Gender-Based Violence and Women on the Move: How the Shelter Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Affecting Women and Girls
Gender-Based Violence and Women on the Move: How the Shelter Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Affecting Women and Girls

Author(s): Karla Žeravčić, Nidžara Ahmetašević
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Studies in violence and power
Published by: Transkulturna Psihosocijalna Obrazovna Fondacija (TPO Foundation)
Keywords: gender-based violence; GBV; people on the move; women on the move; Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Summary/Abstract: Since 2018, thousands of people on the move have been passing through B&H in order to reach Western Europe. However, years later, the country and the international organisations managing the reception centres have struggled to establish effective systems, leading to the shelter situation in B&H being widely regarded as a violation of human rights. While the mismanagement of the shelter situation affects every person on the move, it puts certain groups at an even greater risk. Women and girls on the move pose to be one of the most vulnerable groups for gender-based violence. However, there is very limited research on gender-based violence in transit countries. This paper aims to address this research gap by examining the risk of gender-based violence faced by women and girls in reception camps and alternative accommodations, with a specific focus on Bosnia & Herzegovina as a Non-EU State and a transit country for people on the move. The study draws on scholarly works, reports from international organisations, and research conducted in other countries to establish a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Additionally, the research includes interviews conducted with stakeholders from the field. Through the combination of existing works and insights obtained through interviews, this study aims to explore the occurrence, forms, and consequences of gender-based violence in reception camps and alternative accommodations in B&H. Moreover, it aims to identify the factors that contribute to the increased vulnerability of women and girls and to assess the efficiency of existing support structures.

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