Local self-government units are the first and most important level of communication with citizens, which is why it is important for us to continuously improve cooperation and, above all, to hear the needs identified at the local level, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Milan Antonijević, emphasized during his visit to the Municipality of Senta.
The Commissioner held a substantive discussion on issues in the field of protection of equality, as well as on opportunities for joint initiatives and cooperation aimed at improving the position of groups at greater risk of discrimination, with Edit Šarnjai Roža, Head of the Senta Municipal Administration.
Our common goal is to continuously implement activities aimed at improving the position of social groups that are at greater risk of discrimination, but also to work towards greater representation of women in managerial positions, as well as ensuring the provision of free legal aid as an important mechanism for the protection of rights. By creating equal opportunities for all citizens, we also strengthen the entire local community, the Commissioner emphasized.
Presenting some of the institution’s activities that will be implemented in the coming months, the Commissioner announced a new cycle of the competition for the Municipality/City of Equal Opportunities Award, through which local self-government units are encouraged to implement initiatives and programs aimed at inclusion and the equal participation in community life of all citizens.
Following the discussion with representatives of the municipality, the Commissioner and his associates visited the “Rozetta” association, which has brought together women guardians of tradition since 2008, with a particular dedication to preserving white embroidery characteristic of Senta, as well as trukovanje, a traditional pattern-transfer technique of transferring motifs and patterns onto fabric using special templates and colored powder.
Presenting some of their activities, such as workshops in weaving, pottery, crochet, wool felting and patchwork, as well as special programs for children, the members of this association also emphasized the importance of finding a more suitable space in the coming period for workshops and a permanent exhibition of handicrafts.
By supporting local associations engaged in producing authentic handicrafts, we contribute to advancing equality, preserving traditional crafts and economically empowering women, the Commissioner emphasized.
This was followed by an open discussion with members of the women’s section of the Senta Volunteer Fire Brigade. With more than two decades of experience and numerous awards, including a silver medal from the recent World Championship in Austria, these women and girls demonstrate how equality can also be built and a sense of community strengthened in this way.
Although they face everyday challenges, they greatly value the support they receive from the municipality and their professional colleagues, but even more so the opportunity to generously pass on the knowledge they have acquired to more than thirty primary school pupils. Through their training programs, children are introduced from an early age to the values of solidarity and responsibility, learn about safety and emergency response, as well as how to protect and improve their community in the future.
Their example shows that volunteer fire brigades are not merely places for acquiring certain skills. This is why it is crucial to provide support to those who selflessly devote their time, knowledge and energy to serving others, while also creating conditions for as many women and girls, as well as children and young people, as possible to become involved in this form of social engagement, the Commissioner says.
