Pulling into the car park of the UNIFEM office in Sarajevo, the bullet holes and grenade craters in the adjoining buildings are a stark reminder of the Bosnian War of 1992 – 1995.

The impact of conflict, post-conflict reconstruction and the peace process on women is the focus of many of UNIFEM’s projects.  I knew that the UNIFEM office in Bosnia was relatively new, but what I did not know was that since it opened in 2007, UNIFEM has developed substantial programs on ending violence against women, young women’s leadership, trauma support for victims of war rape and support for sex workers.  All of this achieved with a budget of less than $200,000 USD, 2 staff, 1 dedicated worker from UN Volunteers and a seconde from the Icelandic Government.  These 4 women work tirelessly to achieve gender equality in the Balkan region and have developed partnerships which reach all corners of this post-conflict state. 

Today, we met with more than 10 women representing 6 NGOs, working on 5 projects with UNIFEM in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).   One of the projects which UNIFEM is trying to support here is the preparation of the NGO Shadow Report and support representatives from the NGO sector to attend the Review process, as the Bosnian Government is due to report to the CEDAW Committee in October.  The NGOs need to raise $10,000 USD to finish their consultations and report and to fund two delegates to attend the Review.  The report will focus on the issues of violence against women, the lack of support for women who were raped during the war, trafficking and the discrimination against the Roma people.  For the women I met today, the opportunity to take their concerns to the UN is the ultimate ‘voice’ for their issues.

Another project is providing sustainable leadership training for 180 young women, representing 12 provinces.  With nearly 40% unemployment in BiH, one of the big challenges for women (many of whom have university education) is a lack of employment opportunities.  The training focuses on supporting young women to advocate for their rights.  Each of the young women participate in 8 leadership modules, ranging from advocacy, gender and human rights, finance and management to public relations.  The goal is to give them practical skills which will assist them in engaging in ‘political’ activities.  One such activity is reviewing the municipal youth strategies and providing advice to local councils about what is needed specifically for young women.  Out of the 180 participants, 12 have been selected to receive more detailed train-the-trainer information so that they can continue to grow the reach of the program.

In July, Bosnia finalised its National Action Plan on Security Council 1325, on women, peace and security.  While there is much to be done to ensure this plan is realised and implemented, it is an important symbol of the importance of women in post-conflict reconstruction.  Scratching below the surface,  it is clear that violence against women (especially the Roma minority) remains one of the major challenges.  Trafficking and protecting the rights of sex workers are also concerns for women’s NGOs here.  One of the main focus areas of resolution 1325 is ending violence against women in conflict.  During the Bosnian War, it is estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 women were systematically raped.  These women are not recognised formally as victims of the war and have received no compensation or support from the state.  UNIFEM is working with women’s NGOs to provide counselling, support, childcare and educational opportunities for rape victims.

Tomorrow, we travel to Tuzla, one of the regional centres where UNIFEM operates.