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.
Questions also arose about how traditional gender roles either support or challenge the idea of equality, and whether all forms of masculinity are necessarily problematic or if there are positive aspects worth preserving.
In Zenica, the Socratic Café was led by Senad Arnaut, and the theme was “Femicide: A Reflection of Social Norms or an Extreme Case of Gender Inequality.” The discussion at the “Artu” café included students from Zenica’s Second High School, as well as students from the Law and Philosophy faculties of the University of Zenica.
The topic of femicide, as a serious social issue, provoked a strong reaction among participants, who explored its deep connection to ingrained gender inequalities. The conversation focused on how social norms often normalize violence against women, with femicide seen as the ultimate expression of these norms. A central part of the discussion was about the role of education and social institutions in preventing violence. Students agreed on the need to raise awareness about gender equality and domestic violence.
Under the motto “Why Should We All Be Feminists!” another inspiring Socratic Café was held in the cozy atmosphere of “Eklektik Bar” in Banja Luka.
Students from the Faculty of Philosophy, together with visitors, engaged in a lively discussion about the importance of fighting for “equal human, civil, political, and economic rights for both women and men.”
The discussion was moderated by Mr. Željko Šarić, senior assistant at the Faculty of Philosophy.
This event reminded everyone that feminism is not just a fight for women’s rights, but a universal call for “solidarity, equality, and respect for human dignity.”
The Socratic Cafés were organized by the TPO Foundation across Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of the UNIGEM project.
