Various Activities of the “Movement 1325” Youth Project

The “Forgotten Children of War” Association implemented the “Movement 1325” project, inspired by the UN Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace, and Security. The project focused on young people, particularly young women aged 18 to 25 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who face numerous challenges in participating in and influencing peace processes due to their age and gender.

The voices of young women are often overlooked beyond advisory stages in peace processes, limiting their involvement in political and social matters and preventing them from having a direct influence on decisions that affect their safety and quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to create spaces for open dialogue and peer support, which can help develop shared strategies for building peace in Bosnia and the region.

The project’s goal was to empower young women to break through the patriarchal barriers they face by enhancing their leadership skills and involving them in shaping future peace processes. Sexual and gender-based violence tends to rise dramatically during and after conflicts, with young women being particularly vulnerable. This violence often persists or escalates due to societal violence. A central focus of the project was raising awareness about the consequences of sexual violence and equipping young women with the tools to prevent and address it.

As part of the project, an online workshop on “Resolution 1325” was conducted to emphasize the importance of supporting and implementing this resolution in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This led to collaboration with the Gender Equality Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Another key activity was the “1325” camp, which provided an intergenerational space for dialogue between young women, leaders of the women’s movement in the former Yugoslavia, and women who survived wartime sexual violence. The camp created a safe space for sharing personal stories and active listening, while equipping participants with information, skills, and knowledge. It also included leadership and capacity-building workshops aimed at encouraging the political socialization of young women.

One of the workshops, titled “Let’s Talk About Femicide,” explored the importance of a responsible approach by institutions, the media, and the education system in addressing femicide. The event also highlighted the need for greater citizen participation in protests and other activities to systematically address femicide in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In Vareš, a workshop on “Gender-Based Violence in Schools – Problems and Prevention” was held, where participants discussed the causes and prevalence of peer violence in schools, prevention strategies, and support systems with teachers, social workers, and police officers. This event was hosted by the Women’s Association “Zvijezda” Vareš as part of the “Movement 1325” project.

A major highlight of the project was the commemoration of International Human Rights Day, which included the premiere screening of the film “Movement 1325 – Women, Peace, and Security.” The film featured participants from the program, Bosnian heroines, regional women’s rights activists, and friends of the Association.

Finally, in Bihać, a workshop on women’s economic independence and gender equality was held, where young women received valuable tools and support to help them achieve economic independence.