In the Western Balkans, femicide is a pressing issue that continues to claim the lives of women at an alarming rate. The region’s history of war, economic instability, and conflict-related sexual violence against women has created a environment where domestic violence is prevalent and widely accepted. The gender pay gap, patriarchal gender norms, and lack of resources contribute to the rise in femicide in countries like Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Survivors of domestic violence often receive little institutional protection, with few shelters and services available to support them.
Women in the Western Balkans face significant challenges when it comes to gender-based violence, with femicide numbers on the rise. The lack of institutional protection and support for survivors contributes to the underreporting of cases of femicide, leaving many victims undocumented and overlooked. Policymakers in the region play a crucial role in addressing this crisis, with a need for legislation that recognises femicide as a serious criminal offence and provides gender-sensitive training for those involved in the justice system.
Civil society organisations are working to provide legal support and services for women who have experienced gender-based violence, but stronger implementation of women’s rights and protection laws is needed on a national level. Domestic violence shelters, helplines, and psychosocial care must be established or expanded to support women and children in the region. Parliaments in the Western Balkans must take proactive steps to draft legislation that prioritises a victim-centred approach to accessing justice and protection.
International development agencies are encouraged to assist Western Balkan governments and NGOs in funding programs and training initiatives that address gender-based violence and femicide. Public awareness campaigns are needed to educate communities about femicide and how to access support services. By recognising femicide as a serious criminal offence, expanding shelters and support services, and implementing gender-sensitive training, Western Balkan institutions and policymakers have the potential to save the lives of women and significantly reduce the number of femicide cases in the region.
It is crucial for immediate action to be taken to prevent further deaths and tragedy caused by femicide in the Western Balkans. Failure to interdict the cycle of domestic violence will result in more lives lost. By combating femicide now, policymakers in the region have the opportunity to make a significant impact and potentially save the lives of hundreds of women in the next decade. The time to act is now, in order to protect the lives of women like Gjyljeta Ukella, Erona Cokli, and many others who have fallen victim to femicide in the Western Balkans.
