Western Balkans countries face the issue of structural gender inequalities in all key aspects of society. This project was implemented aiming to strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) for their more active and efficient participation in democratic processes promoting gender equality at the local level. National mechanisms recognized the importance of this initiative and all their representatives were very active in the implementation of project activities.
Two specific objectives were achieved: (1) strengthening of capacities of CSOs for integration of gender equality in local governance institutions and key public policies; (2) improving cooperation and networking of CSOs from Western Balkans countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro) and EU countries (Sweden), aiming to foster intercultural dialogue, exchange experiences and launch joint actions directed at promoting gender equality at the local level.
Activities led to a more efficient functioning of the civil society in terms of promoting gender policies at the local level and in the region. Also, instruments and tools were provided for future expansion of capacity of CSOs in the area of local gender equality policies, adapted to the specific local context and needs. One of the tools was the “Gender Equality at the Local Level” handbook, supported by national gender mechanisms and recommended for use in all three countries, with an ambition to become part of the toolkit for promoting gender equlaity in all local comunities.