LocationsUNDP BiH walks the talk: Transformative action against sexual harassment during 16 Days of Activism
December 6, 2024
On December 3, 2024, UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a full-day initiative aimed at raising awareness and building resilience against sexual harassment. Under the theme ‘Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,’ this event highlighted UNDP's commitment to fostering a culture of safety, respect, and zero tolerance for harassment.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, nearly 50% of women experience gender-based violence, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. UNDP’s Gender Equality Barometer reports a positive shift in societal attitudes, with over 83% of both women and men feeling empowered to speak publicly about violence - marking progress in breaking the silence around these issues. However, gender-based violence remains one of the gravest human rights violations, affecting individuals and society alike.
The event began with an interactive role-play session titled ‘Walking in Their Shoes: A Day in the Life of Sexual Harassment Survivors, Witnesses, and Bystanders.’ This immersive activity invited participants to assume the roles of individuals impacted by workplace harassment, providing a unique opportunity to explore its emotional, ethical, and systemic complexities.
Reflecting on the exercise, one male participant noted how eye-opening the experience was, stating, ‘I didn’t realise how pervasive and systemic these issues are. This experience was an eye-opener.’ A female participant highlighted the courage required for survivors to come forward, adding, ‘It’s clear how much courage it takes for survivors to come forward. We all need to be part of the solution.’ These reflections underscored the transformative impact of the activity in fostering empathy and inspiring collective accountability.
Leading by Example: UNDP’s Internal Training
The afternoon session featured Training on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment, emphasising UNDP’s commitment to begin change within its organisation. As an advocate for gender equality and a recipient of the Gold Gender Equality Seal, UNDP recognises that well-trained staff are essential to driving transformative change.
"Social norms often normalise victim-blaming and violence against women. At UNDP, we are dismantling these constructs, challenging deeply ingrained norms, and strengthening institutions to end this grave human rights violation," said Nera Monir Divan, UNDP's Gender Equality and Inclusion Advisor.
"A strong organisational stance against harassment, paired with transparent consequences, deters such behaviour," said Dr Majda Halilović, Research Manager at Atlantic Initiative, who added that sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual behaviour and emphasised the role of organisational climate in preventing misconduct.
Saša Petrović, Head of Cybercrime Department, Federation BiH Police, addressed the rising complexity of online harassment and systemic challenges in prosecuting cases. ‘A specialised prosecutorial system is critical for addressing online sexual harassment and rebuilding public trust in justice,’ said Petrović. UNDP’s Gender Equality Barometer highlighted a pervasive distrust in institutions in BiH, with close to 90% of women and 85% of men believing that women lack trust in institutions when it comes to Gender-Based Violence.
"We urgently need a specialized and empowered prosecutorial system to tackle the rising tide of online sexual harassment. As these cases grow more complex, people deserve a justice system that is not only capable but unwaveringly reliable and accountable," Saša Petrović, Head of Cybercrime Department, Federation BiH Police
During the discussion about the legal framework and barriers victims face, including societal stigma and inadequate institutional responses, Mersudin Pružan, BiH Prosecutor, emphasised that "Victims face a double burden: the trauma of harassment and the societal disbelief that follows."
The session concluded with a presentation on UN Policies on Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment by Irena Mirić, UNDP’s Head of Human Resources, who stated that "We are committed to fostering conversations around sexual harassment to ensure it is never left in silence or taboo. Mechanisms are in place to protect victims and prevent abuse."
Irena Mirić, Head of Human Resources at UNDP BiH
A Culture of Accountability
This initiative exemplifies UNDP BiH’s dedication to walking the talk in the fight against sexual harassment and gender-based violence. By combining empathy-building activities, expert training, and institutional accountability, UNDP is fostering a workplace culture that champions safety, equity, and dignity.
As Irena Mirić stated, "Change starts with awareness and action within. By prioritising dialogue and accountability, we aim to set an example and inspire broader societal transformation."
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