On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the “Dobrila” Award was presented to this year’s laureate, Radmila Gujaničić from Užice.

“The importance of the award, as well as the importance of Dobrila’s work, is that it empowers women to start businesses despite obstacles and prejudices,” said Radmila Gujaničić, the first laureate of the Dobrila Award, for her exceptional contribution to improving the position of women, especially those in the villages of the Zlatibor region and the region of southwestern Serbia, and her continuous engagement in the fight for equality and emancipation of women. Radmila was presented with the Dobrila award, a bronze sculpture called “Klupko”, the work of recognized Serbian sculptor Marina Nićiforović.

During the awarding ceremony, the EU Ambassador in Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret, emphasized that through Dobrila award we celebrate the strength and emancipation of women. “For nearly three decades, Radmila has been a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment, especially in rural areas. She advocated for the economic independence of women, fought against gender-based violence and was a pioneer in launching an SOS telephone line for victims of domestic violence in Western Serbia. Her advocacy influenced the shaping of public policies to combat domestic violence, leaving a lasting mark on the legal and social landscape of Serbia. Through training and entrepreneurial initiatives, she has empowered countless women to be financially independent. Radmila’s work reflects Dobrila’s vision – empowering women through economic and social independence. By honouring her tonight, we are strengthening our collective commitment to the advancement of this mission,” said Giaufret and greeted the team of the platform Osnažene in the audience, winners of the prestigious European award for the promotion of entrepreneurship in 2024.

The president of the jury, Dr Marija Đorđević, pointed out that the jury had a difficult task because Radmila’s nomination was in competition with 17 applications. “The unwavering fight of Radmila Gujaničić is rooted in the historical action of strong and courageous women in the Zlatibor region, making the fight for women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women in rural areas a living tradition of this region, a significant part of which is the work of Dobrila Vasiljević – Smiljanić”, said the president of the jury.

The award is named after Dobrila Vasiljević Smiljanić, a pioneer and fighter for emancipation, who dedicated her working life to achieving the economic and social equality of women in the rural areas of Zlatibor.

“Thank you to all the feminists who have ever existed in the world because without them my life would not look like this today. The history of remembering what women have done for other women must be written, remembered and studied”, emphasized Radmila Gujaničić in her address.

Radmila’s dedication to improving the living conditions of women in rural areas has never stopped, even after her retirement in 2023. She continues to actively assist women’s organizations and rural women by providing support in project preparation and connecting with relevant institutions for financial support.

The decision was made by the jury with the following members:

  • Dr Marija Đorđević, president of the “Dobrila Award” jury
  • Ana Milenić, Delegation of the European Union in Serbia
  • Gordana Goga Grubješić, creative director of the SuperStar Culture agency
  • Svetlana Ćaldović, director of the Open Air Museum “Old Village Sirogojno”
  • Daliborka Nikolić, Europe House in Belgrade

The Dobrila Award, presented by the EU Delegation in Serbia on March 8, 2024, is awarded every year to individuals, organizations and institutions for their contribution to defining and supporting emancipatory practices in communities that the society defines as marginalized and minority. This award is dedicated to all local and community initiatives that encourage the intergenerational exchange of knowledge, skills and values, as well as to individuals who, through exceptional commitment and passion, have become initiators of social change, thus paving the way for future generations in new battles for equality. The award is presented every year on the occasion of International Women’s Day.