The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the project "Women Lead the Way Towards Peace and Security in BiH", which is jointly implemented by UN Women, IOM and UNFPA, continuously work to promote the “Women, Peace and Security” Agenda. This is the key framework for the integration of women's perspectives in all aspects of peace and security in BiH. Through this initiative, the UN in BiH is empowering women and girls, emphasizing their vital role in achieving sustainable peace and development.
A broader view of security
The UN Resident Coordinator in BiH, Dr. Ingrid Macdonald, speaking for “Oslobodjena” podcast, highlighted the importance of human security. “When we talk about security, we often think of weapons and the army. However, human security includes economic and psychological security. This is the core of our programme, as it encompasses human rights and the link between peace and development. We cannot have peace without development, nor development without peace”, said Dr. Macdonald.
Courage of women in judicial processes
One of the key elements in achieving the goals of the "Women, Peace and Security" Agenda is the courage of women who testified before the Hague Tribunal and the International Court of Justice. "Without their testimonies, successes in prosecution and trial would not have been possible. These women set legal precedents that contribute to global security”, added Dr. Macdonald. Their courage and determination continue to inspire global efforts for justice and security.
The role of women in the police
Kristina Jozic, president of the "Network of Women Police Officers" Association, was also a guest on the podcast. She highlighted the challenges and efforts to change the perception that police is a "male occupation".
“Of course, it is up to us to work on it and to change it. What is particularly important to point out is that, unfortunately, although we have made a lot of progress, it still happens in practice that jobs within police structures are often divided into male and female. There are many examples in the police professions where women are assigned certain jobs because of this, because of the prejudice that a woman would perform them better, but in this way, you will never achieve good and real results in practice, because we must not and cannot divide needs by gender but exclusively by police competencies”, said Jozic.
Similar challenges in healthcare
Inequalities are visible in almost all occupations, including those in the health sector. Dr. Goran Cerkez, Assistant to the Federation Minister of Health, one of the guests on “Oslobodjena” podcast, pointed out: “Women hold certain managerial positions, but they are often not in key positions such as the general director position. However, women are often better communicators and mediators and have a deep understanding of the health system".
Gender equality is not only a question of equity, but also of effectiveness in work. Women bring unique skills and perspectives that are key to the successful functioning of the system.
UN Security Council Resolution 1325
The foundation for the “Women, Peace and Security” Agenda was laid by the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in 2000. This Resolution emphasizes the need for greater participation of women in all aspects of peace and security, including conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peacekeeping missions, post-conflict reconstruction and the protection of women's rights in conflict situations.
Through the efforts of the UN and partners, Bosnia and Herzegovina is moving closer to a society in which peace, security and development are integrated, and women and girls are empowered to actively participate in all segments of life. The project is financially supported by the United Nations Secretary General's Peacebuilding Fund.
The Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund is the United Nations' leading instrument for investing in prevention and peacebuilding, in partnership with the wider UN system, state and lower levels of government, civil society organizations, regional organizations and multilateral banks. The Fund supports joint UN responses to seize critical peacebuilding opportunities, linking the pillars of development, humanitarian action, human rights and peacebuilding. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Fund's investment is a partnership led by the BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, under the guidance of the High-Level Peacebuilding Committee.
