Protests in Jablanica: Hundreds of citizens raise their voices against violence

(Patria) - Several hundred citizens from various parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina arrived in Jablanica today for protests to support Enisa Klepo, who was brutally beaten by the owner of Hotel Jablanica because she asked for her salary. After gathering, a short performance about violence against women was held, followed by a peaceful march, N1 reports.

Unfortunately, the organizers claim, this is not the first case of violation of workers' rights and mobbing in Jablanica.

Many citizens postponed their vacations to attend this protest. They hope that the competent judicial institutions will do their job.

Enisa Klepo, a young and brave woman, was beaten on August 1 at her workplace in Hotel Jablanica when she resigned and asked for her salary for July, which she had duly earned. She decided to take the brave step of reporting the violence so that it would never happen to anyone again.

Zejna Šanjević Kussmaul from the Women's Association of Mostar said that the same protest is currently taking place in many cities in BiH. It was organized, she says, by colleagues who could not be in Jablanica today.

“This story does not end here; this is just the beginning. We are all obliged to draw attention to the fact that such things exist and no one is doing anything. This is an opportunity to encourage women who endure all sorts of things in their personal and work environments but do not have the strength like Enisa to speak out publicly. Human dignity is degraded, and that bothers me the most. I am happy that there are so many of us here tonight,” said Šanjević Kussmaul.

“Violators must face consequences,” “Violators belong in prison,” “Enisa, Jablanica is with you,” “There is no excuse for violence against women” – these are just some of the messages on the banners held by women.

“Our goals are clear – we want to stop violence against women, provide support to those who have suffered violence, highlight the necessity of fighting violence as a serious problem in our society, and initiate sanctions for employers who do not respect workers' rights!

Through peaceful protests, we want to empower the voices of victims and send a strong message that violence against women cannot go unpunished,” stated the organizers – the Women's Association Nere in cooperation with the Women's Association Most Jablanica, the Association Dignitet Mostar, the Association Initiative of Citizens of Mostar, the Women's Association Univerzum Mostar, and the Association Ja bih u EU from Sarajevo.