“PROTECT OUR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH”

supported by Global Fund for Women

Based on our previous experiences and through collection of information about women’s needs in the field, our organization decided to make a project with the aim to raise the level of health education of women living in rural areas, to explain them the importance of paying full attention on their own health and to introduce them with their rights from the social protection area.

We decided to organize interactive educational workshops in five MZs or rural areas. The reason for this kind of need is that women, particularly those living in rural area, do not have time or possibility to inform themselves about the importance of these issues. Their level of knowledge about these topics is very low and very often they even do not realize the rights that they have, i.e. in the social protection area. The lecturers for these educational workshops have been chosen based on their sensibility for the issues of neglected women, even from themselves, but also based on their professionalism for these topics:

1.”Reproductive health of women and the most common illnesses of reproductive organs”

2.”Breast cancer”

3.„Cancer of the cervix of the uterus and ovary cancer”

4.”AIDS”

5.”Women’s rights in the social protection area and how to realize them”

We chosed 5 rural MZs in the municipality Trebinje with the highest number of population. Each MZ: Petrovo polje (villages Rasovac, Volujac, Lapja, Bugovina, Gornje Cicevo, Donje Cicevo, Bihovi), Donji Ljubomir (villages Jasen, Mosko, Borkovica Bare, Zdrijelovici, Podvori, Uksici, Domasevo, Cvarici, Brova), Lastva (villages Gornje Grancarevo, Donje Grancarevo, Usce, Orovac, Arandjelovo, Zupa), Podbrdje (villages Zakovo, Gornja Kocela, Donja Kocela, Slano, Dobromani, Mesari) and Zubci (villages Grab, Podgrab, Tuli, Konjsko, Ubla) enabled us, as a support to this project, free of charge use of the MZ rooms for the workshops. In each MZ we involved two women, local residents, as volunteers to visit households in their MZs and to inform personaly the women about the workshops and their importance, no matter that we advertised those at the same time through the local radio stations and through posters.

In each MZ we organized one workshop from the above-mentioned topics, which makes five workshops in each MZ. The workshops had interactive character and the very interesting thing was that they attracted men who also participated on these workshops. We supported their presence because we hope that they will have better understanding for the needs of their women in the future and that they will also contribute to their improved care about their own health. The total number of participants on these workshops is 95 and we kept the continuity of people interested in all MZs. This number is certainly a big result because we are talking about inert areas with a lot of poverty. The workshops have been organized during weekends, on times suggested by the participants themselves because we wanted to enable the participation to a high number of women. We answered other questions as well on these workshops in order to enable a high level of information flow. We kept minutes for each workshop in order to have a good insight in the success of our workshops as well as to enable us creation of new projects based on the expressed needs.

Besides these workshops, we also realized a radio emission in accordance with the project proposal. The topic in this emission was the previous level of knowledge of women in these MZs, the existing issues and the results achieved with the message to all women to pay attention on their own health.

“VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE AS A NEW CATEGORY OF THE POOR”

supported by Kvinna till Kvinna

The general objective is to contribute to the empowerment of women victims of domestic violence through development of conditions for their economic independence.

The goal of the project is the cognition of the influence of domestic violence on the development of a new category of the poor – women and children victims of domestic violence and contribution to the definition of positive policies for introduction of gender sensitive budgets on all levels in BH.

During this period, we were able to establish a wider network of women’s lobby that encompasses women on various levels of power, including politics, society and economy.

The results of this project year include:

3. Informing the decision makers to define policies that provide better economic opportunities for women victims of domestic violence, i.e. social economy, gender sensitive budgets.
4. Contribution to the awareness rising of the society regarding these issues.

Since the project has been written for two years, the results 1 and 2 have been accomplished in the first project year.

There are reel chances to lobby, in the forthcoming period, for the foundation of Funds of venture capital or Guarantee funds as a form of support to the economic empowerment of women victims of domestic violence.

The beginning of the year was mainly spent in preparation activities for campaigns, i.e. Round tables and the campaign, which were organized simultaneously in a relatively short time frame (from October to the end of December) in order to give it additional value and to be present almost permanently on TV at that time. We wanted, in this way, to draw attention on our activities, that is on this particular problem and possible solutions, which was our goal, so that we had a full media coverage on TV RTRS, BH1, ATV, Herceg TV, BN, radio Bijeljina, radio Trebinje. Thus, during the first half a year, we prepared material for the campaign, which includes posters and leaflets and we identified individuals for the “women’s informal network”, which gathers women of various profiles and positions in the society, politics and economy. Preparation for the campaign included the development of leaflets and posters with messages about the Guarantee fund and other forms of support for the economic empowerment of women together with the summary of the research “Victims of domestic violence as a new category of impoverished communities”. The leaflets were not only distributed on round tables and to partner organizations (where we also distributed the posters), but also on street manifestations during the sixteen days of female activism and to all municipalities in the Eastern Herzegovina region, when we signed the Agreements on cooperation and individual Protocols. During this period, we defined a legal model that is practically applicable in our environment with the support of a Professor from the Faculty of Economy from Banja Luka, Mr. Željko Račić:

1. Guarantee funds – The idea of the guarantee funds exists already in the RS in form of a package of supportive measures to stimulate the development of small and medium sized enterprises. In our case, we are requesting that, in addition to small and medium sized enterprises, this package should include also physical persons, when possible titled as women victims of domestic violence, but is sufficient to have the formulation Physical person. In that case, the RS Government supports the guarantees for small and medium sized enterprises and also women victims of domestic violence, who want to start their own business but are not in the position to obtain favourable credit lines for the encouragement of business development (all property is registered on their husbands’ names). While we are preparing this report (January/February 2010), the RS National Assembly discusses the issue of Guarantee funds in general. There is an example of Guarantee funds in Serbia, which adopted the law on Guarantee Fund in 2003!

2. Funds of venture capital – These are already known from neighbouring countries, i.e. Croatia where the investor invests in the idea of the physical/legal person – in our case victims of domestic violence – who does not have own money but has the idea of, for example, production of goat cheese. In that case, the investor enables the self-employment of a women victim of domestic violence or other people for the realization of a business idea and the capital, that is profit is reciprocally shared depending on the role or work done.

3. When approving high-amount credits in RS through the Investment and development bank, where the interest rate is around 6% and that can be approved only for enterprises, it is necessary to condition them that on every 50.000 Euro one job position must be provided for women victims of domestic violence.

4. To provide stimulation measures for private business owners who employ, through the Employment Office, this category of population as it was, for example, for demobilized soldiers or Roma population!

The planned round tables in Bijeljina, Mostar and Zenica were organized with the support of partner organisations “Lara” from Bijeljina, “Zene BiH” from Mostar and “Info teka” from Zenica (at that time member of “Medika”). They also participated in the elaboration of the research “Women victims of domestic violence as a new category of impoverished communities”, which served as a basis for the organization of these round tables. While in the Republic of Srpska we were providing concrete above stated models that are legally applicable in RS, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina we demonstrated these as models that can be adapted according to the Cantonal level and applied in that Entity.

The first Round table was organized in Banja Luka, beginning at 11:00 on the 28^th of October, 2009 with participation of 15 people including female members of the Parliament, female representatives from Ministries, the RS Gender centre and KtK representatives from the Sarajevo office.

The second Round table was organized in Bijeljina on the 28^th of October, 2009, beginning at 18:00 with participation of representatives from NGOs, private business owners and representatives of the Agency for Development NERDA, the Employment Office – 25 participants altogether.

The third Round table was organized in the frame of the Second two-day international conference that we held in Trebinje on the 7^th and 8^th of November, 2009 in the frame of the sixteen days of female activism under the title “Theory and practice of legislation in BH” that concerns women and children’s human rights, which was coo-financed by the BH Ministry of Civil Affairs and Filia.

The fourth Round table was organized in Mostar on the 21^st of December beginning at 10:00 for representatives of institutions that cooperate with the NGO “Zene BiH” – 37 participants who shared their opinions with us. Since there were representatives from institutions and NGOs, there were various comments.

The fifth Round table was organized in Zenica also on the 21^st of December in the afternoon hours, beginning at 18:00 with representatives from the NGO sector and private business owners – 35 participants.

The sixth Round table was organized in Sarajevo on the 23^rd of December for 25 participants who are mainly from the field of politics and institutions.

The campaign activities and round tables, including the Conference contributed to the achievement of following results:

It is important to mention that some of the representatives of the governing structures, particularly from the RS have sent us letters of support although they were not in the position to participate on these round tables, the most significant being the President of the RS National Assembly, Mr. Igor Radojicic, the Vice-President of the RS Government, Mrs. Jasna Brkic as well as a number of aldermen and alderwomen from both entities who will be important for us in the future since they expressed in this way their support to our activities.

3. Informing the decision makers to define policies that provide better economic opportunities for women victims of domestic violence, i.e. social economy, gender sensitive budgets.
4. Contribution to the awareness rising of the society regarding these issues.

„CAPACITY BUILDING”

supported by OAK Foundation

This project is intended for the development of capacities of our organization and the whole region of Eastern Herzegovina aimed at development of a multidisciplinary approach to combat domestic violence, which is supported by the OAK Foundation. The project encompasses all municipalities of Eastern Herzegovina (Trebinje, Ljubinje, Gacko, Nevesinje, Bileća and Berkovići).

Objective 1. Specialized training for members of our Association (ToT) through training of women victims of domestic violence who overcame their problem and their recruitment in the Women’s centre with the goal to extend the mobile team for support to women victims of domestic violence.

Through the purchase of additional equipment (running tape, computers, camera, projector with supplements, photo camera and program for data base) we created optimal conditions for work of members of the Women’s centre. Training for ten women who were victims of domestic violence using the ToT method and introduction of legal regulations in RS and BH that concern domestic violence to them enabled us to enrich our organization with a new team and with new supporters for women and children victims of domestic violence. Each of them received summed up materials from the fifteen days of training (three times x five days) and through the final joint weekend..

Objective 2. Women victim of domestic violence have got trust, understanding and hope that have been provided by another women that were also victims of violence but successfully overcame their problems.

During the reporting period, 74 women attended groups for self support, divided in eight groups. On every week day one group organized their meeting, so that every group gathered once a week. We noticed significant progress of women victims of domestic violence because they recognized that there are always at least two solutions that they do not see in that moment and that they have to take the responsibility for their life and the life of their children in their own hands and not let the violator to manipulate with them. This way of work proved as very successful. In this way, we also came to some information that helped us to find solutions for these problems.

Objective 3.Networking of governmental institutions and non-governmental organizations with the goal to provide more appropriate support and help for victims of domestic violence on the Eastern Herzegovina level.

During the reporting period, we organized meetings with representatives from Municipalities, police, centres for social work, health centres, Red Cross, non-governmental organizations working in some segments of human rights, local media, all nurseries and primary and secondary schools in Necesinje, Gacko, Ljubinje, Bileca and Berkovici, which resulted in signing of agreements on cooperation and individual protocols. Thus, 62 governmental and non-governmental institutions and organizations signed with our organization a multidisciplinary approach to combat domestic violence in Eastern Herzegovina. In this way, we completed the entire region and the starting point were the previously signed Agreement on cooperation and individual protocols in municipality Trebinje, whereby the Centre for Public safety and the Public Prosecutor’s Office have a regional character since they cover the entire region of Eastern Herzegovina. This was also published in the brochure that has been distributed in every municipality (each municipality 1000 samples and totally 6000 samples) but also through TV appearances on the national television in one of the best times on TV – the Morning program of RTRS (see www.zenskicentar.org).

“2^nd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE – THEORY AND PRACTICE OF LEGISLATION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA”

supported by Ministry for Foreign BH, Fillia and Kvinna till Kvinna

The two-day Conference has been organized on the 8^th and 9^th of December in hotel “Viv” Trebinje. Thematically, it was divided on domestic violence and trafficking. Apart from the introductor from our organization, introductory words and presentations of their researches were given by representatives from NGO “Lara” from Bijeljina (trafficking) and representatives from the OSC Office in Mostar (domestic violence). After the presentation of various experiences and difficulties as well as the review of the forwarded research of case studies in Great Britain, following conclusions were made:

1. It is urgent to make amendments on the RS Family Law, article 106 – add in the paragraph that in case of sexual abuse the parental responsibility cannot be obtained again.
2. It is necessary to establish funds for domestic victims of trafficking and domestic violence (enclosed you can find the proposal for guarantee funds and funds of risk capital as well as encouragement for private business owners to employ this category). The proposed guarantee funds and funds of risk capital are reel forms that would enable self-employment of women victims of domestic violence, provided that we come across understanding in governing structures.
3. There is a need to increase significantly placement capacities for victims of violence (domestic and trafficking) on the level of BH as a whole.
4. It is necessary to conduct a research in the police (number of reported cases), prosecutor’s office and courts including the level of punishment and other measures as well as number of those that are executed on the level of entities and BH. This is the only way to obtain a clear and precise insight into the situation in the field and the efficiency of the entire judiciary system in relation to these issues.
5. An initiative with the RS Association of municipalities and towns is necessary to find a joint way for the establishment of funds for victims of domestic violence within municipalities.

Results of this project include:

• Introduction of the research that has been prepared by the London-based lawyers’ office “Dewey & LeBouef” as pro-bono support to representatives of relevant institutions and women’s NGOs in BH.
• Taking over examples of good practice, which can be applied in our legislation
• Spotting “lessons learned” that can be avoided
• Elaboration of directives for a more efficient legislation that concerns women and children’s human rights in BH
• A joint action aimed as contribution to the reduction of poverty in BH, namely, adoption of programs of support and stimulation of private sector to employ victims of domestic violence and contribute, in this way, to the reduction of poverty towards relevant institutions in BH.

“VALORISATION OF MEDIEVAL MONUMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW TOURIST PRODUCT”

supported by UNDP

In the desire to give additional value and importance to this project, we decided to organise the manifestation “Portrait of medieval life” together and on the same date as the Europe Day Celebration – 13^th and 14^th of May, 2009.

The two-day manifestation was organised on the 13^th and 14^th of May 2009 with presentation of following participants: TD Sokol and Tabor from Slovenia, St. Longinus – Hungarians from Senta, Svibor from Serbia and our newly founded knight association “Knights from Travunija” with their game-plays, sports and knight skills from that time period reflecting in this way the way of living and the country from which they are coming.

In the frame of this manifestation there were representatives of the EU Delegation to BH, representatives of OHR Mostar, representatives of UNDP from Sarajevo, representatives of OSCE from Trebinje and representatives of local authorities. We received numerous letters of support including the RS Prime minister, President of RS, President of the RS National Assembly and members of the RS National Assembly. The manifestation was covered by various media such as RTRS, Herceg TV, ATV, BN TV, Radio BH, Radio RTRS, Glas Trebinja, Blic, Nezavisne novine, Onasa as well as the web portals Trebinje danas, Trebinje.info and Trebinje.rs.ba. This event caused obviously a great media attention and attracted many citizens since there was a large number of children from primary and secondary schools who attended this manifestation.

In the forthcoming period, we want to provide, through presentation of medieval market places, a strong support and stimulate women and other individuals and associations to influence, through revival and affirmation of old vocations, the increase of their home budgets and the development of a new tourist offer. This means that our organisation will a medieval market place – within the Old Town walls with tents, knights and presentation of pottery with participation of individuals and associations from Trebinje,Ljubinje, Berkovići, Bileća, Blagaj and Stolac. We will contribute, in this way, to the stimulation and affirmation of old vocations.

The objectives of the Project are almost entirely fulfilled because the mapping of all medieval localities in municipalities Trebinje, Stolac and Blagaj has been accomplished. We also initiated the development of manifestation tourism in Trebinje through the initiative for the foundation of the association “Knights from Travunija” for which we have appropriate equipment and costumes to a large extent and through the organisation of a two-day manifestation in the medieval spirit.

The local community had a multiple benefit from so far undertaken activities:

• A positive picture in the media that went to the world about the medieval manifestation and about Trebinje as a town that has something to offer in this sense.
• It has been demonstrated that Trebinje and Bosnia and Herzegovina have the capability to become part of Europe because they have a culture and tradition similar to other European nations (this was the reason why we joined this manifestation to the already traditional celebration of Europe Day organised by our organisation).
• The local entrepreneurs (caterers, shopping centres etc.) also benefited from the manifestation because we contributed to their trade, in other words, to an increased usage of their services and products.

The benefits for the participants of the manifestation can be seen through:

• affirmation of old vocations;
• financial benefit through selling their products and services;
• valorisation and affirmation of cultural heritage from the Middle Age in the regions to which the participants belong;
• media coverage;
• sharing the knowledge with other interested actors.

Describe long term benefits:

• A new tourist brand has been created through the introduction of manifestation medieval revival that will from now on, be included in other events, particularly during the summer period. This gives the municipality Trebinje a new idea towards the development of tourism, which is one of the strategic goals in our municipality.
• The interest of the population for the development of old vocations (particularly handicrafts and pottery) has been increased.
• Creation of new income sources through development of manifestation tourism and revival of old vocations.
• Valorisation of medieval localities in Trebinje, Blagaj and Stolac as well as their inclusion into tourist offer of these municipalities.

“CELEBRATION OF EUROPE DAY”

supported by Delegation of Europe Commissions in BH

“THE PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENTFOR THE CHILDREN’S CENTRE”

supported by CNF CEE

In 2009 our organization received according to the Agreement funds for the adaptation and equipping: purchase of a vehicle with registration and Casco insurance, PVC door with windows and other necessary equipments.

“TODAY’S CHILDREN ARE TOMORROW’S PARENTS”supported by TALDI

1. • Adaptation of premises and purchase of necessary equipment;
   • Preparation of documentation necessary for the functioning of the Centre (assessment of status of children and families, social case histories – anamnesis, agreements with parents, children and volunteers);
   • Criteria for selection of beneficiaries for the Day care centre;
   • Child protection policy;
   • Rule book on staff and volunteers conduct;
   • Rule book on conduct of Centre’s staff;
   • Meeting with volunteers (presentation of activities and work of the Centre, preparation of work plan for volunteers);
   • Meeting with parents and signing the agreement on cooperation with them;
   • Meeting with children and signing the agreement with them;
   • Development of data base for the beneficiaries of the Centre;
   • Arrangement and improvement of the premises in the Centre;
   • Signing the agreement with volunteers;
   • Joint development and implementation of activities in accordance with interests and needs of beneficiaries;
   • Supervision of volunteers;
   • Support in making and preparing homework;
   • Individual counselling work;
   • Group counselling work;
   • Preparation of performance for holy-days;
   • Participation of beneficiaries in educational and entertaining activities;
   • Provision of psychological support;
   • Educational work;
   • Health education provided by a medical staff member;
   • Education of children in computer skills;
   • Various social games were implemented;
   • Continuous follow-up of progress of beneficiaries by professional staff;
   • Visit to the pensioner’s home and outings with pensioners;
   • Outings of children together with the Centre’s staff (visit to monastery “Gracanica”);