Abida Pehlic
Association “Novi put” (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
I have been working on the human trafficking issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2000 and since that I have witnessed many sad stories and ruined young lives caught in human trafficking network. In the meantime, I have realized that it will be a one-way direction in such a patriarchal society challenged by many stereotypes and prejudices unless me and my ani-trafficking fellows undertake measures to raise awareness about the issue but also empower potential and genuine victims of gender-based violence to seek assistance. And here I am, some 20 years later trying to combat the issue of human trafficking and gender-based violence together with my colleagues but with a very little support from relevant institutions.