From Sarajevo to the Western Balkans: Key Lessons on Gender Equality and Democracy

By Džana Hodžić and Martha Dimitratou

Two weeks ago, we participated in the Berlin Process Gender Equality Forum in Sarajevo, joining more than 150 representatives from governments, parliaments, academia, civil society, gender equality institutions, international organizations, and development partners from across the Western Balkans. Under the theme "Progress Under Pressure – Advancing Gender Equality in the Western Balkans," the Forum explored how regional cooperation can strengthen democratic, inclusive, and resilient societies in a time of growing uncertainty.

Progress cannot be taken for granted

A central message throughout the Forum was that progress is never permanent. Across the region, participants highlighted growing political, social, and institutional pressures on gender equality, reinforcing that rights require continuous protection, investment, and collective action.

Regional cooperation remains essential

Many of the challenges facing women and marginalized communities transcend national borders. The Forum reinforced the importance of regional cooperation, cross-border learning, and sustained dialogue between governments, civil society, researchers, and international partners. Shared challenges require shared solutions.

Collaboration drives lasting change

One of the Forum's greatest strengths was bringing together diverse perspectives. Discussions on women's political participation, economic empowerment, gender-responsive governance, care policies, gender-based violence, harmful stereotypes, and the role of men and boys demonstrated that meaningful progress happens when policymakers, researchers, grassroots organizations, and practitioners work together rather than in parallel.

From state censorship to platform governance

One of the most thought-provoking discussions explored how censorship has evolved across the region. While restrictions on expression in the former Yugoslavia were largely associated with the state, today's information environment is increasingly governed by private technology companies, whose content moderation systems and AI tools shape what people can see, share, and organize around. As activists increasingly rely on digital platforms to advocate, build communities, and participate in public life, protecting freedom of expression means ensuring transparency, accountability, and human rights in platform governance.

AI governance is becoming a gender equality issue

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of how information is accessed, decisions are made, and public services are delivered. As these technologies continue to evolve, participants highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI systems are transparent, accountable, and grounded in human rights. AI governance must be inclusive and rights-based to ensure these technologies do not reinforce existing inequalities, discrimination, or barriers to participation.

Dialogue builds resilience

In a period marked by increasing polarization and backlash, spaces like the Gender Equality Forum are more important than ever. Bringing together governments, civil society, researchers, and international organizations creates opportunities not only to exchange knowledge, but also to build trust, strengthen partnerships, and develop practical recommendations that can inform future policy.

Culture remains a powerful tool for change

The Forum's Women's Rights Are Human Rights poster exhibition was a reminder that advancing gender equality is shaped not only through policy and legislation, but also through culture, storytelling, and the arts. Creative expression continues to challenge stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and foster public engagement with human rights.

Gender equality strengthens democracy

Protecting gender equality is about more than safeguarding existing rights. It is fundamental to democratic participation, resilient institutions, and inclusive societies. As the Berlin Process Gender Equality Forum continues to evolve as a regional platform, it demonstrates that sustained cooperation remains one of the strongest tools for advancing equal opportunities across the Western Balkans.

We leave Sarajevo inspired by the expertise, openness, and commitment of everyone who contributed to these conversations, and reminded that progress is built not by any one sector or institution alone, but through long-term collaboration across borders, disciplines, and communities.