At the closing conference within project “Strengthening Human Rights and Economic Empowerment of Single Mothers in Serbia”, held on 10 September in Belgrade, presented the results and recommendations for further work in the area of improving position of single mothers in the Republic of Serbia. Foundation Ana and Vlade Divac, in cooperation with Jelek Association, and support from European Union, presented analysis and of law and recommendations in the area of single-parent families and launched the initiative to amend relevant laws. The project was implemented in Belgrade, Kragujevac, Nis, Leskovac and Novi Sad and provided supported to 10 single mothers through grants for employment, worth EUR1000 each.
Representative of EU Delegation to Serbia Nicolas Bizel said that one of the problems was the fact that 85 per cent of children raised by single parents did not receive alimony because the State had no mechanisms of making the other parent pay. “EU’s goal is to offer equal opportunities for everyone, without discrimination, and we will continue to support creation of inclusive society,“ Bizel said.
Advisor to Prime Minister of Serbia Vladimir Bozovic said that in Serbia, according to unofficial data, there were some 150,000 single parents, out of which 30 per cent lived below the poverty line.
CEO of Foundation, Ana Divac, showed examples of business ideas started by single mothers from Leskovac and Kragujevac who had received support.
The conference saw the participation of representatives of Ministry of Work, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, Women Parliamentary Network, Team SIPRU, National Employment Service and representatives of local self-governments included in the project.
