OSCE Mission calls for commitment to women’s rights and gender equality

SARAJEVO, 8 March 2012 – On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Fletcher M. Burton stressed today the need to step up efforts to promote rights of women and gender equality.

“Equality between women and men is the essence of every democratic society and an impor-tant element in ensuring sustainable peace and comprehensive security,” Burton said. “While we recognize the significance of current and past achievements of women and their contribu-tion to political, public and economic life of the country, much remains to be done in order to ensure greater gender equality in all spheres.”

“Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be underrepresented in politics, especially in the highest echelons of power, such as the Council of Ministers, but also at the local level,” he said. “At the same time, women are over-represented among the unemployed and those working in the ‘grey economy’ without the benefits accrued to formal employment.” 

“Numerous forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and human trafficking, constitute a particularly grave form of discrimination against women. We strongly encourage the country’s criminal justice system to provide adequate redress for victims of these crimes, as well as those perpetrated against women during the 1992-1995 conflict,” stated Burton.

“The OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to ensuring gender equality in all aspects of its work,” said Burton.

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Mission is hosting a number of events, such as theatre plays and public discussions across the country. It has also launched a social media campaign to raise Internet users’ awareness of gender inequalities.

More information on the OSCE Mission’s International Women’s Day social media promotion is available here: www.facebook.com/oscebih