Inzko congratulates all women in BiH on March 8

The High Representative in BiH, Valentin Inzko, today sent congratulations to all women in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the occasion of March 8, International Women's Day, reports the Patria News Agency. 

-It is my deep conviction that only one day a year, although important, is not enough to acknowledge women for their achievements. It is not enough to dedicate only one day to what still needs to be done to empower women so they can achieve true equality with men. Nor is it enough to dedicate only one day to preventing violence against women and improving women's access to quality healthcare.

Regarding the representation of women in the public sector, it is essential to remember that the law in BiH is clear: women should be represented in political life by at least 40%. Citizens went to the polls last October. As new governments are formed across the country and many new high-ranking officials are appointed to public institutions, I call once again on all competent authorities to keep these legal obligations in mind. 

On International Women's Day, I take the opportunity to say: we cannot allow women in BiH to be on the margins of society for the remaining 364 days of the year. I will paraphrase this year's United Nations slogan for International Women's Day – empowering women means empowering humanity, the OHR statement reads.