Practical Steps Towards Equality

On the occasion of International Women's Day, it is important to highlight the results of activities continuously implemented by the PRO Programme. Over the previous period, as many as 321 women from 58 local self-governments across Serbia participated in various capacity-building activities focused on good governance, gender-responsive budgeting, and anti-corruption policies.

A training series dedicated to strategic planning and the implementation of gender-responsive policies was particularly significant, involving representatives from 16 local self-governments. During these training sessions, local institution representatives became acquainted with tools and practices for effectively integrating a gender perspective into strategic planning and local policy development.

Special attention was dedicated to the economic empowerment of women from vulnerable groups. Nearly 100 Roma women received targeted support through training and programmes facilitating their access to economic resources and better integration into the labor market.

One of the notable achievements was realized through a project implemented in cooperation with the Roma community. Over 250 Roma women participated in educational activities aimed at recognizing and reporting domestic and intimate partner violence. Thanks to this project, five women have already successfully reported violence and received necessary institutional support.

The PRO Programme remains committed to improving the status of women and continuing to promote gender equality, equity, and women's empowerment through concrete activities and ongoing support at the local level.

The Programme "PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature" is jointly implemented by the United Nations agencies in Serbia - UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of Serbia, and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.