Bosnia and Herzegovina

We Effect’s work in Bosnia and Herzegovina is focused on contributing towards the socio-economic development of the rural areas and improving the quality of life of the rural population. An important pillar of our work is food security, environment climate change and resilience, economic empowerment of women and strengthening their role in the community and in the overall processes of rural development. Further, we work with reconciliation between different ethnic groups.

Suada Obradović picking raspberries on her property in the village of Kravica in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo by Senad Pirić.The country faces significant socio-economic challenges, including high poverty rates and food insecurity. The most recent research shows that 17.5% of the population in Bosnia and Herzegovina is living below the poverty line. Gender inequalities persist, with rural women particularly affected by limited access to services and economic opportunities. The aftermath of conflicts has left a legacy of societal fragmentation, making cooperation and social cohesion challenging. Ethnic divisions and nationalist rhetoric dominate the political landscape, perpetuating political deadlock and deepening social divisions, hindering progress towards unified governance and sustainable development.

Our initiative in BiH aims to address these multifaceted challenges by advocating for gender equality, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable rural development. By empowering rural women and fostering inclusive economic growth, we seek to mitigate vulnerabilities and build a more resilient future. The strategic focus on BiH is driven by its unique blend of rural demographics, gender disparities, and climate vulnerabilities, making it crucial to foster sustainable development and empower marginalized communities. Through collaborative efforts and evidence-based interventions, we aim to create lasting social impact, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive in their communities. By fostering collaboration and leveraging evidence-based interventions, we seek to mitigate vulnerabilities and build resilience against socio-economic disparities. This strategic focus on BiH integrates efforts to overcome ethnic divisions and nationalist tensions, promoting social cohesion and advancing towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we empower rural women and marginalized communities by supporting economic independence, food security, and social inclusion. Our initiatives focus on building women’s cooperatives, providing psychosocial and business training, and fostering reconciliation in post-conflict areas. By promoting sustainable agriculture, gender equality, and cross-community cooperation, we help create resilient, inclusive rural communities for lasting development.

Results in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• The We Effect programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina has made notable progress in empowering rural women and advancing gender equality. Over the programme period, direct outreach included 74 women and 8 men, while indirect activities influenced approximately 500 women and 120 men. These efforts promoted gender-transformative approaches and strengthened community engagement.
• Through targeted initiatives such as fairs and market linkage support, 30 women gained access to new sales channels. Of these, nearly a quarter continued selling their products after the events, expanding into new markets and increasing production by 20%. The popularity of local products, especially Ajvar, was highlighted by strong sales and plans for increased production in the following year.
• Financial literacy was introduced as a new service, reaching both women and men particularly couples and providing practical tools for managing household finances. This service has contributed to more equitable decision-making and challenged traditional gender norms. All direct beneficiaries of the programme have accessed financial literacy training, further empowering them to manage resources and participate actively in economic life.
• In addition, the programme supported advocacy and awareness campaigns, including workshops and peer-led activities, to address gender-based violence and promote women’s leadership. These integrated efforts have strengthened the role of women in rural communities, improved livelihoods, and fostered sustainable development.