More than 200 Home Care Aides Certified in FBiH, Boosting Elder Care and Women's Empowerment

A groundbreaking initiative to bolster Bosnia and Herzegovina's care system for older adults and empower women economically culminated in February 2025 with the graduation of 217 newly trained home care aides. This innovative program, implemented in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, certified 213 women and four men after a month-long training course, equipping them with the skills to provide professional home care and social support.

The program directly addresses a critical need: a growing population of older adults requiring enhanced care, coupled with persistent economic challenges disproportionately affecting women. The comprehensive training, combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience, has equipped these graduates to meet the complex demands of the profession. It was implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and UN Women Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the project “Translating the SDG Framework in BiH into Sustainable and Inclusive Growth (SDG2BiH)”, funded by Sweden, and implemented by UNDP, in partnership with UNICEF and UN Women, as a part of United Nations broader support to authorities in BiH to help achieve the SDGs.

The impact extends far beyond skill acquisition. For Amina Buljubašić from Zenica, the program provided unexpected strength during a period of personal loss: “This wasn’t just about a job; it was about empowerment—building self-esteem, setting boundaries, and finding strength in a society grappling with violence. It's a step towards real economic and psychosocial empowerment for women.”

The training also provided crucial knowledge about beneficiary rights, particularly safeguarding vulnerable elders against abuse and neglect, especially those with disabilities or dementia. Marija Prajo from Kreševo emphasized the transformative nature of the curriculum: “I gained invaluable skills, from improving my knowledge of working with the elderly to learning about their rights, proper nutrition, and assisting those with disabilities. I'm ready to provide comprehensive care, from daily tasks to advocating for my clients' rights.”

The focus on psychological support resonated deeply with Nejra Japić from Cazin, who noted that this aspect is often overlooked. Even with prior professional experience, she found the program invaluable: “It was a wonderful experience to be part of the first generation of ‘Gerontodomaćice’; full of smiles, positive energy, and genuine personal growth.” Antun Mikulić, one of four male graduates, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the program's impact on his existing work with the Red Cross in Široki Brijeg's "Široki Brijeg Sisters – Home Care" project: “It's incredibly important work, helping those who need it most. This training was a great opportunity to build on our existing skills and knowledge and we're eager for more opportunities to collaborate.”

Sanja Mulahmetović from Tuzla articulated the program's broader societal impact: “Our elders possess invaluable wisdom. Respecting and caring for them is crucial for building strong families and communities. This training provided the tools to provide holistic care, understanding their emotional, physical, and social needs.” Jasmina Koro from Sarajevo underscored the significance of the emotional support component: “The skills I've gained will make a real difference in the lives of my clients, both in daily routines and during challenging times.”

The program represents a significant step towards modernizing the care sector for older adults and strengthening social welfare in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This initiative not only provides vital support for vulnerable citizens but also empowers women economically, creating a sustainable model for long-term care and addressing the evolving needs of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aging population. Plans are underway to expand the program and further professionalize the home care field in the second phase, which will be implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Red Cross of Federation BiH, and the Federal Employment Institute.