Localizing the Sustainable Goal of Gender Equality – The role of local government in translating SDG # 5 Gender Equality into policies and practices

Regional Focus: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sustainable Development Goals: #5
Time: January 2017 – June 2018

Abstract:
The proposed research project aims to conduct a pilot study to investigate the Sustainable Development Goal # 5 “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” and the efforts to turn this global goal into policies and practice in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

We aim to develop lessons learned, identify best practices, and provide good examples of gender mainstreaming outcomes such as how gender equality impacts urban planning, economic growth, poverty reduction, environmental policy, sustainability, peace and democracy. A research-based toolbox will be developed, in which instruments and strategies for how to implement SDG#5 can be found.

Research Questions:
The overall question guiding this pilot study is: How can we understand the processes of implementing SDG #5 into policies and practices at the municipal level in Bosnia-Herzegovina?

– What supportive policy frameworks exist at the federal, entity, canton and municipal level in Bosnia-Herzegovina to support the translation of the SDG #5 into local policy at the municipality level?
– What are the actors involved in these processes at the municipal level?
– What are the outcomes of engaging with SDG #5 at the municipal level?

Methods:
The project employs a multi-method, comparative case study research design that combines quantitative analysis with qualitative ethnographic fieldwork. This is a comparative study based on the cases of three selected municipalities in Bosnia-Herzegovina (East Sarajevo, Visoko, and Žepče).

Researchers:
Professor Annika Björkdahl at Lund University, Sweden
Ms Lejla Somun-Krupalija, an independent researcher and consultant in the fields of women’s empowerment, gender mainstreaming, social inclusion and disability.