Scientific conference "Violence against women: between rights and social responsibility" held at the University of Sarajevo

The scientific conference "Violence against women: between rights and social responsibility" was held today at the University of Sarajevo Rectorate, where representatives of the academic community, judicial institutions, international organizations and civil society warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a developed legal framework for the protection of women, but that the key problem remains its consistent implementation and social tolerance towards various forms of violence.

The opening program began with the address of Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, Rector of the University of Sarajevo, and Prof. M.A. Arma Tanović Branković, Vice-Rector for Arts, Artistic Research, Culture and Sports. The attendees were also addressed by H.E. Christine Detaillle, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Anne-Marie van de Staaij, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to BiH. The program also included the testimony of Dragana Seferović about her personal experience of violence.

In her address, the Rector of the University of Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović emphasized that violence against women is not just an academic issue or an exclusively legal problem, but a profound moral, social and civilizational issue.

“The way a society understands, recognizes and confronts all forms of violence against women says a lot about the level of maturity, values ​​and ability to protect its own dignity,” stated Rector Zaimović.

Speaking about the social attitude towards violence, Rector Zaimović emphasized that Bosnian and Herzegovina’s media, academic and overall public discourse must undergo a profound transformation.

“When we talk about violence against women – there must be no ‘buts’, there must be no commas,” he said, emphasizing that any search for context or explanations that diminish responsibility represents a dangerous path towards the normalization of violence. He added that violence against women cannot be a private matter or a family problem, but an abuse of power and a serious social defeat.

"The university must be and remain a space of responsibility. A space in which dignity is defended, equality is promoted and every form of violence is clearly spoken out against. When we talk about violence against women, there must be no compromise, relativization or excuses – and, most importantly, there must be no silence," concluded Rector Zaimović.

The scientific conference "Violence against Women: Between Law and Social Responsibility" was organized to open an interdisciplinary dialogue on gender-based violence, through the perspectives of law, public policies, institutional responsibility, civil society, as well as the role of art, media and academia in the prevention and social response to violence.

The program of the conference included introductory presentations and four thematic panels dedicated to:

• the international and national legal framework for protection from violence,
• the role of institutions and higher education,
• protection mechanisms and international cooperation,
• activism, art, media and the culture of remembrance.

The conference is particularly valuable due to the partnership and support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which continuously supports initiatives aimed at protecting human rights, gender equality and strengthening institutional capacities in the fight against violence against women. This cooperation confirms the importance of international solidarity and joint action of the academic community and diplomatic missions in resolving socially important issues.

By organizing this scientific conference, the University of Sarajevo emphasizes the social responsibility of a public academic institution, which not only produces knowledge but also actively contributes to public policies, social dialogue and the protection of human rights. The University recognizes that issues of violence against women require an interdisciplinary approach and cooperation between the academic community, institutions, international partners and civil society.

The conference was concluded with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Nerzuk Ćurak on the topic "Can violence be a private issue?", which opens a broader social dialogue on the responsibility of institutions and the community in opposing all forms of violence.