The last, fifth module of the Transformative Policies Training within the project “Cross-sector Partnership for Human Rights and Gender Equality in the Labor Market” was completed with the awarding of certificates to the participants.
The project is implemented by the Infohouse Foundation from Sarajevo in cooperation with the “Lara” Foundation from Bijeljina, with partnership support and cooperation from the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH. With financial support from the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, eight business entities are participating in the project: Sport Vision BIH, Telemach BH, JU Secondary School Center Hadžići, KJU for Protected Natural Areas Sarajevo, Sarajevo International Airport, GS – Machine Factory Travnik, the Employment Bureau of the Brčko District of BiH and A.D. “Vodovod i kanalizacija” Bijeljina.
Since December last year, when the training began, participants had the opportunity to adopt and upgrade their knowledge in areas such as international human rights standards and women’s human rights, standards of due diligence and state responsibility, understanding gender roles and gender relations, gender equality, and key protection mechanisms at the international, regional and national levels.
Human rights in the field of work were also discussed, as well as the EU Directive on due diligence for sustainable business, gender-sensitive management policies and practices in EU countries.
The last, fifth training module was dedicated to policies and tools for protection against discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment, as well as the responsibility of legal entities.
Human rights in the labor market, especially the human rights of female employees, are the main focus of the project
“Cross-sector Partnership for Human Rights and Gender Equality in the Labor Market,” and this is
a topic that is quite neglected in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Official research shows that women are
more often exposed to gender-based discrimination at work, are paid less than male
colleagues for the same job, do more than 90% of unpaid household work, are absent from
management boards, and are more often laid off during crises.
The aim of the training was to improve knowledge and awareness of gender equality, especially within
companies, what can be done, how much room there is for improvement, as well as for the companies
themselves to work on raising awareness about gender equality issues, preventing
discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and gender-based harassment.
In the continuation of the project, business entities will have the opportunity to develop integrative and transformative actions (policies, protocols, mechanisms…) to address harmful impacts on labor human rights, and at the same time an Initiative for Human Rights Due Diligence will be formed, consisting of CSOs, chambers of commerce, trade unions and other key stakeholders interested in contributing to improving the accountability of Bosnian and Herzegovinian companies in respecting human rights in the labor market.
