The Balkans

The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation has worked in the Balkans since 1993, the longest of all our regions. The Balkan war was underway and Sweden was reached by reports of horrendous systematic abuse of women. The reports spurred the Swedish peace and women's movements to join forces and show their support to the women in the war and to assist the women's organisations in the region. 

A long presence in the Balkans

The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation's long presence in the Balkans is based on our understanding that a change in attitude is a time-consuming process. Consideration is also taken to the great differences within and between the countries: the ethnic groups, the role of the religious communities and the history of the women's movement. All the countries share common tendencies and problems that prevent women's participation in society.

Gender stereotypes strengthened after war

After war, traditional values tend to be strengthened. We must therefore view the processes of change in post-war communities as a part of the work to change patriarchal structures and gender-stereotype social values. In the post-conflict rebuilding phase, gender equality is a vital component in democracy work at all social levels and is of crucial significance for poverty eradication and sustainable peace.

Visible positive change

Generally speaking, women in the region have a relatively short experience of democratic organising. In the short period since the war ended in the region, the women's movement has managed to achieve visible positive changes in society. However, a great deal remains to be done before the security situation is stable and women and men have an equal opportunity to influence social progress.

Women in peacework

During war, women carry society but when peace comes they have to step back again. They are not usually invited to participate in peace talks or discussions surrounding the rebuilding process. The experience that women gain from war is ignored. This prejudices the peace talks and with it the opportunity for lasting peace.

How the peace process is conducted in the regions is a good example of this. No women took part in the peace talks that put an end to the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1995, and only a few are present at the status talks that are taking place in Kosovo, Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro. The Dayton Agreement for Bosnia-Herzegovina also lacks a gender perspective.

Women's organisations, as an active part of civil society, are not taken into account in talks on rebuilding work. Resolutions that underline women's presence and participation in peace and security contexts (UN Resolution 1325 is one example) and which are binding for UN member nations are not implemented. The view of peace as only being ‘non-war' is common in formal politics, and the patriarchal structures that maintain men's violence against women and form the basis for militarism still remain. Nationalistic and anti-women statements still remain unchallenged in the public debate.

Activists against nationalistic forces

Women's organisations have a vital function within peace work in the region. Activists took early contact with women from other ethnic groups and have stood up to the nationalistic elements that play down ethnic friction, segregation and gender discrimination, often risking their own safety in the process.

Women's human rights

Countries in the region have ratified the majority of international documents and conventions concerning women's human rights. In recent years they have also begun harmonising legislation to EU standard, which has formally improved the situation for women. Several of the countries today have progressive gender equality laws and institutions to monitor and pursue gender equality work. Most of the countries have also introduced national gender equality plans to give their gender equality policies more impact.

A lack of political will for gender equality

Awareness of discrimination against women is however not increasing in pace with changes in the law. Knowledge of the gender-based oppression that exists is low within institutions and in society in general, and there are still no signs of a political will to pursue a gender equality policy. In practice, the current policies are more inclined towards social changes that reinforce traditional gender roles. Women are discriminated at the workplace, healthcare for women is deficient and there is a lack of preschool places etc. These social developments are also reflected in the education system where schoolbooks and educational material convey stereotypes of men and women that contribute to strengthening the gender discrimination of women. There is still a great need for alternative education and meeting places for women and girls.