{"id":3354466,"date":"2022-05-20T16:56:21","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T16:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/?p=3354466"},"modified":"2022-05-25T09:32:47","modified_gmt":"2022-05-25T09:32:47","slug":"western-balkans-coalition-publishes-regional-report-on-gender-based-discrimination-and-labour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/western-balkans-coalition-publishes-regional-report-on-gender-based-discrimination-and-labour\/","title":{"rendered":"Western Balkans Coalition Publishes Regional Report on Gender-based Discrimination and Labour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Brussels,&nbsp;20 May 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On 20 May, the Coalition for Addressing Gender-based Discrimination in Labour in the Western Balkans (WB) launched the second edition of their research report titled <a href=\"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/publications\/gender-based-discrimination-and-labour-in-western-balkans\/\"><strong><em>Gender-based Discrimination and Labour in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Western Balkans<\/em><\/strong><\/a><em> <\/em>in Brussels. The research sought to identify shortcomings in the relevant legal framework; awareness and prevalence of gender-based discrimination related to labour; the extent to which people have filed claims; and how institutions have treated such cases. The research was conducted by women\u2019s rights civil society organisations (WCSOs) as part of their regional Action \u201cEmpowering CSOs in Combatting Discrimination and Furthering Women\u2019s Labour Rights\u201d in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia, supported by the European Union (EU) and co-funded by Swedish Development Cooperation. Key <strong>findings<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Foto-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>No government has harmonised fully its legal framework with the EU Work-Life Balance Directive. Various issues exist related to&nbsp;leave rights, particularly parental, paternity and carers\u2019 leave.\u200b<\/li><li>While awareness that gender-based discrimination is illegal seems to have improved slightly, many people still do not know where and how to report it.<\/li><li>Labour-related gender-based discrimination has remained widespread in the WB, including in&nbsp;hiring, promotion, pay, contracts, pregnancy and maternity leave rights, paternity leave, and sexual harassment at work.<\/li><li>LGBTQI+ persons, women with disabilities, and women from minority ethnic groups report facing multiple, intersectional discrimination.<\/li><li>Few people report gender-based discrimination due to low awareness of how to report it; distrust in institutions; concern for stigmatisation; fear of job loss or other victimisation; and lengthy, often expensive justice or other proceedings.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Foto-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the report, WB institutions do not maintain adequate gender-disaggregated data on gender-based labour-related discrimination cases reported. Labour inspectors\u2019 knowledge regarding gender-based discrimination has remained low across the region. As few cases have been reported to relevant institutions, still few institutions have experience treating gender-based discrimination cases. However, the aforementioned Coalition\u2019s Action has increased the number of cases treated by institutions and brought justice for some women whose rights were violated. Meanwhile, regional monitoring suggests that courts continue to have delays in treating cases, exacerbated amid COVID-19.\u200b <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Foto-5.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ombudspersons and Commissioners for Protection against Discrimination (in countries where they exist) tended to be knowledgeable about these issues and their work to address gender-based discrimination has improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key recommendations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For the EU<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Require implementation of institutional reforms to address gender-based&nbsp;discrimination in labour as a&nbsp;condition&nbsp;of the EU accession process.\u200b<\/li><li>Monitor reforms using a&nbsp;standardised approach, via country&nbsp;reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u200b<\/li><li>Encourage and support all countries in harmonising their legal frameworks with the&nbsp;EU Work-Life&nbsp;Balance Directive.<\/li><li>Continue consulting and supporting CSOs, especially WCSOs, in legal reforms, raising awareness, providing legal aid, and, thereby, monitoring institutional performance.&nbsp;\u200b<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/foto-4-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Responsible Institutions\u200b<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Harmonise national legislation with the EU Work-Life Balance Directive, among other needed amendments outlined in the report.<\/li><li>Improve&nbsp;data collection, ensuring all&nbsp;data is disaggregated by gender of victim(s), of alleged perpetrator(s), location, and form of discrimination. Regularly publish data.\u200b<\/li><li>Ensure&nbsp;obligatory, institutionalised training for responsible officials on gender equality and transforming gender norms; the legal framework on gender-based discrimination in labour and referrals\u200b; and forms of gender-based discrimination, especially sexual harassment.<\/li><li>Better resource labour inspectors and justice providers.<\/li><li>Improve&nbsp;collaboration among institutions and with (W)CSOs, including in jointly raising awareness about how to report discrimination and in improving public trust in institutions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In her opening remarks, <strong>Michela Matuella<\/strong>, Acting Director of the Western Balkans in the Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) at the European Commission (EC) said: &#8222;CSOs are a key player in moving these issues forward, and this report being launched today is proof of that. We will encourage the political leadership in the region to follow up on its recommendations.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/lasnimiiiii--907x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In response to the findings, <strong>Gordon Purvis<\/strong>, Policy Officer &#8211; European Integration Negotiator at DG NEAR at the EC said that the report is well-placed, \u201cextremely timely\u201d, and contributes to evidence-based policymaking, particularly in the current context of finalising the country reports. \u201cThis is exactly the kind of dialogue we need to have. This is critical especially when it comes to wages and Work-Life Balance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other speakers&nbsp; included: <strong>David JJ Ryan<\/strong>, Co-author; <strong>Vaska Leshoska<\/strong>, Researcher, Reactor-Research in Action; and <strong>Endrita Banjska<\/strong>, Co-author, KWN. Coalition partners contributed to the discussion regarding local situations, including <strong>Mirela Arqimandriti<\/strong>, Executive Director, Gender Alliance for Development Centre; <strong>Svjetlana Rami\u0107<\/strong> <strong>Markovi\u0107<\/strong>, Project Coordinator, Helsinki Citizens\u2019 Assembly \u2013 Banja Luka; <strong>Adelina Tershani<\/strong>, Project Coordinator, KWN; <strong>Maja Rai\u010devi\u0107<\/strong>, Executive Director, Women\u2019s Rights Centre; and <strong>Sofija Vrba\u0161ki<\/strong>, Project Coordinator, Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bruksel-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Background<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The report was researched and written by the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.womensnetwork.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kosovo&nbsp;Women\u2019s Network<\/a> (KWN),&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.reactor.org.mk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reactor \u2013 Research in Action<\/a>&nbsp;in North Macedonia,&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.gadc.org.al\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gender Alliance for Development Centre<\/a>&nbsp;in Albania,&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.hcabl.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Helsinki Citizens\u2019 Assembly Banja Luka<\/a>&nbsp;in Bosnia and Herzegovina,&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.womensrightscenter.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Women\u2019s Rights Centre<\/a>&nbsp;in Montenegro and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kvinnatillkvinna.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation<\/a> through its office in Serbia. The full report is available <a href=\"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/gender-based-discrimination-and-labour-in-western-balkans-2\/\">online<\/a>, as are specific country reports for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gadc.org.al\/media\/files\/upload\/GBD%20in%20Labour%20Albania_EN_15.03.2022.pdf\">Albania<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/hcabl.org\/rodno-zasnovana-diskriminacija-u-oblasti-rada-u-bih-2018-2020\/\">Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/womensrightscenter.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/GBD_in_Labour_in_Montenegro.pdf\">Montenegro<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/reactor.org.mk\/en\/publication-all\/gender-based-discrimination-and-labour-in-north-macedonia-2\/\">North Macedonia<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/GBD-Labour-Kosovo_2022_FINAL-1.pdf\">Kosovo<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/kvinnatillkvinna.org\/publications\/gender-based-discrimination-and-labor-in-serbia\/\">Serbia<\/a>. Please find enclosed fact sheets about the research and the Action. For further information, please contact: Nicole Farnsworth, KWN Program Director and Lead Researcher at <a href=\"mailto:Nicole@womensnetwork.org\">Nicole@womensnetwork.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Brussels,&nbsp;20 May 2022 On 20 May, the Coalition for Addressing Gender-based Discrimination in Labour in the Western Balkans (WB) launched the second edition of their research report titled Gender-based Discrimination and Labour in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Western Balkans in Brussels. The research sought to identify shortcomings in the relevant legal framework; awareness and prevalence of gender-based discrimination related to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":3354448,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3354466","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-press-releases"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3354466","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3354466"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3354466\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3354476,"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3354466\/revisions\/3354476"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3354448"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3354466"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3354466"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womensnetwork.org\/sr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3354466"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}