News (134)
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Roma, economy and security are the main themes of the sixth Summit of the Western Balkans
Written by Novosti
From 3 July to 5 July 2019, the Summit of the Western Balkans was held in Poznan (Poland), within the framework of the Berlin Process. On this event participated the Director of the Roma women association „Bolja buducnost“Tuzla, Indira Bajramovic. The main topics of the meetings were regional cooperation, networking, mobility, Roma integration, ways of overcoming existing challenges and growth of the economy in the region.
The meeting of Heads of State or Government, held on 5 July, was presented as the most important event, and within the Summit, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) organized a panel entitled "Increasing Efforts to Transform the Region for Progress on the Path of European Integration", during which was also published the results of the latest opinion poll and the opinion of the entrepreneurs, entitled "Balkans barometer for 2019".
A particularly important moment at the Summit is the panel entitled "WESTERN BALKANS PARTNERS DECLARATION ON ROMA AND EU ENLARGEMENT: FROM WORDS TO ACTS", where the Declaration of the Western Balkan Partnership on the Integration of Roma within the EU Enlargement Process is presented, by which governments will commit themselves to continue and increase efforts for full equality and the integration of Roma in the societies in which they live.
Regional conference on results of the "Decade of Roma Inclusion"
Written by Novosti
Director of Roma Women's Association "Bolja buducnost" as a speaker participated in a regional conference on the results of "Decade of Inclusion of Roma" held on June 20 and 21, 2019 in Belgrade.
The conference covered the following topics: non-discrimination, legal assistance and social inclusion of Roma, the position of Roma women in society and family (results and challenges), education and employment as a means of preventing marginalization of Roma, housing as an important element of Roma inclusion, health and healthy family environment.
Representatives of Roma women's organizations, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans' Affairs and Social Affairs from the Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as representatives of international organizations attended the panel dedicated to the situation of women, girls from the Roma community. It is important to note that among panelists was representatives of Roma women's NGOs and women who received the European Commission Prize as a Roma heroine in the process of Roma and Roma women integration, including Indira Bajramovic, Director of the Roma women association “Bolja buducnost” Tuzla. The position of Roma women in the region continues to be characterized by multiple, cross-referenced and repeated discrimination, in all spheres of life. The average life expectancy of Roma women is below 50 years of age and still have a high number of pregnancies. Reports from international organizations show that a total of 9% of Roma women are employed, many girls quickly leave education. Roma women still face traditional roles and social patterns, they have a low level of education, restricted access to health and social protection.
Indira Bajramovic presented examples of good practice in the field of economic empowerment and employment. She estimates that the situation of Roma and Roma women is better than before the declaration of the Decade of Roma Inclusion, especially in terms of building partnerships between institutions and Roma civil society.
An example of good practice from Bosnia and Herzegovina are programs for projects to support the political participation of Roma women, whose results and the selection of Roma women in local community councils.
An important issue on the topic of political participation are the existence of quotas that are not used so that women can be represented in political parties or bodies of government and they (this quotas) are used by men only in order to meet legal requirements. There is a lack of activities to support the elected and appointed women, and support to women's interests by women.
Support to Elections in the Western Balkans: Promoting the electoral participation of Roma in the Western Balkans
Written by Novosti
4 June 2019 in Warsaw organized by OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)
The main goals of the workshop are:
- to raise awareness about the limited electoral participation of Roma in the Western Balkans; and
- to be a forum for exchanging good practices in promoting the involvement of Roma in collaboration with responsible institutions in following-up on electoral recommendations put forward by election observation reports, as well as the recommendations of ODIHR’s “Third Status Report: Implementation of the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area, For Roma, with Roma”.
To that end, the event will bring together some 35 participants from the Western Balkans, among them Roma politicians, members of parliaments and professionals in executive structures, members of citizen observer organizations, experts from international organizations, as well as activists and civil society representatives working to advance participation of Roma in public and political life.
ODIHR will share with key official electoral stakeholders the conclusions of the visit and highlight the additional steps that should be considered ahead of future elections.
The event is organized by ODIHR through its Support to Elections in the Western Balkans project, funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency.
Roma women from Tuzla, Prnjavor and Kakanj was guests on "TV Bingo show" Lottery B&H
Written by Novosti
On March 8 Roma women from Tuzla, Prnjavor, Kakanj and Sarajevo was guests on "TV Bingo show" . We use this opportunity to thank the B&H Lottery for enabling the participation of our association in the TV Bingo show.
The prize money that our association has won on this show will be directed to further activities of our association, we will focus on the economic empowerment of women, the fight against violence , the fight against discrimination and the realization of the right to health care, education assistance, etc.
On the occasion of March 8, International Women's Day, in Tuzla was held a street action called "It is My Right, Not a Privilege!" as part of the Month of Roma Women's Activism. For eight years, Roma women association "Bolja buducnost" , in cooperation with the Roma Women's Network, is implementing the Month of Roma Women's Activism, which traditionally begins with street actions on the International Women's Day, and ends on April 8, marking the World Roma Day.
Also this year is the 110th anniversary of International Women's Day as a day of struggle for economic, political and social equality of women and men. Women's Day not only serves as a reminder of the constant struggle for equality with which many women face everywhere. When women are on all continents, often under influence of the division of national borders and ethnic, linguistic, economic and political differences, on this day they can refer to a tradition that represents at least ten decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.
Roma women association "Bolja buducnost" took advantage of this day and with their volunteers and activists talked with their fellow citizens about the position of women in general with a special emphasis on the situation of Roma women. On this occasion, our fellow citizens agreed on a common message send from this action, which is that each person's life is marked by a woman - mother, daughter, sister, wife, girlfriend or associate; Women in each community play an important role in all areas of life and our strength lies in our unity.
Promjenite stav! Nasilje u porodici nije privatna stvar
Written by Novosti
Nasilje u porodici, kao jedan od najvećih izazova bosanskohercegovačkog društva, je problem koji je odnedavno izašao iz privatne u javnu sferu. Naime, dugo vremena se partnersko i porodično nasilje u Bosni i Hercegovini se sagledavalo kao privatna porodična stvar, pa čak i često pravdano običajnim pravom.
Nasilje je širi društveni problem i cijelo društvo ima ulogu u njegovoj prevenciji i u odgovoru na njega. Brojni psiholozi, borci i borkinje za ljudska prava, ali i obrazovni radnici/e ističu da je riječ “zajedno” ključna u borbi protiv ovog problema. Kada je neko izložen nasilju, to se odražava na brojne članove/ice njegove porodice i na prijatelje/ice, zbog toga je važno da se razumije da se treba reagovati kako bi se spriječilo nasilje u porodici. Kada se kaže „zajedno“, to su zaista svi – građani i građanke, prijatelji i prijateljice, kolege i kolegice, braća, sestre, ali i pružatelji podrške kao dio sistema, kao predstavnici nadležnih institucija. Svi imaju ulogu u zaštiti žrtava i borbi protiv nasilja.
U sklopu regionalnog projekta „Provođenje normi, mijenjanje stavova“ koji provodi UNWOMEN, a finansira EU, Udruženje žena Romkinja „Bolja budućnost“ grada Tuzla kao provedbeni partner provodi aktivnosti promocije dostupnih mehanizama zaštite od nasilja i diskriminacije.
Pored brojnih aktivnosti unutar projekta od izgradnje kapaciteta institucija, kampanja informisanja , izgradnje povjerenja između predstavnika/ica institucija i žena iz skupina u nepovoljnom položaju, edukacije urađen je radio jingl sa ciljem animiranja šire društvene zajednice za korištenje dostupnih mehanizama zaštite od nasilja i diskriminacije. Poseban značaj ima i radio jingl koji je na jeziku romske nacionalne manjine sa ciljem prevazilaženja jezičke barijere i animiranja ove posebno marginalizovane zajednice u BiH koja je izložena različitim oblicima nasilja i diskriminacije da koriste dostupne mehanizme zaštite.
Radio jingl na BHS jeziku možete poslušati na sljedećem linku;
.Radio jingl na romskom jeziku;
Promijenisar o stav!
Nasilje an porodica inaj privatno stvar!
The Assembly of Roma woman Association "Bolja buducnost" was held
Written by Novosti
On 18th January 2019 the Assembly of Roma woman association "Bolja buducnost" was held in Tuzla. The Assembly had a majority and unanimously adopted the following decisions after the election of working presidency, verification commission, nominating committee; verified the Minutes of the regular Assembly held on 10 January 2018, discussed and adopted Report for the period from the first of January to 31 December 2018, considered and adopted a proposal to amend the Statute of the Association and the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and new members of the governing body of the association are appointed.
On the occasion of the completion of the second phase of the project "For active inclusion and rights of Roma women in the Western Balkans" supported by the Austrian Development Agency through the CARE International Balkans, we participated on a press conference in Sarajevo.
During this project, 2691 events, seminars, workshops were organized in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and more than 28000 people participated.
- We focused on Roma women and girls for them to have access to education and health care system, to address the issue of gender-based violence, access to public and political life, the suppression of early marriages - said the regional director of CARE International Balkans Sumka Bučan.
The idea behind this project was to provide assistance to Roma women in B&H, Serbia and Montenegro to improve the quality of their life and socio-economic situation, as well as their position in society.
President of the Roma women Association "Bolja buducnost“from Tuzla, Indira Bajramovic spoke about the project which was, in fact, direct help to Roma women where this organization conducted a series of successful actions.
- Prejudices about Roma community and Roma women are reduced. We solved many cases and problems that this population is facing from education, health care, etc. – said Bajramovic.
As part of this project, thousands of women and girls are empowered to achieve their rights to health, education and life without violence.
On this occasion, it is presented the movie "My whole life is a struggle" which speaks of six Roma women from the three countries that have managed to overcome prejudices and stereotypes imposed and become inspiring examples of successful women.
- The film "My whole life is a struggle" is about women who have made changes in their communities. I had the opportunity to show myself and how I changed my life, I was strengthened as a person. Today I consider myself a strong woman and I can help the Roma community - said Snjezana Mirkovic the president of Association „Romska djevojka-Romani cej“ from Prnjavor. .
In these three states more than 5000 people, mostly women and girls, but also boys from the Roma community, received support, advice and service of medical assistance, through writing the claims for identity documents and filling out applications for scholarships and employment or social assistance.
Among other things, nine Roma and Roman women are employed who worked as mediators for two years connecting the Roma community with local government institutions as well as government institutions with the Roma community.
As part of regional project „For Active Inclusion and Rights of Roma Women in the Western Balkans II“ supported by Austrian Development Cooperation through CARE International Balkans, Roma women association „Bolja buducnost“ Tuzla organize;
Street action on International Day of Combating Violence Against Women; November 25, 2018 in Tuzla - city square Sloboda at 11 o'clock.
This event is part and marks the beginning of a global campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence in 2018; "Stop gender-based violence in the world of work!" 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign which is conducted every year from 25 November (International Day Against Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day), but includes other important dates. "The campaign is 16 days" used by individuals and organizations around the world as a strategy in the fight for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.
Campaign goals are:
- Raising awareness of the rights and responsibilities deriving from the legislation on gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence with a focus on the area of work
- Promoting services for prevention and protection against violence
- Initiating Dialogue between Institutions and Roma women on prevention methods and eliminating all forms of violence against women in all areas (Family, Society, Work, Education, Health)
- Raising awareness of the wider community about the importance of recognizing violence as a social, not a private problem, and the importance of a balanced approach to services of protection from violence.
The President of Roma women association „Bolja buducnost „ Tuzla received recognition for successful work
Written by Novosti
Prof. Dr. Bajram Haliti, President of the Institute for European Studies of Roma and Research Against Crimes of Humanity and International Law in Tuzla, on November 2, 2018, handed over recognition to the Indira Bajramovic , president of Roma women association for unselfish advocacy for Roma women's rights education and emancipation as well as adaptation to the challenges of civilization in the 21st century.
Recognition emphasizes that her work should serve as an example of how Roma and Roma women should be aware of their identity and roots in the general national interest, that women are equal, educated, economically independent, actively involved in socio-political life.
The Institute for European Studies of Roma and Research Against Crimes of Humanity and International Law gives this recognition based on many years of experience working on affirmation of women's and children's rights, working with victims of all forms of violence and exploitation, for the entire engagement and sacrifice.
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World Day of the Roma language: The importance of preserving the traditions, culture and history
Written by Novosti
On November 5, International Day of Roma language; Roma women association "Bolja buducnost" from Tuzla, organized a ceremony in which this Association has been marking this important day for five years in a row.
The event was a cultural and educational, with the intention of emphasizing the importance of preserving the traditions of language, culture and history of Roma people. The event was supported by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Marking was attended by many institutions both on the local and state level. The participants had the opportunity to hear about rich Roma literature from regional Roma writers: Alija Krasnići, Dr. Mary Aleksandrović and Bajram Haliti, but also had the opportunity to see the performance of Roma hymn from association „Mladi Tuzle“, performance of primary schools Mejdan and Mihatovici and Exhibition of Paintings, Roma Artist Mersud Selman.
The General Assembly of UNESCO on 7 November 2015, adopted 5 November as World Day of the Roma language. Otherwise Roma language belongs to the Indian linguistic tree. It originated from the practa (Novoindian language), which originates from Sanskrita. Upon arrival Roma to the Balkans (it is assumed in the XIV-XV century) on the language start to affect surrounding people- Slavic, Turkish, Greek, Romanian and Hungarian. The language contains a lot of words borrowed from local languages.
Inclusion of Roma children in primary education of Tuzla Canton
Written by Novosti
Every child has the right to an education that should be formulated to develop their unique personality, skills, abilities to learn and other abilities, dignity, self-respect and confidence. Presence of Roma children in the education system of the Tuzla Canton (TC) is not comprehensive yet. Besides of several the international and domestic standards taken that guarantee availability, accessibility, acceptability and adaptability of the education system for all children, a majority of the Roma children encounter with serious problems in the approach and sustainability in the primary education. Poverty, discrimination, inadequate preparation for school, not knowing the language, insufficient motivation of parents for their children’s education, especially girls, non-flexibility of the education system towards the needs of the Roma children, insufficient education of the teaching staff for work with the Roma children are only a few of the reasons to which we point in this document and which affect to a large number of the Roma population not to enrol or to leave primary education.
The conclusion of the document points out that shifts towards a better approach in education are possible only through wider and coordinated social intervention that is directed to removal of the existing deficiencies and application of affirmative inclusive measures.
The policy paper id developed as part of the regional project "For active inclusion and rights of Roma women in western Balkan II supported by Austrian development agency through CARE International Balkans.
Implementing a series of activities we marked the European Day Against Human Trafficking
Written by Novosti
On the occasion of 18 October, the European Day Against Human Trafficking, Association of Roma Women "Bolja buducnost" Tuzla and the Association "Zemlja djece u BiH and in cooperation with the Foundation" Lara "from Bijeljina and members of the Network RING street action/performance. The Campaign "Children on the move, children without escort - respond and prevent trafficking in human beings" within the framework of this street action focused on increasing the information and mobilization of citizens, civil society organizations, the general public, institutions on the prevention of the risks of trafficking in human beings and other criminal activities occurring under the conditions of increased migration, which are currently actual in B&H.
On the same day, public event was organized. Non-governmental organizations warn that with the increasing number of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina it is noticed that a large number of children are travelling without an escort. They are thus at the risk of becoming potential victims of smuggling and trafficking. In the area of Bosnia and Herzegovina two years ago, a law regulating the area of trafficking was adopted. Police in the Tuzla Canton are appalled in the application of the law, a spokesperson of the Ministry of the Interior said. He recalls that during the past year and this year they had two cases concerning trafficking in human beings for begging. Children are the most vulnerable category.
The respondents of the Center for Social Work, the Department for Combating Organized Crime, and the Foreign Affairs Department also spoke about the necessary responses and the suppression of trafficking with focus on children.
The meetings of building trust were held in Tuzla, Visoko and Prnjavor
Written by Novosti
Within the regional project "Implementing Norms, Changing Attitudes", funded by the European Union, implemented by UN Women and Association "Better Future", trust building meetings were held in Tuzla, Visoko and Prnjavor.
At this meeting, representatives of the institutions had the opportunity to inform women from disadvantaged groups about the mechanisms of protection from violence and discrimination. Also, the beneficiaries of this project also had the opportunity to present their experiences, but also to directly ask the representatives of institutions without intermediaries in this area and to come up with joint solutions when it comes to protection from discrimination and violence.