Providing support to vulnerable women and developing an integrated social protection programme
Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund SEE is a co-applicant and project partner in the project “Providing support to vulnerable women and developing an integrated social protection programme,” led by the Association “Women from Una” (Žene sa Une). The project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union under the EU4 INCLUSION programme.
The project aims to improve the position of women facing poverty, discrimination, violence and other forms of social exclusion. Particular attention will be given to women who have experienced or are at risk of gender-based violence, women with disabilities, young Roma women, and women living in rural and underserved areas.
Through cooperation with local communities, institutions and civil society organisations, the project will contribute to the development of more accessible and higher-quality social protection services. In selected local communities, the needs of women will be assessed, cooperation among relevant stakeholders will be strengthened, and support models adapted to local circumstances will be developed.
An important part of the project focuses on strengthening the capacities of local authorities, centres for social work, service providers and organisations working with vulnerable groups. Through training, mentoring and the exchange of experience, the partners will work to improve social service planning, increase citizens’ participation in decision-making, and strengthen coordination between institutions and civil society.
Within the project, ASB SEE will provide technical and expert support in analysing policies and the institutional framework, developing local plans, and strengthening the capacities of organisations and institutions. ASB SEE will also participate in implementing a small grants programme for local initiatives that contribute to women’s social inclusion and empowerment.
The project is expected to support at least 1,000 women, while at least 10 local communities will be involved in developing sustainable social protection models. Support for local initiatives will enable the development of concrete services and activities based on the needs of women in each community.
“For ASB SEE, this project is an opportunity to use its experience to contribute to a support system that is more accessible, better coordinated and more responsive to women’s needs. It is particularly important that local institutions and civil society organisations work together to develop solutions with a long-term impact,” said Elmir Bojadžić, Regional Director for South East Europe
In addition to providing direct support to women, the project will contribute to stronger civil society participation in policymaking, improved local services, and greater awareness of the rights and needs of vulnerable groups. Its long-term aim is to develop sustainable local mechanisms that will enable women—regardless of where they live or the circumstances they face—to access information, protection and the support they need more easily.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union under the EU4 INCLUSION programme.
