The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, visited Bujanovac, where she spoke with women from various sectors – education, healthcare, local self-government, journalism, civil society, and representatives of private business.

During the meeting, the participants openly spoke about their personal experiences, the challenges they face, as well as the forms of discrimination and unequal treatment they encounter in their professional and family environments.

The Commissioner presented the competencies and activities of the institution of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, emphasizing the importance of empowering women, especially through understanding their rights and the available mechanisms for protection against discrimination.

She pointed out that regardless of the community they come from, women across Serbia share a common experience – that they often have to prove themselves more and that their words sometimes carry less weight. It is important to speak openly about these topics, to nurture mutual solidarity, and to never give up the fight for equal treatment and respect, the Commissioner stated.

Commissioner Janković emphasized that it is of utmost importance for women to know that their experiences are not insignificant and that change begins precisely with each woman believing that she has the right to be heard and to participate in decision-making processes that affect her life and her community.

The Commissioner extended special thanks to the Head of the Office of the President of the Municipality of Bujanovac, Albulena Osmani, for her support in organizing the meeting, as well as to Anastasija Lazarevski, an intern at the Commissioner’s institution, who significantly contributed to the success of the visit.