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Marijana Savić Awarded the French Order of Merit
Marijana Savić Awarded the French Order of Merit
The French Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Pierre Cochard, presented the French National Order of Merit at the rank of Knight to Marijana Savić, the director and founder of the NGO Atina.
Marijana Savić expressed her gratitude to her family, friends, colleagues, and the embassy at the French residence, emphasizing that she is sharing the award with everyone present and those supporting Atina’s work.
She highlighted that, in addition to the award, the best thing that has happened to the NGO Atina is that they finally secured a permanent shelter, thanks to the support of the European Union and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
“It is more than just walls and a roof – we have a place where women feel safe, have support, and build a better future. It is a place where we can all fight for what is good,” said Marijana Savić.
In the future, Atina will strive to make their new home a place of safety, advocate for connections with institutions, economically empower women who are victims of human trafficking and violence, and ensure that the voices of survivors are heard to help shape policy, law, and programs.
“Women and girls who have survived violence know best what needs to change,” she stated.
Ambassador Košar emphasized the exceptional dedication of Marijana Savić, who, with her team, tirelessly works to promote gender equality in Serbia and protect the rights of victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking.
“I must also mention the role of Atina during the migrant crisis on our continent, assisting thousands of women, girls, and children migrants from Serbia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, or various African countries during their refugee journey,” said Cochard.
Marijana Savić’s engagement, as he noted, embodies the values that France seeks to promote: the protection of women and girls’ rights worldwide, respect for their dignity, independence, and integrity, and the fight against sexual exploitation.
The Order of Merit is one of two French national decorations, along with the Legion of Honor, and was awarded on behalf of the French president.
It was established in 1963 by General Charles de Gaulle and aims to honor individuals in both civilian and military fields.
NGO Atina was founded in 2003 as a response by the women's movement in Serbia to the problem of human trafficking and the lack of adequate long-term support programs for victims and assistance in their social inclusion.
Atina helps more than 200 direct victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence each year, along with 300 members of their families.
In 2015, Marijana Savić also founded Bagel Bejgl, a women’s social enterprise dedicated to the economic empowerment of human trafficking victims in Serbia, providing them with training and independence.
Marijana’s Savic speech: Merci. Hvala. | atina
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Francuski ambasador uručio orden za zasluge u rangu viteza Marijani Savić, iz udruženja ATINA
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