Social movements and solidarity networks in the ex - Yugoslavia: the case of <<neofeminizam>>

Abstract

This paper attempts to explain the different organizational forms and methods of struggle of the feminist movement Yugoslavia with the aim of shedding light on a little known aspect of the Balkan events and accountingthe history of the birth and development of one of the most peculiar feminisms on the international scene. Starting from an examination of the aggregation and participation modes of women in socialist Yugoslavia, the paper proceeds with an analysis of the most important hallmarks of Neofeminizamin the Sixties and Seventies and its evolution in the following decades that saw the movement lose its intellectual characters and become a real space for comfort and support of many women victims of the violence of the war. The articles ends with an examination of the policies, projects and activities of five non-governmental feminists organizations active in the Bosnian territory and selected on the basis of their geographical location and type of activity. The study of the distinctive features of each of these organizations has enabled to identify them as the most active and competent groups in the Bosnian associations’ panorama, able to give a strong and precious contribution to the democratization and reconciliation processes still in progress in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina.