The marginalization of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is apparent when looking at the political culture of the state. Women suffer systematic barriers that keep them out of both partisan politics and civil society.
In Bugojno, a town in central Bosnia, war-time divisions remain strong even twenty-five years after the war. Although it is not an administratively divided city, Bosniaks and Croats live almost completely separate lives. Schools are divided, but also catering facilities. Everyone knows exactly who can come in and who cannot.
The departure of young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in recent years is one of the most pressing topics, and though talked about often, no solutions are offered. When speaking about leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina, the focus should not only be on young people, but on all generations. The idea that the most educated and capable people are leaving the country is also no longer representative.
Subjugation, inequality, revolution, and protests have marked and continue to mark the world history of activism. For thousands of years, people have fought against oppression and subjugation – whether by force or peace. And women have always been part of that fight.
“I approach each and every man as a human being. At no point do I care if he is from Pakistan, Morocco, Algeria. I see a human being in need in front of me, and I act in accordance to that. This is how it all starts actually,” says Senad Pirić as he begins his story of humanity, empathy and solidarity. Senad has dedicated himself to helping refugees and migrants.
In an interview with Balkan Diskurs, Sofija Todorović, a young activist from Belgrade, says: “The biggest problems of young people in Serbia, and the whole region, are ignorance and fear.”