The new episode of the publication Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate - Patriotism.
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Within the project "Psychosocial Support in Bosnia and Herzegovina" (Agreement on Cooperation with the Association XY / Mental Health Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina), TPO Foundation held the first administrative training for associates of mental health service associations in Sarajevo, on 13th October 2014 .
One-day training is the first of two planned administrative education that aims to implement programs to empower users associations of mental health services.  In this way, the associations establish partnership with young professionals in the field of psychosocial care at the local level and provide administrative and educational support, allowing greater availability of psychosocial support in the field of mental health.
The Project encompasses associations and users in 15 cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Zajedno - Banja Luka, Svi - Bosanski Petrovac, Ruka ruci – Brčko, Nada – Doboj, Tunel - Ključ, Nisi sam – Milići,  In Spe – Mostar, Uzdravlje - Mrkonjić Grad, Apel - Sanski Most, Menssana – Sarajevo, Podijeli osmijeh – Srebrenica, Sonata – Trebinje, Naš glas – Tuzla, Stella - Zenica  and Zvonik – Zvornik.

The new episode from Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate - "Gold gigger".
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Here is the new episode from Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate.
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The new episode of the publication Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate - On Trolleybus.
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TPO Foundation in cooperation with the association "Korak više" organized a book launch "Shining Humanity – Life Stories of Women in BiH" by Zilka Spahic Siljak in Vogosca on September 17, 2014. Aida Spahic, who assisted the author in the research, talked about the research process and the key findings of the book, while peacebuilders from Sarajevo, Besima Boric and Rahela Dzidic, talked about their peace journey over the past eighteen years from their own perspectives, and about the present activities on development of human rights. They emphasized that it is our own responsibility to stand up and work together regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation on development and improvement of society. A guest at the promotion was famous bh. actress, Hasija Boric, who read several sections from the book about Besima Boric and Rahela Dzidic, while the promotion was moderated by Melika Sahinovic. TPO Foundation thanked the association "Korak više", Municipality Vogosca, peacebuilders, and guests, wishing to increase visibility of women and their activities in public and, in that way, make an influence on young men and women to become peace activists and contribute to the development of the society we live in through education and activities.

Today's epizode of the publication Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkatehas name Breastfeeding.
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TPO Foundation welcomed the main representative UN Geneva of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) Mr. Klaus Kühne and students of second, third and fourth year of the Berner Fachhochschule on September 9, 2014. On that occasion, the representatives of TPO Foundation, Project Coordinators Mrs. Melika Sahinovic and Mrs. Monja Suta-Hibert and Project Assistant Ms. Ivana Krstanovic presented the work of the Foundation, past projects from 2013, as well as the current activities. Guests had an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the project Initiative for Creative Dialogue and Education (ICDE) for which various educational materials concerning human rights are prepared, as well as the project Psychosocial Support in Bosnia and Herzegovina within which we provide support to different associations for mental health in Bosnia and Herzegovina and collaborate with the Volunteer Center of the University of Tuzla to provide help to citizens affected by floods.
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As a part of the publication Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate has published 8th episode of funny comics series - Climbing.
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Have fun with the new episode of Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate's comics with title: DO IT YOURSELF.
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Within the project "Psychosocial Support in Bosnia and Herzegovina" TPO Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with XY Association/Mental Health Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina which aims to implement programs to empower users associations of mental health services.
The goal of the program is to establish a partnership association with young professionals in the field of psychosocial care at the local level which will provide administrative and educational support. This will allow greater availability of psychosocial support in the field of mental health. The project will be covered by associations and users in 15 cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This is new episode of Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate's comics with title: ALL THE WONDERS OF BAR RESTROOMS.
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II Interdisciplinary Classroom „Trauma, Memory, Healing“ was held in August 23rd, 2014 in Jajce (B&H) within the Program for Interdisciplinary Learning and Research (PILAR).
On the second Interdisciplinary classroom, eminent scientists and activists from B&H, including academician Mr. Dubravko  Lovrenovic,  assistant professor Mrs. Zlatiborka Popov Momcinovic, Dr. Amra Delic, assistant professor Mrs. Alisa Mahmutovic, and the Bosnian and Australian academic sculptor Mr. Addis Fejzic, spoken on memory and culture of remembrance.
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Here is yet another episode of Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate's comics. Enjoy.
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Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate has supprised us again with its new episode of funnz comics titled: Wedding Day.
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As a part of the publication Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate has published the third episode of funny comics series- Blonde Behind The Wheel.
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Cambridge Scholars Publishing has just released the book Shining Humanity - Life Stories of Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina, by Zilka Spahić Šiljak, which was published in Bosnian in December 2013 by TPO Foundation Sarajevo with the support of UN Women.
Shining Humanity: Life Stories of Women Peace Builders in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a collection of biographies of eleven local peace leaders from varying ethnic, religious, and non-religious backgrounds. As these stories begin to illuminate the women’s deep faith in humanity, they can help to teach us how to become fully human beings in difficult wartime and post-war situations. The women selected for inclusion in this book showed genuine humanity (ljudskost) in the darkness of war and suffering, but dared to imagine a life beyond the imposed boundaries of violence and fear. This book sheds light on the women’s side of peace work and on women’s efforts to (re)build, to heal, to reconcile, to empower, and to embrace all the challenges and complexities of the post-war Bosnian realm. These women hope to teach the next generation that each and every person has the capacity to do something good, and, for this to happen, young people need only have faith that it is indeed possible to change things for the better. The author examines how moral imagination functioned in the lives of women peace builders as they proceeded to make progress in their efforts to bring peace to their communities, and discusses the social history of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), its special dynamics, values, and norms;
You can order the book from: http://www.cambridgescholars.com/shining-humanity or from
Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shining-Humanity-Stories-Bosnia-Herzegovina/dp/1443860239
PLESE SHARE THIS INSPIRING NEWS OF PEACE

Within the project " Psychosocial Support in Bosnia and Herzegovina " TPO Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Tuzla, in conjunction with the support of the Volunteer Center of the University . This collaboration aims to youth through volunteer work provide support and assistance to citizens' BiH who are affected by floods. Through various types of educational programs, educational materials to implement preventive measures to protect against natural disasters , TPO Foundation and the University of Tuzla will contribute in solving a number of problems which the exposed population affected by floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

II Interdisciplinary Classroom “Trauma, memory, healing“, as part of the TPO Program for Interdisciplinary Learning and Reseacrh (PILAR) is to be held on August 23rd, 2014, at 12:00 a.m. in Jajce. Since Jajce occupies an important place in Bosnia and Herzegovina's historical scene, and taking into consideartion that during the last war in BH the city suffered considerable destruction of social and cultural fabric, which is reflected in the current life of the people, we chose Jajce as a venue for our next Interdisciplinary classroom, aiming at overcoming group divisions and finding common ways that lead to healing of historical wounds and rebuilding the trust.
On the second Interdisciplinary classroom, eminent scientists and activists from BH, including academician Dubravko  Lovrenovic, assistant professor Zlatiborka Popov Momcinovic, Dr. Amra Delic, assistant professor Alisa Mahmutovic, and the Bosnian and Australian academic sculptor Addis Fejzic, will speak on memory and culture of remembrance.
>> Program of Interdisciplinary Classroom PDF

As a part of the publication Bauk FemiNauk Group Brkate has published new episode: Man Behind The Wheel.
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Through humorous situations presented in the form of a comic, the publication Bauk FemiNauk (loosely translated as Spooky or Bogey FemiTeaching / FemiKnowledge / FemiDoctrine) by the group Brkate aims to challenge the reader's existing preconceptions about feminism, gender equality, and the position of women in contemporary BiH society because even a casual mention of the word feminism often causes a tide of stereotypical reactions. Those whose knowledge about feminism is very limited are usually its fiercest critics, and the fundamental postulate of feminism is that women are people too and that they should have the same rights and opportunities as men. Feminist teaching is really nothing to be scared of; it is just that those who are in the positions of power make it to be a scary thing in order to prevent women from equally participating in all walks of life, alongside men.
This publication is nothing more than a reflection of the situation faced daily by feminist activists, as well as all those who perhaps do not publicly express that identity but do advocate for gender equality. A critical examination of the norms of gender politics in a society, particularly if done in a humorous manner, can help us to more realistically address the issues of discrimination, oppression, and exclusion, as we must recognize the fact that women, despite being more numerous than men in the world's population, are still marginalized and excluded.
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A book launch was held on the premises of the Bosniac Institute Sarajevo on July 16, 2014 at 11 am. A journalist, Adnan Rondić moderated the entire event, and the book presenters were prominent professors and scholars: Enes Karić PhD, Nermina Baljević, MA, Emina Abrahamsdotter MA and Zilka Spahić Šiljak PhD. Mr. Eric Catalfamo addressed the audience on behalf of the American Embassy attaché for culture.
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TPO Foundation announces the book launch for the book:" Qur'an and Woman - Rereading the Sacred Text From a Woman's Perspective", by Amina Muhsin Wadud.
This is a first systemic interpretive reading by a woman, a reading which validates the female voice in the Qur'an and brings it out of shadow. It is not religion per se, but patriarchal explication and implementation of the Qur'an that have kept women oppressed and excluded. Therefore, it is crucial to encourage women to reread and interpret the sacred texts, because violence and discrimination cannot be justified by one's faith in God.
This book will surprise both men and women.
You are cordially invited to join us on July 16, 2014 in the premisses of the Bosniac Institute Sarajevo at 11:00.
Invitation is enclosed >> MORE

Within the TPO Program for Interdisciplinary Learning and Research (PILAR), the First International Conference and two-day Interdisciplinary classroom: "Trauma , Memory , Healing" was held on 12-13th July, 2014 in Tuzla and Potocari, aiming at a common and critical thinking about the deeper roots of social trauma, such as collective violence, war and genocide, and sharing the experiences and knowledge about these concepts and their mechanisms of action. Also, our goals include a deeper understanding of the interactions between different groups, as well as initiating interdisciplinary learning that goes beyond the group divisions in order to broaden the vision and new possibilities of collective healing.  
The Conference and Interdisciplinary classroom gathered eminent scientists/activists from Bosnia, Serbia, Australia and America: Academician D. Lovrenovic, Prof. Dr. Alija Sutovic, Prof. Dr. Hariz Halilovic, Prof. Dr. Esmina Avdibegovic, Prof. Dr. Jasmina Husanovic, Prof. Dr. Damir Arsenijevic, assistant professor Enes Osmancevic, assistant professor Patrick McCarthy, assistant professor Mevludin Hasanovic, assistant professor Edisa Gazetic, Dr. Nermina Kravic, Dr. Amra Delic, Dr. Branka Antic Stauber, Srdjan Susnica, BSc. iur., Rade Radovanovic, B. Sc. journalist and Dr. Zilka Spahic Siljak, the TPO Program Director.
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Within the Program for Interdisciplinary Learning and Research (PILAR) the TPO Foundation Sarajevo is organising Interdisciplinary Classroom: Trauma, Memory and Healing. TPO PILAR Program gathers activists, practitioners, intellectuals, students and lecturers across different curricular disciplines and sectors from Bosnia and Herzegovina and wider, in an interdisciplinary classroom, where interactive activities to advance integrative and interdisciplinary teaching, learning and thinking in the area of trauma and society transformation, cultural production, reconciliation and peacebuilding will be conducted through academic dialogue, research and intersectoral collaboration. The initial Interdisciplinary Classroom: Trauma, Memory and Healing with international participation will be held on July 12-13, 2014, in Tuzla and Potočari-Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Aiming at strenghtening a multinational interdisciplinary network, an Interdisciplinary Classroom will be implemented, serving as a place where we:

• share experiences and knowledge,
• collectively address the challenges of applying interdisciplinary learning and reasearch, and
• express new opportunities and visions for collective healing.

The full Interdisciplinary Classroom program is available here. >> PDF

Within the project "Initiative for Creative Dialogue and Education" TPO Foundation has conducted an analysis of youth needs. In an effort to follow the needs of the community, as well as of individuals, TPO Foundation provides appropriate educational materials and trainings that can help young men and women to get actively involved in social and political work in their local communities and beyond. The goal of the analysis is the examination of attitudes, opinions and needs of young people related to leadership, communication, employment, work, position of youth in the society, and many other issues, in order to create a basis for the development of educational materials for young people. The analysis was conducted from January to March, 2014. In the research participated 85 male and female respondents, including female and male students from the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Sarajevo, the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Sarajevo, and activists of the Youth Council of the municipality of Novo Sarajevo, including high school students and university students (Faculty of Law, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Agriculture, and Faculty of Civil Engineering). The analysis is available here. >> PDF

Within the project "Equal opportunities for women and men in politics" during the period from July to October 2012th a media campaign has been conducted, unifying four different project, which is coordinated by the organization United Women Banja Luka. Although funding for this activity has been quite limited, partner organizations were able to draw the attention of local and national media on their activities. Organizations that participated in the campaign in the framework of the project "Equal opportunities" are: United Women Banja Luka, Medica Zenica, Lara Bijeljina, Bratunac Women's Forum, Vive Zene Tuzla, Institute for Youth Development Cult of Sarajevo, Bosnia Grahovo Associated citizen, Voice of Women Bihac and Krajiska Suza Sanski Most. >> PDF

As much as a human being is able to show the humanity and goodness towards another human being, that much will he/she be closer to God * 
In BiH, the themes of dialogue and reconciliation are not generally accepted and there is no encouragement of public dialogue and culture of peace. 
Zilka Spahić-Šiljak, Ph.D. in gender studies and the first professor from Bosnia and Herzegovina at the prestigious American University of Harvard, recently published a book“Shining Humanity: Bosnian Women’s Peace Journey”. >> PDF

The promotion of the book "Shining humanity: Bosnian Women’s Peace Journey" by Zilka Spahić Šiljak was held on December 9th, 2013 at the UN House in Sarajevo. The book has been promoted by prof. emerita Svenka Savić from Novi Sad, Nejra Nuna Čengić, and instead of professor Svetlana Slapšak, parts of her review were presented by Aida Spahić. On behalf of UN Women, the head of UN Women office in Sarajevo, Anne-Marie Esper Larsen addressed the audience and Adnan Rondić moderated the promotion. At the end of the promotion Zilka Spahić Šiljak, the author of the book, expressed her gratitude and Marko Orsolić, who was awarded for Peace Activism by Peace Network, congratulated all the women peace-makers.
The research for this book covers the life stories of eleven women residents of BiH who are leaders in peace-building work in the region and who come from varying ethnic backgrounds, both religious and non-religious. They have been active over the last two decades in peace and reconciliation efforts in BiH. Personal stories are important because they tell us about “journeys of learning to be a full human being and faithful person.” These journeys require strength, dedication, curiosity, passion, strategies to find solutions when facing difficulties, and making right choices. We hope the Bosnian women’s stories will move readers to find the right direction in their own personal journeys. >> MORE..

Within the Women's Initiative for Constitutional Reform on November 19, 2013 the round table was held in Bratunac. At the round table the members of the Initiative presented the document "Platform of Women's Priorities for Constitutional Reform and Amendments to the Constitution of Bosnia & Herzegovina from a Gender Perspective" .
The members of the initiative presented to the participants five priorities within the reform process of the Constitution of BiH, as well as gender-sensitive Amendments defined within the initiative. >> MORE..

Within the project Equal Opportunities for Men and Women in Politics,  The Institute for Youth Development KULT organized five public debates between youth and female politicians from local community. Debates were attended by the large number of young people, and some of the problems that young people face were discussed at the meetings. One of the conclusions is that careful planning of solutions is a prerequisite for a success. >> MORE..

Within the project Equal Opportunities for Men and Women in the Politics, Organisation “UG Grahovo” organized five public debates between women voters from rural areas and politicians from Bosansko Grahovo. Debates were attended by the large number of women voters and the members of the Municipal Council of Bosansko Grahovo as well. Some of the major local community problems were discussed at the meetings, such as the problem of procurement of drinking water and the adoption of Local Gender Action Plan by the Municipal Council of Bosansko Grahovo. >> MORE..

On October 24, 2013 at the round table held in Modriča, the members of the Women’s Initiative for Constitutional Reform presented the document "Platform of Women's Priorities for Constitutional Reform and Amendments to the Constitution of Bosnia & Herzegovina from a Gender Perspective" .
The members of the initiative presented to the participants five priorities within the reform process of the Constitution of BiH, as well as gender-sensitive Amendments defined within the initiative.>> MORE..

On October 22, 2013 at the meeting of the Commission for Gender Equality of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the members of the Women’s Initiative for Constitutional Reform presented the document"Platform of Women's Priorities for Constitutional Reform and Amendments to the Constitution of Bosnia & Herzegovina from a Gender Perspective" .
The members of the initiative presented five priorities within the reform process of the Constitution of BiH, as well as gender-sensitive Amendments defined within the initiative.>> MORE..

Within the Project Empowering women returnees in BiH, implemented by the TPO Foundation and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway, organisation Forma F, as a local partner of TPO Foundation, after the seminar on UN resolution 1325: Women, peace and security, selected and awarded the best peace initiative at the local level. 
The best peace initiative titled „Women returners in the preservation of peace“ of the applicant Radmila Kuzman from Malo Polje near Blagaj, was realized on October 9, 2013. The action entailed a round table on the topic "Women returners in the preservation of peace" in the House of Culture in Blagaj.>> MORE..

Within the Project Empowering women returnees in BiH, implemented by the TPO Foundation and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway, Udruženje građanki Grahovo held one-day seminar on UN resolution 1325: Women, peace and security on June 12, 2013 in Bosansko Grahovo. After the seminar, participants submitted their proposals for local peace initiatives and the commission has chosen the best peace initiative.
The best peace initiative of the applicant Aleksandra Lovren, for marking the International Day of Non-Violence was granted and implemented on October 2, 2013 in Bosansko Grahovo. Through the implementation of peace initiatives street action was organized. Representatives of the various media attended the action and recorded the interaction of citizens on the subject of non-violence. >> MORE..

(Sarajevo, October 8th, 2013) Today at the press conference held in Sarajevo, the members of the initiative„Women citizens for Constitutional reform” presented the document „Platform of Women's Priorities for Constitutional Reform and Amendments to the Constitution of Bosnia & Herzegovina from a Gender Perspective“. The joint initiative stemmed from the following projects: „Contribution to constitutional reform in BiH – Equal opportunities for women and men in politics”, funded by the Swiss Embassy, and „Woman and law today”, (funded by „Kvinna till Kvinna,” Sweden. Event was attended by representatives different media.
Members of the initiative believe that the reform of the Constitution of BiH must not represent the consensus of political actors only, but also the consensus of all citizens discussing essential issues to define the future framework for a common life. With respect to this goal, the constitutional reform process must equally include women and men.
The members of the Initiative “Women Citizens for Constitutional Reforms” have defined five priorities within the reform process of the Constitution of BiH, and have created gender-sensitive Amendments on this basis. >> MORE..

On the occasion of the meeting of representatives of the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the leaders of the main political parties on process of accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the EU, which will be held on October 1st, 2013 in Bruxelles, representatives of the initiative “Women citizens for Constitutional reform” wanted to draw public attention to the importance of active participation of women in decision-making on constitutional reforms and the need for constitutional changes from a gender perspective and from the perspective of human rights.
The first time a large number of women's NGOs from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina have organized regarding issues of constitutional changes in BiH and have jointly agreed upon priorities and concrete proposals for Amendments to the Constitution of BiH, which will in be presented to the public in the future.
>>PDF

Within the project Equal Opportunities for men and women in politics,  Women Association "Lara" Bijeljinaorganized five public debates between women voters and politicians in rural areas. Debates were attended by the large number of women voters and Assembly committee members of the Municipality of Bijeljina as well. Some of the major local community problems were discussed at the meetings.>> MORE..

Within the Project Empowering women returnees in BiH, implemented by the TPO Foundation and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway, Forum žena Bratunac, as a local partner of TPO Foundation, after the seminar on UN resolution 1325: Women, peace and security, selected and awarded the best peace initiatives at the local level. 
The best peace initiative of the participants from Konjević Polje was implemented from 28-30 June, 2013 in the framework of the “Raspberry days - Bratunac 2013", which is traditionally held every year in Bratunac. The initiative entailed promotion of traditional Bosnian cuisine of women returnees.
Another peace initiative, titled "Equipping the Bosnian room" was realized during the August 2013. In the framework of the initiative, Bosnian room was equipped and it will be used for women from the local community Glogova to socialize and to exhibit their handicrafts.
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From 12 to 15th August 2013, in hotel Garden City in Konjic, within the project Constitutional Reform in BiH: Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in Politics, funded by Swiss Development Agency (SDC) was held seminarConstitutional Reform and Gender Perpective in BiH and European Practice.  The aim of the seminar was to introduce participants with constitutional reform experiences and gender perspective in countries of the region and wider Europe, as well as preparation of partner organization for dialog within constitutional reform process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. TPO team have prepared gender sensitive amendments and presented it to the participants, together with Platform developed by HCA Banja Luka and Udruzene zene Banja Luka in cooperation with Women Network. Participants were representatives of 11 partner women organizations actively included in project implementation. Lectures and workshops were held by national and international experts whose expertise is in constitutional and international law and politics.
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Within the Project Empowering women returnees in BiH, implemented by the TPO Foundation and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway, Krajiška suza Sanski Most, as a local partner of TPO Foundation, held one-day seminar on UN resolution 1325: Women, peace and security on April 27, 2013 in Sanski Most. The seminar was attended by 21 women returnees in Sanski Most. After the seminar, participants submitted their proposals for local peace initiatives and the commission has chosen the best peace initiative.
The best peace initiative, of the applicant Emira Talić from Šehovci, entitled "Nothing is impossible" was granted and implemented on July 31, 2013. As a part of the initiative, a three hours street action was held.
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As part of the project Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in Politics in BiH TPO Foundation prepared manual ''My Business Idea, My Opportunity'' aimed at empowering women in rural and other areas to start their own business through education and training, as well as to activate them for socio-political engagement. The manual is the result of teamwork of authors: Nadira Durakovic, Danka Zelic and Emina Abrahamsdotter. It is publish through support of the Swiss Government. The manual represents only one of the ways to encourage and support women entrepreneurship in BiH, having in mind that women represent the poorest part of the world's population, that is also case in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can obtain a copy of the Manual in TPO premises. >>PDF

Within the project Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in Politics in BiH was held a workshop related to preparation and drafting of the Local Gender Action Plans in 10 cities/municipalities in  Bosnia and Herzegovina in which TPO Foundation`s partner organization implement this project.          
The workshop was organized by ''Medica Zenica'' and involved their partnering institutions (the Chairman of the Municipal Council, head of the municipal social affairs department and representative of the municipal Gender Commission) who shared their experiences related to work on LGAP design for the municipality of Zenica.
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Within the project "Women of politics", HCA Banja Luka in cooperation with the partner organization organized study visit to Banja Luka for a group of male and female students of the University of Sarajevo between 25th and 26 July 2013. The aim is to build awareness about terms and the concept of gender equality in BiH. During the two-day visit to Banja Luka, a group of students will visit several non-governmental organizations and the RS Gender Centre, tour the city on the Vrbas and meet with the Banja Luka students, who visited Sarajevo in 2012. If you are interested - sign up.
Apply with the following information: name, phone number, e-mail address, school and year of study. Applications will be accepted until 15 July 2013. Send your emails to:
vstojanovic@hcabl.org
or
zumicevic@hcabl.org.
For more details please call
Helsinki Citizens' Assembly:
051/432 -750 or 065/420 - 247

Within the Project Empowering women returnees in BiHimplemented by the TPO Foundation and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway, Association of Women LI-Woman from Livno, as a local partner of TPO Foundation, after the seminar on UN resolution 1325: Women, peace and security, selected and awarded the best peace initiative at the local level. 
The best peace initiative of the applicant Elvedina Vojić-Erceg, titled „Pokrenite se Glamočanke“ has been granted and implemented in Glamoč on June 29 and 30 2013. Within the initiative two seminars and one street action were held for women returnees, mostly from rural areas, in collaboration with the Association of Women "Glamočanke".>> MORE..

Within the Project Empowering women returnees in BiH, implemented by the TPO Foundation and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway, Organisation of Women LARA, as a local partner of TPO Foundation, held one-day seminar on UN resolution 1325: Women, peace and security on March 7, 2013 in Bijeljina. After the seminar, participants submitted their proposals for local peace initiatives and the commission has chosen the best peace initiative.
The best peace initiative, of the returnees Hava Huremović and Mirsada Hamzić from Janja, entitled "Increasing the participation of women in local community councils" was granted and implemented in May 2013. As a part of the initiative, a preparatory meeting with returnees and public discussion with the Deputy Mayor and the Assembly committee member were held in Janja.>> MORE..

Meeting with the women politicians from Ilidža was held on Monday, June 3 at the premises of the municipality and it was organized by KULT Institute for Youth development. The meeting was attended by 12 women, one of them the mayor of Ilidza and another – the legal adviser.
KULT representatives and activists were introduced to the main issues related to the Municipal Council, such as its organization, the way it operates and the very composition of the Municipal Council. Issues discussed at the meeting were: the Gender Action Plan, the position of women in politics.

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Meeting between women voters and politicians was organized in other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well.Krajiska suza organization organized the meeting in Sanski Most on Friday, May 24. The meeting attended around 30 women. Women posed all kind of questions during the meeting, which was held from 12pm to 4 pm. The last two hours women spent socializing with the politicians in a restaurant. Themes discussed during the meetings were: the municipal budget, possibilities for women's participation in the political and public life of Sanski Most, etc.
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Within the Project Equal Opportunities, United Women Banja Luka Association organized the visit of women voters with the local parliaments on 31.05. The meeting was attended by 15 participants, and it was organized in two parts. The first part of the meeting consisted of a talk given by Desanka Rađević, the president of the Association of Women. She talked about the participation of women in politics and importance of establishing the contacts the with elected politicians. The second part of the meeting consisted of a lecture given by Slavko Vasiljevic.>> MORE..

Within the project Equal Opportunities for men and women in politics Association Bosansko Grahovo organized meeting between women voters and politicians of the Bosansko Grahovo Municipality on May 16th 2013. The meeting started at 12 pm and ended up at 4 pm with women and politicians socializing at the Forever coffee shop in BG. Introductory speech were given by Danka Zelić, directress of the Association. Chairman of the Municipal Council of Bosansko Grahovo, Dusko Kuprešanin, introduced women with the work of the Municipal Council, the primary and the most important documents of the MC, about members of the MC, ...>> MORE..

Within the Project Empowering women returnees in BiH Association of women LI-Woman, as a local partner of TPO Foundation, held one-day seminar on Women, peace and security: UN resolution 1325. Seminar was held on May 07 2013 in the municipality Glamoč. Seminar leader was Jasminka Borković, while there were 25 women participants coming from two municipalities Glamoč and Livno. There were more women from Glamoč present because there have been more women returnees in that municipality. The participants at the seminar were introduced to the content and significance of the UN Resolution 1325...>> MORE..

Within the Project Equal opportunities for men and women in politics, Forma F Mostar organized the promotion of the award for the best business plan on April 19th. The promotion was held in the Hotel ERO Mostar at 11.00. The award of 2000 KM was granted to Izeta Tojaga and Alma Tojaga from the village Hodbina for the realization of their business plan titled Planting of Strawberries. The donation was granted to the participants after the realization of two-day seminar on the topic Women’s Empowerment: Writing a business plan and their plan was chosen as the best among nine (9) other business plans of women from five rural areas of Mostar. >> MORE..

Within the Project Equal opportunities for men and women in politics, Forum žene Bratunac has granted a donation of 2000 KM to Danka Živanovic from the village Skelen for the realization of her business plan titled Greenhouse production of early vegetable seedlings. The donation was granted to the participant after the realization of two-day seminar on the topic Women’s Empowerment: Writing a business plan. >> MORE..

Within the Project Empowering women returnees in BiH Forum Žena Association, as a local partner of TPO Foundation, held one-day seminar on Women – peace and security – UN resolution 1325. Seminar was held on March 27 2013 from 10 am to 5 pm in the premises of the Association. Seminar leaders were Stanka Frančić and Dragana Djurić. There were 27 women returnees present at the seminar, and they were coming from two local communities in Konjević polje and one local community Glogovo in which live mostly the returnee population. The participants at the seminar were introduced to the content and significance of the UN Resolution 1325, the BiH Action Plan for the implementation of the Resolution with the particular focus on the Goal 1 of the Action Plan, as well as other national and international legal frameworks that are of significance for the participation of women on the places of decision.>> MORE..

Second module of the Political Academy titled Gender and social power was opened on Thursday, January 31th 2013 in Sarajevo. The opening speech was given by His Excellency Swiss Ambassador Mr André Schaller, while the first lecture was given by the professor of the Faculty of Political Science, Dr. Besim Spahić.
Twenty five (25) young men and women politicians from the one-day workshops in gender sensitive politics started with the second cycle of lectures and educational activities, which goal is to empower young politicians in the domain of gender politics and its implementation within their parties and local communities.

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The project aims at contributing to improvement of social inclustion of women returnees through concrete measures for employment and participation at decission-making positions and peace initiatives. Majority of returnee women believe that being unemployed is their biggest problem and emphasize a greater necessity for additional training or education that would empower them with additional qualifications or retraining. Most returnees, both men and women feel neglected and ignored by society in general, which is not able to provide them with employment opportunities and skills. The main objectives are: improving the quality of life of women through education and training for employment/self-employment and increased participation in decision-making proces,  facilitating the dialogue and networking between NGOs and public institutions in decision-making process, implementation of UNSCR 1325 Gender Action Plan of BiH through raising awareness on importance of women rights in peace, security and reconciliation.  
With regards to the objectives TPO Foundation in partnership with six NGOS: UG Bosansko Grahovo, Li-Woman, Forma F Mostar, Krajiska suza Sanski Most, Forum zena Bratunaca and Lara Bijeljina will organize: six job skill trainings, accompanied by small grants for the business plans, six seminars on UNSCR 1325, on women peace and security, acommpanied by small grants for the best six peace initiatives.
The project is supported ny the Royal Norwegian Embassy Sarajevo.

In the framework of the project “Gender inclusive community in BiH”, with UŽ “Li-Woman” in the role of local partner implemented on the area of Municipality of Livno in 2012. year, held a two-day seminar for young leaders. At the training, which was held on the 1st and 2nd december of 2012, special activity was the development of design ideas in the local community, where the two proposals where chosen amongst others, “The position of women in the community” and “Young activists are helping the elderly”. These groups of young people have shown once again that they certainly have the potential to initiate and implement change in their local communities in order to improve and develop gender-inclusive community.>> MORE..

Within the first phase of the Project Equal Opportunities, ten (10) two-day workshops on the topic of development of business plan were held in the month of November. The title of the workshop was Education of women for writing a business plan. The workshop paprticipants were women from the rural areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina who took part in the educational workshops for women's  empowerment and were chosen as the best participants to take part in the two-day workshops.   The goal of the two-day workshops was to introduce women with the concept of business and its significance for improving the status of women in the society. The goal was also to enable women to recognize business opportunities and to learn to craft their business ideas into the business plans.>> MORE..

Within the Gender inclusive communities Project, LARA Organization from Bijeljina and TPO Foundation from Sarajevo organized a Training seminar titled Leadership in the local community that took place in the hotel Drina Bijeljina on December 4th and 5th 2012. Trainers at the seminar were: Emina Abrahamsdotter, Radmila Žigić and Maja Stanković.>> MORE..

Within the Gender inclusive communities Project, "Leadership in the local community" training was held on 1st and 2nd December in Livno. The training on both days was between 9.00 am and 5.30 pm. The organizer of the training was Li-Women organization, while there were 21 participants from four (4) municipalities: Livno, Glamoč, Bosansko Grahovo and Drvar, that is, the municipalities in which surveys were performed during the first phase of the Project. The training leaders were: mr.sci Emina Abrahamsdotter and Jasminka Borković.
The training goals were:
- To rise awareness and motivation of participants on the possibilities of action/work in local communities,
- Strengthening of leadership skills of participants for more efficient performance and work in the local community,
- Development of project's proposal draft of participants for appliance of leadership skills in their local community.
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As a part of the project "Gender Inclusive Communities" TPO Foundation Sarajevo has published the Manual: ''Leadership – Strengthening of leadership skills in local communities''. The Manual was designed by the authors: Besima Borić, Radmila Žigić, Jasminka Borković, Jasmina Čaušević i Emina Abrahamsdotter. Emina is also the editor of the Manual. The main goal was to offer the material for education of on leadership and capacity building of youth who should work on advocacy for gender inclusive policies in their local communities. 
The Manual is consisted of three parts: 1) The Context of BiH (political and administrative structure in BiH and possibilities for join activities), 2) Leadership (definitions and ethic of leadership and communication skills, and leadership and gender equality), 3) Exercises for trainers to help them in interactive work and to provide concrete examples for participants to apply theoretical concepts and information provided in the two parts of the Manual.>>PDF

First module of the Political Academy titled Political participation of youth and their role in creating gender/sensitive politics was opened on Thursday, November 29th 2013 in Banja Luka.  The Academy was opened by His Excellency Swiss Ambassador Mr André Schaller, while opening speeches were also given by the General Secretary of the National Assembly of Republic of Srpska Ranko Karapetrović and Ilija Trninić, the director of Perpetuum Mobile non-governmental organization. The best thirty (30) young men and women politicians from the one-day workshops in gender sensitive politics started with lectures and educational activities, which goal is to empower young politicians..>> MORE..

Within the Project Equal Opportunities, TPO Foundation and Perpetuum Mobile organize the First module of the Political Academy for young men and women in politics starting Thursday November 29th 2012 in Banja Luka. The Swiss Ambassador Mr André Schaller will open the Academy at 15:00 at the National Assembly of Republic of Srpska and the opening speech will also be given by the General Secretary of the Assembly Ranko Karapetrović. The Academy will attend the best thirty (30) young men and women politicians from the one-day workshops in gender sensitive politics, which within the same Project took place in ten (10) cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Bosansko Grahovo, Bihać, Sanski Most, Mostar, Zenica, Tuzla, Bratunac and Bijeljina. The Academy will rely on the participatory modul of studying and activities, and it will provide young people with skills and knowledge that later they will be able to use in their work in local communities. The first module is called Political participation of youth and their role in creating gender sensitive politicsand it will take place from November 29th to December 2nd 2012, while the second module titled Developing skills, networking and implementation of the theoretical knowledge, is planned for January 2013.

As a part of project "Equal opportunitis for women and men in politics" from July to October 2012 media campaign was implemented as a joint effort of partners from four projects, coordinated by Udružene žene (United Women) Banja Luka. Although resources for these activities were limited, partners in project succeded to drow attention of local and national media on their activities. 
Organizations that participated in this campaign under "Equal opportunities" Project were: Udružene žene Banja Luka, Medica Zenica, Lara Bijeljina, Forum žena Bratunac, Vive Žene Tuzla, Institut za razvoj mladih Kult Sarajevo, Udružene građanke Bosansko Grahovo, Glas žene Bihać i Krajiška suza Sanski Most.>>PDF

Prior to the 2012 local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, street actions were held in eleven cities in BiH as part of the activities of the Equal Opportunities Project. The goal of these actions was to contribute to empowerment of women in politics, and to support women candidates at the elections. This way we wanted once again to inform the public about the importance of the equal contribution of both men and women in all domains of life, including the political engagement. >> MORE..

With the goal of an additional empowerment of women in politics, many partner's organizations wihtin the project"Equal opportunities" will organize street actions throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Women politicians-candidates will join the actions. We invite everyone to join us and support this campaign.   
Street actions will take place on October 4, 2012 at 12.00 pm in the following cities and the following locations:
Sarajevo Ilidža – Educational center Spajalica
Bosansko Grahovo Maršala Tita Street, in front of  the"Gavrilo Princip" House
Bratunac City square
Bijeljina King Petar I Karađorđevića Square
Banja Luka Krajina Square, in front of the "Boska" city mall 
Zenica Alije Izetbegović Square, in front of the "Bosanka" city mall
Modriča Main square in front of "Borovo"
Višegrad Square in the Kralj Petar Karađorđević Street
Bihać Main city square
Sanski Most Small part Zdena
Tuzla Square at Ismet and Meša – the center of the city –FRIDAY, 05.10.2012. at 12h>>PDF

Within the educational part of the Equal OpportunitiesProject and its activities and advocacy, next to the one-day educational workshops for young politicians, it is also planned to conduct educational workshops for around 1000 women from the 50 rural areas. The aim of these educational workshops is to empower women in terms of giving them tools for their active participation in the public and political life, placing a particular emphasis on their participation as voting body at the coming elections.  So far, organizations organized and held 82 educational workshops for women’s empowerment in 30 rural areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina.>> MORE..

Within the educational part of the Project's activities and advocacy, one-day educational workshop for young politicians took place on 18.07 at the Krajiška suzaAssociationSanski Most. The aim of the workshop was to introduce participants with the gender-sensitive approach to politics, and after the workshop three most successful candidates will be chosen to attend the Political Academy and participate in drafting a gender action plan (GAP) in collaboration with the local partners.>> MORE..

Within HcA Banja Luka project "Women's Side of Politics" students from the University of Banja Luka visited TPO Foundation Sarajevo on July 20 2012 to learn more about programs and projects of this foundation. Dr. Zilka Spahić-Šiljak and Aida Spahić MA, presented current TPO projects with particular emphasis on the projects: ''Women and Peace-building Reconciliation in BiH'' and ''Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in Politics''. Students received the book "Women Peace-makers" by Alen Kristić and other useful materials for young leaders.

(SARAJEVO, July 19th 2012) Vote for women campaign was presented today in Sarajevo. The campaign will be implemented in the next three months by the Women group in BiH, which consists of 23 organizations from 14 cities in BiH. In order to strengthen the status of women in politics with the particular accent on gender sensibilizations of young politicians, and with an aim to put a special emphasis on the female voting body in the rural areas, these organizations joined their strengths together in the activities that came out of four related projects supported by SDC Switzerland, Kvinna till Kvinna Sweden, Rosa Luxemburg for Southeast Europe, and Open Society Fond for BiH.>> MORE..

The first press conference to announce the activities of theWomen's Group Campaign in BH will take place inSarajevo on July 19th 2012 at 11:30. The conference will be held in the CIPS University of Sarajevo premises located in the address: Zmaja od Bosne 8, the University Campus. The Campaign includes activities on four projects: "Equal opportunities for women and men," supported by the SDC Switzerland, "Woman and the law today," supported by the Foundation Kvinna till Kvinna Sweden, the project "Improving women's participation in the government and gender responsible politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina - 2012", supported by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation for Southeastern Europe, Germany, and the fourth project "Empowerment of BiH women for political and social change" supported by the open Society Fund BiH.
The realization of Campaign will be done by the following partner organizations of the Women's Group BiH: TPO Fondacija, Udružene žene Banja Luka, Helsinški parlament građana Banja Luka, Medica Zenica, Horizonti Tuzla, Centar za pravnu pomoć ženama Zenica, Lara Bijeljina, Fondacije Cure Sarajevo, Budućnost Modriča, Most Višegrad, Ženski Centar Trebinje, Prava za sve Sarajevo, Forum žena Bratunac, Duvanjke Tomislavgrad, Vive Žene Tuzla, Kult Sarajevo, Udruženje građana Bosansko Grahovo, Glas žene Bihać, Krajiška suza, Forma F Mostar, Žene ženama Sarajevo, Center za ljudska prava Univerziteta, Perpetuum Mobile.>> MORE..

Starting July 1st 2012, TPO Foundation in collaboration with eleven partner organizations from ten towns in BiH has begun working on the new project entitled "Contribution to constitutional reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Equal opportunities for women and men in politics." The project is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Human Rights Centre, University of Sarajevo (HRC), and will be implemented in two phases: the first from March to December 2012 and another in the period between January 2012 and March 2014 years. The overall objective of this project is to empower young women and men politicians in the field of gender politics, and support young leaders to be as competitive in politics as possible, and also to develop awareness among female voters in rural areas about the importance of their active participation in public life through the use of basic human rights and freedoms.
The project "Equal opportunities for women and men in politics" is being implemented in collaboration with: United Women Banja Luka, Medica Zenica, Lara Bijeljina, Bratunac Women's Forum, Vive Zene Tuzla, Kult Sarajevo, Grahovo Citizens' Association, the Voice of Women Bihac, Krajiska tears, Form F Mostar, Perpetuum Mobile.>> VIŠE..

Medica Zenica and TPO Foundation Sarajevo organized Forum ''Peace-building in Communities'' on May 10, 2012 in Zenica that gathered representatives of BiH women's organizations who are recognized in their local communities as peace-makers: Lidija Živanovic (HcA B. Luka), Nada Golubović (Udružene žene B. Luka), Radmila Žigić (Lara Bijeljina), Azra Arnautović (Vive žene Tuzla), Danka Zelić (UG B. Grahovo), Jasminka Rebac (UG Ružičnjak, Mostar), Rahela Džidić (Američka ambasada) Besima Borić (Parlament FBiH), Jadranka Milićević (Fondacija Cure Sarajevo), Amra Pandžo (Mali Koraci Sarajevo), Sabiha Husić (Medica Zenica) i Zilka Spahić Šiljak (TPO Fondacija Sarajevo). Guest of the Forum were women from several European countries who participate in the EPIL project and on this occasion they could talk to BiH peace-makers about their peace-building activities, motivation and achievements, but also about plans for future and continuation of their activities and cooperation. Calendars with 15 Noble Prize Laureates and the book "Women Peace-makers" by Alen Kristic and published by TPO Foundation Sarajevo were distributed to participants. It is interesting how peace-makers of the world can be an inspiration and motivation to pursue peace-work, but also how local peace-initiatives can serve as exemplar both for women in BiH and in other countries to show that goodness and the need for peace can overcome even the biggest obstacles and difficulties.

Medica Zenica and TPO Foundation Sarajevo organized the seminar on April 28.2012 in Zenica under the title:"Women and Peace-building". The seminar was based on the Noble Prize Laureate narratives gathered in the book "Women Peace-makers" by Alen Kristic and published by TPO Foundation Sarajevo. The seminar was attended by 14 representatives of high-schools and non-governmental organizations. Through the interactive workshops seminar leaders Sabiha Husić and Zilka Spahić-Šiljak emphasized themes of womenćs rights and childrenćs rights and the rights of other marginal groups. Shirin Ebadi particularly was interested in these topics. Participants admitted that they did not know anything about Noble Peace Laureates, except Mother Theresa and that this book and workshops they attended disclosed new information that were going to be precious for their further work. They particularly underlined importance of these kinds of education for more teachers.

Vive žene Tuzla and TPO Foundation Sarajevo organized the seminar on April 27.2012 in Tuzla under the title:"Women and Peace-building". The seminar was based on the Noble Prize Laureate narratives gathered in the book "Women Peace-makers" by Alen Kristic and published by TPO Foundation Sarajevo. The Seminar participants were representatives from local NGOs and teachers from primary schools. Based on the Shirin Ebadu Story, Iranian Noble Prize Laureates for peace, the role women and men in BiH society were discussed, then the way of changes, and positions of power. Through the interactive exercises participants learned how to apply this knowledge in schools and other organizations.

Lara Bijeljina and TPO Foundation Sarajevo organized the seminar on April 26.2012 in Bijeljina under the title:"Women and Peace-building". The seminar was based on the Noble Prize Laureate narratives gathered in the book "Women Peace-makers" by Alen Kristic and published by TPO Foundation Sarajevo. The Seminar participants were representatives from local NGOs and teachers from primary schools in Bijeljina and Janja. Through the interactive workshops conducted by Amra Pandžo, participants learned about several Noble prize Laureates and have got instructions and guidelines how to use the book in preparing workshops for their organizations and schools. Women's contribution to peace encouraged participants in this region to continue with the work on peace-building and launch new initiatives for, as they explained, better and prosperous future.

"Perpetuum mobile - Center for development of youth and community" Banja Luka and TPO FoundationSarajevo organized the seminar on April 18.2012 in Banja Luka under the title: "Women and Peace-building". The seminar was based on the Noble Prize Laureate narratives gathered in the book "Women Peace-makers" by Alen Kristic and published by TPO Foundation Sarajevo. After lectures, participants we involved in the discussion on gender inequality in politics and exclusion of women from the decision-making position. An important step forward was taken by some women in the history like Arva Myrdal and other peace-makers from portrayed in the book who were courageous enough to change the world for the better. The participants came from NGOs, sport organizations, high-schools and the University of Banja Luka.

Medica Zenica and TPO Foundation Sarajevo with the support of Kakanj Municipal Council member, Mrs.Hatidža Sahman conducted the seminar in Kaknja on April 14.2012 with the following title: ''Women and Peace-making''. The seminar is a part of the Project: ''Women World Peace-makers - Promotion of 1325 Resolution''. 19 teachers and representatives from local non-governmental organizatiions attended the seminar, althoug we planed to include only 10-12 participants. After the seminar completion all participants have received the book ''Women Peace-makers" by Alen Kristić, published by TPO Foundation and will be able to use it in shools and further work in peace and human riights and civil acitivism seminars.

Associaton Li-Woman, Associaton of Women B. Grahovo and TPO Foundation Sarajevo organized the seminar in Livno on April 14.2012 with the following title: ''Women and Peace-making''. The seminar is a part of the Project: ''Women World Peace-makers - Promotion of 1325 Resolution'' supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Sarajevo. 22 teachers and representatives from local non-governmental organizatiions in Livno and B. Grahovo attended the seminar. After the seminar completion all participants have received the book "Women Peace-makers" by Alen Kristić, published by TPO Foundation and will be able to use it in shools and further work in peace and human riights and civil acitivism seminars.

TPO Foundation in cooperation with two local partners, Lara Bijeljina and Li-Woman launched the ''Gender Inclusive Communities in BiH'' project aiming at empowering women and men in local communities to become active citizens, and leaders who will advocate for building gender inclusive and women friendly local policies. TPO Foundation and its partners conducted Survey in eight local communities in Canton Livno and Bijeljina region (400 respondents) to measure political, administrative and participation structure and mechanisms in these communities and to propose concrete guidance for gender inclusive policy measures. Based on the results of the Analysis, TPO team in cooperation with experienced politicians, business women and prominent activists in partner's NGO leaders is designing the Handbook Manual for Leadership of women and men for improvement of gender inclusive policies in local communities. The Project is supported by the US Government, Office of Public Affairs in BiH. The Needs Assessment Analysis is available.>>PDF

Within the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence Campaign and on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, at 12:00 pm on December 10, 2011 Sarajevo hosted a Peace Walk, followed by a musical program on the BBI Center Square. The Walk was organized by the TPO Foundation, Medica Zenica, Helsinki Committee for Human Rights BiH, Gender Center FBiH and UN Women.
The aim of the walk was to remind of the achievements and endeavors of women peacebuilders from around the world. The official part of the program was held on the BBI Center Square where attention was drawn to the important steps taken by women peacebuilders from around the world whose efforts were rewarded by Nobel Peace Prizes in the period from 1905 to 2011.
The participants were addressed by Zilka Spahić Šiljak on behalf of the TPO Foundation, Alija Behmen, Mayor of Sarajevo, Vera Jovanović on behalf of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights BiH, and Ana Vuković, the Director of the Gender Center FBiH. The program was moderated by Una Bejtović.>> MORE..

We invite you to walk the streets of Sarajevo with us on December 10, 2011 with the aim to promote the peacebuilding work of women within the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence Campaign.
By organizing the Peace Walk, we would like to evoke the important steps that women peacebuilders had taken around the world and were rewarded for by Nobel Peace Prizes from 1905 to 2011.
Lives, actions, and visions of these women may serve as inspiration to all citizens in their efforts to do good for both themselves and their communities. 
Peace Walk will start at 12 pm in front of the Cathedral and end in front of the BBI Center where we will promote Women Peacebuilders, enjoy some music and share promotional materials.

THE PROGRAM
11:30 Gathering in front of the Cathedral
12:00 Walking from the Cathedral to the BBI Center
12:30 Presenting Women Peacebuilders
- Introductory remarks by Zilka Spahić-Šiljak, Vera Jovanović, Ana Vuković
- Presenting 15 Women Peacebuilders: Besima Borić
13:00 Music Program and promotion of the Women Peacebuilders Calendar 
JOIN US!

ORGANIZERS

Countering Violence with Dialogue Handbook is now available in English language and it can be dowloaded from our website. Taking this occasion, we would like to thank UN Women for their support and we do hope that the Handbook is going to be used for education on violence and dialogical methods that could be useful in overcomeing violence and misunderstanding.
>>Countering Violence with Dialogue

TPO Foundation's publication entitled Development of Measures for Active Labor Market with Specific Focus on Women Returnees by Besima Borić, chairperson of the Labor and Social Policy Board was promoted in the Federal Parliament at a special session of three parliamentary boards: Gender Equality, Return of Refugees and Displaced Persons, and Labor and Social Policy. Besima Borić presented the publication and Mrs. Velida Draško from the Federal Employment Bureau shared the most recent data on employment rates of women in the Federation. The chairpersons of the other two boards, Mrs. Slavica Josipović and Mrs. Katica Čerkez also stressed the importance of this issue and the necessity to work on the implementation of the proposed measures. Parliamentary representatives actively participated in the discussion and agreed on the importance of legislative amendments, lobbying in political parties, promoting the recommendations, and networking to accelerate their implementation. >> MORE..

Representatives of TPO Foundation, along with representatives of other NGO's, participated at the round table discussion with US Ambassador for the Women Issues Ms Melanne Verveer. The discussion was held on Sunday, 23 October, 2011 in the premises of the Embassy of United States in BiH. >> MORE..

TPO Foundation is conducting a baseline study as part of Women, Peace-building and Reconciliation in BiH Project. The purpose of the study is to detect women peace-builders and find out the attitudes of citizens in BiH on peace and peace-building activities, with particular emphasis on the role of women. The citizen survey has been completed and results are being analyzed. We plan to conduct a survey among NGO activists using a web-based questionnaire that is available on TPO Foundation's website, but you can also access it via: http:/ /anketa.tpo.ba/>> MORE..

The Agreement on Cooperation between TPO Foundation and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies (CIPS) of University of Sarajevo was signed yesterday in Sarajevo for purpose of action of donation of books for the library of the Human Rights Centre of the University of Sarajevo. That way, TPO Foundation officialy started with action of donation of the books. The books from the fund of the Library will be intended for all students, primarily master and doctoral students of the University of Sarajevo. Potential donors are individuals and scientific, education and other institutions around the world. The action will last until December 31, 2011.

Transcultural Psychosocial Educational Foundation (TPO) implemented the project "Test on Dialogue!" in schools in Municipality Centar. As a part of the project 5 workshops and 10 tests on dialogue were held with an aim of introducing the role of dialogue in prevention of violence focusing on gender based violence. The project was realized in period from March to June 2011 with consent of the Ministry of Education and Science of Canton Sarajevo and financial support of Municipality Centar. 10 pedagogues and 217 students have participated in the project.>> MORE..

TPO Foundation organized the first part of the Life Stories and Dialogues Training Course that was held in Sarajevo this May. The course is part of the project Women, Peace Building and Reconciliation in BiH and was attended by 16 participants, 11 of whom represented 9 partner organizations in the project Women, Peace Building and Reconciliation in BiH. The course was led by Nejra Nuna Čengić, doctoral candidate at Institorum Studiorum Humanitatis, author and lecturer at the postgraduate course: Life Stories and Dialogues.>> MORE..

Transcultural Psycho-Educational Foundation (TPO) organized a workshop I and II "Test on dialogue" of the scheduled five workshops in the framework of the project is implemented with the consent of the Ministry of Education and Science, Canton Sarajevo and the financial support of the Municipality Center. The workshop covered topics of gender-based violence and the role of dialogue in violence prevention with emphasis on multi-religious dialogue.>> MORE..

TPO Foundation organized in Sarajevo the two day training in monitoring and evaluation for 14 representatives of 6 partner NGOs in project "Social Inclusion of Women Returnees". For purposes of this training and for development of the manual, TPO Foundation hired Zoltan Milić, M&E expert.>> MORE..

Transcultural Psychosocial Educational (TPO) Foundation has implemented the project "Test on Dialogue!" in period March – July 2011 with approval of the Canton Sarajevo Ministry of Education and Science and the financial support of Municipality Center in Sarajevo. As a part of the project, the educational workshops for pedagogues and pupils of high schools and primary schools in municipality Center will be organized about dialogue and gender-based violence focusing on multi-religious dialogue. As a follow up, the participants of the project will work in team to organize 10 meetings "Test on dialogue" and design the promotional material for the campaign "Test on Dialogue!" intended for teachers, parents and pedagogues. Taking into account increasing of violence among youth and consequences BiH society is affected by, it is of grate importance to include these topics into school activities and to help young people in understanding and overcoming frustrations and problems they face on daily basis.>> MORE..

TPO Foundation designed the project proposal in cooperation with the Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies - University of Sarajevo aiming at shedding light on local heroines of BiH who have been working on peace-building and reconciliation in the last 20 years, but their efforts and achievements were not properly valued and recognized by authorities and wider public. Women's engagements and activities in bringing peace and security significant part of BiH history, but there was no publication and relevant researchers on BiH peace-makers who stood for justice and peace and exercised active citizenship. Women usually do not record their own history and narratives. They used to act and communicate and build horizontal networks and relations between people and not thinking so much of their own promotion. Women are more concerned with results and improvement of human relations and than for their promotion and visibility.
As a result of the project, narratives of women peace-makers will be analysed, and published and will serve for empowerment of future generation in BiH in pursing peace and security for all marginalized and underprivileged groups of people.

TPO Foundation continue working on the implementation of  UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security that emphasises the importance of including women, and the special needs of women and girls, when negotiation and implementing peace agreements. The narratives of world peace-makers who have been awarded by Noble Prize for peace will be analyzed and published in the Handbook which will be used as a positive example and model of peace activism all around the world. Based on that material six workshops will be carried out in six cities for school teachers and NGO activists.
Throughout history there were examples of good practices in avoiding conflicts and diplomatically resolving conflicts as well as inclination towards peaceful solutions at the level of family and society. Many women became worldly recognized peace-makers and their methodologies, strategies, and ideas can serve as a positive paradigm for other women and men in peace-building.
The Project will contribute to the increased community awareness on active citizenship, dialogue and women's human rights and the participation of women in public life in general.

Within the Project "Social Inclusion of Women Returnees in BiH" TPO Foundation designed the analysis of active labor measure for employment of women returnee which was published with the following title: "Active Labor Measures Development focusing on Women Returnees."
The author, Besima Borić offered a short overview of the returnee population status and possibilities for employment demonstrating the following: that BiH authorities at all levels launched projects and provided funding for returnee population relatively late that there were no gender sensitive returnee employment policies and that education, additional trainings, vocational education and re-training for vocations that are needed in labor market in BiH. In cooperation with partner organizations (Lara Bijeljina, Forum žena Bratunac, Medica Zenica, Žena BiH Mostar, Krajiška suza, UG B. Grahovo) first presentations of "Active Labor Measures Development focusing on Women Returnees" were held in six local communties: Bijeljina, Bratunac, Zenica, Mostar, Sanski Most, B. Grahovo.

By the end of the year 2010, TPO Foundation in cooperation with local partner organisations implemented the trainings in communication skills, psychosocial support and peace-building and organized the presentations of "Gender sensitive situation analysis" and "Gender sensitive analysis of laws and regulations affecting returnees". These activities were implemented as a part of the project "Social Inclusion of Women Returnees" aiming to enable social inclusion and sustainable minority return of women in the areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina with high return rate. The project is supported by Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.>> MORE..

As part of the project "Increasing Awareness on Gender Based Violence and the Role of Women in Multireligious Dialogue" TPO Foundation organised 16 education workshops for women from 48 rural areas. The workshops were held in period from November 26 to December 10, 2010 in the folllowing places:  Bijeljina, Sanski Most, Bosanski Petrovac, Dokanj, Maglaj, Mostar, Goražde, Zenica, Milići, Travnik, Bihać, Vareš, Kakanj, Ilijaš, Modrinje and Vogošća. The workshops were realized by certified trainers who passed the training provide by TPO Foundation in cooperation with Medica Zenica. The workshops were realized in cooperation with the partner NGOs: Fondacija Cure Sarajevo, Vive žene Tuzla, Lara Bijeljina, Perpetuum Mobile Banja Luka, Krajiška suza Sanski Most, Forma F Mostar and Nahla Sarajevo. The project is supported by UNIFEM.>> MORE..

TPO Foundation and Medica Zenica organized the public campaign "Test on Dialogue" to be part of the larger "16 Days of Activism" campaign that seeks to raise the awareness and activism against violence under women. The "Test on Dialogue" campaign is part of the larger project, "Increasing the Awareness on Issues of Gender Based Violence and the Role of Women in Multi-Religious Dialogue."  The project was supported by UNIFEM.
The campaign initially began in Sarajevo and Banja Luka, and campaign presentations followed in Zenica, Travnik, Maglaj, Bugojno, Kakanj, Goražde, Mostar and Tuzla held at the American Corners and local partner NGOs. The activities were based on a strong partnership between TPO, Medica Zenica and local NGO partner organizations: Perpetuum Mobile, Lara Bijeljina, Forma F, Vive Zene Tuzla, Fondacija CURE, Nahla Sarajevo, Kolo srpskih sestara and Krajiška suza Sanski Most.
The American Embassy in BiH and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) supported the "Test for Dialogue" campaign.
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TPO Fondacija Sarajevo organized a presentation of the campaign ''Test on Dialogue!'' in American Corner in Sarajevo on November 26, 2010 in coperation with partner organisations Fondacija CURE and the Center for reserach and education "Nahla". The same day the campaign was presented in American Corner in Banja Luka in cooperation with partner organisation the Center for youth and community development Perpetuum Mobile. The campaign was launched in October 2010 with an aim of raising the awareness on issues of multi-religious dialogue and gender equality focusing on gender based violence.
The campaign "Test on Dialogue!" is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development  and Cooperation (SDC) and the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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U periodu od 25.11 do 10. 12. 2010. godine TPO Fondacija i Medica Zenica, u saradnji sa partnerskim organizacijama: Fondacija Cure Sarajevo, Vive žene Tuzla, Lara Bijeljina, Perpetuum Mobile B. Luka, Krajiska suza S. Most, Forma F Mostar, Nahla Sarajevo, IMIC Sarajevo, implementiraju 27 aktivnosti u okviru ove kampanje: 16 radionica u ruralnim sredinama i 10 prezentacija kampanje ''Testiraj se na dijalog".
Podršku su osigurali: UNIFEM, SCD Sarajevo i Ambasada SAD-a Sarajevo. Kalendar radionica "Dijalogom protiv nasilja" i promocija kampanje "Testiraj se na dijalog"
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TPO Foundation presented the results of the Gender sensitive situation analysis - "Social Inclusion of Women Returnees" on November 9 in Sanski Most and on November 10 in Bosansko Grahovo. Also, the training was held for the members of the NGOs  "Krajiška suza" and UG "Grahovo" in order to strengthen  their capacities and skills for work with women returnees in accomplishing their rights on employment, social and health protection. The situation analysis is a result of the survey of the project  "Social Inclusions of Women Returnees in BiH". The project is implemented by  TPO Foundation from Sarajevo in cooperation with partner organisations and with financial support of Norwegian Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
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On November 4th in Bijeljina and on November 5th in Bratunac, TPO Foundation held presentations of the Results of the gender sensitive situation analysis - "Social Inclusion of women returnees". After presentation, the trainers of TPO Foundation held the training in communication skills and dealing with stress for partners NGOs: Lara Bijeljina and Forum žena Bratunac.
The gender sensitive situation analysis is a result of the survey implemented within the project "Social inclusion of women returnees in BiH". The project is financially supported by Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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TPO Foundation Sarajevo in cooperation with Medica Zenica held a two day orientation workshop on October 25 and 26, 2010 in Sarajevo for first and second generation of trainers. During this workshop the second generation of trainers received certificates for the successful completion of the training "Promoting Dialogue against Violence: Gender Based Violence and Multi-religious Dialogue".
The training of trainers is the part of the project ''Increasing Awareness on Gender Based Violence and the Role of Women in Multi-Religious Dialogue"implemented by the TPO Foundation in cooperation with Medica Zenica and supported by UNIFEM.
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TPO Foundation in cooperation with Medica Zenica in October has launched the public campaign "Test for Dialogue!'' This public campaign is a follow up of the activities of the project ''Increasing Awareness on Gender Based Violence and the Role of Women in Multirreligious Dialogue'' which was supported by UNIFEM.
The public campaign will engage 15 participants who passed the training in 2010 and 13 participants who passed the training in 2009. All participants are NGO representatives from Sarajevo, Tuzla, Zenica, Mostar, Banja Luka, Velika Kladuša, Srebrenik, Maglaj, Bihać, Bosanski Petrovac, Gradiška, Bijeljina, Višegrad and Sanski Most.
Within the campaign, gatherings that involve citizens of different ethnic and religious background will be organized on several locations with an aim to raise awareness on respect of differences.
OUR MESSAGE IS: "Test for dialogue"aiming to discover to what extent we are ready to accept other people and those who are different, and to what extent we want to learn, to grow and to act for the common good.

TPO Foundationin cooperation with Medica Zenica organized the training "Promoting Dialogue Against Violence: Gender-based Violence and Interreligious Dialogue" from September 20-29, 2010 at Vlasic, nearby Travnik.
During 10 days of training, 15 participants of different ethnic and religious background from BiHreceived education in 5 areas: dignity of a woman, gender equality in family life, gender-based violence and the role of women in peace-building and reconciliation.
The training is the part of the project ''Increasing Awareness on Gender Based Violence and the Role of Women in Interreligious Dialogue''. The project aims to increase community awareness on women's human rights with particular attention to gender-based violence and interreligious dialogue in the context of religion by building the capacities of civil society organisations and religious groups to promote, advocate and protect women's human rights. The project is supported by UNIFEM. The Training package was framed by CEDAW and UN Resolution 1325. >> MORE..

TPO Foundation in cooperation with Medica Zenica has launched the Project: ''INCREASING AWARENESS ON GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE'' which will be implemented in the period of July 2010 - February 2011.
The main objective is to increase local community awareness on women's human rights with particular attention to gender-based violence and interreligious dialogue by building the capacities of civil society organisations and religious organizations and groups to promote, advocate and protect women's human rights.

On June 21, 2010 in Media Centre Sarajevo, the project "101 reasons to vote for women" was promoted, and the best reason, chosen by the listeners of Radio Stari Grad who voted in the period between May 27 to June 27 2010, was announced.
The voters judged the following statement of Marijan Mijajlović, a sport journalist to be the best one.
The importance of the project of educating the population, which is currently taking place in 36 cities and 105 rural areas with the goal of encouraging women to run for the elections and support other women was emphasized.
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Within the project “Social Inclusion of Women Returnees”, TPO Foundation in collaboration with its partners: Krajiska Suza, S. Most, UG Grahovo, and Lara Bijeljina organized in 2010 summer camp “Visit your friend” for children of returnee women from these cities. Most of these children lived in single parent household because their fathers were killed during the war. The camp was organized in the village Caplje nearby Sanski Most and hosted 30 children from three cities of varying ethnic and religious identities. The program was run by local teacher and TPO team and children had one workshop and sport activities and every day they had session to tell their stories. They also visited all religious sites and in Sanski Most and Prijedor.

The TPO Foundation, in cooperation with organizations PO Fondacija u saradnji sa Lara Bijeljina, Medica Zenica, Udružene žene Banja Luka, Krajiška suza Sanski Most, Centar za mir Sanski Most and Forum žena Bratunac, held workshops on the topic of Peace and Reconciliation as a part of the project "THE SOCIAL INCLUSION OF WOMEN RETURNEES IN BIH"
The goal of the project is to strengthen women returnees in the areas of employment as well as health care and welfare, but also to create a better social environment which would sustain the returning process. The TPO Foundation did an estimation of the field, which showed a need for various kinds of education and training.
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Within the project "101 Reasons to Vote for Women," TPO Foundation held three educational workshops in May 2010. The topics were on active citizenship and women's human rights. Finally, all three workshops contributed to women's understanding of their responsibility to vote and, consequently, be politically active.
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On April 15, 2010, in Sarajevo, the official start of the project "Strengthening the role of women-101 reason to vote for women" was promoted.
The goal of this project is not only to increase the number of women elected into positions in the government on the upcoming elections, but also to increase awareness on the position and role of women in the BiH society. The project will be implemented in 36 cities and 105 rural areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the citizens will be informed and encouraged to vote for women on the upcoming elections (the project does not advocate the interests of any party), to think about the impact their votes can have in initiating change, and to increase the influence of women in the political life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also, as a part of the project, celebrities and influential individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be interviewed in order to collect 101 responses to the question that awaits an anwer since the first democratic elections: WHY VOTE FOR WOMEN?

Between April and October 2010, in 36 cities and 105 rural areas we are looking for answers to the question, why vote for women?
13 organizations from 11 cities look for answers that will change the level of awareness on the position of women in BiH! >> MORE..

TPO Foundation in cooperation with INFOHOUSE, CURE Foundation, and 10 NGOs, in 36 towns and 105 rural areas in B&H, all from B&H, implements the project 101 reason to vote for woman. Project is implemented with the support of Swiss Cooperation Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina (SDC), Heinrich Böll Foundation and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
One of the project objectives is to illustrate B&H society advantages of active involvement of women in political life, and consequences of their exclusion from decision-making processes for both society and women themselves. Preparations started in mid March, and on April 15, the first press conference will be held where public will be informed on plan of activities for the next seven months.
Although B&H constitutional-legal framework guarantees equal rights for both men and women, in practise, only 17% of women participate in the political life. To change such situation and to advance status of women in politics, TPO Foundation, INFOHOUSE, CURE Foundation and 10 local NGOs, joined in effort to conduct largest awareness raising media campaign and education up to date, promoting importance of voting for women, with particular emphasis on women voting for women.
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The Book Monotheistic Three Voices is also promoted in Sarajevo on December 17, 2009 within the Round Table: Religious Education in Public Schools. Reviewers of the Book were speakers at the Round Table as follows:  Academician, professor Ivan Cvitković, Professor Mato Zovkić, Professor Ivan Šarcević, Eli Tauber,  Zilka Spahić-Šiljak, PhD and Dino Abazović PhD. Moderator of the Round Table was Marko Oršolić.
It was underlined that this Book could be used as a Textbook for non-confessional religious education, but also as a supplement to the confessional religious textbooks, and in that way help teachers to be as much as possible sensitized for talk about other and other religious traditions.
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In Sarajevo, on December 9, 2009, promotion of the book Both believers and citizens and the Training manual: Modification of cultural pattern and practise of men and women in B&H in organisation of TPO Foundation and  CIPS University of Sarajevo, was held.
Both publications are a result of the aforementioned project implemented by TPO Foundation in 2008/2009, with promotion of human rights of women, in particular Article 5 of the CEDAW convention and UN Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, being in focus.
Editors/authors:
Zilka Spahić-Šiljak, PhD
Rebeka Jadranka Anić, PhD
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As a part of education reform in B&H activities, TPO became involved in interreligious educational program as one of the co-publishers of the book titled Monotheistic three voices - an introduction to judaism, christianity and islam, promoted in Brčko in organization of IMIC Center Zajedno.
RABIC Sarajevo is the main publisher and IMIC Zajedno Sarajevo and CIPS of the University of Sarajevo and TPO Foundation of Sarajevo are co-publishers.
Editors and authors are: Zilka Spahić-Šiljak, PhD and Dino Abazović, PhD and associates that contributed with original texts are: Professor Zorica Kuburić, Ivo Marković, MSc and Alen Kristić.
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