I am deeply concerned by the recent headlines from the countries of the Western Balkans which reveal alarming statistics on the prevalence of domestic violence and violence against women. With this text, I join millions of people around the world who mark 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and stand up for this crucial topic.
Gender-based violence is a pervasive problem that knows no borders and affects all regions of the world. On average, a woman loses her life every 10 minutes due to gender-based violence, and the trend has worsened in recent years. Although the Western Balkans does not exceed global averages, it faces significant challenges. This situation highlights the urgent need for comprehensive improvements, as gender-based violence is not only a human rights issue, but also a major obstacle to development.
In the Western Balkans, gender-based violence hampers education, employment and leadership opportunities. According to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), almost half of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina have experienced some form of violence, but a staggering 84 percent of these cases remain unreported. To give you a clearer picture, the three active SOS lines in the country received 5.000 calls in the first nine months of this year alone - roughly one call every 20 minutes.
In Kosovo, research has shown that almost a third of adult women have experienced sexual harassment, while almost half believe that domestic violence is a private issue that should be resolved within the family. In Albania, two-thirds of women and girls have experienced violence in a relationship, while a third have faced sexual harassment. Unfortunately, femicide is present in the Western Balkans, where every second murdered woman is the victim of a husband or partner.
How to fight?
It is encouraging to see the increasing recognition and discussion of gender-based violence. In March 2023, civil society organizations across the countries of the Western Balkans joined together to act, starting to follow cases of femicide and gender-based violence in the courts. Serbia, Albania and Montenegro have launched an interactive map documenting femicide since 2020, raising awareness and encouraging key discussions.
In addition to the efforts of civil society, changes in policies are crucial for the advancement of gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence in the region.
First, there is an urgent need to strengthen prevention efforts. Evidence shows that initiatives such as parenting programs - designed to promote children's social and emotional development - and targeted public campaigns can significantly empower women and challenge harmful gender norms. These initiatives help improve gender relations, address entrenched inequalities, and equip families with skills for conflict resolution and nonviolent communication.
Second, an effective response to gender-based violence must be focused on the needs of survivors and integrated across key sectors. The health sector should provide a safe environment for survivors to receive medical care and psychological support. The education sector can provide early intervention through preschool and school-age programs that address violence in relationships and introduce changes in curricula aimed at challenging harmful gender norms. In addition, infrastructure improvements, such as safer public transport, can reduce risks and improve the mobility of women and girls.
Third, strengthening information management systems through digitization can improve coordination among service providers, track cases to prevent recurrence, and use data analytics to create prevention policies and strategies.
At the World Bank, we are committed to accelerating gender equality by addressing the structural barriers that enable gender-based violence. We promote inclusive economic opportunities and develop human capital to foster sustainable growth and reduce poverty. In the Western Balkans, we actively support efforts to combat gender-based violence - from training health workers in Kosovo to promoting property ownership registration for women in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. Our goal is to create an environment where women and girls can thrive, contributing to resilient and inclusive societies.
The author is the regional director of the World Bank for the Western Balkans
Bonus video:
