In 2024, the International Women’s Club (IWC) continued its commitment to empowering vulnerable women across Serbia by supporting nine impactful projects with a total funding of RSD 4.2 million. These initiatives, made possible through the generous contributions raised at the 2023 Charity Bazaar, aimed to address pressing issues such as gender-based violence, access to education in STEM fields, and the overall well-being of women from marginalized communities.
The record number of applications received this year underscored the urgent need for funding and support in these areas. By partnering with local organisations, the IWC was able to provide financial assistance and foster community awareness and action against the challenges faced by women. The following list highlights the specific projects funded in 2024, showcasing our shared mission to create positive change in the lives of women throughout Serbia.
Ruski Krstur association „RUSTEM“: „Science for Girls Empowerment“
Ruski Krstur, Vojvodina
to empower teenage girls from a local minority group at Petro Kuzmjak School in Ruski Krstur to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), becoming innovators and leaders in their communities and beyond. The project aims to promote gender equality and challenge prejudices against females in STEM fields. Project activities include a science fair, a series of workshops, an exhibition, and a STEM-themed competition.
target community: Ruski Krstur (Vojvodina)
Association of Citizens “NEXUS“: „Girls for Girls“
Vranje, South Serbia
to improve the accessibility and affordability of menstrual hygiene products for girls aged 12 to 15 in Vranje schools. This includes raising awareness about menstrual health through educational workshops for around 500 students (both male and female) and promoting project activities to reach an estimated 5,000 local citizens.
target community: Vranje (South Serbia)
NGO Alternative Center for Girls: „Say NO to toxic relationships!”
Kruševac, Central Serbia
to raise awareness about gender-based violence in adolescent relationships and mobilize action through a series of workshops for girls aged 15 to 25 in at least four high schools in Kruševac, Varvarin, and the University of Čuprija, along with an online campaign on the organization’s social media.
target community: Kruševac, Varvarin, Čuprija (Central Serbia)
Human Rights Committee Vranje „The silence has to break once“
Vranje, South Serbia
to educate 250 teenage girls from Albanian, Bulgarian, Roma, and Serbian communities on recognizing, reporting, and seeking protection from gender-based violence, while also addressing and changing patriarchal attitudes and norms.
target communities: Bujanovac, Vladicin Han, Surdulica (South Serbia)
Center for Support of Women: „Relief and Recovery: Support to Women Victims of Sexual Violence“
Kikinda, Vojvodina
to improve support services for at least 50 female victims of sexual violence, primarily from vulnerable groups, by providing medical assistance, hygiene products, and clothing to five Centers for Victims of Sexual Violence in Vojvodina.
target communities: Kikinda, Zrenjanin, Sremska Mitrovica, Vrbas, Novi Sad (Vojvodina)
Autonomous Women's Center (AWC): “Independent and liberated”
Belgrade
to support the services provided by the Autonomous Women’s Center through their SOS Helpline, assisting approximately 300 female victims of violence. This includes individual face-to-face consultations, assertiveness training, mediation, job training, and the creation of a downloadable information brochure.
target community: Belgrade
Caritas Valjevo: „Handicrafts for women empowerment“
Valjevo, Western Serbia
to fund a six-month tufting workshop for a group of ten women from Valjevo (including but not limited to women with disabilities, victims of violence, and women from marginalised communities) to help them acquire new skills and enter the local labour market.
target community: Valjevo (Western Serbia)
Citizens association Center for education SMILE: “EmpowerHer: Building Confidence Together”
Vlasotince
to support approximately fifteen vulnerable women—including those with low levels of education, unemployed women, women with disabilities, and Roma women—by providing opportunities to learn about gender equality, safety and security, reproductive health, nutrition, communication skills, and computer literacy, among other important topics.
target community: municipality of Vlasotince (South Serbia)
Association IZLAZAK: „Empowering Homeless Women: Addressing Multifaceted Challenges“
Belgrade
to help ten homeless women access better healthcare and hygiene products, attend psychological workshops, participate in cultural activities, and to amplify their voices through a public awareness campaign.
target community: Belgrade