Democracy is not just a word, nor a date on the calendar. Democracy is the voice of every person who wants to be heard. On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, from 15 to 19 September across Bosnia and Herzegovina, PRAGG is organizing the Days of Civic Participation – for the third year in a row. This is a unique opportunity for citizens to show that their voice has the power to change communities.

The streets, squares, and public spaces in eight local communities—Banja Luka, Bratunac, Konjic, Livno, Travnik, Tuzla, Vitez, and Zavidovići—are becoming places where citizens can openly speak about the issues that concern them, propose solutions, and feel that they are not alone in their efforts. The goal is simple: to remind everyone that democracy lives only when people participate and when their voices are respected. Citizens will have the opportunity to directly express their views, talk about the problems that affect them, and offer solutions they see for their community.

“Democracy is not something distant and abstract—it lives in everyday conversations, in the questions we ask, and in the courage to get involved. The Days of Civic Participation are an opportunity to show together that citizens’ voices matter and that everyone has the right and the power to contribute to change, regardless of age, profession, or where we come from. This is an invitation to all of us to take the space that belongs to us and to shape the community we want to live in with our ideas, questions, and opinions,” said Nikolina Vilov Mahmutović, PRAGG Project Communications Manager.

Hatidža, a student from Travnik, emphasized: “It is important for young people to be included in the decisions of local authorities, because without that no one can know what kind of support we need to get more involved and jointly build a better community.” Dragan (46) from Banja Luka shares a similar feeling: “We often think our voice doesn’t matter, but when we stand among our fellow citizens and say out loud what bothers us, we feel that we are not alone—and that change begins with us.”

In the past three years, many local initiatives launched by citizens themselves have shown how much can change when people unite and speak up. Thanks to their efforts, Zenica became the first city in the Federation of BiH to establish systemic support for organizations of persons with disabilities, while in Mostar, after ten years of waiting, conditions were finally created to open the Institute for Free Legal Aid of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. Citizens of Trebinje and Gračanica fought for new children’s playgrounds, while in Gradačac, after 14 years, they obtained a Youth Strategy.
These are just some examples of successful initiatives launched by citizens across BiH. Some communities gained higher-quality public services, others a safer environment, and still others greater institutional transparency. What they all share is the sense that citizens’ efforts are being recognized and that their demands are not in vain.

“Citizens Have Their Say!” is not just an event—it is a call to get involved and a reminder that democracy is not someone else’s concern, but our shared right and responsibility.