Ministry of Defence of Serbia committed to increase capacities to prevent and respond to gender based discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse

Eleven Persons of Trust in the Ministry of Defence of Serbia (MoD) increased their knowledge on prevention of discrimination and learned how to effectively respond to cases of discrimination and harassment during the two-day seminar delivered by UNDP SEESAC on 24 and 25 June 2021. Persons of Trust is a network of MoD employees who have been selected by their colleagues and who act as the internal complaint mechanism.

During the interactive seminar, participants learned about stereotypes and what causes discrimination. They learned what gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment are and how to create a discrimination-free workplace. Additionally, they learned about protection mechanisms, laws and regulations, and how to mediate disputes effectively.  Finally, they discussed discrimination cases and tested their understanding and perception of their role.

The training was organized at the MoD request to strengthen their capacities and as part of their commitment to increase the capacities of Persons of Trust. The fourth two-day seminar increased the number of trained Persons of Trust to 74.

This activity is implemented through the Strengthening of Regional Cooperation on Gender Mainstreaming in Security Sector Reform in the Western Balkans project is financed by the governments of Norway and the Slovak Republic. With the support of UNDP SEESAC, the project provides the Ministries of Defence and Armed Forces in the Western Balkans with a platform where, over the next three years, they can exchange ideas and develop policies to ensure long-term and sustainable inclusion of the gender perspective in defence policies and practices.