The High Judiciary and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HJPC BiH) has reached a significant milestone as the first institution in Europe to be awarded the UNDP Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, earning the Silver Medal. This achievement underscores the HJPC’s commitment to advance gender equality in the Judiciary in Bosnia Herzegovina.
Gender Equality Seal Award Ceremony for High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina. UNDP BiH, 2024
The award ceremony, held at the United Nations building in Sarajevo, was led by Hajro Pošković, Deputy Director of the HJPC BiH Secretariat. Distinguished attendees included Joško Mandić, Senior Advisor from the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the co-lead and the key institutional partner; Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH; Corneliu Eftodi, UNDP Regional Gender Lead for the region of Europe and Central Asia and Ana Landa Ugarte, Global Manager of the UNDP Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions.
“The HJPC BiH will continue implementing activities that enhance gender equality mechanisms and empower women in the workplace, ensuring the sustainability of the achievements under the Gender Equality Seal,” Hajro Pošković, Deputy Director of the HJPC Secretariat.
Present at the ceremony were also, personnel from the HJPC, the Co-lead Institution, and UNDP, all of whom played crucial roles in the successful implementation of the Gender Equality Seal.
Under the strategic vision of the HJPC leadership, crucial reforms have institutionalized gender-responsive practices within the judiciary, under the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy of the Judiciary Sector, which HJPC leads.
Importantly, gender parity has been achieved at all levels of the organization, including decision-making positions, marking a notable commitment to balanced representation. The HJPC’s financial commitment to gender equality is demonstrated by steady budget increases over the past three fiscal years, ensuring sustainable investments in gender-responsive programs and policies. A landmark Media Action Plan has been adopted, promoting gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory language in all communications and reinforcing institutional accountability.
UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Renaud Myer hands over the silver GES certificate to Mr. Hajro Pošković, Deputy Director of High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council Secretariat. UNDP BiH, 2024
Collaboration with women’s civil society organizations has further strengthened the Judiciary’s capacity to address gender disparities. These partnerships have been pivotal in developing initiatives that align with the institution’s broader mission of promoting inclusivity and equity.
“This recognition represents not only the success of the HJPC but also a significant step forward for Bosnia and Herzegovina in its path toward joining the European Union, where gender equality is a fundamental principle,” Joško Mandić, Senior Advisor,Gender Equality Agency of Bosnia Herzegovina.
The Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, considers the Gender Equality Seal for the Public Sector an innovative Program that facilitates public sector reforms and supports the country’s EU accession efforts. It aligns institutional policies with the Gender Action Plan (2023–2027), operational plans, and the Law on Gender Equality of BiH.
HJPC is a globally recognized gender champion, as one of a group of four champion institutions in the judiciary sector to obtain the Seal at the global level, together with institutions in Argentina, Paraguay and Dominican Republic.
As a member of the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions community, the HJPC BiH sets an inspiring example of leadership and commitment to fostering gender equality. The institution’s achievements underscore its pivotal role in driving global progress, and its continued efforts promise to enhance the justice sector further.
