Policewomen discuss discrimination in the workplace and sexual harassment

A two-day workshop on "Raising Awareness of Gender-Based Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace" attended by 40 policewomen from police agencies from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina began today (August 27, 2020) in Jahorina. The workshop is realized within the project "Fight against gender-based violence in police structures in BiH", which is implemented by the "Policewomen's Network" Association with the support of the US Embassy.

The aim of the workshop is to raise awareness about gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the police, and the existing protection mechanisms, given the fact that the coducted research showed that there is a high dark number of these cases in police structures in BiH and policewomen find it difficult to report it. The cause of such discrimination is most often gender inequality, which is especially pronounced in police structures where men are still predominantly represented.

The workshop will address legislation, elements of gender-based violence and current protection mechanisms, with the aim of empowering women to recognize gender discrimination and sexual harassment and report them to the authorities. Special emphasis is placed on legal provisions requiring institutions to take appropriate measures to achieve gender equality and protect against discrimination, especially bearing in mind the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women on the Sixth Periodic Report of BiH (CEDAW).

Given the fact that the police should be an example to other institutions in the fight against gender-based violence, both when taking measures and actions within their competence, and within their ranks, it is absolutely unacceptable that such cases are not reported and processed by the police.
In the next phase of this project, trainings will be realized for the competent representatives of the Department for Internal Control within the police with the aim of specialization in the investigation of discrimination cases and guidelines for action will be made.