Participation of female members in work of municipal council
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a satisfactory legal framework guaranteeing women’s rights. However, in practice the situation is not even close to what is required by the Law. Establishing a legal framework and public policies in the field of promotion of women’s human rights does not mean that ensured equality law provides the same possibilities. In order to make women politically empowered and actively involved in social processes, it is necessary to take appropriate legislative measures, but also to encourage greater participation of women in legislative, executive and judicial authorities and the diplomatic corps. Greater participation of women in negotiations and other reform processes is of great importance for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On the basis of activities related to monitoring the work of the Municipal Council Tuzla in 2013, implemented in the frame of the Project “Women’s Education Centre” and financially supported by the Swedish Foundation Kvinna till Kvinna, Association ” HO HORIZONTI” Tuzla organized a roundtable in Tuzla on 27 December on the topic: “Participation of the Councillors in Work of Municipal Council”.
Members of the Gender Equality Commission of Tuzla Municipality, representatives of local authorities, councillors of Tuzla Municipal Council, members of Women’s Lobby Group Tuzla and activists of the Project “Women’s Education Centre” on this occasion exchanged views on issues, obstacles but also achievements in the field of gender equality policies at the local level, and brought following conclusions:
– to work on development of mechanisms to strengthen solidarity among women,
– to establish an informal network (female and mixed), such as: politicians, councillors, presidents, etc.
– to animate media on the topic of discrimination against women in positions,
– to continuously educate women, to empower them for participation in public and political life.
