Publications

Research results: The presence of principles and policies of gender equality in political life in Bosnia and Herzegovina, from support for female candidates, through appointments to the representation of women in legislative governmental bodies after the 2022 General Election and to visible and invisible obstacles during their term of office.

According to the 2013 census, women represent around 51 per cent of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, they are under-represented across society, including in politics. Increasing women’s participation in politics would be beneficial for society as a whole, not only for women. Women’s participation in politics and elections, be it as candidates, voters, or party supporters, is a democratic principle that ensures that their needs are well addressed.

In spite of the progress made in the field of gender equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a comprehensive legal framework and introduced specialized services for survivors of gender-based violence, predominantly for victims of domestic violence, discrimination and violence based on gender in both the public and private spheres continue to be highly prevalent in BiH. Violence not only affects individual women, it endangers the well-being of the society as a whole.

This report is the result of cooperation between the Banja Luka Human Rights Centre and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Mission) and is largely based on the Mission's monitoring with regard to respect for human rights in BiH in times of the pandemic.

COVID-19 has impacted the lives of each and every one of us. Regardless of where in the world we found ourselves during the outbreak of this virus, limitations on freedom have been implemented that would not have been imagined just months earlier.

The Manual represents an important step in supporting the functioning of local gender equality commissions as well as designated focal points for gender equality in the administration. The Manual includes various ways to implement the Law on Gender Equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Gender Action Plan adopted for the period from 2013 to 2017.

Factsheet on the work of the OSCE Mission to BiH in combating gender-based violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Overview and recommendations for the work of municipal gender equality commissions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.