Second Gymnasium Sarajevo, this year also marked the campaign “16 days of activism 2023” with the implementation of three workshops with students. Teacher Elmana Cerić, M.Sc. coordinate workshops on the topic of gender-based violence.
In the period from November 25.- December 10, 2023. Second Gymnasium Sarajevo implemented a project called “Woman, Life, Freedom”. Teacher Elmana Cerić held a workshop with the students called “Who is hiding behind tradition?”. During the discussion, students questioned self-proclaimed religious authorities and influencers, the influence they have in our society, and the reasons why people blindly believe in imposed and distorted interpretations of holy texts, which aim to oppress and discriminate against women. The students also questioned our attitude towards tradition and the necessity of a critical look at it, expressed their views on deeply rooted patriarchal relations in Bosnian society, and the unenviable position of women, but also of all vulnerable categories, in such relations. It was also discussed how and why we are used to and immersed in the culture of violence, so we often do not notice it, even when it happens in our immediate environment.
It was concluded that change requires continuous awareness raising about gender (in)equality and violence in all spheres and aspects of life, as well as genuine support and commitment to change, both from institutions and families.
Workshop “What can we do to prevent gender-based violence?” teacher Sandra Muratović held with the students. During the workshop, the students discussed ways to prevent and adequately react in situations when we are victims of violence or when another woman confides in us that violence is being committed against her.
Professor Elmana Cerić held a workshop entitled “Universality of human rights – a dream we must fight for”. This year’s awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Narges Mohammadi for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all served as a stimulus for this workshop. The students discussed what the Universal Declaration of Human Rights means in practice, to what extent it is universally applicable, what are the most egregious contemporary examples of human rights violations, and what international organizations and leaders should and can do to ensure universal, inalienable and indivisible human rights. rights came to life in practice.
The commemoration of the “16 days of activism” campaign was supported by the TPO Foundation within the framework of the ETOS Initiative.
