The USIP Gender and Peacebuilding Initiative and the Institute for Inclusive Security present a panel discussion on the ongoing challenges of civil society in Bosnia, and in particular, how women in civil society are addressing issues of extremism. Fifteen years after the Dayton Accords ended the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, local organizations have been met with a fairly low level of acceptance. From ethnic politics to urban-rural divides, the legitimatization process has been slow and arduous. Despite these challenges, women have led numerous efforts to promote reconciliation, strengthen collaboration across territorial and ethnic divides, and offer fresh perspectives for moving the country forward. 

The panel will offer views about the Bosnian reluctance to engage in civil society as a part of the peacebuilding process, and the role women have played in moderating extremism in their divided country. The speakers will present examples of several specific initiatives and offer their own recommendations on how the international community can support their efforts to stabilize their country. 

Speakers

• Amra Seleskovic
  Director of the Vesta Association, Tuzla
• Snejzana Susnjara
  Professor of Philosophy at University of Sarajevo
  Consultant to the Gender Center of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Radmila Karlas
  Journalist focused on war crimes and reconciliation
  Author of "Four Leave Clover," Banja Luka
• Natalija Petric
  Attorney, United Women, Banja Luka
• Daniel Serwer
  Vice President, Centers of Innovation, United States Institute of Peace
• Kathleen Kuehnast, Moderator
  Gender Adviser, Gender and Peacebuilding Initiative, United States Institute of Peace