A pilot project aimed at integrating gender perspectives into the work of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s law enforcement sector was officially launched in August 2024. As part of this initiative, two working group sessions have already taken place in Zenica and Banja Luka (on the photo), led by members of the Council of Europe Secretariat from the Sarajevo Office and Strasbourg headquarters.

The working group, which is a multidisciplinary team of police, prison and forensic human rights trainers, was formed under the framework of the action "Further strengthening the treatment of detained and sentenced persons in line with European standards in Bosnia and Herzegovina." Their mission is to address gender issues within law enforcement agencies, with a specific focus on improving the working conditions and professional standing of women in the sector.

The project will develop guidance with specific indicators and concrete steps that will strengthen the position of women professionals and support future reforms that integrate gender equality into law enforcement practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"I hope that our document will lead to elimination of poor management practices in police agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, I hope this will stimulate a positive reflection among young leaders, guiding them on how to act and not to act based on our difficult experiences," stated one of the female police officers who contributed to drafting the document.

This project represents a significant step towards promoting gender equality and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within law enforcement agencies across the country. It is funded by the bilateral co‑operation programme of the Council of Europe in the police field.