Doboj/Sarajevo, 13 May 2025 – UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with Perpetuum Mobile – Institute for Youth and Community Development, recently hosted a two-day training titled “Parenting and Roles”, held on 12 and 13 May in Doboj.
Organized in the lead-up to the International Day of Families, commemorated worldwide on 15 May, the training brought together almost 20 youth leaders from 15 youth organizations and municipalities across the country. The goal was to build their capacity as advocates for responsible fatherhood and gender-responsive family policies (GRFPs)—core elements for creating more inclusive, equitable, and supportive communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Nikolina Latinović, a 21-year-old student from Banja Luka and member of the Youth Council of Republika Srpska, believes that true change in parenting starts with redefining traditional family roles. “Modern parenting must not be based on outdated stereotypes where the father is only the breadwinner”, Nikolina stated. “He must be a partner, a role model, and a support from the very beginning.”
The training brought together youth from 15 local communities, providing a space to engage in open dialogue and reflect on how gender equality can be integrated into family life. One key takeaway from the event was the importance of raising awareness about family-friendly policies. “We, as young people, must raise the topic of family-friendly policies through projects and education”, said 19-year old student Mirnes Duratović from Prijedor. “This will contribute to improving parenting and make the most important role in the family easier for future parents.”
Participants also discussed the need for men to be active in shaping family roles. “It is crucial that we raise awareness, especially among young men, about the importance of education regarding family and parenting,” emphasized 18-year old Anđela Stanojević from Prijedor. “We need to understand the difference between what we learned from our parents and what the actual facts are.”
The importance of young people taking the lead in this change was highlighted by Srđan Ostojić from Perpetuum Mobile, who stressed: “Young leaders are key drivers of social change. By promoting responsible fatherhood and gender equality, they lay the groundwork for a generational shift that creates a healthier and more equality-based society.”
The initiative builds upon Perpetuum Mobile’s well-established efforts to promote gender equality through campaigns such as “Super Dad” and the Be a Man Club (BMC), both of which focus on non-violence, healthy lifestyles, and active male engagement in caregiving.
Azra Dizdar Šarić from UNFPA BiH shared her perspective on the program’s role in empowering youth. “Through this programme, we are equipping young people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to lead transformative change in their communities—challenging stereotypes and redefining family roles for a more equal future.”
This activity was conducted under the Joint Programme “Expanding Choice through Family-Friendly Policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and implemented by UNFPA BiH, in collaboration with Perpetuum Mobile. The programme advocates for gender-equal family policies through both institutional frameworks and community-level engagement.
