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 activities brought together experts from various sectors, students, and representatives of civil society organizations, all aimed at raising public awareness and improving the protection system.
On November 30, a workshop on “Media Literacy and Responsible Reporting on Violence” was held, gathering journalists, journalism students, and activists. Participants had the opportunity to discuss ethics in journalism, especially in the context of reporting on violence, and to analyze how the media shapes social attitudes toward violence. The workshop enabled participants to develop critical thinking skills regarding the portrayal of violence in the media and its impact on societal behavior.
On December 3, 2024, a roundtable discussion titled “De Facto and De Jure Compensation for Non-Material Damage to Victims of Violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina” was held, moderated by Professor Dr. Halid Ganija, along with representatives from the Social Work Center, journalists, judges, and the Women’s Rights Center from Zenica. The discussion focused on the challenges of law implementation, particularly concerning non-material compensation for victims of violence. Recommendations included fostering stronger collaboration between institutions and improving education on the rights of violence victims.
A workshop on “Gender-Based Violence and Corruption: The Connection, Its Impact on Society, and the Role of Institutions” took place on December 6, 2024, moderated by Amira Perenda and Selma Otuzbir-Mecan. This session aimed to explore the link between gender-based violence and corruption and to understand the mechanisms of accountability within institutions.
On December 7, 2024, a workshop titled “Breaking Myths to Reduce Domestic Violence: Recognize Violence and Reduce It!” was held with the goal of educating participants on how to recognize domestic violence and reduce the prejudices that hinder social efforts against violence. The workshop was moderated by Kornelija Nikačević.
The workshops and roundtable discussions provided a deep understanding of the key issues related to violence, media literacy, gender equality, and the legal protection of victims. All participants agreed that similar activities should continue in the future to strengthen community capacity, improve media and legal practices, and raise awareness about the importance of fighting violence in all its forms.
