Atina Gathers Experts: Programs for Empowering Women and Girls Victims of Violence Presented 

On December 13, a presentation of the services offered by the Atina took place at the Bagel Бејгл premises. These programs are specifically designed for professionals from various institutions, including the "Moša Pijade" Home, Maternal Home, the "Vožd" school, and the Center for the Protection of Infants, Children, and Youth. This meeting, which was part of the project "Together We Thrive– Housing with Support and the Open Club Initiative for the Social Inclusion of Victims of Human Trafficking and Exploitation," gathered over 20 professionals who work daily on the protection of victims of violence and human trafficking.

The programs were presented with a particular focus on the economic empowerment of women who have survived human trafficking and gender-based violence and their inclusion in society and the workforce. The professionals from Atina thoroughly explained all the activities included in these programs, such as training, mentorship, and the development of skills needed to achieve economic independence and rebuild their lives.

One of the key moments of the meeting was the presentation of the Bagel Бејгл social enterprise, founded in 2015 to create a non-discriminatory work environment. This enterprise supports people with no previous work experience or marginalized in the labor market, offering mentorship and training to help women and girls acquire essential skills for economic empowerment.

After the presentation, the participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas on possibilities for further cooperation and improving the process of referring women and girls to economic empowerment programs. Special attention was given to the challenges these women face when attempting to integrate into the workforce, including obstacles related to stigma and insecure working conditions.

This meeting aimed to share information and experiences and jointly consider solutions to improve the social inclusion of victims of violence. Through further cooperation, professionals from partner institutions expressed their readiness to continue strengthening support for victims and providing comprehensive assistance in their recovery and reintegration into the community.

This event marks another step toward establishing strong partnerships and support for women who have survived violence, with Atina continuing its commitment to helping victims rebuild their lives with dignity and self-respect through education, training, and practical support.