In October 2024, Jablanica was one of the areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina that suffered severe damage due to flooding. This natural disaster left a lasting impact, particularly on women, who faced numerous challenges, including those affecting their physical and mental well-being. The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are providing crucial assistance by engaging psychologists and gynecologists to support women in their recovery process.

Ćamila Imamović, president of the Women's Association “Most”, who is directly involved in field activities, highlights the importance of providing assistance to women during this sensitive period.

“At the very beginning, raising awareness among women about available services was key. The support provided by a gynecologist, psychologist, and social workers helped them feel safe and at ease. With the support of the EU and UNFPA, an additional space of trust and security has been created for women dealing with the stress and trauma caused by the floods”, says Ćamila.

Providing psychological support has become a crucial component in the recovery process for women. “Women are often exposed to psychological trauma, and the stigma surrounding mental health support frequently prevents them from seeking help. Now, they have access to sessions designed to eliminate feelings of shame or judgment, instead encouraging them to open up and process their emotions”, Ćamila explains.

Eldina Salkić, a psychologist working in Jablanica, emphasises the importance of emotional support in the aftermath of the floods. “The women who came to us exhibited post-traumatic symptoms, fear accompanied by uncertainty, and difficulties in coping with the consequences of the natural disaster. Through our work with them, we aimed to create a space of trust and security where they could feel accepted and freely share their experiences, express emotions, and seek support without fear of judgment. By using various therapeutic techniques, we worked on strengthening their self-awareness, recognising their own strengths and resources, and developing coping skills. We also placed a strong emphasis on building emotional resilience, enabling women to gradually regain a sense of control and stability in their lives”, said Eldina.

Gynecological support plays a vital role in preventing health issues. “Women are now more motivated to attend preventive check-ups, and through our workshops, many have visited a gynecologist for an examination. This is important because preventive screenings can detect serious health conditions, such as breast and cervical cancer, in their early stages”, adds Ćamila.

One of the key issues in Jablanica has been raising awareness about gender-based violence. “Although we have legal rights, there are still prejudices in our community about what it means to be a victim of violence. We are working to ensure that women feel they have the ability to stand up for their rights”, Ćamila stresses.

“The support we provide helps women realise they are not alone in their struggles and that they have the right to a better life. The reactions have been mixed, but the women who have chosen to seek help feel empowered”, adds Semra Kurtović.

Thanks to the continuous support of the EU and UNFPA, women in Jablanica now have access to resources that enable them to recover and overcome some of the challenges brought by the floods. Activities such as psychological and gynecological support play a key role in strengthening women’s capacity to cope with life’s difficulties and rebuild their communities.