Advancing functional decentralisation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) two Associations of Municipalities and Cities (AMCs) play a central role in the country’s complex political environment. In this collaboration project, SALAR International supports the two associations to have a positive impact by strengthening them to implement core mandates and strategic plans in a sustainable and effective way.
Functional decentralisation and strong local governance are critical preconditions for an inclusive and peaceful Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This would ensure that all citizens have equal access to services and opportunities to influence decisions affecting them. In the complex political setting in the country, the AMCs in the respective entities (BiH and Republika Srpska) play a critical role in representing the interests of local governments (LGs). This also entails advocating in their behalf in dialogue with the central government and national policy makers.
The project builds on partnership between SALAR, AMC RS and AMC FBiH. In order to reach the long-term objectives of the AMC strategic plans, the project works based on a theory of change. In essence, AMCs need to improve their practices across a range of activities so that results can be seen at all levels, including governing structures, statutory provisions, membership participation, and in contacts with higher-level authorities.
Long-term collaboration between associations gives tangible results
Collaboration between the Swedish and Bosnian associations started in 2017. Since then, both AMCs worked on strengthening their internal organisations and increasing member engagement. They improved service delivery to members in the areas of local government finance and EU integration, which are of central importance. The AMCs also addressed other relevant areas for the members such as gender equality, management of natural resources, service delivery to citizens and citizen engagement.
Example of achievements
- AMCs developed new Strategic Plans to set direction for 2022 onwards.
- AMCs have been strengthened as organisations and advocates of local government interests, with improved services to members and stronger internal capacities
- AMCs have successfully advocated for legal changes to the regulatory framework in a way that is favourable to LGs and they have strengthened the interaction with government and parliament in both entities. They are now regularly consulted on most of the policies that concern local governments.
- AMC EU and gender equality networks have been strengthened and and are functioning as effective platforms for knowledge exchange, peer learning, and joint advocacy. Their role in in promoting inclusive, gender-sensitive local governance and the EU accession process has been enhanced.
- AMCs facilitated capacity and practice development for implementing SDG 5 on local level through an informal gender network with representatives from 13 municipalities.
Gender Networks inspire new local gender equality initiatives
The project has worked closely with the AMCs to strengthen their internal capacity and enhance member engagement across several areas, including gender equality. As part of the project, the AMCs established Gender Networks to facilitate dialogue, share best practices, and promote joint learning among municipalities from different parts of the country.
Cases of success:
Gradiška, Istočna Ilidža, Tešanj, and Žepče are all actively participating in the AMCs’ Gender Networks and have taken concrete steps to advance their work on gender equality. They serve as excellent examples of how gender equality mainstreaming can be implemented at the local level and how such efforts positively impact individuals within the community. Through the Gender Networks, such examples can serve as both inspiration and guidence for other communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Support for Women´s Sports in the Municipality of Gradiška pdf, 14 MB.
Inclusive Policies in the Municipality of Istočna Ilidža pdf, 22 MB.
Municipality of Tešanj´s Model for Combatting Violence Agains Women and Girls pdf, 13 MB.
How Local Support Fuels Women´s Entrepreneurship in the Municipality of Žepče pdf, 16 MB.
Next steps
The project is nearing the end of Phase II of the project, and preparations are under way for a new proposed project, building on the themes of LG capacities to engage in EU accession process and access EU funds.
More information
Contact
Lucia Acosta
Project Manager lucia.acosta@skr.se