Dive into the rich history and impactful discussions of the Korčula School with our two featured videos.

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1. Report Summarizing Everything That Happened at School in Korčula 2024 - Explore the key highlights, debates, and research presented at this year’s event. Discover how social democracy is evolving, the relationship between Europe and the Western Balkans, and the critical issue of workplace sexual harassment through the TeamWork2 project. Gain insights into young people’s perspectives on politics and their involvement in social policies.

2. 30 Years of the CEE Gender Network - A short film capturing the legacy and achievements of the CEE Gender Network over the past three decades. Witness the journey of this influential network and its role in promoting gender equality and social justice across Europe.

Join us in celebrating these milestones and envisioning a future of justice and equality. Click to watch and be inspired by the stories, discussions, and achievements that continue to shape our society. Let’s reflect on our progress and look forward to the future together!

Click on the photos on the right side to start watching:
First Photo: Report Summarizing Everything That Happened at School in Korčula 2024
Second Photo: Short Film - 30 Years of the CEE Gender Network

Montenegrin choir Kic Pop Hor’s participation, whose repertoire was deemed offensive by local veterans’ associations, why?

Korčula, September 12, 2024 – The picturesque island of Korčula was abuzz with preparations for the grand celebration of the 80th anniversary of its liberation from fascism, set to take place this weekend. However, the event stirred controversy with the announcement of the Montenegrin choir Kic Pop Hor’s participation, whose repertoire was deemed offensive by local veterans’ associations.

Despite the tensions, the CEE Gender Network stood firmly in support of the Anti-Fascists of Korčula, highlighting the importance of commemorating this significant historical event. The network also brought attention to the recent desecration of anti-fascist monuments, a troubling act that marred the lead-up to the celebrations. Korčula’s Mayor, Nika Silić Maroević, expressed her dismay at the veterans’ opposition to anti-fascism, emphasizing that they should be united in this cause.

Kic Pop Hor, invited by the Anti-Fascists Association of Korčula, faced criticism from the veterans’ associations UHDDR Korčula and UHVDR Čara Korčula, who believed the choir’s performance would tarnish the island’s reputation. Krešimir Pecotić, President of UHDDR Korčula, deemed such participation unacceptable.

The event, however, proceeded successfully, showcasing the resilience and unity of the community in honoring their anti-fascist heritage. The CEE Gender Network’s involvement underscored the intersection of gender equality and historical remembrance, advocating for solidarity and the preservation of democratic values.

The celebration featured powerful performances and speeches, reaffirming the commitment to anti-fascist principles and the ongoing struggle for social justice. The presence of Kic Pop Hor added a poignant cultural dimension to the event, despite the initial controversies.

This successful commemoration not only honored the past but also highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and social justice in the region. The CEE Gender Network remains dedicated to supporting such initiatives, ensuring that the legacy of anti-fascism continues to inspire future generations.

• 3rd September 2024

The Think Tank 2024 Korčula “School” has come to an end. It was a fast-paced event, and in just two days, many topics were discussed. Through the lens of gender politics, we learned a lot. It was particularly emphasized that it would be beneficial for left-wing parties to engage more on gender equality issues as a response to ideological attacks and the redefinition of the feminist agenda.

On the topic of gender equality from the perspective of population culture, the Ombudswomen for Gender Equality Višnja Ljubičić (Croatia) and Brankica Janković (Serbia) spoke. The session titled “Gender equality politics – addressing the ideological backlash and responding to the feminist agenda” was organized in collaboration with S-Kvinnor from Sweden. Key messages were conveyed by Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia and former president of SD, via video message. Introductory remarks were given by Andrasz Pulai, Strategy Director of Publicus Research from Hungary, Nina Űnesi, Secretary General of S-Kvinnor from Sweden, and Lola Milojević, expert from the CEE Gender Network.

The interactive discussion included participation from Sonja Lokar, former Executive Director of the CEE Gender Network via ZOOM, Martina Naumovska, Secretary General of SDSM from North Macedonia, Sonja Kovač, Vice President of PESW from SDP Croatia, Dragana Rašić Jovanović, President of WF from the Democratic Party of Serbia, and Lena Ag, founder and board member of the CEE Gender Network. The open discussion was moderated by Zita Gurmai, President of PESW, Member of Parliament in Hungary, and board member of the CEE Gender Network.

The concept of gender equality is under attack from right-wing political circles worldwide, including in the Eastern Balkans. The CEE Gender Network has addressed the issue of gender equality and gender integration many times through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective, as well as the gradual political regression. Poland and Hungary lead in…

Additionally, the FES Youth Study Southeast Europe 2024 was presented by Emina Adilović, Senior Research Fellow at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Sarajevo. The discussion included Ana Pirtskhalava, Policy Advisor for PESW, and Jure Zubčić from SDP Croatia.

A positive social story, which no one believed in, was shared by Demir Mahmutćehajić from Stolac. A group of enthusiasts from this town in Herzegovina decided to collect and sort all the waste so that the useful waste could be used to buy food, fuel, and medicine.

“We collected 100,000 pieces of packaging, plastic bottles, cans, and jars. Then we organized the transport of several companies to transfer this packaging from Stolac to Sarajevo. We did everything clearly, loudly, and transparently, we recorded everything,” said Mahmutćehajić, a human rights activist from Stolac, who came to Korčula to share this socially inspiring story. His family and people around them help him in implementing this initiative.

“In these three months, we distributed 18,000 marks from the bottles and plastic. There is no big philosophy and politics, except that we want to do what the system won’t, which is to connect social needs with ecological ones,” he said.

Despite this, the path of Western Balkan countries towards the EU remains slow and full of obstacles. When discussing enlargement, the aspect of social changes that the accession process should bring to candidate countries is often overlooked. Preparation for EU membership should not only be economic and institutional adaptation. Citizens should benefit from the reforms implemented in member states. However, what they are currently experiencing is democratic regression, mass emigration, and increased inequalities.

In the sessions, discussions were held on how to ensure that the process results, in accordance with the European Pillar of Social Rights, in strengthening social rights, solidarity and protection, inclusive labor markets and economic growth, and empowering the citizens of the Western Balkans. The discussion included Mirna Jusić from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Faculty of Political Science), Ledjon Shahini from Albania (Executive Director of the Qemal Stafa Foundation), and Tamara Trpić from Serbia (board member of the CEE Gender Network).

This workshop was organized in collaboration with the Max van den Stoel Foundation, moderated by the foundation’s director Kido Koenig. The project receives financial support from the European Parliament but does not represent the views of the European Parliament.

Finally, Daša Šašović Šilović, President of the CEE Gender Network, thanked everyone for their participation, especially highlighting Lovorka Marinović, the long-time leader and organizer of the school in Korčula. Thanks to her effort and dedication, this event has achieved significant visibility. Representatives from the Olaf Palme International Center from Sweden also joined in the thanks.

The conclusion of the school is that there is a need for further gatherings and the continuation of the long tradition of free leftist thought, which requires support and redefinition in the context of current political changes. These changes, which include the revision and suppression of Europe’s anti-fascist legacy, emphasize the importance of joint action by left-wing social democratic parties. Preparations for next year in Korčula have already begun.

CEE Gender Network – 30 years of empowering women and promoting gender equality.

Vandalism in Korčula: Monument to Fallen Fighters in Račišće Defaced

Korčula, August 31, 2024 – Last night, a vandalistic act deeply shook the local community in Korčula. Ivan Botica, President of the Association of Anti-Fascist Fighters and Anti-Fascists of Korčula, stated to the CEE Network for Gender Issues, an organization advocating for anti-fascist heritage and human rights:

“The monument to the fallen fighters in the National Liberation War and the victims of fascism in Račišće has been defaced. The incident occurred just before the promotion of a major work on the destruction and demolition of partisan monuments and ahead of the program celebrating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Korčula from fascism. The timing and intent of the perpetrator are clear, but this is by no means an isolated incident. The cause and perpetrator are already known. It is the socio-economic system we live in and a thirty-year war against historical facts, collective memory, and emotions towards the National Liberation War and its legacy. A fragmented and destroyed society and an educational system that fails daily are guarantees of the vitality of fascism, and for us, an incentive for daily struggle. Only through uncompromising struggle for human rights, equality, and tolerance – for the values won in the NOB – can we expect change.”

The “grave” of an unknown number of Račišćani, victims of fascism, was doused in black paint. In the year marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Korčula from fascism, and the year we proudly promote Ante Lešaja’s book on the destruction of NOB’s monumental heritage, an unknown perpetrator defaced the ossuary monument in Račišće and the relief by Petar Palaviccini, a sculptor of Italian origin born in Korčula.

Committee Meeting and School in Korčula

On August 29 and 30, a committee meeting was held in Korčula to consolidate guidelines for this year’s school in Korčula. The first sessions opened many questions about socialism among young people, their perception of politics, and weak engagement. The importance of digitalization, which will bring access to knowledge and information, and the way leftist politics are perceived in society were also mentioned. It was emphasized that leftist politics are threatened by right-wing populism and that leftist parties lack more women in positions of power.

Before the first session began, we remembered the late Fred Matić, a Member of the European Parliament and politician who left a great legacy in the fight for women’s human rights and gender equality. The President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, also gave his greetings and support to the school and the topics concerning the development of politics through a gender lens. Engaged and passionate discussions were opened by speakers present in person, such as Borko Stefanović, a member of parliament and deputy president of the Freedom and Justice Party from Serbia, and those who participated online, such as the Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj and Venko Filipče, president of the SDSM from North Macedonia. Among the speakers were also Maria João Rodrigues, president of FEPS, Pia Locatelli, international secretary of PSI from Italy and member of the CEE Gender Network Board, Daša Šašović Šilović, president of the CEE Gender Network and European Partners for the Environment, and Zita Gurmai, president of PESW and member of the Hungarian parliament.

Last Day of School in Korčula

Today, August 31, marks the second and final day of the school in Korčula, which began thirty years ago here on the island. Yesterday, a film by Josip Visković was shown, taking us through the history of the school and presenting all the figures and actors – leftist thinkers, intellectuals, and artists who left their mark. Today, the focus will be on gender equality, the lifeblood of leftist politics. Discussions will cover feminism, gender equality, popular culture, and the day will close with the burning issue of “sexual harassment in the workplace,” which predominantly affects women and occurs due to unstable economic policies and labor rights concerning precarious work, especially in the film industry and media. The case of Dalibor Matanić, a director who sexually harassed colleagues from a position of power, will be discussed. Today’s speakers include Višnja Ljubičić, Ombudswoman for Gender Equality, and Brankica Janković, Commissioner for Equality from Serbia. The school concludes today at 5:30 PM.