Context:
Despite economic growth in recent years, not all population groups in Serbia have equal opportunities to participate in economic and social life.The prospects of women and girls are limited by gender-based disadvantages and traditional gender roles. In addition, young people in particular, as well as minorities such as members of the Roma community and persons with disabilities, are affected by multiple forms of discrimination. Policy directives aim to promote social and economic inclusion in the country, but municipalities often fail to implement them adequately. The support system lacks systematic social services and other programmes tailored to the needs of young women and vulnerable young people.
Objective:
The support system for the social and economic inclusion of young women and vulnerable young people in Serbia has improved.
Approach:
The project works together with the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Policy to strengthen the rights, resources and representation of young women and vulnerable young people. To achieve this, the project supports up to four selected municipalities in Serbia in establishing gender-responsive and inclusive services and developing them into models that can be replicated. These include job-seeking services and protection for women subjected to violence. The project focuses on two key areas:
1. It strengthens the capacities of, as well as coordination and exchange between, ministries, municipalities, civil society and private-sector actors to improve opportunities for participation and create a joint portfolio of needs-based services.
2. It supports the systematisation and standardisation of existing services. This enables government and civil society actors to provide these services on an ongoing basis throughout the country.