Today, December 10, 2024, at exactly 11 a.m., we gathered in squares across the country to raise our voices against femicide and violence against women and girls. Protests were held in Banja Luka, on Krajina Square, but also in Trebinje, Mostar, Tuzla, Bijeljina and Zenica, symbolically on the International Human Rights Day.
Why do we protest again and again?
The protests were organized to highlight the devastating fact that 12 women have lost their lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a result of gender-based violence in the past year. Participants pointed out that institutions have not taken adequate measures to tighten penal policies and effectively implement protective measures.
The reasons for dissatisfaction are numerous:
- Women do not feel safe – neither in their homes, nor on the streets, nor in the workplace.
- Distrust in the justice system results in the fact that violence is reported in less than 20% of cases.
- A culture of impunity and tolerance for violence remains deeply rooted in society.
The organizers appealed to institutions and the entire society to take responsibility for preventing all forms of gender-based violence.
Clear demands of the protests
At the gatherings, the activists presented a series of demands towards the institutions, including:
- Victim protection: Risk assessment for all cases of violence and urgent protection measures.
- Faster justice: Investigations and trials must be more effective to prevent further violence.
- Penal policy: Stricter penalties for perpetrators of violence, including a ban on the possession of weapons for reported perpetrators.
- Femicide as a crime: Introducing femicide as a separate crime that will encompass the gender dimension of these crimes.
- Education and prevention: Continuous training of all professionals in institutions involved in the protection system.
The protests held throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina represent another strong call for the awakening of society and institutions. The issue of violence against women and girls requires an urgent and comprehensive response from all levels of government. Those gathered concluded that they will not give up until the voice of the victims is strong enough to change the system and ensure a fairer and safer society for all.
“Not one more!” – a message that must remain permanent.
