We held another beautiful and powerful peer meeting of women with disabilities on October 27, 2025 at the Information Center for Persons with Disabilities "Lotos" Tuzla, this time dedicated to the topic of dignity and independence in everyday life.

We talked about what dignity means to each of us, when we felt that it had been violated, but also about the little things that help us maintain a sense of independence, freedom and respect. Each participant shared experiences about the daily activities she does independently, despite obstacles, as well as what she would like to have more support for. In these honest stories, we recognized how important mutual support is and how much strength we each carry within ourselves. We were particularly touched by the discussion about how much our self-esteem affects how others see and treat us.

One participant shared an experience: "When I'm with my mother, they often address her, not me. I try to point out that I am also here, that I can speak and decide. That is my way of defending my dignity."

Together, we agreed that dignity begins from within, from the way we approach ourselves, our bodies, and our disability as one of our identities. At the end of the meeting, courage, respect, freedom, and support resonated through the room as a reminder that we are not alone and that each of us builds our dignity every day. Today we were together again – women who understand each other without many words.

Thank you to all the participants for their openness, support, and inspiration.

Together we learn that a woman's strength lies not only in what she can do alone, but also in how she supports others to grow with her.

The meeting was held within the framework of the project "Strengthening the position of women with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina - reducing discrimination and violence" implemented by I.C. "Lotos" with the financial support of a partner from Finland Kynnys ry and Disability Partnership Finland. The event was also supported by the Government of Tuzla Canton and Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.