Employed women in Bosnia and Herzegovina face daily harassment in the workplace, ranging from discrimination in hiring and denial of advancement opportunities to sexual harassment and behind-closed-doors pressure. When it comes to protection mechanisms, differences exist between the country’s entities. Although the Republika Srpska (RS) adopted a Law on Protection from Workplace Harassment back in 2021, research shows that the law is not widely known and is rarely implemented. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), such a law has yet to be adopted, despite growing awareness of its necessity.

According to data from the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly and the Institute for Youth Development “KULT,” women are more frequently than men subjected to gender-based discrimination in the labor market. This includes direct requests not to plan pregnancies, pay disparities, and restrictions on professional advancement. Sexual harassment and mobbing further worsen the already fragile sense of security in the workplace.

In the Republika Srpska, although the law formally exists, its application remains limited. According to the RS Confederation of Trade Unions, only 40 individuals reported workplace harassment last year, and most cases were resolved internally, without the involvement of relevant institutions. At the same time, 49% of women surveyed in a recent study stated they were unaware of the law’s existence, highlighting a significant lack of information and worker education.

In response to this issue, the organization Stop Mobbing, with support from PRAGG, has launched a campaign aimed at improving the protection of women in the workplace, both in Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH. The project includes monitoring the implementation of the Workplace Harassment Law in RS, educating citizens about their rights, and advocating for the adoption of similar legislation in FBiH.

A staggering 76% of employees who experienced sexual harassment did not report it due to fear of retaliation or the belief that nothing would be done. Workplace sexual harassment is a serious issue that demands responsible action at all levels—from employers and coworkers to the relevant institutions. Victims must not feel afraid to come forward; they have the right to a safe working environment, stated Stop Mobbing.

The organization also announced progress toward securing worker protections following the support they received from Dragan Mioković, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament, for the adoption of the Workplace Harassment Protection Law in FBiH.

“We expect that the initiative for adopting this law will be submitted at the end of May during the next session of the FBiH House of Representatives, and we will inform the public in a timely manner,” stated Stop Mobbing.

In addition to passing the law, the focus is also on education, as even the best law cannot be effective without knowledge of rights and procedures. Educational efforts must include both employees and employers, with the goal of creating a healthier and safer work environment.