On the occasion of 8 March, International Women’s Day, we spoke with Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić, Director of the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina. From new laws addressing digital violence, to economic empowerment and an intersectional approach to rights, she outlines the key priorities needed to achieve real change in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, how would you assess the current state of women’s rights and gender equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Over the past decades, our country has established a solid legislative and strategic framework. However, gender equality is still far from the reality of everyday life. Although women make up more than half of the population, they remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making.

At the state and entity levels, only ten women currently hold ministerial positions. When we look at the local level, data from the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina shows that only every fifth elected member of municipal and city councils is a woman. Although the 2024 Local Elections recorded an encouraging 15 percent increase in the number of women elected compared to the previous elections, only eight women now lead municipalities and cities – six mayors and two city mayors.

In addition to political inequality, economic inequality is also present. Women spend on average around six hours per day performing unpaid work, while at the same time being concentrated in lower-paid sectors of the labour market. Furthermore, every second woman in Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced some form of violence.

The Gender Equality Barometer, which we developed together with UNDP, showed the extent to which women are exposed to double standards, high expectations and deeply rooted prejudices.

The Council of Europe and the GREVIO Committee recently issued their first recommendation on preventing digital violence. What practical implications does this have for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

It is important to highlight that in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, through amendments to the Criminal Code, we have already made an important step forward – digital violence has now been criminalized. This means that acts such as stalking, psychological abuse, misuse of intimate images and revenge pornography online will now be punishable.

This is a significant development that sends a clear message that the digital space must not become a space of impunity. It is well known that women in public and political life are particularly exposed to pressure, insults and sexual harassment online. By introducing this criminal offence, we are sending a message that such behaviour is unacceptable. This is absolutely a step forward in the fight against the silencing of women’s voices.

How important is economic security in this struggle?

There is no security for women without economic stability. Women’s economic empowerment is one of the strongest forms of violence prevention. Women who are economically dependent often remain in abusive relationships because they have no alternative.

This is why equal pay, equal employment opportunities and the inclusion of women in the professions of the future – such as STEM fields, the circular economy and the green economy – are essential. Investing in the care economy is also critically important. The disproportionate burden of unpaid care work carried by women limits their participation in the labour market. Investing in care systems is not only social policy – it is smart economics

What are your priorities in the coming period when it comes to preventing violence and empowering women?

We are working on a holistic approach that connects legislative reforms, economic empowerment and the strengthening of institutional mechanisms. It is precisely on these pillars that the Agency, the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina are building long-term and sustainable solutions through the Women Forum for Development (WF4D) platform.

Only by linking economic empowerment, political participation and violence prevention can we achieve real change. Strengthening women’s participation in public life ensures that their voices are heard and gives them real decision-making power.

How can we ensure that equality also includes those facing multiple forms of discrimination, such as LGBTIQ+ persons?

Advancing the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is not a matter of special rights, but of the consistent application of universal human rights. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, LGBTIQ+ persons still face discrimination and hate speech. The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina has adopted the Second Report on the implementation of the Action Plan, but we have also pointed to stagnation in the implementation of many measures. 

For us, an intersectional approach is essential. LGBTIQ+ persons are not a homogeneous group – their experiences are shaped by other identities, such as disability or place of residence. For example, a woman from a rural area who belongs to the LGBTIQ+ community may face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination.

A society that respects diversity is not only a value-based goal – it is a prerequisite for stability and democratic development. Institutions, media and civil society share a collective responsibility to promote a culture of dignity for all.
 

Finally, as the world marks International Women’s Day, what message would you like to highlight?

International Women’s Day is not only symbolic – it is a reminder of the responsibility of institutions to accelerate the implementation of laws and policies. Gender equality must not remain on paper. It must be visible in budgets, employment, safety and everyday life.

At a time when acquired rights are often challenged, 8 March remains a day to reaffirm a fundamental message: gender equality is not only a matter of justice – it is a prerequisite for the social and economic development of the entire community.

The Gender Equality Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and UNDP will continue their partnership with the goal of empowering women and strengthening institutional responses to the challenges women face.