The Network for Building Peace, within its project Snaga lokalnog, which is implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development – USAID, among other things, listens to problems and needs, as well as positive initiatives and changes in local communities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, the Network also speaks out about current problems and positive practices of local communities, which can motivate others to initiate similar initiatives and make changes in their local communities.
The Network for Building Peace, in the period March 11-12, 2021 visited Tuzla, and held meetings with representatives of several local organizations that are actively working in Tuzla Canton. The first meeting was held with the Tuzla Open Centre (TOC). Its mission is to strengthen the position of LGBT people and women in Tuzla Canton and beyond through advocacy, education, promotion of human rights, creating mechanisms for monitoring important socio-political processes and through strengthening the local LGBT community. During the meeting, we discussed the work of the TOC in the local community and the changes that have taken place during the five years of its existence. The special focus of the conversation was on networking of activists in Tuzla and Tuzla’s solidarity, which is ubiquitous, and for TOC it was especially evident after the attack on the Merlinka festival in Tuzla in 2018, when a great number of people came to Merlinka. They wanted to show that the actions of the attackers are not what citizens of Tuzla support, sending a message of solidarity.
The Youth Movement Revolt, which gathers and organizes young people in the fight against injustice, poverty, violence, corruption, discrimination, irresponsible politicians and negative authorities, is working intensively to improve the position of students studying at the University of Tuzla. An initiative for the introduction of electronic exam registration at the University of Tuzla has been launched, since students at this University still apply for exams by filling out a hard-copy registration form, which they need to bring to the student service offices. Revolt cooperates with other organizations from Tuzla, spreading messages of unity, mutual support and solidarity. In the coming period, Revolt plans to launch several initiatives important for the quality of life of the citizens of Tuzla Canton, especially in the field of creating space for young people, accessibility of public transport and monitoring the work of Tuzla Canton authorities.
The Association of Roma Women (UŽR) “Bolja budućnost” Tuzla is a Roma women’s NGO that through socio-economic, human rights, and advocacy programs, as well as political participation contributes to improvement of the living conditions of the Roma population, with a focus on Roma women. During the conversation with the Network, the Association pointed out significant progress in improving the quality of life of Roma women and men. Contribution to these improvements was provided by Bolja budućnost, but also by other organizations dealing with the human rights of Roma women and men. Progress is visible in the significantly better treatment of Roma women and men by institutions and citizens. The representatives of the Association proudly point out that their work has been recognized in the local community also because of the program of economic empowerment, starting new activities, giving incentives and founding the Roma Women’s Organizations. Throughout 2020, they provided the necessary funds, education, business plans for 12 beneficiaries, and in the next period they plan to continue with the activities they initiated in 2020.
Association “HO HORIZONTI” Tuzla in a humane, open and professional way advocates for active participation and better position of women in our society, by providing psychosocial, educational and counseling support to individuals, families, groups and communities, as well as the implementing numerous activities, initiatives and actions in the local community. HO Horizonti is currently trying to bring Resolution 1325 to the local level in four local communities by initiating women’s lobby groups. Aware that the election results have shown that women have not won seats again and are therefore underrepresented in government, HO Horizonti is working intensively to form women’s activist groups in local communities, independent from local community councils, which will motivate women to network and launch local initiatives.
The Network for Building Peace, Tuzla Open Centre, UŽR Bolja Budućnost, Youth Movement Revolt and HO Horizonti plan to continue mutual support, by using significant networking resources and opportunities of the online platform Snaga lokalnog www.snagalokalnog.ba and the Network for Building Peace www.mreza-mira.net.
Follow the website of Snaga lokalnog where we will soon post more inspiring stories about activism in Tuzla Canton and the hard work of Tuzla activists.
