Call for participation at the Equality Academy 2016

Friedrich Ebert Foundation and Sarajevo Open Centre

Public call

For application to the Equality Academy 2016

Deadline for application is February the third 2016.

After successful realization of the Equality Academy in 2015, Friedrich Ebert Foundation and Sarajevo Open Centre are proud to announce a public call for participation on the second generation of the Equality Academy – platform for political leadership and space for joint actions of representatives, leaders of political parties and civil society organizations.

Goals of the Equality Academy are:

• Strengthening the capacities of political leaders in gender equality area and equality policies of underprivileged groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to enhance rights of citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Strengthening the cooperation between decision makers and representatives of civil society organizations in BiH.

Equality Academy is intended for:

• Representatives of Parliaments in cantonal, entity and state level;
• Members of central party organs of parliament parties in B&H;
• Advisors of political leaders and Ministers in cantonal, entity or state level

who are interested in strengthening their capacities and in identification and implementation of concrete solutions in order to improve gender equality and position of underprivileged groups in our society.

Structure of the Equality Academy:

The Equality Academy is consisted form four modules. Every module lasts for three days. Three of these modules are dedicated only to the Bosnian participants, fourth module will be a regional event, with the participation of politicians from neighboring countries.

First four modules are consisted from lectures, workshops, discussions and meetings with representatives from civil society organizations. Lecturers have experience in political practice, but they are also members of international organizations and NGO organizations from BiH and region. Fourth and last module is a study visit to Zagreb within which participants will be able to exchange experiences and information with the representatives of Croatian Parliament, Government, and independent bodies and organizations.

When you apply to the Equality Academy you are obligated to participate in every module.

Modules of the Equality Academy will take place in:

Gender equality and European Union Zagreb,

May or June 2016.

Academy costs

Organizers of the Academy will pay for accommodation, food, refreshment and costs of participation on the Academy. Travel expenses should be paid by the participants themselves.

How to apply to the Equality Academy?

If you belong to the one of the groups named above and you want to participate on the Equality Academy, then please send your application on bouth e-mail adresses: [email protected] and [email protected]. Deadline for application is February the third.

Application (word or PDF file) should be consisted from a) a short biography (up to three pages) b) short motivation letter (up to two pages) which contains information how will you use knowledge and acquaintances made on the Academy. In application must be c) contact phone number d) e-mail address, e) from which party and party organ are you coming f) are you representative in legislative power, or are you performing the function in the executive power of cantons, entities or state level.

If there is a bigger number of applications the organizers will make an election of participants considering gender, party and regional representation. Selected participants will be informed about it until February the eighth.

Equality Academy is organized by:

Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) is established in 1952 as a political inheritance of first German president, Friedrich Ebert, who was elected in democratic way. Foundation has its offices in Sarajevo and Banja Luka. Foundation is pleading for cooperative dialogue between civil society and those who are political responsible. With help of local, regional and national partners, Friedrich Ebert Foundation is organizing different educational and informative programmes. Through their studies and publication Foundation Friedrich Ebert is analyzing central social and economic-political themes. More informaton about FES you can find on web page www.fes.ba.

Sarajevo Open Centre (SOC) advocates the full respect of human rights and social inclusion of LGBT people and women. Sarajevo Open Centre is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organization that empowers LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans*) people and women through community and movement building. SOC also promotes the human rights of LGBT people and women publically and advocates on national, European and international level for improved legislation and policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. More about SOC you can find on web page www.soc.ba.

You can download a PDF version of a public call here.