Sarajevo, 4 December 2025- The Women’s Forum for Development convened a high-level policy dialogue today under the theme Recognizing Manipulation and Violence in the Real and Digital World, bringing together representatives from state institutions, civil society, academia, and international organisations. The dialogue examined hidden and emerging forms of manipulation and gender-based violence that women face, both offline and online, and explored how these patterns affect social, institutional, and economic systems.
UNDP Resident Representative Renaud Meyer said: “Half of the women in Bosnia and Herzegovina have faced violence. Every one of them deserves to live with dignity and the certainty that abuse will not be tolerated. Real change comes when we strengthen institutions, support women’s economic independence, and ensure their full voice in public life- because leaving no one behind is not just a principle, it is how we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The dialogue included a statement from the Ambassador of Denmark to Bosnia and Herzegovina: “Denmark supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts to strengthen its legal framework, align with international standards, and build institutional capacity to address violence against women – both offline and online. We welcome the work of the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, relevant institutions, and the many civil society organizations that provide crucial support to survivors.”
Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić, Director of the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said: “Preventing all forms of violence requires that we see the hidden patterns of abuse, from family dynamics to digital harassment, and act decisively to dismantle systemic inequalities. Our work ensures that women most affected by marginalization, can access protection, opportunities, and justice. By strengthening institutions, legislative frameworks, and multisectoral collaboration, we are building a society where no woman is left behind.”
Panelists discussed how subtle patterns of abuse, rooted in family dynamics and entrenched cultural norms, extend into workplaces, digital spaces, and institutional structures. The rapid rise of digital violence, online harassment, and misinformation targeting women reflects broader societal inequalities and reinforces cycles of exclusion and control.
The event reaffirmed commitment to women most affected by marginalization, including women with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ individuals, and Romani women, ensuring interventions address the compounded barriers they face. Evidence-based dialogue, policy advocacy, and multisectoral collaboration continue to deconstruct harmful norms, prevent all forms of violence, and strengthen social and institutional resilience.
Speakers emphasised the need for holistic approaches: institutional reform , economic empowerment, political participation, community engagement, and preventive measures must operate together to address the complex roots of gender-based violence. By combining these approaches, Bosnia and Herzegovina is creating an environment where women can live free from violence.
Co-organised under the auspices of the Women’s Forum for Development by the Agency for Gender Equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, and the United Nations Development Programme, this policy dialogue forms part of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. It is organized within the Gender Equality Accelerator (GEA), a joint programme financially supported by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, and Denmark, and implemented by UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF.
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