Advocate for the missing: “As long as these stories remain untold and these women remain unseen, I feel a responsibility to continue this work”

Seida Karabašić is President of the Prijedor Women Izvor NGO, which works tirelessly to locate missing persons and advocate for stronger laws and support for women’s rights, roles and recognition in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina.

1. What continues to motivate you to dedicate your life to peacebuilding?

In our country, we see a continuation of conflict in another form – a political war that is still being waged. Those who suffered during the war continue to face discrimination and marginalization. The Dayton Peace Agreement succeeded in stopping the violence, but it did not create a system in which the State could function effectively. In that sense, the war left behind unresolved wounds that remain open.

What motivates me most is the fact that there are still women who have never shared their stories despite having endured the gravest forms of violence, rape and in some cases even the horrific experience of witnessing their daughters raped before their very eyes. Their silence is not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of the stigma, fear and lack of support that continues to surround survivors. As long as these stories remain untold and these women remain unseen, I feel a responsibility to continue this work.

My deepest source of hope and motivation comes from young people, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad. I see a generation that loves this country but refuses to be trapped by hatred, prejudice or divisions based on nationality or faith. Their openness and belief in a different future remind me why it is worth continuing to fight for peace, justice and reconciliation. They embody the possibility of a society where the mistakes of the past are not repeated, and that vision keeps me moving forward every day.

2. Why is remembrance and truth-seeking essential for long-term peace and reconciliation?

Remembrance is essential because it preserves the identities of those who were killed and never found. Only the families of the missing truly understand the depth of that pain – an uncertain loss that slowly destroys not only families but the fabric of society. There can be no lasting peace in a place where people remain missing, and where their killers continue to walk freely. Families need a place where their loved ones are laid to rest, which is why it is so important to insist on finding every missing person.

Those who are missing continue to live through our stories and collective memory. In this way, they are not erased, and their absence does not silence them. Families of the missing need the support of others to feel that they are not alone in their grief – that their pain is recognized, and that society stands with them. Only by acknowledging and addressing this loss can we begin to build true reconciliation and a peace that lasts.

3. What reforms are most important to further empower women today?

I've advocated for laws that guarantee rights and justice for women who were victims of war, as well as for the families of the missing. But passing laws alone is not enough, the State must also ensure the resources, structures and political will for these laws to be implemented effectively. Where gaps remain, it is important to adopt amendments and reforms that respond to the evolving needs of survivors and their families.

Beyond legislation, it is crucial for women to have a stronger role in political decision-making, at both the local and national level. Representation matters, not only because women bring different perspectives and priorities, but also because a democratic society cannot be built if half of its population remains excluded.

For me, true empowerment will come when women in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not only protected by law but also recognized as equal participants in political, social and economic life. That requires continuous reform, investment in women’s leadership and a commitment from us all to ensure that women’s voices are not just heard, but valued.

4. How is the younger generation of women contributing to peacebuilding?

Young women in our country are highly educated, technologically skilled and have access to tools, resources and strategies developed by non-governmental organizations. Because of this, I believe they are able to achieve even greater results in shaping the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina than previous generations.

They are a key factor not only for the future of our country but also for the status of women within families and in political life. Their engagement, creativity and resilience make them essential actors in peacebuilding, reconciliation and social transformation. By stepping into leadership roles and insisting on equality, they are challenging old patterns and opening space for a society that is more inclusive, democratic and just.

The younger generation of women represents both hope and responsibility. They carry forward the unfinished work of those who came before them, but they have the knowledge, skills and vision to move our country closer to lasting peace and stability. In that sense, their role is not only important, but indispensable.

5. How do you envision the future of women’s activism in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Over the past five years, I’ve seen women’s activism in Bosnia and Herzegovina grow and evolve in powerful ways. Many new women’s organizations have emerged, engaging in education, advocacy and grass-roots activism. Women’s activism has become more accessible and inclusive, which makes me confident that we will see the strengthening of many women’s networks and activist movements across the country.

However, for this progress to be sustainable, women’s organizations need reliable support. International actors can play a crucial role by providing economic and political backing. It is essential to ensure that women’s movements, associations and networks are able to act independently and without fear that their work will be interrupted due to a lack of resources. Long-term funding, training opportunities and consistent international solidarity are key to building security and stability for women’s activism.

This story is published as part of "The Past, Present, and Future of Women, Peace, and Security" campaign, commemorating the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, to celebrate the power of peace. The campaign aims to foster a deeper dialogue on equality, justice and peace, honoring the legacies and amplifying the voices of 25 trailblazing women from across Europe and Central Asia whose significant contributions have transformed their communities, societies, and beyond. The content reflects the personal views and experiences of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official position of UN Women, its partners, or the United Nations.