From September 4th to 6th, 2024, the UNIGEM Summer School “Gender and Law” was held at the Faculty of Law at the University of Zenica, organized by the TPO Foundation and the Faculty of Law at the University of Zenica. The summer school brought together law students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro.
The first day of the Summer School on Gender Issues and Law, organized by the TPO Foundation at the University of Zenica, marked an important step in advancing discussions on gender equality and justice. The event opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. Larisa Velić from the University of Zenica and Zilka Spahić Šiljak, Director of the TPO Foundation, who emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to these key issues. Following the introductory session, participants had the opportunity to engage in an interesting session on gender issues, law, and justice, led by Prof. Goran Marković from the University of East Sarajevo and Prof. Snježana Vasiljević from the University of Zagreb. Their presentations sparked meaningful discussions about the interplay between legal frameworks and gender equality.
As the day progressed, the focus shifted to the topic of sustainable development and gender justice, where Prof. Dženana Radončić from the University of Zenica highlighted the crucial role of sustainable policies in achieving long-term gender equality. The afternoon sessions continued with a workshop on creating a legislative framework for gender justice. This practical session, led by Sejfudin Hodžić, a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, and Mirsad Ćeman, a judge of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, provided participants with valuable insights into legislative processes. The day concluded with a workshop by Prof. Midhat Izmirlija from the University of Sarajevo, focusing on recognizing gender discrimination in various contexts.
The second day of the Summer School began with an inspiring lecture by Prof. Enis Omerović and retired judge Branka Žigante Mašić. They explored the application of international instruments such as CEDAW and the Istanbul Convention, offering key insights into how these frameworks can be used to combat gender-based violence. The morning’s energy carried into a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Dženana Radončić, where Amila Ždralović (University of Sarajevo), Jasmina Bešlagić (University of Bihać), and Muhamed Tulumović (Municipal Court of Tuzla) shared their experiences and perspectives on gender justice.
In the afternoon, students had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of gender discrimination during an interactive session led by Prof. Ivana Grubešić from the University of Zenica. This session not only highlighted key legal aspects but also encouraged participants to think critically about everyday examples of discrimination. The day ended with preparations for a mock trial, giving participants the chance to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice.
The final day of the Summer School was dedicated to the continuation of the mock trial, where participants, under the guidance of Professors Dženana Radončić, Enis Omerović, and Ivana Grubešić, took on various legal roles, from witness examination to delivering the final verdict and its explanation. This exercise allowed students to directly engage with the complexities of gender justice in a courtroom setting. The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where all participants received certificates of participation, marking the successful completion of this educational and inspiring program.
