The inclusion of the gender equality principle in all areas of social life and work, in public and private spheres, represents an achievement of one of the basic standards of human rights and basic freedoms. Gender equality is not exclusively an issue of social justice, but also represents a necessary requirement for social and economic development of a country, with particular emphasis on poverty reduction and improvement of life quality for all citizens.

The inclusion of these principles in legal, institutional and political frameworks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is based on responsibilities set forth in international documents, membership in international bodies and organs, as well as on principles of protection of basic human rights from the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The establishment of institutional mechanisms for gender equality at all authority levels and the adoption of the Gender Equality Law in Bosnia and Herzegovina («Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina», no. 16/03) have significantly improved domestic legislation in this segment of human rights and ensured to Bosnia and Herzegovina a leadership role in the region with regards to the legal and institutional frameworks for gender equality.

Gender equality in B&H society is one of preconditions for democracy and good governance. The Gender Equality Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in co-operation with other institutional gender mainstreaming mechanism in the country, through their work and mandate, contribute to the achievement of gender equality, through gender mainstreaming in all areas of private and public life, which is one of the priorities that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to fulfil in order to join European integration.
 

Samra Filipovic-Hadžiabdic
Director