Bosnia and Herzegovina

Frieda collaborates with local partner organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina to support survivors of violence, address (war-related) trauma, and promote the social, economic, and political participation of women and young people.

Decades after the Dayton Peace Agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina's state structures are tripartite and remain fragile. Ethnic tensions are used at a political level to fuel fear among population groups. The labour market has dried up, showing an unemployment rate of nearly 12% (2023), and young workers are emigrating in large numbers. Inflation resulting from the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic is pushing many into poverty.

Neither the precarious economic situation nor the prevention and processing of human rights violations are on top of the political agenda. The war in the 1990s continues to resonate; many people are suffering from (trans-generational) trauma. This is why Bosnian women's organisations are committed to comprehensive peace. Frieda has been supporting them since 1995.

Situation of Project Participants

Despite legal equality, women in Bosnia and Herzegovina are underrepresented politically and socially, and face discrimination in the labour market. In low-income families, less priority is often given to the education of daughters, while sons are educated. Patriarchal norms are widespread, and one in two women experiences sexual or gender-based violence. Survivors struggle to access medical, psychological, and financial assistance. Perpetrators are rarely prosecuted, and many crimes committed during the war remain unaddressed until today.

Not only survivors of the war, but also children and young people born after the war suffer today from intergenerational trauma. Geopolitical events, such as the wars in Ukraine or the Gaza Strip, cause many affected individuals to experience retraumatisation. Psychosocial support is insufficient and difficult to access. The stigmatisation of mental health issues poses an additional barrier.

Frieda Programme

Frieda's partner organisations support women, children, and young people in resisting gender-based violence and processing trauma. They are committed to inter-ethnic dialogue and empower young people to advocate for mental health and a non-violent society. They work in a human rights-based, gender-transformative, systemic, and conflict-sensitive manner.

In the projects, participants increase their social skills and acquire knowledge about human rights and women's rights. The goal is for women and young people to express their needs, concerns, and demands, claim their rights, and actively participate in social change. Those affected by violence receive protection and psychosocial as well as legal support.

In the communities, partner organisations, together with project participants, raise awareness about equality. They train young people and women to initiate changes. Partner organisations also argue the case for low-threshold access to support and for the implementation of equality laws. They raise awareness among governmental agencies and the public.