The position of women in rural areas in Serbia is very complex – between invisible labor, limited opportunities, poverty, and deeply rooted stereotypes, it is very difficult to dare to step outside established patterns. Nevertheless, we are seeing more and more women from rural areas who show that change is possible. Every decision they make to pursue education, start a business, or stand up for themselves and others pushes boundaries and changes society, stated Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, at the conference held in Rogljevo near Negotin to mark the International Day of Rural Women.

She reminded that the institution of the Commissioner has raised numerous issues concerning the position of women and girls in rural areas, but that we still have a large number of women who are outside the pension, social, and health insurance systems, meaning that even though they work “from dawn until dusk” they do not exercise labor-based rights. It is necessary to continue with adequate support measures, improve infrastructure, social and health care for the rural population, encourage employment and women’s entrepreneurship, and work on more effective prevention of gender-based violence and discrimination, Janković stated.

As an example of good practice, the Commissioner mentioned the project “Empowering Women in Rural Areas of Serbia to Recognize and Respond to Discrimination and Violence,” which the Commissioner’s Office is implementing in cooperation with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway. Several hundred women from across Serbia took part in it, attending trainings in various fields, with a special focus on digital literacy, promotion and sale of products, public appearance, as well as protection against discrimination and violence. “Such programs have the potential to create lasting change. When we empower and educate women and girls from rural areas, we are essentially empowering entire communities and giving them a chance to develop instead of disappearing,” emphasized Janković.

At the conference, where the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Serbia Kristin Melsom also spoke, Charters were awarded for the third time to media outlets that contributed to greater visibility of women and girls from rural areas. The 2025 award recipients are the weekly Novi magazin, the portals Ona.rs and EUpravo zato, as well as journalist Mileva Malešić, Television Forum from Prijepolje, for personal contribution.

I believe that through joint and dedicated work by strong institutions, responsible media, and informed citizens, we can change the perception of women from rural areas and enable a better quality of life for them and their families, concluded Commissioner Janković.