Planned Budget (Total)
Other resources (non-core)
Country Indexes
outcome XM-DAC-41146-SRB_D_1.1
All people, especially the more vulnerable, benefit from the realization of human rights, gender equality, social cohesion and enhanced rule of law in line with international commitments (UNSDCF Outcome 3.1)
While the outcome has not been fully achieved, it remains on track as women in Serbia have benefitted from gender-responsive initiatives. Institutions at all levels of government have increasingly reflected gender equality priorities in their activities, measures and budgets. However, progress was impacted by the gender backlash of 2024, which led to the Constitutional Court's decision to suspend the Gender Equality Law. Despite this setback, institutions across Serbia have continued to advance gender equality. All line ministries, provincial secretariats, oversight bodies, and numerous other institutions at the national and provincial levels applied GRB (130 institutions in total). These efforts have positively impacted various vulnerable groups of women, improving their position across multiple sectors. The Ministry of European Integration maintained its focus on gender mainstreaming in the programming and implementation of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). The Ministry of Mining and Energy initiated gender mainstreaming within policy and project management cycles for IPA III, preparing for its role as the Managing Authority for IPA III funds under the Operational Programme for Window 3. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Employment, Labour, Veteran, and Social Affairs conducted a gender analysis of funding targeting persons with disabilities, identifying key gaps and challenges faced by women with disabilities in accessing services. Women with disabilities will benefit from improved capacities to develop advocacy initiatives and budget watchdog reports. Additionally, the Commissioner for Protection of Equality is now better equipped to promote the right of women with disabilities to work through improved practices in reasonable accommodation and intersectional discrimination. Furthermore, over 250 women entrepreneurs from diverse regions of Serbia have enhanced their business practices through capacity-building programs and networking opportunities. UN Women has played a pivotal role in supporting these critical processes through targeted capacity development programs and expert assistance. Based on the progress made so far, the original strategy and theory of change remain valid. Women and girls in Serbia continue to face barriers to fully exercising their rights, equally contributing to and benefiting from development, and living free from discrimination.
outcome XM-DAC-41146-SRB_D_3.1
Universal and inclusive access to quality health, social and protection services is improved (UNSDCF Outcome 2.1.)
The Outcome was not achieved however, progress was made. Prevention, protection, prosecution, and referral mechanisms on domestic and other forms of violence against women in Serbia remain inadequate despite the adoption of the 2017 Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, and the 2021 Strategy for Preventing and Combating Gender-based Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. However, the Serbia still lack the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy for Preventing and Combating Gender-based Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, and it remains uncertain whether the Criminal Code, which is currently in the process of amendment, will harmonize the incrimination of gender-based violence with the Istanbul Convention and criminalize GBV in the digital space. Another important problem is the lack, in most parts of Serbia, of specialist women-to-women support services, for victims of rape and sexual violence, early marriage, stalking and digital violence. Progress has been made towards strengthening capacities of the state and provincial institutions as well as women CSOs. Progress has been made towards strengthening institutions, such as courts and prosecution ogffice, Provincial Secretariat for Social Protection, Demography and Gender Equality and women CSOs to engage in the effective implementation of the recommendations to Serbia in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Concluding observations issued in March 2019, and the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) baseline report published in January 2020, and to improve the delivery of support services for women survivors of violence, with a specific focus on marginalized and multiple discriminated groups and women victims of specific forms of violence. Namely, in 2024 Partner Agreement was signed with Provincial Secretariat for Social Policy, Demography and Gender Equality to support implementation of the measures from Provincial Programme on combating and prevention of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence 2023-2026. The goal of the two-year cooperation is to improve institutional practices and capacities to effectively prevent and address violence against women and girls. As regards sexual violence, fifth Center for Victims of Sexual Violence (CVSV) in General Hospital in Vrbas officially began functioning and providing support services in November ensuring greater coverage and quality of services. Catalogue of methods on providing psychological support services to women experiencing sexual violence has been developed. The Catalog offers a collection of methods in the provision of psychosocial and psychological support services in CVSVs. 215 representatives of the judiciary strengthened their capacities to recognize and process all forms of violence against women and girls. Also, 60 Ministry of Justice misdemeanor judges improved their capacities at trainings for the implementation of the Law on the prevention of VAWG, particularly urgent measures for victim protection and justice sector response to gender-based violence against women and domestic violence, with the support of UN Women. 25 representatives of the judiciary that provide services for assistance and support for victims and witnesses of criminal acts in higher courts and public prosecutor's offices in Serbia significantly improved their knowledge and skills in regard to gender and psychological perspectives and were provided with practical tools necessary to enhance their work in victim and witness support. Coordination team of the Provincial Network "Life without Violence" developed their Plan for 2025 and 2026 to support implementation of policies to reduce gender-based violence against women and girls and domestic violence. As part of the implementation of the AP for 2024, 21 (15 men and 6 women) police officers/inspectors from AP Vojvodina improved knowledge in the field of preventing violence against women, its causes and consequences, gender stereotypes and the role of the police in creating gender-responsive actions in cases of gender-based violence against women; 18 media representatives (16 women and 2 men) from Vojvodina and journalism students from the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Novi Sad, improved knowledge on gender roles, stereotypes and their impact on media reporting, as well as ways and methods of gender-sensitive and ethical reporting on gender equality and gender-based violence; and 18 law students and members of the Legal Clinic on Domestic Violence at the Faculty of Law in Novi Sad (15 women and 3 men) improved their knowledge on gender roles, gender stereotypes and the institutional response to and prevention of violence against women. In addition, throughout 2024, five CSOs were awarded with grants to combat digital gender-based violence by UN Women. Thus, CSO Astra's project focuses on women vulnerable to recruitment, harassment, and exploitation for human trafficking. It employes a multi-pronged approach to empower survivors, protect those at risk, and advocate for stronger local and national responses. The Becej Youth Association (BUM) project aims to combat digital GBV in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina by raising awareness and enhancing local institutional support for preventing digital GBV through the development of tailored local policies. The National Youth Council of Serbia (KOMS) undertakes activities in three areas: producing podcasts to raise awareness about violence in the digital space, conducting a social media campaign, and creating a document to advocate for the criminalization of revenge pornography in Serbia. Additionally, the Serbian Games Association (SGA) project aims to educate women on recognizing digital violence, empowering them to combat it, and providing recommendations for the technical implementation of reporting and sanctioning solutions in video games. Finally, the Center for Population Policies and Sustainable Development (CPPSD) addresses the prevention of revenge pornography, specifically focusing on the issue of consent, or the lack thereof. In addition, throughout 2024, two women CSOs from Montenegro - Podgorica, SoS telephone for women and children’s victims of gender based and domestic violence and Center for Women's Rights, further increased their capacity to monitor and address harmful gender stereotypes and to advocate for better access to and improved provision of innovative service for women survivors of violence through electronic monitoring of restraining order – bracelet for victims and perpetrator system (EMS). An information leaflet developed for victims of gender-based violence and domestic violence on prevention and protection mechanisms and EMS, was distributed and reached over 3,500 women. Based on the progress made to date, the original strategy and theory of change for this outcome are still applicable because women and girls are still not able to exercise their rights on an equal footing with men and boys and equally contribute to and benefit from development. UN Women will continue to support the government and key stakeholders to be able to prevent violence against women and girls.
outcome XM-DAC-41146-SRB_D_3.2
UN system is accountable to measure, monitor and drive progress towards the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
The outcome was achieved. The UN system demonstrates greater coordination, coherence and accountability for commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE). This resulted from UN Women’s advisory support to the United Nations Country Team (UNCT). The support included integrating a gender perspective in planning, monitoring, and reporting, programming, capacity building and leading the Gender Thematic Group (GTG). All planned indicator targets were achieved. In its Comprehensive UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard Report, out of total 15 indicators, Serbia exceeded minimum requirements for 11 and met minimum requirements for 4 indicators. The GTG completed all 16 action points from its Annual Work Plan. There were three GTG Meetings, an Annual GTG Retreat and several multi- and bilateral meetings between GTG Chair, Deputy Chair, RCO, MEG, OMT, Comms Group and HRLNOB Group, which were recognised as a good practice to coordinate joint work and create synergies. UN Serbia UNSDCF does not have a standalone Outcome on gender but an Outcome that targets gender equality: “All people, especially the more vulnerable, benefit from the realization of human rights, gender equality and enhanced rule of law in line with international commitments “. Apart from the gender-targeted Outcome, other outcomes are gender mainstreamed. Gender components are identified in the narrative, in the Theory of Change, for each Strategic Priority, and GEWE is integrated in all outcomes through outcome indicators and in the UNCT contribution section, with clear linkages to SDG5. Just over half (52.17%) of UNSDCF Outcome level indicators measure changes in gender equality and the empowerment of women in line with SDG targets including SDG 5. In early 2023 UNCT Serbia reported against five global indicators within SGD 5 (5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.7, 5.8). In 2022, JWPs as reported in the UNCT Annual Results Report, 36 out of 97 Output level indicators were gender sensitive, either measuring direct contributions to gender equality or having gender desegregations measuring GE intervention aspects. The mid-year UNSDCF Review (January-September 2023) reflects the gender results are on track according with Interim Review (January- September) narrative reporting since the Output level indicator targets will be assessed for the Annual Results Report in February 2024. The UNCT engaged in greater advocacy efforts, include joint markings of important dates for GEWE. For example, 45,000 individuals were reached through a joint social media campaign which outlined milestones for gender equality in Serbia and women’s views on gender equality, marking International Women’s Day conducted by UN Serbia GTG and Communications Group, spearheaded by UNDP. Additionally, 265,000 people received messages about GBV during a social media campaign marking 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence against Women and Girls by UN Serbia GTG and Communications Group. Attendees at a joint event “Imagine Life without Violence“ focused on youth and GBV learned about regional research on social cohesion, gender equality and peacebuilding and engaged in a moderated discussion. The GTG and Communications group organized that event on 24 November in Belgrade, spearheaded by UNDP as Deputy GTG Chair. At a second joint event "Bridges of Hope: United in the fight against gender-based violence" high government officials, donors and international community discussed the needs of refugee women and girls. Organized on 27 November, in Novi Sad by UNHCR and RCO, the event featured joint cooking, musical performance and mural painting. UN agencies also organized other events targeting different communities, showcased in a detailed calendar of all UN agencies’ events for 16 DoA against GBV which was shared on social media. Lastly, UN staff took a group photo in front of UN House, traditionally supporting the Orange the World Campaign and sharing this year’s message “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls”. The GTG and other relevant UNCT mechanisms worked with an external consultant to develop a multi-year Capacity Building Plan (2023-2025) based on the UN Serbia gender equality capacity and learning needs assessment. The GTG also developed a Gender Equality Screening Tool for projects based on Albanian good practice. Gender equality is visibly mainstreamed in all ten operational Joint Projects. Out of ten joint projects implemented, UN Women participated in four Joint Projects out of which it was lead for one on disability, during the reporting period. In the reporting period UN Women ensured gender mainstreaming of the Cooperation Framework Joint Work Plans (JWPs) and provided inputs which better integrate gender perspective and inform advocacy and programming in various reports and surveys. The Office provided inputs for the JWPs update including indicators, sub output/project descriptions, budget, geolocation, UNCT-GEMs etc. The Office provided agency and GTG inputs for RCO-led processes such as the 2023 CF Annual Results Report, 2024 Interim Report, partnerships survey, resource mobilization strategy, EU & UN Policy Dialogue and joint advocacy to the government, UNCT Plan of Action to Support Justice, Trust Building, Social Cohesion and Counter Hate Speech, etc. In 2024, as part of the preparation for new CF 2026-2030, a Common Country Analysis is being conducted. It envisaged a wide consultative process engaging all relevant stakeholders as well as a Foresight Analysis. Contributions were made to 4 interagency products which involved gender analysis and data production which have and will inform future advocacy and programming: Common Country Analysis, twoGender Briefs, edited by UN Women, as well as Progress Report on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. UN Women and GTG provided inputs for the National Strategy for Healthy and Active Aging spearheaded by UNFPA UNCT Serbia was showcased as a country with good practice on application of UNCT GEMs at the Global GTG Webinar. This was due to country’s improved UNCT GEM score that was a result of the capacity building endeavours and great coordination of Result Groups, Monitoring and Evaluation Group and Gender Thematic Gorup, spearheaded by UN Women. UN Women as Chair of GTG and the expert agency on gender coordinated and implemented all the above-mentioned gender related efforts.
outcome XM-DAC-41146-SRB_O_1
Assuring an accountable organization through principled performance
The output cluster was achieved due to staff’s principled performance and accountability. The Office improved administration of resources through budget, financial, HR, IT and Risk management. The planned annual indicator targets were achieved. In the reporting period, the Office has been in regular contact with UNDSS and UN Women Global Security Specialist to ensure that office locations meet the security standards and that all staff passed mandatory security trainings. An Occupational Safety and Health Assessment was conducted and a Business Continuity and Crisis Management Exercise with all primary and alternate members of UN Women Crisis Management Team. Business Continuity Plan and Crisis Management Plan was updated. The personnel list and contact numbers in Everbridge are updated and testing conducted. Overall security and safety compliance was 100%, InfoSec training 100%. The completed the Leadership Dialogues on Navigating Outside Activities and Ethics Dialogue as part of 2024 Ethics Awareness Month. The Office conducted its activities in line with 2024Risk Register, as part of the 2022-2023 BWP and in accordance with the guidelines and training provided by HQ and UNDSS. Mid year review of the 2024 Risk Register was completed as well as the Fraud Risk Assessment. The staff prepared budget revisions where necessary. Due to limited functionality of Quantum, Project Officers were tracking expenses manually. The Office regularly prepared month end exercises as of August, which were submitted in a timely manner. The year-end checklist is in preparation. The end of the year core and non-core delivery and utilization will be known at the end of January 2025. Currently 14 January delivery is as follows non-core 86.44% utilization 93.37%, core delivery 100%. In the reporting period, UN Women produced high quality annual report and bi-annual monitoring reports as well as 2024-2025 Bi-Annual Plan which meet the result-based management principles. All DRF and OEEF indicators have baseline data and targets, and the reporting was conducted against these indicators and targets at activity, output, outcome, and impact level. The reporting was evidence-based and lessons learned were outlined. Operations Analyst and Technical Project Analyst/JP Project Officer as UNTF Programmatic focal points monitored the financial and programmatic implementation of the UNTF grantees from the 25 th funding cycle, Center for Support of Women and Osvit and 26ty funding cycle Bibija. Assessment was completed for the 27 Cycle grantee Labris and office was involved in the audit of CSW. Office was alo included in the Feminist Collaborative Evaluation on UN Women’s approach to social norms change.
outcome XM-DAC-41146-SRB_O_2
Advancing partnerships and resourcing; Effectively influencing for impact & scale
The output cluster is completed and planned annual indicator targets achieved. The Office maintained strong partnerships and initiated new ones with relevant stakeholders including government, independent bodies, civil society, and development partners. The visibility of UN Women in Serbia initiatives and programmatic results has increased with a series of high-level events and social media campaigns, In the online sphere, UN Women in Serbia's Facebook page (over 8,6k followers) continues to generate discussion on different gender equality issues among stakeholders and wider audience, with its outreach increasing on daily basis. UN Women in Serbia’s online presence increased, targeting different and younger audiences, with an Instagram account which, for a bit more over a year, has gained over 5,900 followers and is a leading profile among other UN Women Instagram accounts in the region. The Office continued partnerships with Minister without portfolio in charge of gender equality, prevention of violence against women and economic and political empowerment of women, Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality and other relevant line ministries and independent bodies. Programmes are funded by eleven donors: European Union, Swedish International Development Cooperation, Government of Norway, UK-Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Multi-Donor Trust Fund Office, Agence Francaise de Development, US International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs and Peace Building Fund. The Office developed 36 new joint initiatives with diverse partners. The Office implemented following projects: “ Safeguarding women and girls in Serbia” funded by UK FCO “Improved Safety of Women in Serbia” funded by Government of Norway, “Support to Priority Actions for Gender Equality in Serbia II” funded by the EU, “Transformative Financing for Gender Equality towards more Transparent, Inclusive and Accountable Governance in the Western Balkans” funded by SIDA, Joint programme on persons with disabilities funded by PRPD "Combating Violence Against Women and Girls in Serbia" funded by INL; JP "Ending Violence, Empowering Change" overall Funded by SIDA "Gender Responsive Investment" funded by AFD "UN Women Contribution to the Implementation of PRO" funded by SIDA JP "Food System for All" funded by SDG fund; Office also implemented activities related to Political Participation of Women funded by Women in Politics Fund (WiPF) The Office supported local implementation of the Regional project “Strengthening the role of youth in promoting increased mutual understanding, constructive narrative, respect for diversity, and trust in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia”, funded by Peacebuilding Fund. The Office maintains strong partnership with the UNCT. It is permanent Chair of the Gender Thematic Group and in 2024 had a contribution to the overall GTG budget.Showing 1 - 5 of 7