Rethinking, retooling and re-energising gender equality post covid-19

Is gender mainstreaming a reality in social democratic parties in the Western Balkans?

Policy Study

10/08/2022

Is gender mainstreaming a reality in social democratic parties in the Western Balkans? A case study of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia

What is the current situation regarding the implementation of gender mainstreaming in social democratic parties in the Western Balkan region? The aim of this research paper was precisely to determine the answer to this question based on a set of selected countries in the region, namely Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia and Serbia.


The transition process in the Western Balkans focused on the democratisation of society through the establishment of a multi-party system, the construction of civil society, the free market and privatisation. All these changes have been reflected in gender equality, gender mainstreaming and the notion of social democracy.


Research participants were representatives of social democratic parties, academia, civil society and the media. The research included a total of 70 participants (37 women and 33 men). Data were collected through specially constructed semi-structured questionnaires and guided interviews. The research shows that all the countries have in place the legislative framework as well as the institutional mechanisms required to implement gender equality. Unfortunately, gender equality goals are not considered state priorities, and therefore, with the political will lacking, are only being selectively and partially implemented, especially with regard to the introduction of gender mainstreaming into key country strategies and policies.


Social democratic parties in the region have been a defining and key political and ideological force in the push for gender equality, within and outside parliament, as well as in the establishment of country gender equality mechanisms for implementation. This has led to a significant internal policy shift in dealing with gender equality goals within the parties themselves, for instance in establishing the quota system and women’s forums. Gender equality in social democratic parties in the region has become a sine qua non.


Today, women’s forums are perceived as an important part of the fight for gender equality led by social democratic parties, regardless of the current difficulties that some parties are experiencing. However, despite their historical legacy and the results they have achieved in the fight for gender quality, women’s forums within parties do not have a recognisable impact on the implementation of party policy and are not perceived by the public as important factors in the fight for gender equality (except in North Macedonia). Although in the Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, there are quotas and zipper systems, it has been demonstrated that women’s forums do not have a strong enough political influence in the party or on activities outside the party. Although the CEE Gender Network has been accepted by social democratic parties as a regional gender equality political hub, it is still not recognised as a political instrument for developing gender equality policies.


The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated gender inequality. The research has shown that, although women have borne the brunt of the crisis, national anti-COVID measures in the region have not been gender-sensitive.


Based on the results obtained, this policy study concludes by providing a set of policy recommendations for social democratic parties involved in the study. Acknowledging gender equality as an important challenge for the future, the objective is to raise awareness and, in turn, guarantee the implementation of gender mainstreaming through the work of women’s forums and social democratic parties themselves.

Network
CEE Network for Gender Issues (CEE Gender Network)
Find all related publications
Publications
08/03/2023

Abortion in the European Union

Actors, issues and discourse
08/03/2023

The European Care Strategy

A chance to ensure inclusive care for all?
03/03/2023

Spotlight on the political groups as gender equality actors

Struggles over issues of gendered violence in the European Parliament
10/02/2023

Climate and gender policy

'Climate mainstreaming: breaking down the silos' series
Find all related events
Events
Upcoming
05/06/2023
Online

Fair working conditions in childcare

Care4Care Policy Series
Past
15/05/2023
Brussels, Belgium

Beyond Growth Conference

Pathways towards Sustainable Prosperity in the EU
04/05/2023
Online

Climate and gender

Policy breakfast
Find all related news
News
23/05/2023

A credible future beyond growth has to be feminist

This article was first published on EUobserver
25/04/2023

Feminist Leadership for Women in CSOs

Survey for women in leadership
20/02/2023

When will European women start earning the same as men?

Spoiler alert: that day hasn’t arrived yet
03/03/2022

EU Care Atlas: how care deficits impact the gender earnings gap

While the attention is often focused on the gender pay gap (which averages 13% in […]
Find all related in the media
In the media

A credible future beyond growth has to be feminist

by euobserver 17/05/2023
Euobserver article about the #BeyondGrowth conference mentions FEPS 'Defining Care' Policy Brief

Pay transparency can help close the gender pay gap but at what cost?

by Euronews 31/08/2022

How many inequalities can the world fight at the same time?

by Social Europe 07/07/2022

Rebutting the assaults on gender equality

by Social Europe 08/03/2022