Beijing+30 Youth Blog: Gender equality begins when every woman feels safe
Date:
Valentina Bijelić, a 17-year-old advocate for women's rights from Pančevo, Serbia, uses creative writing to highlight gender equality issues through stories and poems. Photo: Personal archive.
Women and girls across the world share a common fear – the fear of walking alone at night, of leaving their drink unattended for even a moment, of trusting the wrong person. Because in a world where violence against women persists, who knows what could happen to us?
In Serbia, despite having equal access to education, I often find myself on guard throughout the day. Even within the seemingly safe walls of my school,
A 2022 study on violence against women and girls in Serbia revealed alarming statistics: nearly half of all women and girls fear physical attacks, sexual harassment, and attempted rape, with girls aged 15-17 being the most vulnerable. One in three women has experienced violent behavior in public spaces. One in four has experienced unwanted touching. One in five has faced grabbing of body parts and stalking. Shockingly, 77% of women believe they are responsible for their own safety in public spaces.
The feeling of keys clenched between my fingers is all too familiar. The dimly lit streets and high crime rates create an unsettling atmosphere, making my legs move faster than they should. Women have developed various survival strategies - pretending to talk on the phone while walking alone at night, carrying pepper spray, or simply staying home after dark. Yet, in these moments, we stick together. Even among strangers, we instinctively watch out for each other's backs.
Violence against women is overwhelming, but there are practical solutions we can implement. We need well-lit streets, accessible self-defense classes, and education in schools on drink spiking prevention and personal safety. More importantly, we need a cultural shift – one that teaches children from an early age to embrace tolerance, respect, and acceptance. These steps align with the vision set by the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 30 years ago, which established global standards for women's safety and empowerment.
Despite the deeply rooted sexism and patriarchal values in my country, I remain hopeful as more people are starting to speak up and challenge these norms. While fear and distrust persist, I am surrounded by like-minded young women who are ready to push for social change. This gives me confidence that Serbia can evolve into a society where equal rights are a lived reality - and where I can walk down the street with one less worry on my mind.
Valentina Bijelić. Photo: Personal archive.
Biography: Valentina Bijelić is a 17-year-old advocate for women's rights from Pančevo, Serbia. She expresses her advocacy through creative writing, crafting stories and poems that highlight women's rights issues. Her published works demonstrate her commitment to advancing gender equality.
Contact Information:
Email: [ Click to reveal ]
This blog post is part of the Beijing+30 “Speak Youth to Power” series, and the opinions and views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of UN Women, the United Nations, or its Member States.