Sarajevo Hosts International Summer School on Women, Peace and Security

Over five days, participants will explore the role of women in peacebuilding and learn about global and regional security challenges from a gender perspective. The Summer School is organized by the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security Studies in partnership with UN Women, under the PBF's initiative Women Lead the Way Towards Peace and Security in BiH (WPS), implemented jointly with UNFPA and IOM in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the regional initiative Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality, and Trust.

The strong interest of young people in this topic is reflected in the more than 5,000 applications received from 140 countries. After a rigorous evaluation process, 50 outstanding candidates from 11 countries were selected. They will attend lectures by 19 speakers, including university professors, representatives of international organizations, and global experts. The program, which carries 2 ECTS academic credits for a total of 50 hours, combines lectures, workshops, field visits, and individual assignments.

The programme will cover case studies such as women’s contributions to peace movements in Liberia and Colombia, as well as security-sector reforms in Rwanda. Particular attention will be devoted to Bosnia and Herzegovina as a post-conflict society, addressing the legacy of wartime sexual violence and examining the institutional role of women in security.

Participants include students from all levels of study in criminology, security, law, political science, gender studies, and related disciplines. Through interactive workshops and practical exercises, they will strengthen their ability to analyze security policies from a gender perspective and apply this knowledge in their future professional work.

“The main goal of the program is to empower future leaders in the field of security by equipping them with the tools to integrate a gender perspective into peace and security policies,” the organizers from the PBF's WPS programme emphasize.

Strengthening women’s voices through education is essential for effectively implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, which emerged in response to the need for greater participation of women in peace missions, conflict prevention, and security-sector reforms.  The Summer School will therefore also explore the historical development of this agenda and other key UN Security Council documents, including Resolution 1325, adopted 25 years ago, which underscores the importance of gender equality in security policies.

In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and skills for their future careers, the Summer School will offer young people from around the world a unique opportunity to learn together, connect across borders, and build lasting friendships and memories.