Gender-based discrimination report

The gender-based discrimination and employment in the Western Balkans” is the new research report by a coalition of women's rights organisations from the Western Balkans that was released today in Brussels.

The research report includes a number of recommendations for institutions from the Western Balkans and the European Union on a host of topics, including the adoption and implementation of reforms on gender-based discrimination, improved monitoring approaches and continued support for women's rights organisations.

The report reveals that gender-based discrimination is widespread, especially in terms of employment, promotion, lehonia and sexual harassment.

Also, according to research it turns out that legal frameworks related to discrimination are fragmented and often not in line with those in the region, and that various protection standards, applicable procedures and sanctions on the basis of various overset laws contribute to confusion.

Another finding presented in the report is that some institutions responsible from the Western Balkans for addressing gender-based discrimination related to work contain clear data about its spread.

It is also said that as long as the relevant institutions had general knowledge in addressing gender-based discrimination in the workplace, cases reported at institutions are seen as having no practical experience in handling such cases.

Generally, according to research, people have no knowledge of where gender - based discrimination can be reported.

“There is an urgent need for more action to address gender-based discrimination throughout the region and at all levels. The EU is working with governments, private sector representatives and civil society towards reforms and necessary actions in this area, and will continue to provide additional support to promote gender equality and empower women in the region. Over the past few years, our assistance has produced concrete results in important areas, such as fighting gender-based violence and supporting women's rights organisations”, Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission, has said

This study, which was supported by the EU and Swedish Development Cooperation, is part of a broad regional initiative aimed at addressing gender-based discrimination and improving women's employment rights.