26/09/2025
It was a humbling experience to visit the women’s cooperatives organized by Žene za Žene in Bosnia. 🌿
We learned how the program, which began in 1993 with just $10 a month per woman, has since empowered entire communities, bringing women together from remote rural areas after the war.
The initiatives born from these small beginnings went far beyond businesses like greenhouses and beekeeping. They extended to the next generation—providing IT training for children, purchasing computers, and even partnering with local businesses to build bus stops in the villages. A true community ecosystem was created.
Listening to the women share their stories of resilience, financial independence, and collective purpose was meaningful beyond words. As one of the 70+ women present beautifully put it:
✨ “Most people wait for the weekend with anticipation… I wait for Monday, to regroup and plan for our community, and support each other through life.”
Moments like these remind us why we created WOAM 13 years ago, and how the funds we raise for Women for Women International continue to transform the lives of thousands of women every year. đź’š
And what truly inspired us was meeting the women behind this movement, each association born out of the same spark, yet writing its own unique story. 🌸🌿🌺🌾
From homemade jams and herbal teas to digital literacy classes and advocacy campaigns, every initiative we discovered was a testament to creativity, resilience, and sisterhood.
🌸 Majska Ruža (2013) – strengthening women through health, empowerment, and entrepreneurship, producing homemade foods and crafts.
🌿 Pašinke (2016) – promoting equality and independence, with projects in agriculture, tailoring, digital literacy, and advocacy.
🌺 Zejneb (2012) – producing teas, honey, and herbal remedies while training women in business and agriculture.
🌾 Kovači (2014) – uniting unemployed women in farming, handicrafts, and community initiatives for dignity and self-sufficiency.
🌱 Gostovici (2024) – a new network of younger women, eager to cooperate and grow together.
❤️
