Under the motto "PAY ATTENTION", the international campaign 16 Days of Activism has taken place over the past four years (2021-2024) as part of the UNIGEM (Universities and Gender Mainstreaming) project implemented by the TPO Foundation in collaboration with the University Gender Resource Center and 19 partner universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, with the support of the British Embassy. The film highlights several key activities undertaken by universities across the Balkans during the campaign and emphasizes the importance of seeing the light and supporting survivors and victims of gender-based violence.

As part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, an exhibition of works created during the Winter School “Gender and Art” was opened at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Tuzla, on December 5, 2024. The campaign at the University of Tuzla began on November 26 with the message “Support Survivors and Victims of Gender-Based Violence.”

On November 26, 2024, the “16 Days of Activism” campaign was launched at the Faculty of Law at the University of Bihać, organized as part of the UNIGEM project by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo. In line with the planned project activities, symbolic “Walls of Silence” were set up at the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Education at the University of Bihać, where students, faculty members, staff, and visitors could leave messages of support for the victims of violence.

For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Rijeka participated in the global campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” which began on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ended on December 10, 2024, Human Rights Day. The goal of the campaign, carried out by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo as part of the UNIGEM project, is to encourage dialogue and raise awareness about the importance of combating gender-based violence.

As part of the UNIGEM project, the TPO Foundation successfully carried out the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign from November 26 to December 10, 2024, at the International University of Travnik (IUT). During this period, five workshops and a roundtable discussion were held, with the goal of educating and exchanging experiences on topics related to violence, media literacy, gender equality, and the legal protection of violence victims.

The campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” at the University of Donja Gorica was carried out through the screening of the documentary film “Šejla” by Velibor Čović, produced by “NVU Arlekin.” The campaign was implemented as part of the UNIGEM project by the TPO Foundation.

The University of Sarajevo participated in the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign with a series of activities organized across three faculties. The campaign, implemented as part of the UNIGEM project by the TPO Foundation, aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence. On November 26, 2024, the campaign was launched at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine under the slogan “Support Victims and Survivors”. This global initiative, which is observed worldwide to draw attention to violence against women, girls, and young girls, was actively marked in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well. During the campaign, a large sheet of paper was displayed at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for visitors to leave messages of support.

The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign and the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women were also held at Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek. The campaign was launched with a lecture at the Faculty of Philosophy in Osijek on November 27, 2024, given by Prof. Dr. Anita Dremel. She spoke about the UNIGEM project, the Gender Equality Committee of the University of J.J. Strossmayer in Osijek, and the challenges and importance of raising awareness about gender-based violence.

On December 28 and 29, 2024, a two-day workshop titled “Escape Room – Secure Your Digital Future” was held in Bratunac, with the support of the TPO Foundation. The aim of the workshop was to educate participants on the importance of digital security, using an interactive approach and gamification in the learning process.

From November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, International Human Rights Day, the University of Mostar participated in the global “16 Days of Activism” campaign as part of the UNIGEM project in 2024. The goal of the campaign, organized by the TPO Foundation, was to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote gender equality.

In 2024, the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Novi Sad joined the global “16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women” campaign. This worldwide initiative runs each year from November 25 to December 10, covering important dates that link women, violence, and human rights: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25), World AIDS Day (December 1), International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), the Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre (December 6), and International Human Rights Day (December 10).

The Faculty of Law at the University of Montenegro, as part of the UNIGEM project, joined the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign by organizing lectures and educational activities. The aim of the event was to raise awareness about the importance of fighting gender-based violence and to educate future lawyers on this socially relevant issue. The lectures were delivered by Dr. Rajka Đoković, Dr. Balša Kašćelan, and Dr. Sanja Grbović.

The International Burch University, under the auspices of the UNIGEM project, once again joined the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. This year’s campaign theme, “Open Your Eyes,” was launched on November 26, 2024, with the opening of an interactive student exhibition. The exhibition was the result of collaboration between students from various departments taking the course “Gender Equality in Society,” and it remained open to the public until December 10, 2024. Visitors had the opportunity to leave messages of support for the victims and survivors of gender-based violence, further reinforcing the messages of solidarity and awareness.

The Student Union proudly participated in the ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign, organized as part of the UNIGEM Project through a series of workshops across various faculties. The goal of these activities was to raise awareness among students about the importance of recognizing and preventing gender-based violence, with a focus on education, empowerment, and building mutual trust.

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 “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.

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.

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 upcoming months. An important update is that the new annual action plan (for the period up to 2028) is currently in process and is expected to be approved soon by the UNBG Senate.

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 officers in Bihać on December 26 and 27, 2024.

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, is an Appendix: Interviews with Female Writers.

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 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.

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.

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.

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, understand the causes of this type of violence, identify the profiles of both victims and perpetrators, and recognize the consequences of violence against women from multiple aspects.

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 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.

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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.

The partner university, the University of Montenegro, this year also marked the "16 days of activism" campaign within the UNIGEM project with a public call for writing the best essay on the topic "Consequences of relativizing the causes of femicide".

On the occasion of the International Day against Violence against Women, on November 25, 2023, a screening of the multi-awarded documentary “Bigger than Trauma” was held in the Aquarium area on the University of Rijeka campus. In addition to the screening of the film, a forum, i.e. a public discussion entitled “Prevention and fight against violence

As part of the UNIGEM project, on the occasion of the “16 days of activism against gender-based violence” campaign, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology held a number of activities. In the premises of the Homework HUB, an entertaining and educational quiz “Gender Quiz: Femme Nerds” was held and prizes were provided for the best.

During the last academic year, as part of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, students of the Faculty of Law at the University of Tuzla took part in a trial simulation. Thanks to the success of the project itself, all funds were invested in the safe house “Viva žene” Tuzla. Thanks to this and other donations

On Friday, December 22, 2023, as part of the UNIGEM project and the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, the Faculty of Criminology, Criminology and Security Studies (FKKSS) of the University of Sarajevo (UNSA) held a Round Table on the topic ‘Police action in cases of gender-based violence’.

Traditionally, for the third year in a row, the University of Mostar participates in the “16 days of activism against gender-based violence” campaign, which aims to raise awareness and prevent violence against women for the benefit of society as a whole. The campaign started at the Faculty of Agriculture, with a lecture on Eating disorders and feminism

In the period from November 25 to December 10, 2023, the University of Banja Luka held a series of activities and thus marked the global global campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence”. Students and teaching staff organized a film screening, a discussion about femicide and four workshops.

Violence is talked about much but not enough action is taken, so it’s important for young people to raise their voices and seek solutions. During the 16 Days of Activism campaign, students and their professors from partner universities engaged in online sessions discussing methods of preventing and combating all forms of gender-based violence. Throughout November and December 2023, as part of the UNIGEM project, eight three-hour online workshops were held for eight groups led by Zilka Spahić Šiljak.

In the period from November 25 to December 10, 2023, the University of Novi Sad held a series of activities and thus marked the global global campaign “16 days of activism against gender.based violence”. The experts held a forum, a conversation with students and a lecture on the topics of digital violence, gender-based violence and violence

University of Donja Gorica, as part of the campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence – AGAINST FEMICIDE” presented the research “Social and institutional response to femicide in Montenegro” conducted by the organization SOS telephone for women and children victims of violence Nikšić. The organization also held a presentation on the significance of the Istanbul Convention

On December 6, 2023, the student group staged a performance entitled “Stop femicide in BIH” and thus began a series of activities that marked the global campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence ” this year as well. The performance is available HERE. With the performance “Let’s stop femicide in Bosnia and Herzegovina”,

In the period from November 25, to December 10, 2023. the University of Bihać realized a series of activities and thus marked the global campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence”. The name of the project and the central event was “Femicide in the law, murderers in prison”. As the focus is always on male

The University of Sarajevo marked the global campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence” again this year. Workshops on unconscious bias, violence against women in the family and violence against women prisoners were held for the student group. The Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Political Sciences held a workshop on the topic “Violence against

At the International University of Travnik in Travnik, as part of the UNIGEM project, the campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence” was celebrated again this year. Six workshops were held for the students of the International University of Travnik in Travnik. The leaders of the workshops were: 1. Šejla Džanan, Ph.D.

In the period from November 25 to December 10, 2023, the University of Belgrade held a discussion: From obstetric violence to dignified childbirth: research and experiences and training on reaction mechanisms in case of sexual harassment at work intended for University employees. in Belgrade. These activities marked the global campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence”.

In the period from November 25 to December 10, 2023, University of Vitez in Travnik held a workshop for students of the Travnik Mixed High School of Economics and Hospitality Industry and a panel discussion for the citizens of Travnik entitled “Together against violence”. The aforementioned activities marked the global campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based

In the period from November 25 to December 10, 2023. the University of East Sarajevo held three workshops on gender-based violence and thus marked the global campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence”. That’s how prof. Predrag Mlinarević. PhD, gave a lecture at the Faculty of Economics in Pale on the topic “Gender equality

On December, 12, 2023. the final panel was held, concluding the “16 Days of Activism” campaign. As part of the UNIGEM project, the TPO Foundation and the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST) organized a panel through which the panelists reflected on what has been done since last year’s campaign until today, and what challenges victims’

On Thursday, 14th December 2023, the TPO Foundation in cooperation with the Police Women’s Network and the NGO DTCare, in the premises of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), as part of the University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM) Project held educational activities, consisted of four lectures titled: – Security and trust (lecturer Prof. Dr Mirza Smajić,

On the occasion of the end of the global campaign “16 days of activism”, the director of the TPO Foundation, prof. Zilka Spahić Šiljak was host at Federal Television. Read more about hosting at the link https://www.federalna.ba/spahic-siljak-i-za-zenska-ljudska-prava-moramo-se-boriti-svaki-dan-joemv. The slogan of this year’s campaign is AGAINST FEMICIDE, and the TPO Foundation focused its activities on raising awareness

Saida Mustajbegović, sociologist, journalist, editor and columnist, presented the student collection “Gender and Globalization in the Balkans”. “Questioning the ossified academic positions on gender and globalization and introducing new topics “from the field” into the scientific narrative inaugurate the student collection “Gender and Globalization in the Balkans” among the publications that deserve careful humanistic-social university reading.

“Džemal Bijedić” University in Mostar and the TPO Foundation within the UNIGEM project, with the aim of marking the 16 days of activism campaign, in the period from December 5 to 7, 2023, realized several lectures, workshops and discussions with the aim of educating teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as male and female students on gender.

“Inner voice is important to think about girls and be comfortable to hear our voice and criticize, but to trust your voice”, said Christel Gopin during the online conversation held on December 08.2023, on the occasion of “16 days of activism” campaign. The session was moderated by Zilka Spahić Šiljak on behalf TPO Foundation and University Gender.

Next to the UNIGERC Center at the University of Sarajevo from December, 07, 2023. is the Advisory Office in the field of gender equality, also available at the University of Zenica. In the newly opened office, teaching and administrative staff as well as the student population can be informed about issues of gender-based violence and ways to report gender inequality.

These days, as we commemorate the international campaign ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ and femicide as one of the most severe forms of violence, and when religious communities join in their appeals against family violence, statements from certain religious authorities and influencers have appeared in the media suggesting that a Muslim man can beat his wife, but only after exhausting other methods of persuasion to make her obedient.

On December 2, 2023, in the premises of the University of Herzegovina, as part of the UNIGEM project, a series of interactive workshops was held on the occasion of the “16 days of activism against gender-based violence” campaign.

As part of the “16 days of activism” campaign, the representative of the “Azimuth 135” Association, Afan Abazović, presented the UNIGEM project. In the mountain air, a few meters above sea level, mountaineers heard about gender equality.

The Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of University of Sarajevo is participating in the workshop “Unconscious Bias in Sports,” which will take place at the Faculty premises on December 8, 2023, starting at 08:15. This workshop marks the beginning of the fight against femicide, aiming to raise awareness among students about the importance of this issue and to speak out against any form of violence, whether physical or psychological. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to attend sessions such as “Gender Equality in Sports,” led by Prof. Lejla Šebić PhD, “Abuse and Child Protection in Sports,” led by Prof. Munir Talović PhD, and “Unconscious Bias,” led by Prof. Jasna Kovačević PhD.

Đermana Kurić, an independent researcher and PhD student at the University of Sarajevo, delves into the key aspects of the book “Feminism and Religion in the 21st Century,” which emphasizes “technology, dialogue, and expanding borders.” Originally published on the volunteer blog “Feminism and Religion,” this collection comprises 16 blog posts first featured in the Women’s Studies within the Religion Program at Claremont Graduate University in California, USA. Đermana Kurić’s review has been published in the social affairs journal called “Preg

Prof. Zilka Spahić Šiljak Ph.D., director of the TPO Foundation, participated on November 30th 2023 at the seminar "Challenges of femicide: Study of arguments for the specific criminal offense of femicide in the legal framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina." The ELSA Sarajevo team, together with project coordinators Hana Kurtović and Hana Kunić, organized a regional event attended by 145+ participants from BiH, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Austria.

As part of the UNIGEM project, during the preparation period for the 16 Days of Activism, a two-day training on gender equality topics using the P4C method – Critical Thinking was held for teachers of the Second Gymnasium. The training was conducted by Elmana Cerić, a teacher from the Second Gymnasium in Sarajevo.

As part of the UNIGEM project, video materials were created with the aim of informing the public about procedures for reporting violence, as well as the prevention of violence itself. Through these three short videos, citizens can get information about how gender-based violence represents discrimination, what to do when violence occurs, and how to prevent the occurrence of violence. The video material was created with the support of academician prof. Nermin Korajlić PhD from the Faculty of Criminology and Security Studies of the University of Sarajevo and prof. Amila Ždralović PhD from the Faculty of Law, University of Sarajevo.

In the period from October 26th to November 23rd, 2023, the TPO Foundation was part of the Regional Data Challenge initiated by the Association Sigurna mjesta from Zagreb. The safecity application was presented during online sessions with the aim of encouraging anonymous reporting of street harassment. The Safecity application originated in India in 2012, created by Elsa Marie D’Silva. Since then, the application has expanded worldwide, translated, and localized by representatives of the Association, Ivana Šalinović and her colleagues. They undertook the translation due to the lack of tools for reporting street sexual harassment in our regions, specifically the absence of data on the actual situation in Croatia regarding this issue. Many have experienced some form of harassment but have been unable to share this information beyond a narrow circle of people who understand.

In a bid to foster intellectual discourse on gender issues, an online promotion of the collaborative anthology titled “Gender and Globalization” took place on the 28th of November via the Zoom platform. The anthology, a result of the efforts of participants from the Winter School “Gender and Globalization” and their mentors, explores the complex relationship between gender dynamics and various aspects of society. The promotion, which started on November 28th at 6 pm, provided a virtual space for scholars and others interested in the topic to engage in thoughtful discussions on key themes explored within the anthology.

On Wednesday, 22 November 2023, the TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) opened this year's 16 Days of Activism Campaign as part of the UNIGEM project, which will focus on the fight against femicide. On the occasion of the start of the campaign, which will last from 25 November to 10 December 2023, a panel on violence prevention was held. Panelists were Dr. Alma Kratina, a member of the Federal Parliament of BiH, Prof. Dr Amila Ždralović, from the Faculty of Law of the University of Sarajevo, and Prof. Dr Mirza Smajić, from the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Sarajevo. The panel was moderated by journalist Arijana Saračević-Helać.

The regional FER conference "And you sister, speak up" was held in the period from 16-19. November 2023 in Sarajevo. The participants discussed with experts in the fields of feminism, theology, education, literature, art, acting, journalism and legal sciences through lectures, panels and creative workshops.

Yesterday, at 18:00, a panel titled ‘Law and femicide – a comparative overview of legal solutions and systemic responses in the region (BiH, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia)’ was held via the Zoom platform. The panel is part of this year’s ‘16 Days of Activism’ Campaign and it was organized by the TPO Foundation in cooperation with the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) as part of the UNIGEM project.

With the aim of stimulating intellectual discussion on gender issues, we are pleased to announce the online promotion of the anthology "Gender and Globalization." This anthology is a testament to the collaboration of 19 partner universities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia. The promotion of the anthology will take place online via the Zoom platform on November 28th, starting at 6 pm.

On Monday, November 13, 2023, the TPO Foundation and the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education (FASTO) in Sarajevo signed an Agreement on cooperation and business and technical understanding with the aim to implement common interests and establish various types of cooperation in the field of common interests.

On Monday, October 30, 2023, in the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of the University of Sarajevo, within the scope of the University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM) project, a promotion of the editions on the economy of care and a panel discussion was held. On this occasion, these books were promoted: ‘Initial Study on the Economy of Care’, ‘Feminism and Religion in the 21st Century’ and ‘Ethics of Care in the Age of Precarity’. The promoters were professors Dr. Jasna Kovačević, Dr. Maja Arslanagić Kalajdžić and Dr. Melika Husić Mehmedović, and the moderator was Kristina Ljevak.

Promoting equality and preventing discriminatory procedures in higher education institutions took center stage at the two-day event organized by the TPO Foundation as part of the UNIGEM project. From October 27 to 28, an informative seminar was held with the aim of raising awareness and implementing measures to combat discrimination within academic settings.

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, an online session of the Gender Equality Council of the University of Sarajevo was held. The participants were: Prof. Dr Jasna Kovačević, Prof. Dr Zilka Spahić Šiljak, Prof. Dr Marija Lučić-Ćatić, Dr. Gaj Trifković, Prof. Dr Amila Ždralović, Miroslav Živanović, MSc., Prof. Dr Ajla Demiragić and Lamija Subašić.

The Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN), comprising over 100 civil society organizations in the Western Balkans and Moldova, including the TPO Foundation, organized an international forum called “Going Glocal” on gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) in Skopje, North Macedonia, on October 19th and 20th. The Forum’s objective was to connect global expertise and local experiences using gender-responsive budgeting principles, bringing together diverse activists, academics, and officials to discuss best practices, lessons learned, and methodological ideas

A promotion of three books and a panel discussion will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 5:00 p.m., the Center for Interdisciplinary Research of the University of Sarajevo (at the address: Zmaja od Bosne 8, Campus)

The moderator of the event will be Kristina Ljevak Bajramović, and the promoters and panelists will be:
- Professor Dr. Melika Husić-Mehmedović (‘Initial study on the economy of care’, Institute of Economics)
- Professor Dr. Maja Arslanagić-Kalajdžić (‘Initial study on the economy of care’, Institute of Economics)
- Professor Dr. Jasna Kovačević (‘Ethics of Care in the Age of Precarity’ and ‘Women and Work’, UNIGEM project)
- Amna Muharemović (UN Women, portfolio for economic empowerment of women)

This promotion will be jointly organized within the UNIGEM project by the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) of the University of Sarajevo, the TPO Foundation and the Institute of Economics.

Welcome!

As part of the Menstrual and Gender Action (MENGA) project, the TPO Foundation strives to advocate the initiative of abolishing the tax on menstrual products by monitoring and financing resistance and influencing the formation of gender-responsive budgets of educational institutions. We hereby invite you to take part in the research on menstrual poverty in BIH by filling out the questionnaire. If you are a female student and/or female professor at one of the public universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, please fill out the questionnaire, which will require 10 minutes of your time. There are no right or wrong answers, so we would like to ask you to state the position that best reflects your opinion on the topic when answering.

On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the book ‘Feminism and Religion in the 21st Century: Technology, Dialogue and Expanding Borders’ was promoted at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo. It was edited by Gina Messina-Dysert and Rosamary Radford Ruether and in Sarajevo it was promoted by Đermana Kurić, MSc, and Prof. Pavle Mijović, PhD. The promotion moderator was Adnan Rondić, MSc. This event was jointly organized by the TPO Foundation and the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo, and in addition, the TPO Foundation, as part of the UNIGEM project, supported translating of this book from English and its printing.

On 21.09. in Tirana professor Zilka Spahić Šiljak Ph.D presented the results of research on the link between gender equality and social cohesion of young people in the Balkans, which was conducted by young researchers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia and Albania. Young people in the Western Balkans have identified toxic masculinity, gender stereotypes, hate speech, and media portrayal of traditional gender roles as factors that increase the risk of violence, especially violence against women, which is considered the most widespread form of violence in the entire region – according to the findings of a new study.

On Friday, September 15, 2023, a session of the Gender Equality Council of the University of Sarajevo was held. There were present: Prof. Jasna Kovačević, PhD; Prof. Zilka Spahić Šiljak, PhD; Lamija Subašić, Ivana Kulić, Gaj Trifković, PhD; Prof. Amila Ždralović, PhD; Miroslav Živanović, MSc.; Prof. Ajla Demiragić, PhD; and Prof. Valida Nikšić, PhD. The topics discussed were the following ones: UNSA’s Gender Action Plan (GAP) and the need for its updating; Evaluation of educational activities for teaching staff at partner universities of the UNIGEM project; The new UNSA Statute; Education on the prevention of discrimination procedures at universities; Activities for the forthcoming 16 Days of Activism Campaign in 2023, and A new research on menstrual poverty (MenGa) within the UNIGEM project.

On the 18th of September in the premises of the University Gender Resource Center (Unigerc), the TPO Foundation and a representative of the Sarajevo Open Center held a meeting with the aim of exchanging experiences regarding advocacy on the topic of menstrual poverty.

International Day of Peace has been established since 1981 and is observed on September 21st as a reminder of the importance of non-violence, reducing wars, and destruction. On this occasion, v.prof.dr. Zilka Spahić Šiljak, the academic director of UNIGeRC (University Gender Resource Center) and director of the TPO Foundation, appeared as a guest on N1 Television. She talked about the neglect of women's contributions to peacebuilding, as they work for peace at the local level but often do not have a seat at the negotiating tables at higher levels of decision-making. She also presented the UNIGEM project and achievements in integrating a gender perspective in higher education.

In the National Library in Mostar on September 14, 2023. the promotion of the book by the writer, Leyla Karaça called “Heaven in your heart” and the panel discussion “Spaces for Women in Literature” was held. Panelists, prof. Merima Jašarević Ph.D. and Prof. Marić Irma Ph.D. analyzed the influence of global culture, which strongly affirms the anti-dialogue with ourselves.

At the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Tuzla on the 13th of September 2023., the promotion of the book by writer Leyla Karaça entitled “Heaven in Your Heart” and the panel discussion “Spaces for Women in Literature” were held. Panelists, prof. Anisa Avdagić Ph.D. and prof. Melinda Botalić Ph.D. spoke about their impressions of the novel, which follows the spiritual journey of the main character Dilruba, who questions her existence through dreams and hallucinations and goes through different stages on the way to come to the knowledge of God.

The TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center organized the promotion of the novel “Heaven in Your Heart” by the Turkish author Leyla Karaça on September 12, 2023, in Sarajevo. The first promotion of the mentioned novel in Bosnia and Herzegovina took place in Sarajevo on September 12. starting at 6 pm in the premises of the Museum of Literature and Theater Arts. As part of the promotion of the novel, a panel discussion “Spaces for women in literature” was organized, and the participants were Prof. Adisa Bašić Ph.D. and B.Sc. comparativist Nikolina Todorović, while the discussion was moderated by Prof. Ajla Demiragić PhD.

The TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center are organizing three promotions of the novel “Heaven in Your Heart” by the Turkish author Leyla Karaça in Sarajevo, Mostar, and Tuzla.

The book “Mainstreaming Gender Equality at Universities in the Balkans: Fighting Gender-Based Violence” by authors Zilka Spahić Šiljak, Jasna Kovačević and Jasmine Husanović was published in English language. This edition was published by the American publishing house Scholars Press.

The conference “Ethics of Reconciliation – European Perspectives” was held in Sarajevo from August 24th until August 27th, 2023. The conference was organized by Societas Ethica from Uppsala in cooperation with the Catholic Theological Faculty of the University of Sarajevo and the Center for Human Rights of the University of Sarajevo, with the support of the Renovabis association. The conference brought together about fifty scientists from Europe, America, and India. They have provided a view of the phenomenon of reconciliation from the point of view of various scientific disciplines, including theology, philosophy, and sociology. At the same time, they shared practical experiences from the arduous process of overcoming divisions and the legacy of the past, from the Republic of South Africa, Germany, Colombia, but also from the Balkans.

Within the framework of the UNIGEM project, a three-day teacher training on the integration of gender perspectives into the teaching of social and humanistic sciences was held in Sarajevo from August 28th to 29th, 2023. One of the major challenges in education is how to incorporate a gender perspective into existing curricula and programs without it being merely “adding women,” as it has traditionally been understood and still is.

As part of the Societas Ethica Conference, on behalf of the UNIGeRC Center, professor Zilka Spahić Šiljak PhD held a workshop with doctoral students from Western European countries dealing with issues of ethics and reconciliation. The gender dimension is crucial to feminist approaches to justice and reconciliation because without this dimension it is not possible to see how both conflict and peace building affect women and minorities who carry the biggest burden as collateral damage.

From the White Tower in Gradačac, the song about the lost love of Captain Husein was not heard today, with famous lyrics: "From Gradačac, the white tower of the Dragon of Bosnia, the falcons chirped mournfully..." but the cry for the murdered woman broke through. On August 11, 2023, Nizama Hećimović was murdered by her husband, Nermin Sulejmanović, who killed her in front of their two-year-old daughter and broadcast it all live on Instagram, and then killed several more people and finally committed suicide.
Zilka Spahić Šiljak

Summer volleyball camp MOVEMENT (Mountain volleyball, education and mentorship camp) – unification through sport was held in the period from 21st until 23rd of July at the EKO-FIS Vlašić site. After three days of intense sports socializing, games, education and conversation, the first summer volleyball camp in Vlašić for girls and boys attending volleyball clubs Travnik and Victor Novi Travnik, organized by the representative office of the non-governmental organization DTCare, was successfully finished.

On July 21, 2023. The TPO Foundation signed a partnership agreement with the The Center for Civil Society Promotion in Sarajevo. By signing the contract, we are starting an eight-month project called "MENGA: Menstrual and Gender Action", which aims to advocate the initiative to abolish the tax on menstrual products by monitoring and financing resistance, and to influence the formation of gender-responsive budgets of educational institutions.

As part of the project Introducing gender-conscious policies in higher education – UNIGEM, TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center of the University of Sarajevo – UNIGeRC hosted prof. Ph.D. from Griffith University Australia. In the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies “Prof. dr. Zdravko Grebo” of the University of Sarajevo and through the Zoom platform, a lecture titled “Female sexuality, gender segregation and veiling in Islam” was held – Đuderija Phd began his lecture by presenting the ideal Muslim woman through two works: Baljić, H. (2012) Bosnian Customs in the Light of the Sunnah (El-Kelimeh, Novi Pazar) and Hangi, A. (1907) Life and Customs of Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo, Kajon).

We would like to invite you to a lecture by Dr Adis Đuderija from Griffith University (Australia).
The lecture entitled “Female sexuality, gender segregation and veiling in Islam” will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023, starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, in the Campus of the University of Sarajevo.
It is also possible to join via the Zoom: >> https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81997849963
Meeting ID: 819 9784 9963
Welcome!

Today (on Monday, June 12, 2023), Dr Amy Sarch, Provost for academic affairs, and Dr. Jeff Coker, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of Shenandoah University (USA), together with Professor Dr. Dina Nadarević, visited the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) of the University of Sarajevo, where they met with Professor Dr. Zilka Spahić Šiljak and coordinators Ivana Kulić and Lamija Subašić. The guests were presented with the work of the TPO Foundation and UNIGeRC, i.e. past and current projects, with special emphasis on the project ‘University and Gender Mainstreaming – UNIGEM’.

In the patriarchal and deeply traditional society in which we live, gender equality is still considered a secondary issue and very often any discussion about gender roles and gender identity is considered a joke. It is true that women today live better than ever, but women's rights are still not completely equal to those of men. The reason for this is women's very weak awareness of women's roles, the lack of clear definition of our women's rights and freedoms in a society. On top of everything that this society lacks is the unwillingness of the patriarchal and deeply class-divided society in which we live to accept women as human beings with clearly defined needs, freedoms and rights to live in a world of absolute equality with men whom traditional societies accept as the only meritorious subjects of true social progress. We have evolved as a society. But unfortunately, our understanding of gender roles has not.

On Monday, June 5, 2023, the first (online) meeting with the researchers was held, what meant an official start of the regional research titled ‘Discursive Justice: Gender Responsive Approaches to Justice in the Balkans’ The research will be headed by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) of the University of Sarajevo (UNSA), within the project named ‘University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM)’.

On Monday, 29 May 2023, at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo, the promotion of two books, translated as part of the UNIGEM project, was held. Professor Dr Dino Abazović promoted the book “Women and religion in the first centuries of Christianity” and Selma Alispahić, MA, promoted the book “Decolonial Feminism”. The promotion moderator was Professor Dr Valida Repovac Nikšić. The event was jointly organized by the TPO Foundation and the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo.

TPO Foundation (Transcultural Psychosocial Educational Foundation) advocates for gender equality, dialogue and peace through partnership of civil society, academic institutions and government. It stands for freedom of consciousness and thought, regardless of identity or affiliation. Bridging the gap between academic and activist, governmental and non-governmental and religious and non-religious worldviews, TPO is a leading organization in inclusive approaches to education for peace, gender equality and leadership. In the period from July 2021 till the end of May 2025, TPO Foundation will implement the project “University and Gender Mainstreaming” (UNIGEM). This project gathers 19 partner institutions: 8 public and 4 private universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina and 7 universities from the region.

The panel titled ‘Feminist Methodological Challenges in Research’ was held on Monday, May 8, 2023, at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of the University of Sarajevo. It was organized within the UNIGEM project by the University Gender Resource Centre (UNIGeRC) of the University of Sarajevo and the TPO Foundation.

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, a session of the Council for Gender Equality of the University of Sarajevo (UNSA) was held at the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. Prof. Dr. Jasna Kovačević, the Council’s coordinator, informed the present members about the activities implemented in the past period, including the Winter School “Gender and Globalization”, held in February 2023 in Sarajevo. According to student evaluations, this School was very successful – they positively evaluated both, the content of the School and the teaching staff. Now, students have to prepare their final papers in order to receive credits (ECTAS).

During March 2023, more precisely on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at theJosip Juraj Stossmayer University in Osijek and on Friday, March 31, 2023,at the Facutly of Law of the University of Zagreb promotions of the book “Violence against pregnant women in Bosnia and Herzegovina – family, health system and work relations” by Zlatan Hrnčić, PhD, were held. The following workshops that accompanied these promotions had the same name “Violence against pregnant women”.

On April 5 and 6, 2023, a gender equality workshop was organized at the Faculty of Criminology, Criminology and Security Studies for the deans and directors of the University of Sarajevo on the topic Gender-based harassment/violence: preventive and repressive mechanisms at the University of Sarajevo”. The lecturer was Prof. Dr Marija Lučić-Ćatić.

The workshops were designed to provoke assumptions about the concepts of gender and gender identities because most teachers claim to know what these terms represent, yet most are not familiar with the key theoretical frameworks and research on these topics. Gender theories, concepts of masculinity and femininity, and toxic masculinity were presented based on the study “The Man’s Box,” which offers a research framework for this topic that is rarely explored in the Balkans.

In the premises of the International Multireligious and Intercultural Center IMIC Zajedno in Sarajevo, on March 29, 2023. In 2008, the promotion of the English edition of the book “Bridge-Builders in (Post)WarTimes Guidelines on Interreligious Dialogue” was held, which was supported by KAICIID from Portugal. The author of the book is Jelena Jorgačević Kisić, a journalist from the Belgrade weekly Vreme. Jelena is a PhD student at the University of Regensburg. She has won several national journalism awards for her articles. She is the president of the non-governmental organization Forum for Religion, Media and Culture of Remembrance.

As part of the project “University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM)”, the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) of the University of Sarajevo (UNSA) invite researchers from the academic community (professors and PhD students) from the field of humanities, social and especially legal sciences, as well as activists, who work in the field of combating gender-based violence, to participate in research that will deal with the analysis of verdicts for gender-based violence, especially sexual violence and femicide, and writing theoretical texts based on the aforementioned analysis.

On the occasion of the celebration of International Women’s Day, another in the series of activities of the TPO Foundation was the holding of a panel discussion “With BiH women writers about BiH women writers today”. The panel discussion was held on March 9, 2023. in the premises of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies “prof. dr. Zdravko Grebo” of the University of Sarajevo. An interesting and inspiring conversation was led by contemporary writers Adisa Bašić, Melida Travančić, Lejla Kalamujić, and Nikolina Todorović, and the discussion was moderated by the writer Lamija Begagić. The activity was carried out as part of the UNIGEM (University and gender mainstreaming) project implemented by the TPO Foundation with the support of the United Kingdom Government.

When the 8th of March is celebrated as International Women’s Day, in public discourse we have at least three types of actions and reactions. The first and most prevalent way of celebrating the 8th of March is buying flowers and gifts for women without any critical attitude towards the position of women in the family and society.

In order to mark the International Women’s Day, the TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) of the University of Sarajevo, with the support of the Swiss Embassy in Sarajevo, organized and held a panel on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, titled “Women’s rights between generations”.

Although the younger generations show positive changes in the expression of masculinity, and in general gender roles in the family and society, hegemonic masculinities are still widely present in the societies of the Balkans, concluded the participants of the panel titled “How to respond to toxic masculinity”, held on the 8th of March 2023 at 6:00 p.m. As part of the UNIGEM project, the TPO Foundation and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) of the University of Sarajevo organized this event on the occasion of International Women’s Day with guests from BiH, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia.

For the web portal Tacno.net Zilka Spahić Šiljak, one od the editors and authors of the UNIGEM research "The challenges of mainstreaming gender equality in university communities: fighting gender-based violence" talked about gender-based violence education and its integration in school curricula.

The UNIGEM Winter School “Gender and Globalization” has been successfully completed. The winter school was held from February 20 to 26, and has gathered 50 participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The organizers of the Winter School are the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies – prof. Ph.D. Zdravko Grebo of the University of Sarajevo and the TPO Foundation. The participants of this program were second- and third-year undergraduate and master’s students who come from 19 partner universities from four countries in the region where the UNIGEM project (University and gender-mainstreaming) is being implemented in the period from 2021 to 2025 with the support of the United Kingdom Government.

From Monday 20.02. Regional Winter School “Gender and Globalization” begins. The winter school “Gender and Globalization” is organized by the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies – prof. Ph.D. Zdravko Grebo of the University of Sarajevo and TPO Foundation in the period from February 20 to 26, 2023 in Sarajevo. The focus is on international and regional economic and political perspectives at the intersection of gender and development. The program is intended for second and third-year undergraduate and master’s students studying law, economics, politics, and related sciences at 19 partner universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro, which are implementing the UNIGEM project (University and gender-mainstreaming) in the period from 2021 to 2025, with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom.

Sexism, offensive comments, unwanted compliments and touching are among the most common forms of gender-based harassment in the university community. More than 60 percent of students and teaching and administrative staff at faculties in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia have personally experienced some form of gender-based harassment and violence, while 80 percent of them are familiar with such experiences of others, it was recently published research by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo, conducted at 18 universities.

In the period from January 28 to February 26, 2023 matches of the League for Equality are being played. Both female and male students of the University of Sarajevo compete in futsal, volleyball, and basketball, and the teams are made up of an equal number of women and men. The selection of groups was held in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education of the University of Sarajevo, and the first matches were played on January 4 and 5.

The book “Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community: Against gender-based violence” was promoted at the International Burch University (IBU) in Sarajevo and its promoters were Prof. Dr Ahmed El Sayed, Naida Misimović Čustović, MA, i Amer Kurtović, MA. Professors Dr Zilka Spahić Šiljak, Dr Jasna Kovačević and Dr Jasmina Husanović were the book editors. The book was published in four languages (Bosnian, Montenegrin, Croatian and Serbian), and the IBU’s promotion was the 18th promotion in total at the partner institution that participates in the UNIGEM project.

After the adoption of the Gender Action Plan at the University “Džemal Bijedić” in Mostar in 2021, a series of activities promoting gender equality in the academic community were implemented. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the activities so far is inevitable In order to asure continued quality of work. Thus, at the University “Džemal Bijedić” in Mostar, on January 30, 2023, a workshop was held with the Advisory Board for Gender Equality led by Prof. Rebecca Kotlo.

University of Mostar (SUM) is one of the partner universities within the UNIGEM project. In 2021, SUM adopted the Gender Action Plan (GAP) and undertook a task to achieve several goals. On January 30, 2023, a workshop was held with members of the Advisory Committee for Gender Equality. At the head of the meeting was prof. Davorka Topić Stipić. The workshop was led by the academic directors of the University Gender Resource Center of the University of Sarajevo (UNIGeRC), prof. Zilka Spahić Šiljak and prof. Jasna Kovačević. One of the goals of GAP was to incorporate the gender equality syllabus into the curriculum. These five syllabuses were incorporated into the elective university course called “Gender Equality” which is available for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The book “Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community: Against gender-based violence” was promoted at the University of Donja Gorica (UDG) (Montenegro) and its promoters were Prof. Dr Nela Milošević, Dr Milica Kovač Orlandić, Dr Ivan Jovetić and Dr Nikoleta Đukanović. Professors Dr Zilka Spahić Šiljak, Dr Jasna Kovačević and Dr Jasmina Husanović were the book editors. The book was published in four languages (Bosnian, Montenegrin, Croatian and Serbian), and the promotion at the UDG was the 17th promotion in total at the partner institution that participates in the UNIGEM project.

On Tuesday, 20 December 2022, the promotion of the book “Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community: Against gender-based violence” was held at the Faculty of Law of the University of Zagreb. The promoters were M.Sc. Lana Bobić, Prof. Dr Dario Čepo and Prof. Dr Branka Galić, and the moderator was Prof. Dr Snježana Vasiljević.

As part of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation implements in partnership with 19 universities from BiH and the region, two more enlightening and inspiring workshops were held in the organization of the Council for Gender Equality of the University of Tuzla. The first was held on 12/12/2022. under the title “Be everything you want to be: through interests and abilities to gender equality”, and another, “Because I’m a woman? Exactly because I’m a woman!”, was held on 20/12/2022.

The University of Bihać implements its Gender Action Plan (GAP) through a series of activities that are already recognized in the wider community. A workshop with members of the Advisory Board chaired by Jasmina Bešlagić, Ph.D. was held on December 19, 2022, in order to discuss monitoring and systematic ways of monitoring all activities.

The monitoring of GAP implementation at the University of East Sarajevo (UES) showed the importance of the involvement of all services and bodies of the University. On Friday, December 16, 2022, a workshop was held with the Advisory Committee for Gender Equality led by the chairperson Sandra Ivanović, Ph.D. Although a number of teachers are sensitized and dedicated to updating curricula and change, there are still resistances and misunderstandings. The key resistances are socio-cultural and unwillingness to approach the application of GAP more seriously. Autonomy and freedom at the University are important and teachers must not get the impression that someone is forcing them to take additional education.

As important as it is to establish mechanisms and implement activities to combat gender-based violence, it is also important to monitor and evaluate achievements and obstacles in order to improve policies, approaches, and actions. At the University of Tuzla on December 15, 2022, a workshop was held with the Advisory Committee for Gender Equality led by the chairperson Ph.D. Jasmina Husanović.

Trust in institutions and the courage to face stereotypes and gender-based violence together were the key messages of Ph.D. Dženeta Omerdić, Ph.D. Anisa Avdagić and Ph.D. Damir Arsenijević at the promotion of the book “The Challenges of Mainstreaming Gender Equality in University Communities: Fighting Gender-Based violence”, at the University of Tuzla on December 15, 2022. The book was edited by Ph.D. Zilka Spahić Šiljak, Ph.D. Jasna Kovačević and Ph.D. Jasmina Husanović, and was created on the basis of the first regional research on gender-based violence in academic communities, conducted within the UNIGEM project. The promotion was organized by the UNTZ Council for Gender Equality and the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo, which implements the UNIGEM project in partnership with 19 universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia with the support of the United Kingdom Government.

On the occasion of the “16 Days of Activism for gender equality” campaign, the University of Zagreb is organizing an online workshop, student debate, and pub quiz at the Faculty of Law (PFZG) with the aim of preventing and fighting gender-based violence. The events are organized as part of the UNIGEM project, in cooperation with the TPO Foundation, which implements the project in partnership with 19 universities from BiH and the region (Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia) with the financial support of the United Kingdom Government.

At the University of Banja Luka (UNBL) on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, the promotion of the publication “Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community: Against gender-based violence”, edited by Zilka Spahić Šiljak, Jasna Kovačević, and Jasmina Husanović, was held. The publication brings the results of a regional survey, the first one in the field of gender equality at universities, which included partner institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia of the “University and Gender Mainstreaming – UNIGEM” project, which is carried out by the TPO Foundation and is supported by the United Kingdom Government.

On the occasion of the campaign “16 Days of Activism for gender equality” as a part of the UNIGEM project, on December 1st 2022 in the reading room of The Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Sarajevo (UNSA) a roundtable table on “Women, men and patriarchy” was held. A theoretical overview of the topic, with the perspective of their own experiences, was given by the participants of the round table: Ph.D. Asim Mujkić, Ph.D. Belma Buljubašić, assistant professor Ph.D. Hazim Begagić and Assoc. Ph.D. Medina Mujić and the round table was moderated by Ph.D. Valida Repovac Nikšić.

Great progress has been made in establishing mechanisms for gender equality and adopting the GAP, but now the priority is to carry out regular monitoring in order to see the progress of implementation, as well as key obstacles. At the University of Banja Luka on the 14th of December 2022 a workshop was held with the Advisory Board for Gender Equality led by Professor Ivana Zečević.

Comedian Sead Hrustanović in the video “Sketches from the family of life” presents: What is gender for us? Mother has spoken! Can she pay for the coffee too? What’s for lunch? Situations that will become familiar to us and in which we have all found ourselves, Sead brings and presents in a unique way, which will interest and encourage you to further think about gender equality.

The marking of the campaign “16 days of activism for gender equality” at the International University of Travnik (IUT) included several activities – book promotion, educational workshops, and similar, with the aim of showing responsibility towards the problems caused by gender-based violence, and the need to ensure respect for human rights. The activities were organized as part of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation implements in cooperation with 19 regional institutional partners, including IUT, with the financial support of the United Kingdom Government, and with the aim of introducing gender perspectives and policies into the regional academic community.

The foundation „Izvor nade“ implemented activities on the occasion of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign as part of the student project “Don’t look away vol. 2”, which aimed to highlight the problem of gender-based violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s society and call for information and work on solving this ubiquitous problem. The activities were carried out as part of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo is implementing in cooperation with 19 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia, with the financial support of the United Kingdom Government.

On the occasion of the campaign „16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality“, which lasted from 25.11. until 10.12. this year, students of Interreligious Studies and Peacebuilding conducted a student project on the topic “Islamic and Christian theological discourses on the recognition and prevention of violence against women”. The activities were carried out as part of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo implements in cooperation with 19 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia, with the financial support of the United Kingdom Government.

Under the motto “Look, Speak out Against the Violence” as part of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign, the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo organized over 80 events in partnership with 19 universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia within the UNIGEM project. The project “Introducing a gender perspective to universities / University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM)” aims to build an ethos of gender equality in higher education through policy development and sensitization of the teaching staff and student population regarding the topics of gender-based violence and sexual harassment, and financially it is supported by the United Kingdom Government.

The University of Donja Gorica (UDG), an institutional partner of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo is implementing with 18 other institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia with the support of the United Kingdom Government with the aim of equipping higher education and establishing mechanisms for gender equality at faculties, organized a series of activities as part of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign.

In support of the global campaign “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation implements in cooperation with 19 universities from BiH and the region, the University of Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST) organized a movement about all relevant issues concerning gender equality throughout the Campus, which brought together professors, students, and activists, with the aim of calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls in all its forms and diversity. The campaign also included pointing out the importance of implementing gender-conscious policies at the University by promoting the Action Plan for Gender Equality as the first step in changing the system.

On the occasion of the end of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality 2022” campaign which is held in the period from November 25th to December 10th, the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo on Friday, October 9th 2022, organized a panel discussion on the topic of the importance of education for human rights and connection with practice, in the premises of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies “Prof. Dr. Zdravko Grebo” of the University of Sarajevo (UNSA). The participants of the panel were the students of the European Regional Master’s Degree in Democracy and Human Rights in Southeast Europe of the UNSA, Delila Islamović and Slobodan Golubović, and the panel discussion was moderated by the project coordinator of the TPO Foundation, Ivana Kulić.

As part of the campaign “16 days of activism for gender equality” at the University “Džemal Bijedić” in Mostar (UNMO), various activities were held with the aim of raising the level of awareness about the problems of gender-based violence and discrimination. The activities were organized and implemented as part of the project “Introduction of gender-aware policies in higher education/University and gender mainstreaming (UNIGEM)” which the TPO Foundation implements in partnership with 19 universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia, with the aim of ensuring integrity and quality in higher education.

At the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Herzegovina on December 10, 2022, the first regional and multidisciplinary research on gender-based violence in academic communities was promoted. The research was carried out as part of the UNIGEM project and presented in the scientific publication “Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community: against gender-based violence” edited by professor Zilka Spahić Šiljak Ph.D., professor Jasna Kovačević Ph.D., and professor Jasmina Husanović Ph.D. The research was conducted at all partner institutions of the project that the TPO Foundation is implementing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, with the aim of building an ethos of gender equality in higher education.

Center for Gender Equality of the University of Bihać at the Faculty of Law of the University of Bihać on December 9, 2022, organized the central event of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign of the UNIGEM project and the round table on the topic of violence against women. Students of the Faculty of Law of the University of Bihać took part in the event, who, under the mentorship of the coordinator of the Center for Gender Equality UNBI professor Jasmina Bešlagić Ph.D. sc. held an appropriate presentation and moderated the round table.

Breaking the silence about gender-based violence by informing the academic community and the public in general about the alarming situation, and raising awareness about the extent of the problem are the guiding principles of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign conducted at the University of Herzegovina (SVEHER) as part of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation implements in partnership with 19 universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia with the financial support of the United Kingdom Government.

The “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign is marked by the University of Zenica (UNZE) with a series of panels on women in contemporary B&H artistic practices. A lecture was also held on the importance of gender equality, psychological consequences of gender inequality and forms of gender-based violence. The activities were carried out as part of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation implements in cooperation with 19 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia, with the financial support of the Government of the United Kingdom.

As part of the “16 days of activism for gender equality” campaign, a panel discussion “Let’s talk about gender-sensitive language” was held on December 6, 2022 at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Banja Luka (UNIBL). The panel discussion was organized by the Advisory Board for Gender Equality UNIBL, within the UNIGEM project funded by the Government of the United Kingdom, and conducted by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo in partnership with 19 universities in BiH and the region (Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia), among which UNIBL.

University of Sarajevo (UNSA) in the period from November 25, until December 10, 2022 marks the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign of the UNIGEM project. Organized by the TPO Foundation and the Council for Gender Equality of the UNSA, numerous workshops and lectures, an exhibition, a round table, and book promotion were held, dedicated to the culture of gender equality and active engagement in the fight against violence. Male and female students were given the opportunity to further educate themselves and actively participate in all activities, as well as create their own accompanying campaigns.

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, the University of Belgrade (UNBG) hosted the promotion of the book “Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community: Against gender-based violence”, edited by Zilka Spahić Šiljak, Jasna Kovačević and Jasmina Husanović. The book presents the results of a regional research, the first in the field of gender equality at universities, which included partner institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia. The research is part of the “University and Gender Mainstreaming – UNIGEM” project, implemented by the TPO Foundation and supported by the Government of the United Kingdom.

On the occasion of the end of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality 2022” campaign, which is held in the period from November 25th to December 10th, the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo organizes a panel discussion on the topic of the importance of education for human rights and connection with practice, in the premises of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies “Prof. Dr. Zdravko Grebo” (Zmaja od Bosne 8, Sarajevo). The panel discussion will be held on Friday 09.12.2022. starting at 14:00.

In the full hall of the Teaching Faculty of the University "Džemal Bijedić" in Mostar on December 7, 2022, the first regional research on gender-based violence in academic communities, presented in the book "Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community: Against gender-based violence" was promoted which was edited by prof. Ph.D. Zilka Spahić Šiljak, prof. Ph.D. Jasna Kovačević and Prof. Ph.D. Jasmina Husanović. The promotion was attended by representatives of the academic community, as well as numerous male and female students who showed great interest in the topics of gender equality.

At the Faculty of Law of the University of East Sarajevo on November 24, 2022. the promotion of the publication "Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community: Against gender-based violence" was held. The book was created as a result of multidisciplinary research carried out as part of the UNIGEM project, in which 19 universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Croatia participate, including UES, and which is carried out by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo with the financial support of the United Kingdom Government.

As part of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign, on December 5 and 6, 2022, students of the Faculty of Law of the University of Bihać (UNBI) visited the Faculty of Pedagogy and the Islamic Pedagogical Faculty of UNBI, as well as the Medical School of Bihać, PI Mixed Electrical and Woodworking High School, and Richmond Park International Primary School and College. The goal of the visit was an education about the importance of the problem of gender-based violence and gender inequality, as well as finding potential solutions for their prevention and the establishment of gender equality. The educational visits were organized by the UNBI Center for Gender Equality, as part of the UNIGEM regional project, in cooperation with the TPO Foundation, which implements the project in partnership with 19 universities from BiH and the region, including the University of Bihać, with the support of the United Kingdom Government. More than 100 students and teachers participated in the exchange.

On December 1st, 2022, the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Sarajevo organized an exhibition of student works as part of the “16 days of activism for gender equality” campaign of the UNIGEM project with the aim of encouraging the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls and raising public awareness of the need for active engagement in that fight. The exhibition will be displayed in the hall of the Faculty until the end of the Campaign, until December 10th, 2022, when the International Human Rights Day is celebrated. An accompanying workshop was also organized, a conversation with students who participated in the realization of the exhibition.

In parallel with the global campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence”, as part of the UNIGEM (University and Gender Mainstreaming) project implemented by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo, activities were held at the University of Rijeka which, in cooperation with teaching and professional staff and both male and female students marked the International Day against Violence Against Women and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The University of East Sarajevo held three lectures and three workshops at the Faculty of Philosophy dedicated to marking the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo, in addition to this partner institution, is implementing together with 18 other universities in BiH and the region with the financial support of the United Kingdom Government, under the motto “Look, speak out against the violence”. The campaign, in the period from November 25th to December 10th, 2022, in addition to the general goal of raising public awareness of the need for active engagement in the fight against violence, emphasizes the importance of public discourse on the presence of gender-based violence in the academic community.

Sarajevo School of Science and Technology held on 05.12.2022. the promotion of the book “Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community”, edited by prof. Ph.D. Zilka Spahić Šiljak, prof. Ph.D. Jasna Kovačević and Prof. Ph.D. Jasmina Husanović. The book is the result of extensive research conducted as part of the UNIGEM (University and Gender Mainstreaming) project, which the TPO Foundation is conducting in partnership with 19 universities in BiH and the region, and was published with the support of the United Kingdom Government, which also finances the UNIGEM project.

As part of the “16 days of activism for gender equality” campaign of the UNIGEM project at the University of Tuzla (UNTZ), the promotion of the book by Ph.D. Zlatan Hrnčić entitled “Violence against pregnant women in Bosnia and Herzegovina” and the same-titled workshop was held, as well as the workshop of the famous BiH journalist Nikola Vučić on the understanding of masculinity and gender responsibility. On Friday, December 2, the UNTZ Council for Gender Equality, the Museum of Literature and Theatre Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Centre for Culture Tuzla, and the TPO Foundation organized the opening of the exhibition “Without Yourself – Everyday Drama in the Speech of Bosnian Women”. Until December 10, at the same time as the end of the Campaign, UNTZ will organize a range of other activities dedicated to the fight against violence.

The University of Novi Sad (UNS) celebrates the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign of the UNIGEM project in the period from 25.11. until 10.12.2022, and thus joins the global campaign that is celebrated in over 180 countries. Through interesting and educational events – workshops, panels, lectures, and promotions, UNS will contribute to raising the level of public awareness on the need for active engagement in the fight against gender-based violence.

In the period from November 29 to 30, 2022, the “Alkibijad” debate club, in cooperation with the University of Banja Luka (UNIBL) and the TPO Foundation, marked the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation implements regionally in partnership with 19 universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia with the support of the United Kingdom Government. The slogan of the Campaign for 2022 is “Look, speak out against the violence”.

On November 30, 2022, the University of Bihać at the Faculty of Islamic Pedagogy promoted the first regional research on gender equality in academic communities conducted as part of the UNIGEM project, which the TPO Foundation, with the support of the United Kingdom Government, is conducting with 19 universities in BiH and the region, including an institutional partner, UNBI. The research was presented in the scientific publication “Challenges of Mainstreaming Gender Equality in University Communities: Fighting Gender-Based Violence”, and the promotion was organized by the Center for Gender Equality of the University of Bihać.

On November 22, 2022, the University of Mostar promoted the first regional research on gender-based violence (GBV) in academic communities, presented in the publication “Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community: Against gender-based violence”, edited by prof. Ph.D. Zilka Spahić Šiljak, prof. Ph.D. Jasna Kovačević and Prof. Ph.D. Jasmina Husanović. The research was conducted in B&H, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia, at 18 partner universities of the UNIGEM project, which is implemented by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo, with the financial support of the United Kingdom Government, with the aim of preventing and combating gender-based violence, discrimination, and sexual harassment, and the assurance of integrity and quality in higher education.

The promotions of the scientific publication “The Challenges of Mainstreaming Gender Equality in University Communities: Fighting Gender-Based Violence” in which the results of the first regional research on gender-based violence in academic communities conducted as part of the UNIGEM project were presented, were held on November 10th and 21st, 2022, at the Philology faculty and at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the UCG.

On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, the University of Zenica (UNZE) held the promotion of the book “Challenges of integrating gender equality in the university community: Against gender-based violence”, which brings the results of a large, regional research conducted as part of the project “University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM)”. The survey included 4,754 respondents, including teaching and administrative staff, as well as students from all partner universities. For the interpretation of the collected data, the researchers used the most modern scientific multidisciplinary approach.

On the occasion of marking the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign, the University of Banja Luka (UNIBL), through the Advisory Board for Gender Equality of the University, is organizing a series of workshops and events dedicated to the topic of gender equality and preventing gender-based harassment and sexual violence. The activities are implemented within the framework of the UNIGEM (University and Gender Mainstreaming) project, which is financially supported by the United Kingdom Government, and which the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo implements in partnership with 19 universities in BiH and the region (Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia), including the partner institution of- University of Banja Luka.

In the organization of the Centre for Gender Equality of the University of Bihać, on November 28, 2022, the presentation of the publication “Violence against pregnant women in Bosnia and Herzegovina – family, health system and work relations” by Dr. sc. Zlatan Hrnčić and the same-titled workshop were held. The event was organized as part of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign, which the TPO Foundation is implementing in partnership with 19 universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, as part of the UNIGEM project funded by the United Kingdom Government. The moderator of the promotion and same-titled workshop was Dr. sc. Jasmina Bešlagić, coordinator of the Centre for Gender Equality, University of Bihać.

The University of Sarajevo (UNSA) joins the implementation of the global campaign “16 Days of Activism”, which is celebrated every year from November 25th to December 10th. The motto of this year’s campaign of partner universities of the UNIGEM project is “Look, speak out against the violence”, which emphasizes the importance of public speaking about the presence of gender-based violence in the academic community. Accordingly, one of the first activities of UNSA as part of the Campaign is the creation of an informative video with university professors about the presence of gender-based violence and the importance of implementing gender policies.

The TPO Foundation today announced the activities of the “16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality” campaign, which begins on November 25 and lasts until December 10, 2022, as an important segment of the UNIGEM (University and Gender Mainstreaming) project, which is financially supported by the United Kingdom Government, and which is realized in partnership with 19 universities in BiH and the region (Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia). The “Do you know?” exhibition was also officially opened, consisting of ten posters containing messages of the most common forms of gender-based violence (GBV) at universities, which will be displayed on the UNSA Campus until the end of the Campaign.

The TPO Foundation is organizing a press conference on Thursday, 24 November 2022. at 12:00 p.m. where the activities, which will be done as part of the UNIGEM project at 19 partner universities, on the occasion of the "16 Days of Activism for Gender Equality" campaign for 2022 will be presented. On the same day, after the conference, there will be a ceremonial opening of the exhibition entitled "Do you know?" on the well-maintained promenade of the UNSA (University of Sarajevo) Campus, whose messages point to some of the most common forms of gender-based violence (GBV) at universities.

On November 4, 2022 International University Travnik (IUT) in Travnik held promotion of the first regional research on gender-based violence (GBV) in academic communities compiled into a book “The Challenges of Mainstreaming Gender Equality in University Communities: Fighting against Gender-Based Violence” edited by Zilka Spahić Šiljak, PhD, Jasna Kovačević, PhD and Jamina Husanović, PhD. The promotion was attended by representatives of the academic community, the non-governmental sector, students and media houses. The research was carried out as part of the UNIGEM (University and Gender Mainstreaming) project, which is funded by the Government of the United Kingdom, implemented by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo in partnership with the 19 universities from the region, and its results show that people in the academic community should be empowered to recognize GBV and to react when they recognize it.

On October 31, 2022, at the Rectorate of the University of Novi Sad promotion of the book “The Challenges of Mainstreaming Gender Equality in University Communities: Fighting against Gender-Based Violence” on the results of the first regional research on gender-based violence in academic communities, conducted at 18 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia, was held. The research was carried out as part of the UNIGEM (University and Gender Mainstreaming) project, which is funded by the Government of the United Kingdom, implemented by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo in partnership with the 19 universities from the region with an aim of preventing and combating gender-based violence, discrimination and sexual harassment, as well as ensuring the integrity and quality in higher education.

The TPO Foundation from Sarajevo, in cooperation with the University of Sarajevo, held a promotion of the book on the results of the first regional research on gender-based violence in academic communities, conducted at 18 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia. The research “The Challenges of Mainstreaming Gender Equality in University Communities: Fighting against Gender-Based Violence” was carried out as part of the UNIGEM (University and Gender Mainstreaming) project, which is funded by the Government of the United Kingdom, and which represents a strategic commitment of universities to ensure gender equality and a safe environment for teachers as well as students at universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

TPO Foundation from Sarajevo, in cooperation with the University of Sarajevo, will promote the book on the results of the first regional research on gender-based violence in academic communities, conducted at 18 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia. Promotion will be held on Monday, 31 October 2022, at 12:00 hrs in the Ceremonial Hall of the Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo.

Today, 8th October 2022, in “Prof. Dr Zdravko Grebo” Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sarajevo, the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo and the Ecumenical Women's Initiative from Omiš awarded certificates to participants for attending the first online “Feminism and religion” (FER) School in the academic year 2021/2022. Graduates, brave women, have academically questioned the social reality in which they live, their beliefs, attitudes, knowledge and practices on human rights and freedoms, and explored how gender stereotypes shape the lives of women and men in family and society. The program of new FER cycle, winter semester 2022/2023, was presented as well.

Below, watch a set of six videos on Unconscious Bias prepared by the University of Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST), one of the partner universities within the UNIversity and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM) project. Associates from SSST worked hard on the creation of materials during the month of May 2022. The materials were used for the first time at UNIGEM Summer School in Mostar (31.08.-02.09.2022) for the purpose of presenting the phenomenon of unconscious bias in university communities.

TPO Foundation from Sarajevo in cooperation with the University of Mostar (Sveučilište u Mostaru - SUM) within the University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM) project, from 31st August till 2nd September 2022, held a training on unconscious bias at the Faculty of Law of the University of Mostar (SUM). During the three days of training, participants (university teaching and administrative staff from 19 partner institutions, had the opportunity to attend the lectures and to participate in practical exercises provided by professors Dr. Melissa Jones Briggs and Dr. Dan Milton Klein from Stanford University (USA). The University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM) stands for commitment of universities devoted to ensuring gender equality and a safe environment for teachers and students at universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, by introducing a gender perspective. The project is fully financed by the Government of the United Kingdom. The project partners are universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. fr

Work Position: a coordinator (s/he)
Starting Date: September 5th 2022
Duration: 12 months (extension of work engagement possible)
Place: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)


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In the course of May and June 2022, six educational workshops for non-teaching staff titled “Gender Mainstreaming Policies at the Organizational Units of the University of Sarajevo” were organised, as a part of the activities of the UNSA Gender Equality Council and the University Gender Resource Centre (UNIGeRC). These workshops were led by professors of the University of Sarajevo, members of the UNSA Council for Gender Equality. A total of 60 people from almost all UNSA organisational units received training. The 6th education was attended by representatives from the Music Academy, Institute for Research on Crimes against Humanity and International Law and Institute of History and Language Institute. This education was led by Prof. Dr. Ajla Demiragić (Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Sarajevo), member of the UNSA Council for Gender Equality.

TPO Foundation established SAPERE B&H Programme in 2018, the first in Bosnia and Herzegovina to develop critical thinking, according to the P4C – Philosophy for Children method. The programme is primarily intended for teachers and students of primary and secondary schools in B&H. To contribute to positive changes in the B&H education system, TPO Foundation has established cooperation with SAPERE Institute in London and has started training 12 professors and teachers who are now certified to hold TOT (training of trainers).

Gender Equality in the Practice of Educational and Scientific Research Institutions was the title of the training held at the Rectorate of the University of Belgrade on Tuesday and Wednesday,7 and 8 June 2022, which was attended by representatives of partner institutions, participating in the UNIGEM project. Dr Luka Glušac, Assistant Director of the Institute of Philosophy and Social Theory of the University of Belgrade, Dr Vladimir Mikić, Secretary General of the University of Belgrade, and Prof. Dr Zilka Spahić Šiljak, TPO Foundation Program Director from Sarajevo, greeted the guests.me in 2018, the first in Bosnia and Herzegovina to develop critical thinking, according to the P4C – Philosophy for Children method. The programme is primarily intended for teachers and students of primary and secondary schools in B&H. To contribute to positive changes in the B&H education system, TPO Foundation has established cooperation with SAPERE Institute in London and has started training 12 professors and teachers who are now certified to hold TOT (training of trainers).

As a part of the activities of the UNSA Council for Gender Equality and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC), on Jun 13 education for non-teaching staff were organised. The fifth education was attended by representatives from the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Traffic and Communication. This education was led by Prof. Dr. Marija Lucic – Ćatić (Faculty of Criminal Justice, Criminology and Security Studies UNSA) member of the UNSA Council for Gender Equality.

On Friday, 3rd June 2022, Prof. Dr Alija Kožljak, the UNIGEM project coordinator for the International Burch University (IBU), was a guest on Radio Sarajevo and he spoke about the mentioned project, its goals, already achieved results and upcoming activities. UNIGEM is a project aimed at strengthening the capacity of state and private universities in BiH, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia to combat gender-based violence and sexual harassment. The project involves eighteen universities. They all signed the Memorandum of Cooperation and, in that way, confirmed their strategic commitment to ensuring gender equality and a safe environment for teachers and students by introducing a gender perspective.

On Friday, 3rd June 2022, Prof. Dr Alija Kožljak, the UNIGEM project coordinator for the International Burch University (IBU), was a guest on Radio Sarajevo and he spoke about the mentioned project, its goals, already achieved results and upcoming activities. UNIGEM is a project aimed at strengthening the capacity of state and private universities in BiH, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia to combat gender-based violence and sexual harassment. The project involves eighteen universities. They all signed the Memorandum of Cooperation and, in that way, confirmed their strategic commitment to ensuring gender equality and a safe environment for teachers and students by introducing a gender perspective.

As a part of the activities of the UNSA Council for Gender Equality and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC), on Jun 6th and 7th educations for non-teaching staff titled "Gender Mainstreaming Policies at the Organizational Units of the University of Sarajevo" were organised, during which the basics of the concept of gender-based violence and discrimination, and sexual harassment will be presented. These two educations were led by Prof. Dr Amila Ždralović, professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Sarajevo and Prof. Dr Valida Repovac Nikšić, professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo, both members of the UNSA Council for Gender Equality. In addition to providing information about what gender-based violence is, what are its forms, how to recognize it and how to proceed if any form of gender-based violence occurs, the aim of education is to present both documents and institutional mechanisms that faculties and the University can use to protect all their employees, as well as students, against different aspects of this type of violence.

A legal framework is an important precondition for achieving gender equality in higher education. Therefore, a new law on higher education of Sarajevo Canton (Kanton Sarajevo / KS) plans to include a gender perspective. In line with this, on Monday, 30 May 2022, Prof. Dr Zilka Spahić Šiljak and Prof. Dr Jasna Kovačević, both UNIGeRC academic directors, visited the Minister Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Nikolić and Assistant Minister Azra Ivazović and presented proposals for integrating gender equality into this new law.

The scientific conference titled Gender Equality at Universities: Theoretical Perspectives, Institutional Action and Social Engagement was held on 26 and 27 May 2022 at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Banja Luka. During this conference, which was also attended by the Vice Rector for Materials and Human Resources of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Dr. Dalibor Kesić, participants presented scientific research, published papers, projects within the framework of the work of non-governmental organizations. In addition to promoting science in the community and cooperation between universities and civil society, the goal of the event was to educate academic, administrative staff and students. The conference was organized by the Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences of the Faculty of Philosophy, with the support of the Gender Equality Advisory Board of the University of Banja Luka. The co-organizer of the conference was the Transcultural Psychosocial Educational (TPO) Foundation from Sarajevo, within the project titled University and Gender Mainstreaming - UNIGEM.

As a part of the activities of the UNSA Council for Gender Equality and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC), on May 30th, educations for non-teaching staff titled “Gender Mainstreaming Policies at the Organizational Units of the University of Sarajevo” began, during which the basics of the concept of gender-based violence and discrimination, and sexual harassment will be presented. In addition to providing information about what gender-based violence is, what are its forms, how to recognize it and how to proceed if any form of gender-based violence occurs, the aim of education is to present both documents and institutional mechanisms that faculties and the University can use to protect all their employees, as well as students, against different aspects of this type of violence.

As a part of the activities of the UNSA Council for Gender Equality and the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC), during May and Jun, educations for non-teaching staff titled “Gender Mainstreaming Policies at the Organizational Units of the University of Sarajevo” will be organised in the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies “Prof. Dr Zdravko Grebo”.

TPO Foundation PILAR (Program for Interdisciplinary Learning and Research) in May, 2022 gathered students from the University of Zenica in Srebrenica aiming at dealing with the past withing the mutual project Culture of Memory. Interdisciplinary classroom were run by professor Edisa Gazetić, psychiatrist Dr. Amra Delić and Dr. Melina Sadiković who discussed selective memory and politization of memory themes with students.

‘Beyond Fear and Silence: Universities against Violence’, the international conference, was held on May 6 and 7 2022, at the Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo. During the two Conference days, over 70 Bosnian-Herzegovinian, regional and international scholars discussed gender-related issues in the field of higher education. In two days, and through 8 parallel panels, over 30 papers by authors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia and Austria and the United Kingdom were presented. The conference was opened by Prof. Dr Kirsten Campbell’s (Goldsmiths, University of London, UK) lecture on violence as a feminist problem and producing knowledge on sexual and gender-based violence. Language and gender were the subject of the first panel, moderated by Prof. Dr Ajla Demiragić.

The International Conference „Beyond Fear and Silence: Universities against Violence“ will be held on May 6-7, 2022, at the Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo and will bring together Bosnian-Herzegovinian, regional and international scholars researching gender-related issues in the field of higher education. During the Conference, there will be special presentations by four professors from Austria, Croatia and the United Kingdom.

The Rectorate, University of Sarajevo
6th and 7th May, 2022

On March 28.2022 University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) is ceremoniously opened at the University of Sarajevo, Center for Interdisciplinary studies „Professor dr. Zdravko Grebo“ with key note speakers: University rector, professor Rifat Škrijelj, Human Rights Center director professor Nedžad Korajlić, TPO Foundation director professor Zilka Spahić Šiljak, Council for gender equality coordinator professor Jasna Kovačević and UNIGeRC coordinator Jasmina Čaušević.

In the period from 22-23. March, 2022, the second module of education SAPERE BH (Philosophy for Children – P4C) was held for 29 primary school teachers in Sarajevo Canton. In the last four years, the TPO Foundation, in cooperation with the SAPERE Institute from Great Britain, has additionally trained the teaching staff of primary and secondary schools and universities for the application of critical thinking methods (P4C) in the teaching process.

Gender mainstreaming is a process in which all university community stakeholders should participate, but to get prepared for it they need to learn for the experiences of others. In the period of March 14-17, 2022, the first training was organized for university coordinators, gender equality councils and other relevant members withing the University and gender mainstreaming (UNIGEM) project. The training was carried out by Daria Glavan Šćulac and Ana Tomaško Obradović from the Rector’s office at the University of Rijeka, Jasmina Husanović from the University of Tuzla, Jasmina Čaušević from the University Gender resource center (UNIGeRC), and Zilka Spahić Šiljak from TPO Foundation.

Work Position: a coordinator (s/he) of the University Gender Resource Center (UNIGeRC) / full time
Starting Date: 1 April 2022
Duration: 12 months (extension of work engagement possible)
Place: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)


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The promotion of the book “Violence against pregnant women in Bosnia and Herzegovina: family, health system and labor relations” by dr. sc. Zlatan Hrnčić was held at the Hotel Europe, Sarajevo, on March 9, 2022. The publisher of the book is the TPO Foundation, and its promotion was held as part of the project UNIversity and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM) which is financially supported by the British Embassy Sarajevo.

Women are the majority but they are still invisible in politics, business, sport and art. On the occasion of the International Women's Day, on march 10. 2022. TPO Foundation organized a panel discussion: "(In)visible women" with three wonderful panelists: professor Jasmina Husanovic, Chantal Felder from Swiss Embassy in Sarajevo, Sabine Kernthaller from Austrian Embassy in Sarajevo. The Panel was moderated by professor Zilka Spahic Siljak.

TPO Foundation (Transcultural Psychosocial Educational Foundation) advocates for gender equality, dialogue and peace through partnership of civil society, academic institutions and government. It stands for freedom of consciousness and thought, regardless of identity or affiliation

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Globalizing world brings global challenges and among them we find various forms of xenophobia that underpin animosities, fear and conflicts. Jewish cultural, educational and humanitarian society “La Benevolencija” and TPO Foundation from Sarajevo, with the support of Council of Europe, implemented the project “Fighting anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and xenophobia in public education system” in three high-school and two primary schools in the Old Town Sarajevo in the period from 01.11.2021. do 25.02.2022. Workshops were carried out by: professor Zilka Spahić Šiljak PhD, Dr. Muhamed Velagić, Dr. Eli Tauber,Vladimir Andrle and Igor Bencion Kožemjakin.

To mark the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, as part of the UNIGEM project, the Advisory Committee on Gender Issues of Burch International University organized several workshops for more than 150 students on gender-based violence, its individual and social effects, and opportunities to find support and resources. with the aim of suppressing it.

Within the project University and gender mainstreaming (UNIGEM), a group of students from the University of Mostar organized a series of activities and thus marked the global campaign “16 days of activism”.

Based on the Memorandum of Cooperation within the project University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM), which was signed on October 6, 2021. between the University of Sarajevo and the Transcultural Psychosocial Educational Foundation (TPO) at the 44th regular session of the Senate of the University of Sarajevo held on December 22, 2021. The Gender Action Plan (GAP) for the period 2022-2023, was adopted at the University of Sarajevo.

Based on the Memorandum of Cooperation within the University and gender mainstreaming project (UNIGEM), which was signed on October 6, 2021. between the University of East Sarajevo and the Transcultural Psychosocial Educational Foundation (TPO), the Senate of the University of East Sarajevo held a session on November 30, 2021. and adopted thereby a Gender Action Plan (GAP) at the University of East Sarajevo.

Based on the Memorandum of Cooperation within the University gender mainstreaming project (UNIGEM), which was signed on October 6, 2021. by the University of Herzegovina and the Transcultural Psychosocial Educational Foundation (TPO) at the session of the Senate of the University of Herzegovina held on 22.12.2021. a Gender Action Plan (GAP) was adopted.

Based on the Memorandum of Cooperation within the University and gender mainstreaming project (UNIGEM), which was signed on October 6, 2021. by the International University of Travnik in Travnik and the Transcultural Psychosocial Educational Foundation (TPO), the Senate of the International University of Travnik, at a session held, on 30.11.2021. adopted the decision No. V01-01-07-01 / 21 which refers to a Gender Action Plan (GAP), at the International University of Travnik.

Based on the Memorandum of Cooperation within the project University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM), which was signed on October 6, 2021. between the University "Džemal Bijedić" in Mostar and the Transcultural Psychosocial Educational Foundation (TPO) at the session of the Senate of the University "Džemal Bijedić" in Mostar held on 29.12.2021. a Gender Action Plan (GAP), for the Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar, was adopted.

On the occasion of the campaign "16 days of activism against gender-based violence", two workshops, with the coordinator and professor of Bosnian language and literature, Razija Šahinović were implemented in the Gymnasium of Visoko.
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This year, the Classical Franciscan Gymnasium joined the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" campaign, which is celebrated in over 1,700 organizations in more than 100 countries and includes important international dates that connect women, violence and human rights. Within this context, on Thursday, December 2, 2021. in the Franciscan Classical Gymnasium, under the guidance of prof. Dragana Koprivica, a workshop entitled "Gender Inequality" was held.
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Under the motto of „look around“ by which the TPO Foundation, with the support of the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Bosnia and Herzegovina, promotes te campagin "16 days of activism against gender based violence", Professor Elmana Cerić organized a workshop with class IV1 students in order to raise the awareness of violence and discrimination against women.
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The book „Violence against pregnant women in Bosnia and Herzegovina - family, health system and labor relations“ is intended to be used by the professional and scientific community, but also by all other stakeholders who aim to contribute to creating a better social environment for family planning, women's reproductive health and social policies in Bosnia. and Herzegovina. This publication connects the cause-and-effect factors of pregnancy, intimate partnerships, society's expectations and defines the conditions for reconciling the business and private areas of life. The focus is on the barriers that women have which are defined by the fact that they are those who are susceptible to risk factors for violent patterns of behavior within the health system, work relationships and intimate partnerships during pregnancy.
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We invite students, teaching and administrative staff to participate in research on gender equality in higher education. This research is part of the project "University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM)" and is the first regional project of its kind involving universities from four countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. Gender research is conducted among teaching and administrative staff and students of 18 partner universities from the four countries.
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Within the project University and gender mainstreaming, and on the occasion of the campaign "16 days of activism" the Student Union of the University of Rijeka held a panel discussion on economic inequalities and menstrual poverty entitled "Cycle 28" which marked the beginning of the student project "UNIRI Things" providing hygiene supplies at the University of Rijeka and raising awareness of the importance of reproductive and menstrual health in the community.

As part of the campaign "16 days of activism against gender-based violence", and within the UNIGEM project, a group of students from the University of Tuzla contributed through various activities. Students from three faculties of the University of Tuzla have designed and implemented activities such as:

The fourth and last of this year's Socrates coffee was held on December 20, 2021. In the reading room of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Banja Luka, it symbolically ended with the theme "Dialogue". In the introductory part of the topic, the most important problem of dialogue, which involves reaching a solution through classical dialectics (thesis and antithesis), is posed through the relationship of different use of dialectics in Socratic or sophistic form. Just as in ancient times the Sophists caused problems because of their rhetoric, which was not subject to ethical principles, today we also witness various problems that arose precisely because speech ceased to express what it is, but becomes an expression of untruth, which carries with it some personal interest. Only when we return the truth to dialogue (rhetoric, that is, rhetoric in the broadest sense), is it possible to achieve a healthy and necessary communication with others.

Another debate discussion was held at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zenica on Friday, December 17, within this year's program "Socrates' Cafes", led by culturologist and peer educator Elmin Fehrić.

Within the UNIGEM project (University and gender mainstreaming), students of the University of Banja Luka marked the campaign "16 days of activism". Activities included a debate, workshop and public debate on "Gender Equality" and "Violence against Women". The activities included the participation of: students and associates of the University of Banja Luka, high school students, members of the Red Cross Banja Luka and professional associates of the Ombudsman of BiH. The main goal of the activity was to acquaint the public in more detail with the problems of "gender equality" and "violence against women" through debate activities.

After three very successful Socrates cafes, the fourth and also the last Socrates cafes in this academic year, at the International Burch University in Sarajevo, was held on December 16, 2021. and brought together students from Sarajevo, who, using Socrates' method, questioned issues related to gender equality. The cafe was facilitated by Professor Edisa Zilić, associate of the TPO Foundation in the field of critical inquiry and P4C philosophy for children.

Introduction of gender mainstreaming in higher education - UNIGEM is a project in which students from the University of Zenica also contributed. The main goal of the activity was to stimulate interest and talk about the many problems that exist in the wider community, which contribute to the development of gender-based violence. On the occasion of the campaign "16 days of activism", students realized a number of activities:

We invite students, teaching and administrative staff to participate in research on gender equality in higher education. This research is part of the project "University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM)" and is the first regional project of its kind involving universities from four countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. Gender research is conducted among teaching and administrative staff and students of 18 partner universities from the four countries.

The theme of this year's third Socrates Café in Banja Luka was entitled "Gender Based violence". The coffee was held on December 13, 2021, in the reading room of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Banja Luka, and was moderated by Andrea Slijepčević, a graduate of the Department of Philosophy at the Faculty of Philosophy in Banja Luka.

On Friday, December 10, a debate discussion was held at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zenica within the framework of this year's program "Socrates' Cafes". This interesting form of thematic discussions, as part of regular program-teaching activities, is organized this academic year by the Department of Cultural Studies of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Zenica in cooperation with partners from the TPO Foundation Sarajevo. The program form "Socrates Cafes" is designed as a dialogue between students through which they freely express their opinions on current social issues and problems that are primarily related to culture and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Teachers have the role of moderators and kind of introductory speakers who present the topics to be discussed.

Critical thinking is a cognitive process of rational and analytical examination of reality and the world, as one way of reaching the truth. Critical thinking works by carefully reviewing, evaluating, and analyzing a topic or matter, so that after considering and contrasting the results of their observations, they apply an objective point of view. It is a skill necessary in the 21st century.

The third Socrates coffee, at the International Burch University, was held on December 9, 2021. Another extremely successful and highly visited cafe, which opened with the video "He by eye, and you daughters jump", as a stimulus dedicated to the fight against gender-based violence. In that spirit, the participants of the cafe had the opportunity to question a very, present phenomenon facilitated by Professor Azra Ahmić. What types of violence are there? Which species is most present? Is the focus more on the victim or the perpetrator? Is the victim guilty of being a victim? Does violence have a gender? Does the victim become a bully if he retaliates with violence? If violence has no gender, why do we almost always have the notions of “perpetrator” and “victim” in everyday discourse, and not terms like “perpetrator” and “altar”, and how does this reflect the existing social reality ?, are just some of the many questions to which an attempt was made to give an answer and to open a new question by a dialectical method.

Within the University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM) project, and on the occasion of the campaign "16 days of activism against gender-based violence", the Student Union of the University of Herzegovina, in cooperation with the TPO Foundation and with the support of the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Bosnia and Herzegovina student activities in the form of a series of interactive workshops and an artistic performance.

Within the UNIGEM project, a workshop on "Discrimination based on gender" was held at the "Džemal Bijedić" University in Mostar, which took place in the premises of the Faculty of Economics. 20 students took part in the workshop. The workshop was held by students: Amina Kotlo, Kenan Pirija, Adnan Potur and Amer Halilović.

The penultimate Socrates coffee of this year was held on Wednesday (December 8, 2021) in Coffee Time in Tuzla. Participants talked to the facilitator Amel Jusufović on the topic "Gender Equality". They wondered, among other things, how much gender inequality is actually learned behavior, and whether and to what extent gender equality is possible. The participants once again confirmed that the concept of Socrates' cafes is extremely interesting to them, and they are looking forward to future similar meetings. The general conclusion of the meeting was that gender inequality harms everyone, and that the task of all of us is to promote gender equality and equal opportunities in all fields through dialogue and empowerment.

The participants agreed, at Socrates' last cafes this season, that violence is on the rise. The discussion moved in the direction of the causes of violent behavior. At least when it comes to this dialogue, the cause is detected in marital relations, but also in educational models that are widespread in BiH, and which nurture a "culture of silence".

Date 06.12.2021. year, students and employees of the University of Tuzla were given a lecture on Different but Equal: Differences against gender-based violence and discrimination. The lecture was held online via the zoom application. The lecture was attended by 50 participants, including students of Psychology and employees of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Tuzla. The aim of the lecture was to emphasize the role of gender in the experience and behavior of individuals in different periods of life and in different areas of life, and to point out the importance of recognizing gender and gender specificity in different areas of work and activities.

An artistic performance entitled "Women in Music" was held on December 6, 2021 in the concert hall of the Music Academy of the University of East Sarajevo. The performance consisted of two parts - a lecture and a concert. In the first part, through lectures, videos and audio recordings, the works, biographies, circumstances under which they created and the prejudices that famous women composers met (Hildegard, Klara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, Ludmila Freit, Ljubica Maric, Isidora Zebeljan) were presented. ..), as well as famous opera artists (Maria Callas). Students of the Music Academy (Azra Halitović, Andrej Gradina and Milena Nikolić) interested the audience with data that are not generally known, but speak a lot about the position of women in society that has changed through different historical and social circumstances, with reference to music.

After three very successful Socrates cafes, the fourth and also the last Socrates cafes in this academic year, at the International Burch University in Sarajevo, was held on December 16, 2021. and brought together students from Sarajevo, who, using Socrates’ method, questioned issues related to gender equality.

Department of Cultural Studies, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Zenica and in the academic year 2021/2022. continues successful cooperation with partners from the TPO Foundation in Sarajevo. Students of all years of study (18 in total) participated in the first debate workshop conceived as a space for free exchange of views on topics directly related to youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At the second Socrates Cafe on December 6, 2021, at Faculty of Philosophy University of Banja Luka the concept of interculturalism was discussed. Participants were briefly introduced to the historical changes that led to a new concept of social action that is becoming a necessity. From different experiences shared with each other, we discussed and came to conclusions about why intercultural dialogue is a necessity, how to realize this concept, and how to implement it through each level of formal and non-formal education. Socrates' coffee through the theme of "Interculturalism" has greatly influenced the understanding and importance of actions that an individual can take to make us all understand the value of intercultural dialogue.

Date 06.12.2021. year, students and employees of the University of Tuzla were given a lecture on Different but Equal: Differences against gender-based violence and discrimination. The lecture was held online via the zoom application. The lecture was attended by 50 participants, including students of Psychology and employees of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Tuzla. The aim of the lecture was to emphasize the role of gender in the experience and behavior of individuals in different periods of life and in different areas of life, and to point out the importance of recognizing gender and gender specificity in different areas of work and activities.

Department of Cultural Studies, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Zenica and in the academic year 2021/2022. continues successful cooperation with partners from the TPO Foundation in Sarajevo. Students of all years of study (18 in total) participated in the first debate workshop conceived as a space for free exchange of views on topics directly related to youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This year’s last Socrates’ coffee in Tuzla was held on December 13, 2021, in the Mandžić Gallery cafe, where the facilitator Dina Bajrektarević was discussed on the topic of “Gender-Based Violence”.

At the second Socrates Cafe on December 6, 2021, at Faculty of Philosophy University of Banja Luka the concept of interculturalism was discussed. Participants were briefly introduced to the historical changes that led to a new concept of social action that is becoming a necessity.

The theme of this year’s third Socrates Café in Banja Luka was entitled “Gender Based violence”. The coffee was held on December 13, 2021, in the reading room of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Banja Luka, and was moderated by Andrea Slijepčević, a graduate of the Department of Philosophy at the Faculty of Philosophy in Banja Luka.

The second debate discussion within this year's program "Socrates' Cafes" was held at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zenica on Friday, December 3. This interesting form of thematic discussions, as part of regular program-teaching activities, is organized this academic year by the Cultural Studies of the University of Zenica in cooperation with partners from the Sarajevo TPO Foundation. "Socrates Cafes" is designed as a space for free exchange of views on topics directly related to youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As part of the UNIGEM (University and gender mainstreaming) project, three workshops were held at the SSST (Sarajevo School of Science and Technology) for students of the Study of Informatics, in anticipation of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The leader of the first workshop was prof. dr. Jasminka Hasić Telalović, and the workshop was attended by a total of 64 participants.

The second debate discussion within this year's program "Socrates' Cafes" was held at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zenica on Friday, December 3. This interesting form of thematic discussions, as part of regular program-teaching activities, is organized this academic year by the Cultural Studies of the University of Zenica in cooperation with partners from the Sarajevo TPO Foundation. "Socrates Cafes" is designed as a space for free exchange of views on topics directly related to youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Second in a row Socrates coffee in the academic 2021/2022. year, was held on Thursday, December 02, 2021. at the International Burch University, and under the auspices of the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo. Another incredibly dynamic and interesting dialogue, this time brought together male and female students, but also several professors for the University, who discussed the topic of interculturality. The cafe facilitated assist. Adem Olovčić, and the migrant crisis and migrants in general from the perspective of interculturality were discussed.

Within the project University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM), students of the University of Zagreb gave their contribution by marking the campaign "16 days of activism".

After three very successful Socrates cafes, the fourth and also the last Socrates cafes in this academic year, at the International Burch University in Sarajevo, was held on December 16, 2021. and brought together students from Sarajevo, who, using Socrates’ method, questioned issues related to gender equality.

Second in a row Socrates coffee in the academic 2021/2022. year, was held on Thursday, December 02, 2021. at the International Burch University, and under the auspices of the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo.

At this year’s first Socrates’ Cafe in Tuzla, held on November 17, 2021, the topic of ‘Interculturalism’ was discussed. In addition to facilitating the facilitator Amela Jusufović, the experience of long-term volunteers in working with people in transit, as well as the experience of our interlocutors from Pakistan and Palestine, contributed to the quality of the dialogue at Socrates’ Cafe.

Whether hate speech is freedom of speech is a question that was questioned by the Socratic method students of the International Burch University in Sarajevo.

At the University of Novi Sad, students organized three public forums. The activities were realized within the project University and gender mainstreaming (UNIGEM), and on the occasion of the campaign “16 days of activism”.

The second workshop within the UNIversity and Gender Mainstreamign (UNIGEM) project was held by dr. Milica Kovač Orlandić, November 19, 2021 year, at the University of Donja Gorica, Podgorica, Montenegro.

A workshop on Information and Introduction to the 16 Days of Activism Campaign was held at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Mostar on November 22nd. 2021. The workshop was attended by 30 psychology students, 4 of whom expressed interest in active involvement in the project.

Socrates' coffee on the topic of Gender Equality was held on Monday, November 29, 2021 in the reading room of the Faculty of Philosophy in Banja Luka.

At the penultimate meeting of the Socrates Cafe, November 29, 2021. with the great facilitation of Elma Hadžić, a student of the first cycle of studies in Psychology and Sociology from the Faculty of Teacher Education in Mostar, the topic of Gender Equality was discussed. A total of 12 students participated, and the meeting was held in Vinyl Cafe Mostar.

Transcultural Psychosocial Education Foundation (TPO) and Džemal Bijedić University in Mostar, within the project "University and gender mainstreaming" (UNIGEM), with the aim of preventing and combating gender-based violence, discrimination and sexual harassment and ensuring integrity and quality in high school education, organized for students of the University "Džemal Bijedić" in Mostar workshops "Human Rights, Gender Equality and Civic Activism" on Friday, November 26, 2021. from 10:15 to 13:00 in the Information Hall at the Faculty of Economics, University "Džemal Bijedić" in Mostar.

University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM) project which is supported by the British Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and implemented by the TPO foundation at 17 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro, has within the campaign "16 days of activism against gender-based violence" organized a panel discussion on the topic "Men against gender-based violence" which has gathered a large number of interested students and teaching staff at its partner universities. The panelists at this meeting were the distinguished prof. dr Damir Arsenijević, Nikola Vučić from N1 television and Mirza Rastoder, director of the Homework HUB team. Mrs. Dženita Zidrum has moderated this meeting.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is marked with the aim of raising awareness of the fact that women around the world are exposed to rape, domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence. General recommendation no. 19. The UN Committee on Violence against Women and the Istanbul Convention define violence against women as a violation of human rights and as a form of discrimination against women that is directed at a woman because she is a woman or that disproportionately affects women.

The Advisory Board for Gender Equality at the University of Banja Luka, within the UNIGEM project (University and Gender Mainstreaming), organized the third workshop in a row aimed at promoting the celebration of "16 days of activism against violence against women".

The Advisory Board for Gender Equality at the University of Banja Luka, within the UNIGEM project (University and Gender Mainstreaming), organized the second workshop in a row aimed at promoting the celebration of "16 days of activism against violence against women".

There are different forms of gender-based violence: physical, psychological, sexual and economic violence. It is estimated that every third woman in the world suffers some form of violence, often from a person close to her, most often a partner. Such behaviors constitute not only violations of the rights of abused women, but a misdemeanor and a criminal offense. The phenomenon of economic violence against women by their intimate partners is one of the least researched forms of violence against women in the family, but also in intimate relationships in general. The second Workshop for students of the Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, as part of the preparations for the campaign "16 days of activism against gender-based violence" on November 23, 2021, was held by doc.dr.sc. Ksenija Klasnić on the topic "Economic domestic violence against women: a silent phenomenon".

Prevention is the key to combating any form of violence. It is reflected in various activities such as: education, discussions, making available and visible contact details of institutions and persons who can help victims and perpetrators, give media space to topics of violence against vulnerable groups, etc. The first workshop was held at the Faculty of Law, University of Tuzla, 22. November, 2021, within the UNIGEM project, in anticipation of the campaign "16 days of activism" on the topic "Prevention of gender-based violence".

An informative workshop on the topic "16 days of activism against gender-based violence" was held by Prof. Sandra Ivanović, MA, project coordinator on behalf of the MIS, at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of East Sarajevo on November 16, 2021. years. The workshop was attended by students of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Music Academy of the University of East Sarajevo.

Prevention is the key to combating any form of violence. It is reflected in various activities such as: education, discussions, making available and visible contact details of institutions and persons who can help victims and perpetrators, give media space to topics of violence against vulnerable groups, etc. The first workshop was held at the Faculty of Law, University of Tuzla, 22. November, 2021, within the UNIGEM project, in anticipation of the campaign "16 days of activism" on the topic "Prevention of gender-based violence".

Every human movement, facial expression, body position, etc. represents communication in a certain way, so "non-communication" is actually a form of communication. Through quality communication we can understand human needs, avoid conflicts, actively listen, send a clear message, motivate others to talk.

How much do male and female students know about their rights? Do women and men have equal rights and in which areas of society? Where is the line between violence and nonviolence? The students of the University of Herzegovina, 20. November 2021, sought answers to these and other questions, led by dr.sc. Martina Primorac, Ph.D. Drage Martinović, M.Sc. Marka-Antonia Brkić, Ph.D. Nataša Šantić. Groups of 30+ students were present at each of the workshops.

At the Faculty of Law in Palam, 19 November, 2021 year, a lecture was held for students on the importance of human rights and gender equality in modern society. The lecture was given by Prof. Dr. Goran Markovic, Dean of the Faculty of Law and a member of the Advisory Board of the Office for Gender Equality at the University of East Sarajevo. Nearly fifty students of the Faculty of Law and Philosophy of the University of East Sarajevo attended.

Regular political processes are also expected to continuously work on correcting all inequalities, including gender ones. The fact is, however, that the work of representative bodies in this regard may suffer from weaknesses and blind spots, as a result of which the situation of the vulnerable and unequal may further deteriorate. Therefore, additional training in the field of policy and legislation is necessary. The first workshop for students of the Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb in preparation for the campaign "16 days of activism against gender-based violence" was held on November 19, 2021 online.

The third workshop in a row within the UNIversity Gender and Mainstreaming project, and in anticipation of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, was held by Dr. Nikoleta Đukanović, November 19, 2021 at the University of Donja Gorica, Podgorica, Montenegro.

The third Zoom workshop was held on November 19, 2021 by prof. dr. Amila Ždralović from the Faculty of Law in Sarajevo entitled "Feminist Legal Theories". Feminist theories of law were discussed at the lecture. At the lecture itself, they tried to define key disputes, position different points of view and sketch the development of the idea through always only partial conquest of rights. The discussion discussed what it means for the participants to "be a feminist", how much things have changed today and what are the key problems of modern BiH society. While there was considerable agreement in these segments, mapped and discussed through different experiences, in relation to the discussion on the issue of the position that the participants took in relation to the first part of the lecture, they were different. Finally, in the discussion itself, the question is no longer any feminist stance to take, but what attitude to take towards liberal feminist theory of law. Given that plurality of views and divergence of opinion are key features of feminism, the lecture in the context of this debate is not closed.

The third workshop in a row within the UNIversity Gender and Mainstreaming project, and in anticipation of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, was held by Dr. Nikoleta Đukanović, November 19, 2021 at the University of Donja Gorica, Podgorica, Montenegro.

The third Zoom workshop was held on November 19, 2021 by prof. dr. Amila Ždralović from the Faculty of Law in Sarajevo entitled "Feminist Legal Theories". Feminist theories of law were discussed at the lecture. At the lecture itself, they tried to define key disputes, position different points of view and sketch the development of the idea through always only partial conquest of rights. The discussion discussed what it means for the participants to "be a feminist", how much things have changed today and what are the key problems of modern BiH society. While there was considerable agreement in these segments, mapped and discussed through different experiences, in relation to the discussion on the issue of the position that the participants took in relation to the first part of the lecture, they were different. Finally, in the discussion itself, the question is no longer any feminist stance to take, but what attitude to take towards liberal feminist theory of law. Given that plurality of views and divergence of opinion are key features of feminism, the lecture in the context of this debate is not closed.

The third workshop at the University of Novi Sad was held by doc. Dr. Karolina Lendak-Kabok 11/19/2021 year, entitled Gender aspect in research. The lecture was intended for students who are not yet familiar with the issues of gender differences in research and science. The same consisted of three parts: the introduction of the concept of gender, intersectionality as a theory and method of research, and the importance of gender in research. In the first part, students were introduced to different definitions of gender, with an emphasis on the definition of gender of the European Commission. In the second part, they were introduced to the concept of intersectionality and the significance of this theory in gender studies and research.

A lecture on "Why gender equality is useful for all" was held on November 18, 2021. at the Faculty of Business Economics in Bijeljina. The present students were introduced to the campaign "16 days of activism against gender-based violence" by a member of the Advisory Board of the Office for Gender Equality at the University of East Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Srdjan Lalic. The students were addressed by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Vesna Petrović, and the lecture was given by Anja Rajak, Senior Assistant at the Faculty of Business Economics in Bijeljina. The aim of this presentation was to encourage students to re-examine gender-based assumptions, to introduce them to the meaning of feminism, to present current data on the position of women locally and globally, and to show them the benefits of gender equality for women and men, and for society as a whole.

The aim of the first workshop within the UNIversity Gender and Mainstreaming project was to present the UNIGEM project to students of various university units and study programs, as well as to organize, design and prepare students for activities to be carried out within the "16 Days of Activism" campaign. The workshop was held by doc. dr Nela Milošević 18. November 2021, at the University of Donja Gorica, Podgorica, Montenegro.

Whether hate speech is freedom of speech is a question that was questioned by the Socratic method students of the International Burch University in Sarajevo. For the second year in a row, the IBU is under the auspices of the TPO Foundation, the host of Socrates' cafes, but, this year's first coffee, it was especially special and successful. Namely, in addition to the fact that the coffee gathered many participants, male and female students with almost all departments of Burch University and beyond, the above was held on the third Thursday in November, 18. 2021. which, according to a UNESCO decision, is World Philosophy Day.

Date Novembar, 18. 2021. A workshop entitled "Gender Equality from the Perspective of Women with Disabilities" was held at the University of Tuzla in the framework of the activities: "16 days of activism - why this campaign is important", Project "University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM)".

The aim of the first workshop within the UNIversity Gender and Mainstreaming project was to present the UNIGEM project to students of various university units and study programs, as well as to organize, design and prepare students for activities to be carried out within the "16 Days of Activism" campaign. The workshop was held by doc. dr Nela Milošević 18. November 2021, at the University of Donja Gorica, Podgorica, Montenegro.

Open dialogue and freedom of opinion are one of the principles of a democratic society. The right to receive information, the right to express an opinion and not to be judged on the basis of it are the fundamental rights of every human being. Through Socrates' cafes, we openly, freely and argumentatively dialogue on socially topical issues. The first Socrates' coffee was held in a Vinyl cafe, in Mostar, moderated by the doctor of sociological sciences, Merima Jašarević. The gathering and discussion were attended by students of the University "Džemal Bijedić" in Mostar, and the topic was "Interculturality".

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is celebrated on November 25, at the University of Bihać on November 17, 2021. Three workshops were realized within the campaign "16 days of activism". On that occasion, topics such as:

Albert Einstein's famous quote "It is much harder to break prejudice than an atom" also speaks about the challenges of combating stereotypes and prejudices. Therefore, the discussion on this topic is extremely important. Prof. dr. Jasna Kovačević, on Monday, November 15, 2021, held the first of three Zoom workshops for students of the University of Sarajevo, on the occasion of marking the global campaign of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Quality communication is the key to interpersonal relationships. "It is impossible not to communicate" is one of the axioms of the theory of human communication described by psychologist Paul Watzlawick. Through Socrates ’cafes we dialogue, argue and grow by exchanging views and opinions. The topic of the second in a row Socrates' cafe in Mostar was "Dialogue".

The second Zoom workshop was reflected on November 17, 2021 by prof. dr. Valida Repovac Nikšić from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo, entitled "Feminization of Poverty". Prof. Repovac Nikšić notes that in the past few years, the works of students of the Faculty of Political Sciences have increasingly dealt with discrimination, inequalities in society, and especially inequalities produced by socio-economic factors. Unfortunately, it is not enough to talk about the feminization of poverty and inequality only within the two subjects that exist at the Faculty of Political Sciences, namely the Department of Sociology and the Department of Social Work. Therefore, this workshop was an excellent opportunity to discuss the problem of feminization of poverty from a multidisciplinary perspective. During the workshop, the definition and determinants of poverty were discussed, as well as the impact of intersectionality on the occurrence of poverty in the 21st century. The significance of the workshops lies in the fact that students from other faculties were able to participate. It is also important that through the events held, this social problem has aroused wider interest among young people. During the workshop, prof. Repovac Nikšić encouraged students to think, discuss and research the issue. The interactive approach opened the space for discussion and showed the motivation of the participants to think about inequalities in society as well as the feminization of poverty. Finally, there is a certain desire of students to get involved in practical research and promotional activities.

At this year's first Socrates' Cafe in Tuzla, held on November 17, 2021, the topic of 'Interculturalism' was discussed. In addition to facilitating the facilitator Amela Jusufović, the experience of long-term volunteers in working with people in transit, as well as the experience of our interlocutors from Pakistan and Palestine, contributed to the quality of the dialogue at Socrates' Cafe. Participants discussed integration, discrimination, dialogue, media coverage and similar topics as areas of interculturalism. As a special conclusion, the participants pointed out that interculturalism contributes to the true wealth and empathy of a society and a state.

The second Zoom workshop was reflected on November 17, 2021 by prof. dr. Valida Repovac Nikšić from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo, entitled "Feminization of Poverty". Prof. Repovac Nikšić notes that in the past few years, the works of students of the Faculty of Political Sciences have increasingly dealt with discrimination, inequalities in society, and especially inequalities produced by socio-economic factors. Unfortunately, it is not enough to talk about the feminization of poverty and inequality only within the two subjects that exist at the Faculty of Political Sciences, namely the Department of Sociology and the Department of Social Work. Therefore, this workshop was an excellent opportunity to discuss the problem of feminization of poverty from a multidisciplinary perspective. During the workshop, the definition and determinants of poverty were discussed, as well as the impact of intersectionality on the occurrence of poverty in the 21st century.

What is gender and what is sex? How do we interpret the biological characteristics that are given to us, and how are they socially imposed? How many stereotypes and prejudices appear in these areas ?; are just some of the questions that the lecturer and workshop participants sought answers to. On Tuesday, November 16, 2021. The first of three workshops dedicated to marking and promoting the global campaign "16 Days of Activism" was held in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Banja Luka. The workshops are organized within the UNIGEM project, which is implemented by the TPO Foundation in cooperation with 17 universities from BiH, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro, with the financial support of the British Embassy in BiH.

Critical thinking is learned, but in order to acquire critical thinking skills it is important to have a democratic atmosphere in which all participants have the freedom to express their views, argumentatively. From 12-13.11.2021. the final TOT for a group of high school and university teachers was held in Sarajevo. The training was led by Dragana Koprivica and Elmana Cerić.

This year's last Socrates' coffee in Tuzla was held on December 13, 2021, in the Mandžić Gallery cafe, where the facilitator Dina Bajrektarević was discussed on the topic of "Gender-Based Violence".

Final preparation of the notebook UNIGEM Project Coordinator, Ms. Selma Otuzbir and colleagues from the Advisory Board for Gender Equality at the International University of Travnik within the campaign "16 days of activism against gender-based violence" on Saturday 13.11.2021 realized a workshop on "BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA AND THE INTERNATIONAL MECHANISM FOR PROTECTION AGAINST GENDER - BASED VIOLENCE ".

Within the project UNIGEM - University and Gender Mainstreaming, three workshops were held on the topic of gender equality and gender-based violence at the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Montenegro.

The second workshop at the University of Novi Sad was held by Dr. Zorana Antnonijević, entitled: Gender-Based Violence: Concept, Definitions, Statistics and Policies. Dr. Antnonijevic explained that violence is a global phenomenon. Nearly half a million people in the world are in a situation of actual or potential violence every minute. And each of these manifestations of violence has its own gender dimension.

Within the 16 days of activism, three workshops were held at the University of Novi Sad (UNS), which promoted issues in the field of gender equality, as well as the fight against gender-based violence.

Lectures were held for students of the University of Zenica on "Gender Equality in the Practice of the Constitutional Court of BiH" within the UNIGEM project, to mark "16 days of activism - why is this campaign important?" The goal was to stimulate young people's interest in raising awareness of prejudice on the same topic.

Gender-based violence is not uncommon in our society. We find it in various spheres of life, including partnerships. Date 06.11.2021. in the premises of the amphitheater of the International University in Travnik, two workshops were held on the topic "16 days of activism - Why is this campaign important". In the first part of the workshop of the coordinator for the project University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM) at the International University of Travnik, Ms. Selma Otuzbir, presented the project to students (UNIGEM) while in the second workshop the members of the advisory part of the committee: doc. dr. Nedžada Tolja, doc. dr. sc. Lejla Skopljak, Nehad Gaši, MA, and Zlatko Mecan, MA, held a workshop on the topic: "Gender-Based Violence in Partnerships". Through the workshop, students were introduced to the legal framework in the field of violence and discussed the myths and facts of gender-based violence.

University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM) project which is supported by the British Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and implemented by the TPO foundation at 17 universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro, has within the campaign "16 days of activism against gender-based violence" organized a panel discussion on the topic "Men against gender-based violence" which has gathered a large number of interested students and teaching staff at its partner universities. The panelists at this meeting were the distinguished prof. dr Damir Arsenijević, Nikola Vučić from N1 television and Mirza Rastoder, director of the Homework HUB team. Mrs. Dženita Zidrum has moderated this meeting.
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Regional cooperation of universities on issues of gender equality is an indicator of how excellent results can be achieved through partnership working. A systematic approach to introducing gender equality in universities will help make academic institutions a safer place, without discrimination on the basis of gender, for everyone. Within the project University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM), the TPO Foundation has on 6th of October 2021, with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom, organized a meeting and the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the TPO Foundation and 17 universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro.
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Regional cooperation of universities on issues of gender equality is an indicator of how excellent results can be achieved through partnership working. A systematic approach to introducing gender equality in universities will help make academic institutions a safer place, without discrimination on the basis of gender, for everyone. Within the project University and Gender Mainstreaming (UNIGEM), the TPO Foundation has on 6th of October 2021, with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom, organized a meeting and the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the TPO Foundation and 17 universities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro.
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On 19.08.2021, the TPO Foundation, in cooperation with partner organizations from Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, organized the first workshop in preparation for the EUNIC project entitled “My Story Matters” which is implemented with the support of EUNIC partners (Austrian Cultural Forum, Goethe Institute in BiH and French Institute in BiH). The project aims to present through art not only the external image of minorities in society but also the internal significance of their fight against the discrimination they experience.
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Gender equality in higher education is an important step towards the EU human rights standards. The TPO Foundation, supported by the British Embassy, visited the University of Sarajevo on July 27th, 2021. In a conversation with the Rector of the University, prof. dr. Rifat Škrijelj, the Vice-Rector prof. dr. Mirza Dautbašić and the representatives of the Centre for Human Rights of the University of Sarajevo a cooperation agreement within the Gender mainstreaming project at universities was obtained. Dr. Ruth Wiseman, Deputy Ambassador of the Beitish Embassy has led these talks.

TPO Foundation, supported by the British Embassy, visited the University of Banja Luka on July 12th, 2021 and in conversation with the Vice Rector for Human and Material Resources prof. dr. Dalibor Kesić and the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer, mr. sc. Anđela Pepić a cooperation agreement within the Gender mainstreaming project at universities was obtained. Gender equality in higher education is an important step towards the EU standards in the field of human rights. Dr. Ruth Wiseman, Deputy Ambassador of the British Embassy has led these talks.

Gender equality in higher education is an important step towards the EU human rights standards. The TPO Foundation, supported by the British Embassy, visited the University of Bihać on June 24th, 2021. In a conversation with the prorector prof. dr. Amela Čolić, and prof. dr. Ratko Knežević from the department of Health Studies a cooperation agreement within the Gender mainstreaming project at universities was obtained. Dr. Ruth Wiseman, Deputy Ambassador of the Beitish Embassy has led these talks.

Gender equality in higher education is an important step towards EU human rights standards. The TPO Foundation, supported by the British Embassy, visited the Džemal Bijedić University in Mostar on June 17th, 2021. In a conversation with the  Vice-rector of the University of Mostar, Prof. Dr. Zdravko Klepić and the Head of the IT department dr. sc. Tomislav Volarić a cooperation agreement within the Gender mainstreaming project at universities was obtained. Dr. Ruth Wiseman, Deputy Ambassador of the Beitish Embassy has led these talks.

The TPO Foundation, supported by the British Embassy, visited the Džemal Bijedić University in Mostar on June 17, 2021. In a conversation with the Rector of the Džemal Bijedić University, Prof. Dr. Elvir Zlomušica and the Vice-Rector for Science and Scientific Research van.prof.dr. Rebeka Kotlo a cooperation agreement within the Gender mainstreaming project at universities was obtained. Gender equality in higher education is an important step towards the EU human rights standards and as such it is recognized and promoted trough this cooperation agreement. Dr. Ruth Wiseman, Deputy Ambassador of the Beitish Embassyhas led these talks.

During the pandemic, everyone was in need for psychosocial support and especially teachers, who had to make adjustments for online teaching in a very short period of time. Any change is stressful, particularly changes that require a high level of digital literacy and a different way of communicating with children and their parents who are also under stress as a result of the changes and isolation. TPO Foundation has therefore enabled primary and secondary school teachers from five cantons to attend psychosocial support webinars within the EMIL project from April to June 2021.
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TPO Foundation is calling for applicants for openings in 3 positions:
1. Project coordinator (2 openings)
2. Project Assistant (1 opening)
If you have the necessary qualifications and you are looking to learn new skills and advance your career, let us know by 26.05.2021. Please submit your CV and motivation letter via email to tpo@tpofond.org.
Candidates who advance to the next round will be called in for an interview. The rest of the candidates will not be contacted.
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How important is it to be aware of our own capacities, skills and abilities when it comes to the challenges caused by the pandemic? Why should we never suppress emotions and why do we need to talk about emotions? These were some of the questions we tried to answer during the first two sessions of the planned twenty sessions dedicated to the teachers of the program "Psychosocial support in facing the challenges caused by the pandemic". TPO Foundation has launched a program of psychosocial empowerment of teachers with the aim of providing adequate support in overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through simple exercises on thinking about their own capacities, the participants of the sessions had the opportunity to strengthen their emotions and observe the challenges of the pandemic in a different way. Participants in this program are teachers of primary and secondary schools from Herzegovina-Neretva canton, Tuzla canton, Zenica- Doboj canton and Central Bosnia canton.
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In the period from 07 to 09 April 2021, TPO Foundation held three online meetings with participants of the SAPERE BIH program, within which TPO Foundation holds trainings for future trainers from P4C - Philosophy for children with the aim of integrating critical thinking as an approach to learning and teaching in high schools. The goal of our online meetings was reflection on the realized training in February and plan of the practical part of the education that the participants in the next period should realize with their students.
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The last of the three planned panel discussions organized by the TPO Foundation and the British Embassy in Sarajevo was realized on March 9, 2021. The panel was organized as part of the celebration of International Women's Day, when the participants of this panel were young activists and young politicians  of the local communities in BiH. The panel was attended and the special importance of temporary equality was given by the British Ambassador to Sarajevo, Matthew Field. Along with panellist Elmaja Bavčić, on behalf of the OSCE Mission to BiH, and long-time human rights activist Bojana Trninić, the young people had the opportunity to discuss the film Miss Representation, which had the opportunity to watch earlier. >> MORE

The second panel discussion within the celebration of the International Women's Day was realized on Friday, March 5, 2021. The TPO Foundation, in cooperation with the British Embassy in Sarajevo, organized a program for student and university professors. Almost 100 participants had the opportunity to talk with the Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Sarajevo, Dr. Ruth Wiseman, as well as with the panelists, Merima Jašarević, a professor at the Faculty of Education at the Džemal Bijedić University in Mostar, and Nikola Vučić, a journalist and human rights activist. >> MORE

As part of the celebration of International Women's Day, the TPO Foundation, in cooperation with the British Embassy in Sarajevo, launched a program for young people and organized a panel discussion on gender equality in Bosnia. On Wednesday, March 3, 2021, the first panel discussion intended for high school students in BiH was held. Over 140 participants participated on this panel, which was opened by the Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Sarajevo, Dr. Ruth Wiseman and Program Director of the TPO Foundation, prof. dr. Zilka Spahić Šiljak, while the panellists were Una Bejtović and Damir Arsenijević. >> MORE

The TPO Foundation, in cooperation with the Pedagogical Institute and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the ZE-DO Canton, organized the third two-day training of critical thinking of the second cycle within the SAPERE BiH program. The training was held in Zenica from 23 to 24 February 2021. The focus was on 4 types of 4C opinions (Critical, creative, caring and collaborative) as an indispensable part of the Philisophical inquiry. The training was attended by teachers from Zenica-Doboj and Central Bosnia cantons,  as well as professors from the Faculty of Philosophy in Banja Luka, who are also the beginners of this method of working with students at the faculties.
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The two-day training P4C - Philosophy for Children within the SAPERE BIH program was realized in Mostar in the period from 17 to 18 February 2021 for representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Herzegovina – Neretva Canton, Pedagogical Institute and the Institute for Education Mostar, and teachers working in high schools at the HNC. The training aimed to form a group of experts in the field of critical thinking development, which will also form the first group with the aim of training high school teachers at the Croatian National Theater and integrating the P4C teaching method into the schools of this canton.
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Within the program SAPERE BIH, in period from 15th to 16th of February 2021, a two-day training P4C Philosophy for children of the II cycle for teachers working in the high school of Sarajevo Canton was realized. The goal of the SAPERE BIH program is to empower teachers and their competencies in the field of critical thinking as a method of working with students.
Teachers of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Gymnasiums, Dobrinja Gymnasium, Maarif Schools of Sarajevo, Secondary School of Economics, Catholic School Center Gymnasium and Richmond Park College Sarajevo were participants in the second cycle for critical thinking skills improvement.
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TPO Foundation in cooperation with University of Denver and SIE-Inclusive Global Leadership Initiative from USA is planning the book launch "Healing and Peacebuilding After War" on February 16.2021. at 19:00. The book resulted from the International Conference "Trauma, Memory and Healing" held in Sarajevo in 2016. Bosnian version of the book is available on TPO website in publication section: The Conference Anthology: UNHEALED TRAUMA.
Please register in advance. Book Launch registration link on ZOOM.US:

                https://udenver.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckfuirpz4oHNGxlO36TwlzTKqS1T56a9J8
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Etos of tolerance, non-violence and openness towards of others is very relevant today when, apart from numerous conflicts around the world, we face additional challenges of pandemic that isolated people from one another. TPO Foundation organized third module of the Etos Balkan seminar from January 23-24-01.2021 with colleagues from Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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OSCE and TPO Foundation continued the gender mainstreaming training for primary and high-school teachers in Canton Sarajevo, which was facilitated by professor Zilka Spahić Šiljak, and Melika Šahinović. The training content was focused on the concrete exercises of gender mainstreaming integration in the key elements of the curriculum reform, taking into account material and symbolic sources, participation, recognition or evaluation.

Handbook for primary and secondary school teachers "P4C - PHILOSOPHY FOR CHILDREN: Methods of learning and teaching to improve critical thinking" by authors Elmana Cerić, Melika Šahinović and Sead S. Fetahagić is a result of the program SAPERE BIH which promotes and affirms philosophy for children as methods and approach in learning and teaching, with the aim of developing thinking skills, communication, as well as building self-confidence and improving the overall personality. P4C or Philosophy for Children developed by Matthew Lipman, based on the Socratic method of questioning and the concept of the "community of philosophical questioning" (Community of Philosophical Inquiry) by John Dewey. Philosophy for children is a method of questioning based on thinking about philosophical / big questions and concepts, reflection and argumentation that lead to improving thinking skills, shaping and changing attitudes, cultivating questioning skills: critical, creative, collaborative and caring / empathetic thinking. often uses the English abbreviation 4C (critical, creative, collaborative, caring). This handbook is intended for teachers working in primary and secondary schools, as well as pedagogues and other school workers. It offers simple instructions, rules, suggestions and explanations that can be used in the preparation and implementation of classes in order to achieve greater efficiency and success in the intellectual, emotional and social development of each child. In order to improve educational programs in BiH, through the integration of the philosophy method for children in the promotion of critical thinking in children and youth, the TPO Foundation has designed a program of teacher education and materials in the Bosnian language. This handbook will, above all, help teachers to develop the capacities and methods of work in transmitting the material of the curriculum, as well as to support students in the development of critical thinking.
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This year, the TPO Foundation has participated in the campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, as well as in the affirmation and promotion of human rights. Taking into account the epidemiological situation, we did not give up and we used the existing tools as much as we could to give importance to these topics. Although we live in the 21st century and we can testify the rapid growth of technology, we cannot say that we see the reflection of the growth of technology on society or social phenomena. That is why it is extremely important to talk about topics like these until all the rights of the last human individual in the world are secured, protected and that human individual is ready to take responsibility.
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TPO Foundation in collaboration with OSCE has started the gender mainstreaming training for primary and high-school teachers in Canton Sarajevo who are engaged in the curriculum reform. Online seminar was held on December 7-8, 2020. under facilitation of professor Zilka Spahić Šiljak, and Melika Šahinović. The key themes included theoretical considerations on gender equality and mapping the situation in schools using the Harvard framework tool of analysis.

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Every year (from November 25th till December 10th) , the TPO Foundation conducts a 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based violence in cooperation with primary and secondary schools as well as universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This year's campaign theme is How Much Do We (Not) Understand Each Other?. We chose this topic by listening to the needs of the cooperation triangle made up of students, teachers and parents.
The TPO Foundation invites all schools, pedagogues, students and parents from the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the campaign and to share with us their experience of (mis) understanding within the triangle of cooperation. If you have not done this campaign so far, you can contact us at the koordinator5@tpofond.org or on social networks: https://www.facebook.com/thinkericatpo and https://www.facebook.com/TPOFoundation to organize a workshop with pupils and / or students and thus join the system of schools and universities that conduct this campaign.
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Zilka Spahić Šiljak, professor at the faculties in Bosnia and Herzegovina, researcher at Harvard and Stanford, activist, author, fighter for human rights and gender equality and the program  directors of the TPO Foundation was a guest on November 8, 2020 on BHRT in the show Identities with host Dženita Zirdum, in which the topic was Culture of Diversity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVSaZG-D14Y&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR3Z3MeIn
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On November 7 and 8, 2020, the TPO Foundation held the second module of the Ethos Balkan seminar. The seminar was attended by teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Croatia. The aim of this training is to sensitize the teaching staff from these four countries on the topics of world ethos and issues of ethics, tolerance, openness and solidarity among teachers and students. The coaches who educate the teaching staff were Izet Numanović, Alen Kristić, Sedžida Hadžić, Amela Petričević and Miroslav Bagara.

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The training of teaching staff for EMIL (Ethos of Multireligious and Intercultural Learning) program was, after a year and two months, successfully completed on 31 October, 2020. The aim of this program was to prepare teachers to work in a school atmosphere of solidarity, openness, tolerance and ethics. 13 teachers successfully completed this program and became certified trainers to strengthen intercultural and interreligious competencies.

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Within the NIRA project and with the aim of greater involvement of young people and women in politics and advocacy in BiH, the TPO Foundation has implemented a number of activities for young people throughout BiH. After trainings on personal and professional development and advocacy for young people, which aimed to improve the skills and competencies of young people in public speaking, critical thinking and project writing, TPO Foundation published a public call entitled "Women, Youth and Politics", intended for all citizens between aged between 18 and 35 to apply by project applications with an initiative aimed at the promotion and affirmation of young people and women in politics in BiH.
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Ann Margaret Sharp is one of the most significant names in the history of the development of methods and approaches in learning and teaching to encourage critical thinking and their application in the community of inquiry - P4C in the UK, and later in the world. Representatives of the TPO Foundation - SAPERE BiH program: Zilka Spahić Šiljak, Melika Šahinović and Elmana Cerić attended the conference which was organized by Winchester University from the UK with moderators: Patricia Hannam, Joanna Hayney, Megan Laverty and Maughn Gregory. The conference was attended by over 35 participants from different countries: Taiwan, Italy, Great Britain, Sweden, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, North America and Mexico.
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Confronting prejudices in face to face encounters with representatives of marginalized groups, like Roma people, Jews, LGBT and Muslim women with hijab is painful but important step in intercultural continuum development. OnSeptember 13, 2020, the TPO Foundation organized the VII and final EMIL TOT training. The final step in the strengthening intercultural and interreligious competencies training covered BH teachers and involved true validation of knowledge and skills, rather than the classic test. The training was facilitated by profesor Zilka Spahić Šiljak nd guest lecturers were Indira Bajramović, Almina Musa, Mirza Halilčević and Igor Kožemjakin.
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This is an opportunity for all citizens aged from 18 to 35 to transform their ideas on the promotion and encouragement of young people and women in active participation in politics in BiH through project applications and to get the fund for the implementation of the project in their local community.
Within the NIRA project, TPO Foundation is announcing a public call for project applications on the topic "Women, Youth and Politics". The goal of the public call is to support citizens aged 18 to 35 to use their ideas to encourage women and young people to actively participate in political life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your initiative can bring positive changes in the local community and the involvement of young people and women in politics. Ten best project proposals will receive grants, and the maximum amount of one grant is 2,500 KM.
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New book "Healing and Peacebuilding After War. Transforming Trauma in Bosnia and Herzegovina" is recently published by Routlegde Press. The book is a result of the International Conference on "Trauma Memory and Healing" organized by TPO Foundation (2016) in Sarajevo in partnership with University of Boston, Harvard Program in Refugee and Trauma, George Mason University, Center of Justice and Peace Building Eastern Mennonite University, Vrije University from Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Documenta (Hrvatska).

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The first module of the ETOS Balkan seminar was held on August 27, 2020. with representatives of Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of networking and working together to promote learning and living ethical values. Participants say that the integration of fundamental ethical values ​​must come to the fore despite of the collapsed value system and the fact that the school is an educational and mainly without nurturing taking part in it.
SEMINAR'S VIDEO
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TEACHERS OF HIGH SCHOOLS OF CS, HNC, CBC ZDC COMPLETED THE FIRST CYCLE OF ONE-YEAR TRAINING EDUCATION FOR FUTURE TRAINERS FOR PHILOSOPHY FOR CHILDREN
The SAPERE BIH program promotes and affirms philosophy for children as a method and approach in learning and teaching, with the aim of developing thinking skills, communication, as well as building self-confidence and improving the overall personality.

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"Lack of self-confidence and negative thoughts are factors that influence young people not to be what they want", was a statement established during the training of personal and professional development and advocacy within the NIRA project.
The training was held on July 24 and 25 in Sarajevo, and the participants were students of the Universities located in Sarajevo.
The training was facilitated by Melika Šahinović and Bojana Trninić.

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The desire for change to have a better, more open and safer society was the motivation of the students of the University of Banja Luka who participated in the trainings of personal and professional development and advocacy within the NIRA project. The trainings were held on July 14 and 15, 2020 in Banja Luka. The trainer in the field of personal and professional development was Melika Šahinović, but the knowledge and experience in the field of advocacy, lobbying and creating a media image was passed on to the participants by Bojana Trninić.

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It is important to put yourslef in someone elses shoes and look at the facts from different point of view. We should take one step back and look at the complete situation and how it affects on society and every indvidual wichc is a part of it- some of the conclusions of sixth training for coaches in frame of ETOS inciative which taken place on 3.,4. and 5. july 2020. in Nabiscupic center Ivan Pavao in Sarajevo in cooperation with TPO fondation and RAND from Croatia.

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Ovo je prilika za sve studente i studentice da steknu nova znanja i vještine, da ih primijene u praksi i da za to dobiju finansijsku podršku. Ako želite osnažiti svoje liderske kapacitete, naučiti kako zagovarati za političko liderstvo mladih i žena, onda se prijavite na javni poziv.
TPO Fondacija u saradnji sa Internacionalnim Burč Univerzitetom u Sarajevu, Nastavničkim fakultetom Univerziteta ''Džemal Bijedić'' u Mostaru, Pravnim fakultetom Univerziteta u Zenici i Filozofskim fakultetom Univerziteta u Banja Luci, u okviru projekta NIRA, raspisuje javni poziv za učešće na treningu za sve studente/ice u Sarajevu, Banja Luci, Zenici i Mostaru "Postani politički/a lider/ica !". Cilj treninga je naučiti mlade kako zagovarati promjene u lokalnoj zajednici i povećati broj mladih i žena u politici.
Rok za prijavu je 13.07.2020.
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As part of the Ethos Initiative, the fifth EMIL (Ethos of Multicultural and Interreligious Learning), two-day training for trainers was held on June 12 and 13, 2020 in Sarajevo.
This time, professors from Bosnia and Herzegovina simulated future trainings on intercultural and interreligious competencies. The future trainers independently put the learned theory into practice and successfully performed simulations.

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During the period of isolation, the TPO Foundation specifically relied on design of new materials shared through social media and targeted groups of students, teachers and parents so that together we could quickly and efficiently overcome the period of isolation and not remember it as a very bad experience.
A special vulnerable category in this period were children, who could not meet their peers in parks, go on trips, kindergartens, see their teachers and study in school, visit museums or cinemas, etc. For this reason, the TPO Foundation invited its associates, well-known journalists, writers, poetry lovers, diplomatic ambassadors, professors and actors to join the "Let me read for you" campaign.
In less than a month, 27 video stories were published in which celebrities read stories, fairy tales and songs for children. Video review and sharing reached numbers above 3000.
Videos are available on: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/datipricam >> MORE

Isolation due to the corona virus pandemic seemed to everyone to be an attack on personal freedom of movement, deprivation of the right to everyday life and especially a ban on seeing and meeting close and dear people. For many this new condition became difficult to such an extent that many felt emotional and philological difficulties. Introversion, experiencing the fears the virus could bring, increased anxiety, aggression, and violence took over the community. The effects of the virus affected all people and no one was an exception. This was the reason to publish an invitation to children and young people to tell in a video how they feel, what they do in times of isolation and how they fight against the negativity that surrounds them. The Thinkerica Foundation's TPO Educational Center invited all primary and secondary school students from 6th to 9th grade and high schools students in BiH to turn their emotions from isolation into a story and tell it in a video clip. Video stories competition was called "Let me tell you how I feel" and the videos were posted on the Thinkerica Education Center's Facebook page, and one of the most likes was rewarded with money. The competition remained open until May 25, 2020.
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Is the 40% quota for the less represented sex on the electoral lists of political parties a sufficient incentive for women to engage in politics in our society? Are women brave enough to face the obstacles of society in achieving their political ambitions? These were some of the questions asked by students of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Law, University of Zenica, Džemal Bijedić University in Mostar and students of the International Burch University in Sarajevo, at the second online Socrates Cafe held on May 21, 2020. Socrates Cafe aim is to help participants to discover new insights by questioning the topic from different perspectives, and in this way to strengthen their critical thinking, build attitudes, share their own and respect the opinions of other participants.
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On May 20, 2020, the TPO Foundation held first online Socrates Cafe with students of the Faculty of Philosophy of University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Law from University of Zenica, Džemal Bijedić University in Mostar and students of the International Burch University in Sarajevo, as well as with university assistants. The goal of Socrates Cafe is to exchange ideas and views with students from different cities of BiH, in order to upgrade their knowledge, dialogically question the topic from different perspectives, as well as to change and develop their critical opinions and attitudes. The theme of Socrates' cafe was "Do women have a place in politics?"

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TPO Foundation's Educational Center Thinkerica invites all middle and high school students in BiH to turn their emotions from isolation into a story and tell it in a video clip. Video stories will be posted on Thinkerica's Facebook page and those with the most likes will be rewarded. The competition remains open until May 5, 2020.
All additional information and conditions of the competition can be found on: NAGRADNI KONKURS.
All students who participate in the contest, alongside of the video story should also send their parent /caretaker consent.

We should not divide the rights on men's and women's, because they are all human rights and we should value them equally. On the occasion of March 8, Women's Day, International Burch University and the TPO Foundation organized an exhibition on "How Can We Speak of Gender Equality?" and a panel discussion of students "Do Men and Women Have the Same Worth?" on 10 March 2020. The inspiration for the exhibition is the message that is still being sent to women today and restrain them from exercising their rights even though they are legally equal to men.

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""It is obvious that diplomacy is a male world," said Dr Ruth Wiseman, who was a special guest on the book launch "Sociology of Gender - Feminist Criticism" written by Zilka Spahić Šiljak. Book promotion was held on 9 of March 2020, on the occasion of International Women's Day at the Faculty of Law, University of Zenica. The promoters were: PhD Damir Kukić, PhD Spahija Kozlić, Dr Sabiha Husić and author of the book PhD Zilka Spahić Šiljak. The promotion was moderated by: assistant professor Dženana Radončić.
>> VIDEO FROM THE BOOK PROMOTION

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"When I decided to wear hijjab, people asked me if I did it for the money and whether my parents forced me to do it.", was the experience of the student which she shared with her colleagues on the open classroom in the name of the Eighth of March entitled: ''How Can We Speak of Gender Equality?'' organized by TPO Foundation. On 9 March, 2020, students of The Catholic School Centre St. Joseph and the High School for Textile, Leather, and Design, inspired by the exhibition ''How Can We Speak of Gender Equality?'', discussed the topics that talk about the importance of the woman in society and about the stereotypes which she faces.

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''Is it a punishment to be a woman today?, Why do men and women not do the same jobs? How much tradition affects a woman's future?'' were just some of the questions from the Eighth March Enquiry Session. On March 6, 2020, an exhibition was held in The Second Gymnasium in Sarajevo on the occasion of the Eighth of March entitled "How Can We Speak of Gender Equality?" and was followed by a critical enquiry session facilitated by Elmana Cerić. The participants were students of The Second Gymnasium Sarajevo.
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''Capitalism grows, lasts and survives because of gender roles, and discrimination against women is already seen during job interviews by asking her if she plans to have children anytime soon'' was one of the statements in an open classroom, held on 5 March 2020 in the Third Gymnasium in Sarajevo, in partnership with the Second Gymnasium.
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Interculturalism as the test of democracy was a slogan of the fourth TOT training for strengthening intercultural and interreligious competencies. It was held on 8 and 9 February 2020 in Hotel Bristol, Sarajevo. TOT trainings are held as part of the EMIL programme (Ethos of Multicultural and Interreligious Learning) of TPO Foundation. 14 participants - professors that three Ministries for education recommended (CS, HNC and CBC), successfully completed the fourth training where have practiced TILKA methodology with professor Vesna Mikolič from the University of Trieste and Koper.
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After a series of trainings aimed at developing the techniques of the SAPERE P4C Philosophy for Children program, the first certified group of SAPERE trainers, teachers from BiH secondary schools, in period from January 22-23, 2020 worked on enquiry simulations. All participants prepared one session each with a carefully selected stimulus that resulted fruitful dialogues. The goal of enquiry simulations is to develop and refine techniques and methodologies for facilitators. Through the roles of facilitators and participants, all present participants contributed to the realization of 11 dialogues.
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Presence, heart awakening, mindfulness, huzur, remembrance, connection with the Source are the main themes of the book "Living Presence. Sufi path to Mindfulness", by Kabir Edmund Helminski, which is translated to Bosnian by Dželila Šiljak. TPO Foundation in collaboration with BZK Preporod Brčko organized the book launch on December 21, 2019. The book reviewers: professor Rešid Hafizović, PhD, Dr. Amra Delić promoted the book and professor Zilka Spahić Šiljak, PhD addressed the audience on behalf of the publisher, TPO Foundation.  Edhem Vilić moderated the event.
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A leader is not born, a leader is made. This is a well-known conclusion of international research on leadership, and it has been confirmed with the first comparative research project on leadership, politics and business titled "Bosnian labyrinth: culture, gender and leadership", edited by professor Zilka Spahić Šiljak and coauthored by dr. Suada Penava and professor Jasna Kovačević. The second launch of this book was organized in cooperation with the National and University Library "Derviš Sušić" in Tuzla and the association of female citizens "Feminine Vision" on December 12, 2019. The launch was moderated by Mirna Trifković, library director, and the promoters were: professor Adisa Delić from the Faculty of Economics of University of Tuzla, Ernesa Mešić, sociology professor and specialist for psychosocial rehabilitation, and mr.sci. Sanja Hajdukov, a successful author and founder of Erazmo educational center.
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TPO Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the HNC, organized a conference "Peer and Gender Based Violence: From Reaction to Prevention" on 12.12.2019. at the Cultural Center of Mostar in Mostar. The results of the same titled TPO Foundation three - year project were discussed at the conference. They shared experiences, knowledge, skills, beautiful moments, friendships that were gained through work, effort, will and desire through this project. The conference was the occasion to tell another positive story, which lasted for three years in three cantons: KS, HNC, CBC, in which the main role was played by pedagogues and teachers who did their best to learn how to help children in their schools not to suffer or commit violence.  Overall, the project involved 1000 teachers, 5000 students and 1150 parents.
THE COFERENCE VIDEO CLIPS
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Based on the contest launched by the TPO Foundation for the Best Video on the topic of ''Gratitude'', in September 2019, a jury composed of: Maja Abadžija (President), Fatima Bilčević (Member 1) and Zoran Ćatić (Member 2) decided the best videos in both categories. The awards were presented to the winners at the conference "Peer and Gender - Based Violence: From Reaction to Prevention" held in Mostar, on December 12, 2019.

THE BEST VIDEOS
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Završna Baseline studija je imala za cilj ispitati uspješnost trogodišnjeg projekta "Vršnjačko i rodno zasnovano nasilje" u 31 školi u tri kantona: KS, HNK/HNŽ i SBK/KSB, ukazati na pozitivne prakse koje su doprinijele rješavanju problema u vezi sa nasiljem i alarmirati institucije i školske zajednice na nove izazove s kojima se mlade generacije susreću. Studija također podstiće da se u najkraćem roku poduzmu novi koraci ka uočavanju i suzbijanju svih potencijalnih prijatnji koje za posljedicu imaju nasilje nad djecom.
Iako rezultati studije govore da je osviještenost o nasilju u školama učesnicama projekta mnogo veća, da se nasilje više prijavljuje, da je fizičko nasilje znatno smanjeno, da je trokut saradnje nastavnik – učenik – roditelj ojačan, da postoji saradnja između školske zajednice i institucija i da rodna pitanja više nisu nepoznanica, ipak postoje izazovi kojima se školske zajednice ne mogu adekvatno oduprijeti.
U budućnosti imamo tu odgovornost da iskoristimo sve svoje kapacitete i sučimo se s tim izazovima kako bi pridonijeli što kvalitetnijoj školskoj zajednici bez nasilja.

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''Violence against women'' was the topic of the Fifth Socrates Cafe held in Mostar on December 12, 2019. Andreja Pehar facilitated the Cafe. She has Master of Educational Sciences in Pedagogy and Gestalt Psychotherapy. At first, she read Sanela Kuko's poem "Love or On a Culture of Violence". The poem focuses on marriage violence experienced by women. She has justification for that and finds it easier to stay in such a marriage, because there is nowhere to go back, everyone will make fun of her children and she will not be able even to see them. Because of feelings of helplessness, people justify violence, feel ashamed and want to preserve marriage at any cost. Participants questioned why a woman was persuaded that this is love, because of the fact that one, who loves, does not do such things, and who once commits violence, will do it again. >> MORE

"Every second woman is a victim of some form of gender-based violence in B&H," said Dr. Amra Delić, a specialist in neuropsychiatry and psychotherapist from the Blue Polyclinic Tuzla. She facilitated the Fifth Socrates Cafe held in Tuzla on December 11, 2019, and the topic was ''Violence against women''. Participants tried to define violence and questioned its key causes. They identified that some of them undoubtedly are gender inequality, inappropriate nurture and toxic masculinity. It is necessary to keep in mind that violence is not an act of short duration, but that it has long-lasting consequences. The problem with our society is not reporting or responding inappropriately to violence.
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The fifth Socrates Cafe was held at the Chamber Theater 55 in Sarajevo on December 5th, 2019. The theme was ''Violence against Women''. Cafe facilitator, Melika Šahinović,  program coordinator of the TPO Foundation, together with participants read some paragraphs from the Baseline study "Peer and Gender Based Violence in Primary Schools in B&H" from 2017. "I realized that the child is lonely, no one talks to her, she is just spending time on the internet, and at the end of the conversation one day, she told me, "I'm going to kill myself," was one of the paragraphs which were read. Participants inquired if and how we respond if we notice that someone is lonely and sad, whether we have developed empathy, and why did we allow our society to become a society of violence. >> MORE

Within the NIRA Leaders Project implemented by the TPO Foundation in the form of a four - day training for personal and professional development, the participants were also members of the "Zada" Association from Zenica. After completing the project writing training, they applied for Nira Leaders project at the TPO Foundation. Three projects in front of the Association "Zada" have received funds for the realization of their project ideas. The second project "The Young Creatives" was realized from August to November 2019. The project coordinator was Ilma Zilić in front of the Association. The project was intended for children of preschool and school age whose parents are unable to pay for kindergartens and workshops due to financial problems.
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Topic of  the fifth Socrates Cafe held in Zenica on December 4th, 2019 was ''Violence Against Women''. Café facilitator, Venita Popović, editor of the magazine "Zeničke sveske" shared with the participants some of the data that research in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia showed. For example, "Only one in four women who have suffered violence has reported it." and "Every fourth young man and every tenth girl believes that one slap in the face is not violence." Participants believe that the whole society is a society of violence, but it is necessary to ask ourselves whether, when and why we are silent. By our silence, we also contribute to staying in the vicious circle of violence.
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After four days of training for personal and professional development, TPO Foundation awarded five grants to the students of the University of Tuzla and the University of Zenica for the best project proposals as the part of the NIRA Leaders Project. One of these best project proposals was the project named "The Safe Space for Youth". It lasted from August to November 2019. The coordinator of this project within the NIRA Leaders Project was Nerdžis Čaplja, student of the University of Zenica. The project is a continuation of the Public Speech realized in 2017 as the part of the SMART project organized by the UNZE Student Union.
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After four days of training for personal and professional development, TPO Foundation awarded five grants to the students of the University of Tuzla and the University of Zenica for the best project proposals as the part of the NIRA Leaders Project. One of these best project proposals was the project named "The Safe Space for Youth". It lasted from August to November 2019. The coordinator of this project within the NIRA Leaders Project was Nerdžis Čaplja, student of the University of Zenica. The project is a continuation of the Public Speech realized in 2017 as the part of the SMART project organized by the UNZE Student Union.
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After four days of training for personal and professional development, TPO Foundation awarded five grants to the students of the University of Tuzla and the University of Zenica for the best project proposals as the part of the NIRA Leaders project. One of these best project proposals was the project "Days of Anti - fascism in Tuzla 2019", signed by Tarik Smajlović and Mirnes Ćerimović. The project was co-financed by the city of Tuzla.
>> VIDEO: Days of Antifascism in Tuzla 2019

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Within the NIRA Leaders Project being implemented by the TPO Foundation in the form of a four - day training for personal and professional development, the participants were also members of the "Zada" Association from Zenica. Members of the "Zada" Association represent a marginalized group of women from Zenica - Doboj Canton who have expressed the need for this type of training. After completing the project writing training, they applied for Nira Leaders Project at the TPO Foundation. Three projects in front of the Association "Zada" have received funds for the realization of their project ideas. The first project "Prevention and Protection of Women's Health" was implemented from August to November 2019. The project coordinator was Zilha Nadžak in front of the Association. The project was aimed at women in small local communities in ZDC, especially in rural areas, to promote civic activism.
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The topic of the fourth Socrates Cafe in Mostar, held on November 28th, 2019, was Socrates' maxim: "I know that I know nothing." Irma Marić, who is professor at the Faculty of Humanities at the "Džemal Bijedić" University in Mostar, inquired together with participants what is the purpose of education and how much are we prepared to realistically see how much we know. Self-reflection and self-criticism are essentially absent, the school promotes mere reproduction of knowledge, and individuals are not allowed to be in a position of not knowing something. "Do we know anything after elementary and high school?" - they wondered.
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"How much it is possible to achieve the maximum of freedom at any given moment?" - asked one of the participants of Socrates Cafe held in Tuzla on November 27, 2019. Jasmina Husanović facilitated the Cafe. She is the professor at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Tuzla. Participants emphasized that freedom is, primarily, insouciance for them and that they are aware of the fact that it is a privilege in different parts of the world. They also cited Rousseau's thought that "man is born free, but is shackled everywhere", which, they say, best describes the global situation in society and is, in fact, all an illusion of choice, while we are limited and conditioned in various ways.
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The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence Campaign is an international campaign that starts on November 25th - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on December 10th - International Human Rights Day.
The TPO Foundation commemorates and supports the International Campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence through various activities. The activities are aimed at raising awareness of violence against women, the causes of gender-based violence, and advocating for non-violent and dignified behavior toward women.
In partnership with primary and secondary schools, we implement activities involving teachers, students and parents to contribute together to combating peer and gender-based violence, to preventing violence, and to empowering women.
The TPO Foundation calls on all citizens to emphasize the importance of social condemnation of violence and the need for more effective action by all institutions responsible for protecting victims and punishing offenders.
Within the 16 days of activism, the TPO Foundation has launched the video contest on the theme of gratitude, is organizing a conference to present the results of the three - year long  Peer and Gender-Based Violence project and school campaigns.
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At the fourth Socrates Cafe in Sarajevo, held on November 21st, 2019, we discussed about freedom. Adem Olovčić, Master of Philosophy, lecturer at International Burch University, was the facilitator of the Cafe. Participants considered whether people were free before the first mention of freedom and when we found a definition of freedom; they wondered if freedom can be reached and whether it depends on our opinion of it.

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The theme of the fourth Socrates Cafe in Zenica, held on November 20, 2019, was "Freedom". The cafe was facilitated by Elmana Cerić, professor of Philosophy and Theory of cognition. Participants believe that the freedom of some is actually the bondage of others, that we are imposed on what we can think and feel and that we only like to think that we are free and that there are only illusory forms of freedom.

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"You are the victims of your parents," the participants quoted their professors on the third Socrates cafe in Mostar on November 14th, 2019. The theme of Socrates cafe was "Patriotism vs. Nationalism."  Participants mentioned that nationalism is caused by indoctrination and manipulation of emotions, and in that context family has a big responsibility. Cafe facilitator Lana Prlić, MSc in International Finance and Business, and participants questioned whether patriotism and nationalism are emotions and which of the them is deprived  of responsibility.

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Patriotism vs. Nationalism is the topic that has attracted the largest number of participants at the Socrates Cafe in Tuzla. On November 13th, 2019, in the Coffee Zone, attendees questioned what binds a person to the nation at all, whether the state can standardize patriotism and nationalism, and who has the right to determine the measure of one's patriotism.
The cafe was facilitated by Dženeta Omerdić, a professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Tuzla.

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The theme "Patriotism vs. Nationalism" caused numerous disagreements among the participants at the third Socrates cafe in Sarajevo, held on November 7th, 2019. Cafe facilitator, journalist, Suad Beganović, together with participants, inquired correlation between these terms, whether they are mutually exclusive and what their negative implications are. Participants were interested in whether criticism of the state and seeking justice are patriotic acts, and why individuals who dare to criticize state are declared traitors and foreign mercenaries. 

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