SARAJEVO, April 23 (FENA) – The Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Sarajevo (CIS UNSA) today presented the initiative ‘Women and Security? Naturally, Absolutely!’, funded by the European Union. As part of the initiative, a lecture and discussion with participants was held by the United Kingdom Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Julian Reilly.
The event is part of a series of six conversations with ambassadors, students, and media representatives dedicated to UN Resolution 1325, “Women, Peace, and Security”, and the democratic oversight of the security sector. These activities are designed to allow ambassadors to share the experiences of the countries they represent, enabling an exchange of knowledge and comparison with the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
The initiative “Women and Security? Naturally, Absolutely!” is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Center for Security Studies from Sarajevo, the Association “Network of Policewomen” (Sarajevo, BiH), and the Center for European Security Studies (Groningen, Netherlands). This comprehensive initiative aims to enhance security through a better understanding and application of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and to ensure more gender-sensitive oversight of the security sector in BiH.
Benjamin Plevljak, Secretary General of the Center for Security Studies, said the initiative will last 36 months with the goal of implementing UN Resolution 1325 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
”As is well known, UN Resolution 1325 is one of the most important—if not the most important—resolutions that, for the first time, emphasizes the importance of women in negotiation and peace-making processes. Essentially, this resolution highlights that conflict affects people differently based on gender, and that sustainable security and peace measures require the involvement of women in decision-making processes,” said Plevljak.
During these discussions, participants will also touch on other topics relevant to BiH and bilateral cooperation with the countries represented by the participating ambassadors. With Ambassador Reilly, one of the ambassadors involved in the initiative, the discussion will focus on the role of women in government institutions and the security sector in the United Kingdom, key achievements and challenges in implementing UNSCR 1325, and the relationship between BiH and the UK, particularly about support for BiH’s security and defense sector.
Armin Kržalić, head of the Master’s program in International and Regional Security at CIS, stated that the organizers aim to use open dialogue with students to strengthen their interest in understanding the importance of gender equality in decision-making processes, conflict prevention, and the broader context of building lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans.
Rifat Škrijelj, Director of CIS, emphasized that this is an opportunity for BiH students to engage directly with international community officials.
Kristina Jozić, President of the Association “Network of Policewomen”, pointed out that the goal of the event is to highlight the need for strong implementation of Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
