OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina participates in global campaign against gender-based violence

SARAJEVO, 6 December 2016 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is participating in the global White Ribbon Campaign, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which recognizes the positive role men have in preventing violence against women.

Male members of the government, journalists and other public figures in BiH wore the white ribbons as a symbol of the fight against gender-based violence.

“We must end gender-based violence and ensure that women enjoy life free from abuse,” said Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Ambassador Jonathan Moore. “By joining the White Ribbon Campaign, we are working to encourage every man and boy to safely and effectively challenge unacceptable behavior against women.”

Suvada Kuldija, President of the Association of Women Police Officers in BiH, in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to BiH, regularly trains other police officers in order to ensure that cases of domestic violence are properly processed. “It is my goal to ensure the Law on Domestic Violence is consistently implemented at all levels. We have to raise awareness on the security implications of violence against women, which is often forgotten by many.”

The White Ribbon Campaign started in Canada in response to the École Polytechnique massacre on December 6, 1989. Today, it represents a global movement that promotes healthy relationships, gender equality, and a compassionate vision of masculinity. The Campaign encourages men to embrace being positive, strong role models for the young men and boys around them by valuing women as equal. It is marked between November 25 and December 10 each year.