03/08/2021 OHR

Every day should be March 8th

The High Representative, Valentin Inzko, congratulates all women in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the occasion of 8 March, International Women’s Day. He uses the opportunity to express his gratitude and admiration to women who dominate as first responders in the worldwide battle with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Those of you who are engaged as medical workers and caregivers have a pivotal role in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s response to the pandemic. We should all recognize your role and contribution and be very appreciative of this,” said High Representative Inzko. “But also the role of every woman, this day and every day!”

The High Representative once again highlighted his strong advocacy for greater inclusion of women in everyday political and socioeconomic aspects of Bosnia and Herzegovina and strict adherence to the Gender Equality Law of BiH which prescribes a minimum of 40 per cent of female representation across the wide spectrum of public offices. Regretfully, this 40% clause is widely ignored or violated. Therefore, another attempt should be made in the 2022 elections to fully respect the mentioned law.

The High Representative also urges everyone to increase efforts in the prevention of violence against women, with a policy of zero tolerance, as well as to improve women’s access to affordable and quality healthcare and education.