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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 intimate partner, and it is a subcategory of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can develop in people who have experienced a traumatic or life-threatening event.

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.

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 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 women and society as a whole. They shared examples of toxic masculinity in everyday life and discussed how societal constructs, like the idea of the “real man,” shape the way men behave and how they are expected to act.

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.

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.

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 on ways to empower women and promote economic independence in communities like theirs.

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.

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).

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.

The 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.

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 Faculty of Philosophy in Pale, a very interesting discussion was moderated by Professor Dr. Valentina Timotić.

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 of gender-based killing of women, which is a broader social issue in the Federation.

At the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Zenica, on December 2nd, 2024, an international conference titled “Culture of Remembrance and Gender: Gender-Based Violence in War and the Continuation of Misogynistic Projects in the Post-War Period in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Region” was held. The event was organized in collaboration with the TPO Foundation as part of the UNIGEM project. The conference was part of the global campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” and brought together experts, activists, academic staff, and students with the aim of highlighting the ongoing misogyny and violence against women, even three decades after the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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.

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 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.

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.

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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 University Gender Resource Center, the key activities of this year's campaign were presented.

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

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.

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.

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 a medium for social change.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After a five-month research in the area of ​​Hadžići Municipality, the TPO Foundation presented the results in the publication “Mapping stereotypes and prejudices of adolescents towards vulnerable groups in the social community” on October 16, 2024, in the premises of Elementary School 6. mart, authored by prof. Zilke Spahić Šiljak and prof. Jasna Kovačević. The research was carried out by members of the project team: Jasna Kovačević, Mirza Kovačević, Lejla Đelilović and Nejra Džananović.

The TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGERC) are pleased to announce the Student Conference on Gender and Gender Equality in the Cyber Space. This two-day interdisciplinary event offers a unique opportunity for students to share ideas, research, and experiences on how the digital world shapes, reflects, and challenges gender relations. The conference will be held on November 29-30, 2024, in Sarajevo.

The severe flooding that has recently impacted communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina has once again underscored the importance of solidarity and collective action. Led by Zilka Spahić Šiljak, the TPO Foundation has launched an initiative to provide aid to the most affected communities, with a particular focus on addressing women's specific needs. In a recent interview with Televizija Sarajevo, Zilka Spahić Šiljak emphasized that all types of donations make a difference, but highlighted the need for essential hygiene products, which are especially important for women and are often overlooked during crises. “For days now, we have been working on various ways to provide help. We are in contact with people on the ground, and we have noticed that, in addition to basic necessities, there is a need for hygiene products specifically for women. Our recent study on menstrual poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina revealed the extent of this issue even outside of disaster contexts. A significant number of women cannot afford essential hygiene items, and during times like these, these needs become even more pressing”, Spahić Šiljak stated. How You Can Help: For information on how to donate or get involved, please visit the TPO Foundation website or reach out to us through our social media channels. Watch the full interview with Zilka Spahić Šiljak on Televizija Sarajevo: YouTube link

The TPO Foundation, within the framework of the project “Local Communities for Social Cohesion” (LOC4SOC), with the support of the International Organization for Migration, conducted research on the attitude of adolescents towards minorities, especially migrants. The goal of the research was to examine the presence of stereotypes and prejudices and to determine what is needed to achieve social cohesion of minorities.

In the period from January to August 2024, the TPO Foundation implemented the Local Communities for Social Cohesion project with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The goal of this project is to build stronger and more connected local communities through the education of teaching staff and youth from elementary schools, the promotion of tolerance and inclusiveness, and the encouragement of active participation of all community members.

In recent days, the founder of TPO Foundation and professor of gender studies, Zilka Spahić Šiljak, appeared on TV SA and N1, where she introduced the FER School program titled “Feminism and Religion.” This program, organized by the TPO Foundation, aims to educate, empower, and foster critical reflection on the relationship between feminism and religious traditions in contemporary society.

The University of Tuzla, in cooperation with the TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) at the University of Sarajevo, is organizing a Winter School titled “Gender and Art,” which will take place from October 28 to November 2, 2024. This prestigious educational program is aimed at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students from the fields of humanities, social sciences, and art academies.

The UNIGEM (University Gender Mainstreaming) follow-up research is goidng to be conducted three years after the implementation of this project at 19 partner universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. In this regard professorZilka Spahić Šiljak, the director of the TPO Foundation and the academic director of the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) held meetings in Zagreb with coordinators: professor Snježana Vasiljević and professor Anita Dremel.

The book has been published in Bosnian to serve as a resource for FER (Feminism and Religion) as well as for a broader readership. The author presents thirteen essays and, through the lens of a progressive Muslim worldview, demonstrates that Islam encourages critical thinking, social justice, and engagement with the world. By embracing this perspective, Muslims can positively contribute to the global community, fostering understanding, harmony, and progress. The progressive Muslim worldview serves as evidence of the resilience and adaptability of Islam, allowing it to continue as a vibrant and dynamic faith that is inclusive of different cultures and responsive to the evolving needs of humanity.

It is important to work and achieve results, but it is equally important, after a certain period of time, to summarize these results and present them to others who face similar challenges and are also committed to advocating for universities to be gender-responsive communities where everything is critically examined and social responsibility is learned. From September 11-12, 2024, Prof. Dr. Zilka Spahić presented the UNIGEM project at the 09th Rectors’ Forum of Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans held in Bitola, North Macedonia.

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.

Through the Eyes of a Woman Paintings Exhibition by Aida Bahtanović was held from Friday, August 30, to Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in Hanikah in Sarajevo (at Sarači 49). The authoress presented her eight-year-old artistic work, which she dedicated to the experiences of women, shown through time that brought them both struggles and successes. According to the authoress, she was inspired by her childhood memories and acquaintances with women in her family and beyond, and by the time she spent with them. Therefore, various aspects of women’s life found their way to the paintings in which the authoress tried to show the strength of women, downfalls, challenges – in fact, the everyday life that women live.

As part of the UNIGEM project, the University of Zenica, in collaboration with the TPO Foundation, is organizing a Summer School: Gender, Law, and Justice. This event will bring together students from 19 partner universities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. A Summer School will be held at the premises of the Law School of the University of Zenica. This is another opportunity for academic exchange, meetings, learning, and establishing regional cooperation among faculty and student populations.

TPO Fondacija Sarajevo invites individual persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit offers for the services of lectures and proofreading of the final publication entitled “Mapping stereotypes and prejudices of adolescents towards vulnerable groups in the social community”. The publication is the result of research on the attitude of adolescents towards minorities, especially migrants.

On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, as part of the UNIGEM project, and in cooperation with the Laboratory of Educational Theories of the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory of the University of Belgrade, an expert meeting for high school philosophy teachers was organized in the form of a symposium entitled “Philosophy in the Classroom”.

On Friday and Monday, June 21 and 24, 2024, in cooperation with the TPO Foundation and the Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, educational activities (workhops) were held. In total (on both days), about 80 police officers attended. The workshop was lead by Aida Bahtanović, psychologist, psychotherapist and consultant for gestalt therapy in organizations.

The TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center held a two-day education in the period from 25 – 26. June 2024. in Hotel Nomad Bjelašnica, in Sarajevo called “Critical thinking and gender”. A total of 30 participants asked about gender issues and ideas on how to incorporate them into the teaching process.

The sixth and final panel discussion of the series “Women Workers in Culture” on June 24, 2024, was dedicated to the question of women’s contributions to the creation and preservation of exceptionally valuable documentary-dramatic radio programs and a rich audio archive. We discussed radio as a medium of specific artistic creation and the artists, editors, and journalists who have diligently worked and created outstanding audio content for over seventy years, now stored in a rich audio archive.

On June 24, 2024, the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Sarajevo hosted an intriguing lecture by Professor Adis Đuderija. The lecture, titled “Gender and Religion: Agency of Muslim Women in Secular Contexts,” focused on the complex experiences of Muslim women living in secular societies. Professor Đuderija, a distinguished expert in Islamic studies, presented insights from his book “Essays on Critical and Progressive Islam”. The book offers an accessible overview of progressive Islam as a normative Islamic tradition and emphasizes its potential as a positive force, especially in contexts with a Muslim majority.

On June 11, 2024, an all-day event was held at Elementary School „6, Mar“t Hadžići for students, teaching and professional staff and children from the Temporary Reception Center Ušivak.

The sixth forum is dedicated to the issue of women’s contributions in the creation and preservation of extremely valuable documentary-dramatic radio programs and a rich audio archive. We will discuss radio as a medium of specific artistic creation, focusing on the artists, editors, and journalists who have diligently worked and created exceptional audio content for over seventy years, now preserved in a rich audio archive. As part of this month’s forum, we will present two notable women who will talk about various aspects of work and activities in radio.

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, as part of the UNIGEM project, an education for teaching and non-teaching staff was held on ’Inclusion of a gender perspective in the teaching of STEM subjects’ at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences of the University of Zenica.

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, a Legal Clinic in the field of criminal law was held at UNIGEM’s partner institution, the International Burch University. The focus was on cases of gender-based violence. The lecturers were Dr Amila Mujčinović and Dr Nermin Šehović.

Ani Radošević Rajs marked the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia, and gained acclaim across Europe with her artistic work. In collaboration with the Museum of Literature and Performing Arts and the La Benevolencija Association, the TPO Foundation published a book about Ani Radošević, the poet of movement, authored by Saida Mustajbegović, and organized a promotion on June 13, 2024, in Sarajevo.

As part of the UNIGEM project, the TPO Foundation aims to advocate for the initiative to eliminate taxes on menstrual products by monitoring and financing resilience and influencing the creation of gender-responsive budgets in educational institutions. We invite you to participate in the research on menstrual poverty in BiH by completing a survey questionnaire. The questionnaire will take approximately 10 minutes of your time. There are no right or wrong answers, so we ask you to provide responses that best reflect your opinion on the topic.

Students from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region discussion how gender stereotypes are attempted to be naturalized through science, culture, and religion at the seminar held on June 7, 2024, in Sarajevo. The seminar was organized as part of the activities of the UNIGEM project and was led by Dr. Jadranka Rebeka Anić and Associate Professor Dr. Zilka Spahić Šiljak.

Gender stereotypes affects lives of women and men to a large extent, and there is need to deconstruct them. TPO Foundation organized workshops on gender stereotypes at the University Gender Resource Center of the University of Sarajevo, for teaching staff and students from high schools in Sarajevo from June 5th to June 6th, 2024.

Last Thursday and Friday, on the 30th and 31st of May, the TPO Foundation organized a two-day training and workshop session for UNIGEM coordinators from partner universities. This event, aimed at addressing critical issues within the academic environment, included a series of panels and discussions that provided significant insights and fostered collaboration among the participants.

At the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Tuzla, on June 3, 2024, Dr. Jadranka Rebeka Anić held a seminar on the anti-gender movement and its impacts on the Balkan countries. The seminar was organized within the UNIGEM project with the aim of empowering teaching staff and the student population.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in cooperation between the TPO Foundation and the Women’s Police Officers Network, training was held for women police officers from several BiH police agencies. This activity was a part of the UNIGEM project. The leader of the education was Aida Bahtanović, psychologist, psychotherapist and consultant for gestalt therapy in organizations.

As part of the UNIGEM project at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Tuzla, on June 3, 2024, a book promotion was held for “Feminism and Religion in the 21st Century: Technology, Dialogue, and Expanding Boundaries,” edited by Gina Messina Dysert and Rosemary Radford Reuther. The promoters were Prof. Dr. Mirza Mahmutović, Prof. Dr. Selma Veseljevic Jerković, and Prof. Dr. Zilka Spahić Šiljak, moderated by Prof. Dr. Nihad Džanić Delibegović.

Collaboration with representatives of municipal gender equality commissions, non-governmental organizations, and other institutions is another way in which UNIGEM project aim to empower important actors in the local community for gender equality. In the period from June 1-2, 2024, a two-day seminar was held in cooperation with the Heart and Soul Association from Lukavac, led by Dr. Jadranka Rebeka Anić and Prof. Dr. Zilka Spahić Šiljak.

On Monday, June 3, 2024, a working meeting was held with the representatives of six non-governmental organizations: LARA Foundation from Bijeljina, Dignitet Association from Mostar, Ja bih EU Association, CURE Foundation, Medica from Zenica and Sarajevo Open Center, who presented previous work of their organizations on issues related to criminal laws at the cantonal level and the FBiH and Brčko District levels. The meeting was also attended by legal experts.

TPO Sarajevo Foundation invites marketing and event organization agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit offers for the services of organizing several events in the period of June and July 2024, as well as their media promotion.

On May 28, 2024, the conference ‘Our Bodies Are Not a Taboo. Period.’ was held in Pristina, Kosovo, bringing together key stakeholders from the region. The conference attracted a diverse group of participants, including representatives from institutions, national and municipal authorities, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. The focus of the conference was on discussing various aspects of menstrual justice and menstrual hygiene, particularly in relation to education, justice, and the economy.

On May 28th, a new panel discussion in the “Female Workers in Culture” series was held at Manifesto Gallery under the title “Artist or Professor: How to Keep Academia from Taking our Soul?”. The main speaker was Amra Bakšić Čamo, and the discussion was moderated by Professor Adisa Bašić from the University of Sarajevo.

The Police Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Zenica-Doboj Canton and the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo, as part of the UNIGEM project, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, held one-day training in the premises of the Center for Training and Accommodation of the Special Police Unit in Zenica.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in cooperation with the TPO Foundation, the Women Police Officers Network and the Center for Human Rights of the University of Sarajevo, an education in the field of human rights was held. Its title was ‘Development of public policy proposals in the field of human rights and effective communication with policy decisions’ makers’.

In an era marked by digital connectivity, the pursuit of meaningful dialogue and intellectual exchange transcends geographical boundaries. On May 20, 2024, participants of the fourth Socrates Café gathered online to explore the question: “What kind of guidance can foster healthier relationships and celebration of diversity?”

We invite you to a series of online Socratic Cafés where you will have a unique opportunity to engage in philosophical dialogue with Christopher Phillips, the renowned founder of Socratic Cafés. The fourth session aims to explore an important question: “What kind of guidance can foster healthier relationships and celebrate diversity?”

The fourth installment of the panel discussion series titled “Female workers in Culture” explored the question: “Is music a male dominated field?” Held at Galerija Manifesto on May 14, 2024, the event aimed to investigate the extent to which patriarchal norms shape the contemporary music scene in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

TPO Fondacija Sarajevo invites individual persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit offers for video editing services of key moments of project activities (workshops and trainings).

The main goal is to strengthen capacities of state and private universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia and state education institutions to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment (SH).

In the context of the fourth panel, we will attempt to answer the question of whether music is a male-dominated field and to what extent patriarchal norms and perceptions shape the contemporary Bosnian-Herzegovinian music scene. During this month’s panel, we will meet three exceptional women who will speak, through personal experience, about how they managed to overcome various gender-based obstacles and fully dedicate themselves to musical creativity, as well as how we can ensure greater representation of female composers, conductors, and instrumentalists at music events and in professional positions at academies and other music educational and research institutions.

On the 9th of May 2024, a compelling online panel convened to delve into the intricate intersections of “Antifascism, Gender, and Higher Education,” commemorating the International Day against Fascism and Europe Day. Hosted by esteemed personalities and experts in the field, the event provided a platform for critical discourse on pressing socio-political issues.

On the occasion of Europe Day, May 9th, 2024, join us for an inspiring online event: “Antifascism, Gender, and Higher Education.” In an effort to explore the key connections between antifascism, gender, and higher education, we invite you to our live online event.

The main goal is to strengthen capacities of state and private universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia and state education institutions to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment (SH).

In the month of March 2024, a student of the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Sarajevo, Lejla Mešanović from Ilijaš, held a series of activities within the project Introducing gender-conscious policies in higher education – UNIGEM.

In the period from 23-26. April 2024, four workshops were held in the Hadžići Municipality. The aim of the workshops is to raise awareness about the topics of discrimination against the other and the different through creative and artistic activities.

In the period from 16-19, April 2024, four workshops were held in the area of the Municipality of Hadžići. The aim of the workshops is to strengthen the intercultural competences of eighth-grade students by the teaching and professional staff who initially participated in the ToT trainings.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, in all fields of action and in our everyday lives, we have been witnessing and resisting cascading crises for decades, whose dynamics are caused by both extreme and slow violence[1], including wartime and post-war, “post-Dayton” violence. However, its population, its people, are clear that war is not the only disaster that has befallen us, but it is the ethno-capitalist rule where life is governed through constant production of acute insecurity[2], through identity politics of fear behind which are human and social traumas, expropriations, and impoverishments.

On April 2, 2024, an iftar was held at the Primary School 6. Mart, for the users of the Ušivak Reception Center and primary school students from the Hadžići Municipality. The goal of the event was to socialize and introduce the local population to people on the move.

In the period from 25-29. March 2024, four replication trainings were held in the area of the Municipality of Hadžići. Replication trainings aim to strengthen the intercultural competences of teaching and professional staff by colleagues who originally participated in ToT trainings.

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, as part of the UNIGEM project, in cooperation with the TPO Foundation, the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) and the Faculty of Agriculture and Food (PPF) in Sarajevo, a workshop was held for students and teaching staff, titled ‘Gender equality in the sector of agriculture and rural development – practice and public attitudes’.

On March 28, 2024, a significant panel discussion took place at the Faculty of Criminology, Criminalistics, and Security of the University of Sarajevo. The event focused on the theme of the role and position of women in the security system of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was moderated by Professor Nerma Kibrić Halilović from the Faculty of Criminology and Security, and the panel brought together esteemed professionals who actively contribute to the country’s security landscape.

On March 26, 2024, the results of the research titled “How much does it cost and how much does it hurt: Social decoding of menstruation at universities in BIH” were presented to the public and university representatives as part of the MENGA project. This publication represents the outcome of a five-month study conducted at eight public universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, involving female students and faculty members. The MENGA research marks the first of its kind conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On Friday, March 22, 2024, the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo, the Center for Human Rights and the University Gender Resource Center of the University of Sarajevo organized a panel on the topic of introducing femicide into the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Criminal Code of FBiH.

On Monday, March 25th, the third workshop in the series titled “Are You Afraid of Witches?” was held, initiating a discussion on modern witchcraft. Led by Nidžara Ahmetašević, a journalist and researcher from Sarajevo, the workshop explored the concepts of modern witches and their connection to the heritage of witch persecution and political activism.

On Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Sarajevo, a panel titled “Networking of Women in STEM: Challenges and Opportunities” was held. The panel participants were Pamela Njemčević and Amila Akagić from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, Azra Gazibegović Busuladžić from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Sarajevo, Lejla Smajlović from the Faculty of Economics, University of Sarajevo, and Belma Memić from the Faculty of Traffic and Communications. The panel discussion was moderated by Professor Jasna Kovačević from the Faculty of Economics, University of Sarajevo.

On Monday, March 18th, the second workshop in the series titled “Are You Afraid of Witches?” was held. The workshop was led by Nidžara Ahmetašević, a journalist and researcher from Sarajevo

On March 18, 2024, a publication was released presenting the results of research titled “How Much Does It Cost and How Much Does It Hurt: Social Decoding of Menstruation at Universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” as part of the MENGA project. This publication represents the outcome of a five-month study conducted at eight public universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, involving female students and teachers. The MENGA research is the first of its kind conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As part of the MENGA project, the TPO Foundation published a publication entitled “How much does it cost and how much does it hurt?” Social decoding of menstruation at universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina”. The authors of the publication have worked hard on research in the past period, and on 58 pages you can find interesting information about menstrual poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Last week, as part of the UNIGEM project, lectures were held for students and teaching staff at two UNIGEM partner universities – the International University of Travnik in Travnik (IUT) and the University of Zenica (UNZE). The lectures were related to the topic of criminal and criminal law aspects of femicide and to the topic of police work in the community (its legal aspects). The lecturer was an expert in practice Nermin Šehović, who is the Doctor of the Science of Law.

On Saturday, March 9th, 2024, the third forum from the series “Pioneers in Culture” titled “Frame for the Picture” was held as part of the UNIGEM project. The guest was the renowned photographer Imrana Kapetanović, who has gained recognition for her projects with vulnerable groups, including women, people with disabilities, migrants, and others. The conversation was moderated by professor Adisa Bašić, PhD, who emphasized in the introduction that Imrana is an artist who manages to immortalize moments through her camera lens and discreetly capture images with a great deal of empathy. Additionally, as professor Bašić pointed out, Imrana is very modest despite having numerous solo and collective exhibitions to her name, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region, and worldwide.

Alice Walker (1944), an African-American writer and activist, reminds us of the power we have within ourselves to make changes with words: “The most common way people lose their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, an inspiring workshop titled “Are You Afraid of Witches?” was held, marking the beginning of a series aimed at exploring the historical and societal portrayal of witches. Led by Nidžara Ahmetašević, a prominent journalist and researcher from Sarajevo, the workshop delved into the complex development of the witch myth and its implications for women throughout history.

On Monday, March 4, 2024, the second Socrates Café with founder Christopher Phillips was held on the topic, “What role must each of us play to reduce and eliminate gender inequality and violence against women and minorities?” The founder of the Socrates Café concept, Professor Dr. Christopher Phillips, moderated this conversation.

At the regular session of the Gender Equality Commission of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the work of the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) was presented. The center was established in early 2022 as part of the UNIGEM (Universities and Gender Mainstreaming) project led by the TPO Foundation with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom.

In cooperation between the TPO Foundation and the Women Police Officers Network, and as part of the UNIGEM project, on Thursday, March 7, 2024, an education was held for policewomen from the Border Police, the Judicial Police, SIPA, the Directorate for the Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH and the Ministry of Interior of Zenica-Doboj Canton. Aida Bahtanović, a psychologist, psychotherapist and consultant for the application of gestalt, was the teacher on this occasion.

On Wednesday, 28th February 2024, in cooperation of the TPO Foundation with the Women Police Officers Network, within the UNIGEM project, an educational activity was held, attended by women police officers from the Border Police, the Judicial Police, SIPA, the Directorate for the Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH and the Ministry of Interior of Zenica-Doboj Canton.

On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the second panel from the series “Female workers in Culture” was held, titled “The Art of the Impossible: Women’s Entrepreneurship in Culture.” The second panel was dedicated to the topic of the position of female entrepreneurs in culture and the challenges they face.

On Monday, February 19, 2024, the Winter School “Gender and Violence” was officially opened at the University of Novi Sad, which gathered more than 40 students from the region (Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia). The goal of the School was to shed light, through interactive lectures, on the connections between gender and different forms of violence to which women, as well as other socially sensitive groups, are exposed, and to take into account the broader social context.

We are pleased to invite you to a series of online Socratic Cafés where you will have a unique opportunity to engage in philosophical dialogue with Christopher Phillips, the renowned founder of Socratic Cafés. The second session aims to explore the important question: “What role can and must each of us play in significantly reducing and ultimately eliminating gender inequality and violence against women and minorities?”

TPO Fondacija Sarajevo invites natural persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit offers for transcription services of audio recordings with four focus groups, i.e. transcription of 60 minutes per group (240 minutes in total). The groups were made up of elementary school students, and they discussed prejudices and stereotypes towards minority groups.

Do we have the courage to question our own beliefs, worldviews, and practices? Do we have the strength to stand up against the structural violence perpetrated by patriarchal institutions, both secular and religious? Are we willing to listen to a different perspective and allow different opinions to be respected—even if we don’t agree with them? Are we ready to respect human freedom and the right of individuals to believe or not believe, to question, doubt, and seek answers? Can one be a feminist and a believer?

FEMALE WORKERS IN CULTURE is a series of panel discussions conceived and moderated by professors from the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Sarajevo, Ajla Demiragić and Adisa Bašić. These panels are realized within the framework of the UNIGEM project, implemented by the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) and the TPO Foundation.

In the period from 12-13. in February 2024, the second and final TOT training module was held to strengthen the intercultural competences of teaching and professional staff from four schools in the Hadžići Municipality. The training was led by experts in the field of interculturalism and social cohesion: prof. Jasna Kovačević, PhD, Lejla Đelilović, BA and Mirza Kovačević, BA.

On Monday, February 5th, 2024, the first Socrates Café with founder Christopher Phillips was held on the topic "How do we recognize cases and acts of gender inequality and violence against women and minorities?" The first in a series of online Socrates Cafés explored the multi-layered nature of gender-based violence issues, with Christopher Phillips leading us through this complex terrain.

The session titled ‘Who is looking after your children? Maternity and the (im)possibility of artistic engagement’ was held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, as part of the UNIGEM project. This was the first session from the series titled ‘Women workers in culture’. The panellists were Selma Alispahić, the actress, and Lamija Begagić, the writer, and the moderator was Adisa Bašić.

We are pleased to invite you to a series of online Socrates Cafes where you will have a unique opportunity to participate in a philosophical dialogue with Christopher Phillips, the famous founder of Socrates Cafes.

FEMALE WORKERS IN CULTURE is a panel series, designed and moderated by professors from the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Sarajevo Ajla Demiragić and Adisa Bašić. These panel discussions are realized as part of the UNIGEM project, implemented by the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) and the TPO Foundation.

In the period from 15-16. January 2024, the first TOT training module for strengthen the intercultural competences of teaching and professional staff was held for four schools in the Hadžići Municipality. The training was led by experts in the field of interculturalism and social cohesion: prof. Jasna Kovačevič, PhD, M.Sc. Elmana Cerić, Lejla Đelilović, BA and Mirza Kovačević, BA. The opening remarks were delivered by the director of the TPO Foundation, prof. Zilka Spahić Šiljak, PhD.

As part of the UNIGEM project, five new videos are created in cooperation with the legal expert Dr Nermin Šehović, LLM. The titles of new videos are: Current situation regarding gender-based violence in BiH, Evidence in cases of violence or femicide, Femicide in BiH and criminal procedure framework, How to recognize femicide and Procedure for reporting violence.

Review by Assist. Prof. Dr. Ana Marije Sikirić Simčić from the Faculty of Economics of the University of Rijeka was published in the Social Policy Review (Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 243-251, Zagreb 2023): ‘Universities can and should be powerful institutions for promoting gender equality, diversity and inclusion

On December, 01. 2023. a meeting was held with principals of elementary schools in the Hadžići municipality. The meeting was held at the “Hadžići” Elementary School with the psychologist of the 9th May Elementary School, the principal of the Hadžići Elementary School, the director of the 6th March Elementary School, as well as the project team attended.