Today, the event “Voice of the Local Community – Presentations of Advocacy Initiatives by ACT Partners” was held, where organizations presented concrete proposals for improving public policies and addressing issues faced by citizens across Serbia.
The event gathered journalists from local media outlets in Niš, Vranje, Leskovac, Kruševac, Užice, Požega, and Novi Sad. They had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives of civil society organizations, gain additional context, connect with relevant interlocutors, and learn about stories important for their local communities. At the beginning of the event, participants discussed the importance of cooperation between civil society organizations and the media in strengthening citizens’ access to information and encouraging responsible and inclusive decision-making at the local level.
During the event, the following initiatives were presented:
Friends of Children of Serbia: Protecting Children from Media Abuse
This initiative calls for consistent implementation of laws and the Serbian Journalists’ Code of Ethics in order to prevent violations of children’s dignity, privacy, and identity. Children are often portrayed in the media as victims of tragedies, violence, or as vulnerable categories, which can permanently stigmatize them and their families. Their stories are frequently used for sensationalism, emotional manipulation, and increasing circulation or viewership. The goal of the initiative is to protect the best interests of the child and promote more responsible media reporting.
Polekol: Citizen Participation in Budget Planning for Safe Water Supply
This initiative encourages citizens to use petitions and public participation mechanisms to influence local authorities to increase investments in the renewal of water supply infrastructure and ensure stable and safe access to water. The focus is on transparent budget planning and involving citizens in decision-making processes that directly affect the quality of life in their communities.
ŽUKO: Removing Discriminatory Effects in Social Protection
Through the campaign “What Is My Share?”, this initiative advocates for amendments or the abolition of Article 82 of the Social Protection Law in order to prevent negative effects on women’s economic status and align the practice with better solutions from the region and Europe. Although formally gender-neutral, Article 82 disproportionately affects women in practice and produces discriminatory consequences for their economic position.
Hrabriša: Improving Access to the Right to Care and Assistance Allowance
This initiative aims to harmonize the practices of relevant institutions, improve information available to families of children with rare diseases about their rights, and strengthen dialogue between citizens, organizations, and institutions in order to improve the social protection system.
Tim 42: Improving Air Quality in Leskovac
This initiative calls on the City of Leskovac to develop an air quality plan based on up-to-date and reliable data, with active citizen participation. The goal is to introduce effective measures to reduce pollution and protect public health.
For additional information, statements, and contact details of speakers, media representatives are kindly invited to contact the event organizers.
