In the authentic setting of the Rogljevo wine cellars near Negotin, the International Day of Rural Women was marked on 15 October with a conference organised by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality. The event was held under the auspices of the Empowering Women in Rural Areas of Serbia to Recognise and Respond to Discrimination and Violence project, supported by UN Women and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway in Belgrade.
Opening remarks at the conference were delivered by Brankica Janković, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality; Ljiljana Lončar, representing UN Women; and H.E. Kristin Melsom, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Serbia. They emphasised the importance of empowering women from rural communities, stressing that equality cannot be achieved until every woman’s voice is heard - regardless of where she lives. Their messages of solidarity, support, and perseverance set the tone for an event filled with inspiration and unity.
“As part of our project ‘Empowering Women in Rural Areas of Serbia to Recognise and Respond to Discrimination and Violence’, implemented by the institution I lead with the support of UN Women and the Norwegian Embassy, around 500 women have received various forms of support over the past four years. In addition to tools for work and networking, they have also gained the knowledge to recognise and respond to discrimination and violence,” said Brankica Janković in her address.
In that inspiring atmosphere, the editorial team of EUpravo Zato was named one of the recipients of the award for outstanding contribution to reporting on the status of women and girls in rural communities. This recognition highlights dedication, professionalism, and persistence in bringing attention to topics that often remain on the margins of public interest but are crucial for understanding social change and achieving true equality.
The award was accepted on behalf of the EUpravo Zato initiative by journalist Jelena Aleksić, who approaches topics of gender equality and social inclusion with great care and empathy.
Jelena also took part in the panel “The Media Portrait of the Rural Woman: Between Stereotypes and Reality,” where she spoke about the media’s responsibility to portray the real lives and strength of rural women, who, despite challenges, remain the pillars of their communities and drivers of change.
The conference brought together numerous representatives of institutions, civil society, the media, and international organisations. Through open and engaging dialogue, participants agreed that the voices of rural women must be heard louder - because without their contribution, there can be neither sustainable development nor genuine equality.
(EUpravo zato)
