Administration, this training was part of the UNIGEM project, aimed at enhancing professional capacities and ensuring gender equality within institutional practices. This educational session provided police officers with an opportunity to expand and enhance their practical knowledge of[…]

On October 15 and 16, 2024, the psychopedagogical and dialogic workshop “Sister to Sister” was successfully conducted at the premises of the “Dignitet” Association in Mostar. This workshop, which included elements of gender sociology and rights, was organized as part of the UNIGEM project and aimed to raise awareness among young women and girls about self-concept and confidence. Employing the “sister to sister” method, the workshop created an intimate and trusting space for participants to explore self-identity, embrace their strengths, and build confidence. The participants included second- and third-year students[…]