Provision of Psychosocial and Economic Support for Women in Post-Conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina

22 years after the end of the war, the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains deeply ethnically and religiously divided. Psychosocial, trauma informed, peacebuilding processes are shown to provide insight into the importance of integrating emotional, psychological, and identity factors (inherent within complex and ongoing conflicts) with economic development and actions for political change. Both are necessary for individual and collective healing and creating new relational, social narratives and structures. The project will investigate innovative, effective ways of working towards reconciliation in Bosnian and Herzegovinian contexts, or at the least to increase social cohesion whilst building peace. The project will share insights, models, and approaches that are firmly rooted in the culture of the Balkans.

RMF will provide a women’s safe space where community women can gather, social narratives can be shared, and healing and attitudinal shifts begin to take place. Within this center, we will provide a basic medical clinic that offers free primary health care and psychosocial counseling for individuals and groups. Skills development workshops will be provided to support gender equality, information, enterprise development, leadership, and peacebuilding education.

• Cultural barriers between women
• Hesitation to participate
• Lasting effects of war and gender-based violence (GBV)

Continue providing holistic care for women by creating a women’s safe space in eastern Bosnia, serving communities most in need.