Bingo Group, the largest domestic company in Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed today a donation agreement worth BAM 400,000 for the construction of the first safe house in Trebinje, which will provide shelter for women and children survivors of domestic violence from the Eastern Herzegovina region.
The agreement was signed by Ljiljana Kunosić, General Director of Bingo Group, and Mirko Ćurić, Mayor of Trebinje.
“With today’s donation for the construction of the first safe house in Trebinje, we have fulfilled the promise we made at the beginning of the year — the promise to allocate BAM 1 million in support of safe houses across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The construction of the first safe house in Eastern Herzegovina is of key importance for women in this region who until now have not had access to adequate support. Bingo Group is the largest employer in the country, with two-thirds of its employees being women. Therefore, we feel a strong responsibility to contribute to a safer and fairer society for all women in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and this donation is a concrete step in that direction,” said Ljiljana Kunosić.
This donation continues the company’s initiative “It’s Time to Take a Stand”, within which Bingo has also introduced an internal policy giving employment preference to women survivors of violence, contributing to their long-term empowerment and economic independence. In March this year, Bingo allocated BAM 600,000 to support eight safe houses throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. With today’s donation, the total funds invested by Bingo Group in combating violence against women amount to BAM 1,000,000 – marking the largest single donation by a domestic company in this field in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“This is a significant donation from Bingo, which through this gesture demonstrates a high level of social responsibility and a willingness to actively participate in socially beneficial projects in cooperation with local communities. The City of Trebinje extends its gratitude to Bingo’s representatives, and we believe that together we will provide adequate support to those in need of protection,” said Mirko Ćurić, Mayor of Trebinje.
UN Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina is supporting the construction of the first safe house in Trebinje by mobilizing financial resources and facilitating the overall implementation process of the project.
“UN Women welcomes Bingo’s decision to support the construction of the first safe house in Trebinje. This donation shows how private sector leadership can make a significant contribution to ending violence against women. We are grateful to the City of Trebinje, the Government of Austria, Vienna Insurance Group, and all partners whose support makes this service possible. Safe houses are not only shelters but also foundations for recovery and hope. UN Women remains committed to working with institutions, the private sector, and civil society to ensure that every woman has the protection and support she deserves,” stated Jo-Ann Bishop, UN Women Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Safe houses across Bosnia and Herzegovina provide shelter and comprehensive support for women and children who have survived violence – including safe accommodation, psychological and legal assistance, and support in the process of gaining independence.
Bingo will continue to invest in projects that contribute to the safety and empowerment of women, with the aim of building long-term partnerships that create systemic and sustainable solutions for the protection of women.
