In environments where violence is still spoken about cautiously and quietly, creating a safe space for conversation becomes the first and most important step towards change. Violence doesn’t stop just because we don’t talk about it – on the contrary, it usually gets stronger. It was precisely from the need to name and recognize violence and to offer young people clear mechanisms of protection that the initiative “Girls are not a target!”, implemented in the Hadžići municipality, was born.
The initiative was realized through educational workshops intended for women and girls, with a focus on empowerment, recognition of different forms of violence, timely response and procedures for reporting violence to competent institutions. Through interactive work and open conversations, the participants had the opportunity not only to receive information, but also to discuss personal experiences, fears and dilemmas that often remain unspoken in a safe environment.
“The goal of the initiative was for girls and young women to gain knowledge, but also a sense of security and self-confidence to recognize violence and to know how to react,” says Bakir Neradin from the Association for Cooperation and Environmental Improvement, the initiator of the initiative. “Through the workshops, we tried to show that violence is not a private matter and that there is a support system that they can turn to.”
A special focus is placed on strengthening the personal capacities of young people, so that they can make informed decisions and react in situations that threaten their safety. Through practical examples and discussions, the participants developed the skills of critical thinking, communication and recognition of risky situations, as well as understanding their own limits.
“When young women realize that they have the right to say ‘no’, the right to seek help and the right to be protected, then their attitude towards themselves and the environment changes. Knowledge gives them strength, but it also connects them to each other,” says Neradin.
One of the important results of the initiative “The girl is not a target!” there was also the creation of peer support. During the workshops, the participants were encouraged to share their experiences and to pass on the acquired knowledge to their families, friends and the wider community. In this way, the initiative contributed to building a more informed, connected and resilient youth community in Hadžići, where violence is increasingly recognized and openly discussed.
A significant role in the design and quality implementation of the initiative was also played by the Training for Professional Associates for Work with Youth, conducted by the Institute for Youth Development KULT. Through this training, the initiator gained knowledge about working with young people, non-formal education methods and approaches that enable the creation of a safe and stimulating space for learning and conversation.
“The training gave me concrete tools for working with young people, from facilitation and planning to the evaluation of activities. Thanks to this, I was able to adapt the content to the target group and ensure that the workshops are interactive, useful and applicable in everyday life,” says Neradin.
That the initiative leaves visible and lasting changes is also confirmed by experiences after its completion. According to the observations of those involved in work with young people, the girls who participated in the initiative became more open to conversation, more willing to ask questions and ask for advice. The increased interest in the topics of violence and personal safety has shown how important it is to provide young people with a space where they feel heard and safe.
“It is especially important that the girls kept coming back, talking and asking. It shows that we have opened the door of trust, which is often the most difficult, but also the most important step,” adds Neradin.
The initiative “A girl is not a target!” confirms once again that the involvement of young people in the creation and implementation of anti-violence activities has long-term effects. When young people are given the knowledge, support and opportunity to act, they become agents of change in their communities.
In the end, Bakir Neradin’s message to young people is simple but powerful: “It’s time for young people to talk. It’s time to talk openly about what troubles us, but also about what we can change. Only in this way can we build a community where young people feel safe, valued and included.”
Orange Day – a symbol of support
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the sixth country to ratify the Istanbul Convention, the most important international document for the prevention of violence against women and domestic violence. It clearly defines violence against women as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination, and obliges society to act through prevention, protection and education.
The Institute for Youth Development KULT has been celebrating Orange Day every 25th of the month for years, a day dedicated to the fight against violence against women and girls. Through workshops, campaigns and local initiatives, the Institute raises awareness of the importance of reporting violence, supporting victims and building a society where respect is a fundamental value.
Perhaps these workshops seem like a small step at first glance. But it is in these spaces—classrooms, workshop rooms, and conversation circles—that young people first learn about boundaries, trust, and asking for help. They learn that violence is not something to be silent about, that there are institutions and people who can help, and that it is perfectly okay to seek protection.
The experience of the initiative “A girl is not a target!” shows that the fight against violence does not start with big campaigns, but with knowledge, conversation and the courage to recognize the problem. When we give young people information, tools and space to speak, we create a community where violence is not justified and solidarity becomes a daily practice.
