OSCE Mission To Montenegro Continues To Support Strengthening Of Occupational Therapy For Women Survivors Of Violence

OSCE

On 14 October, as part of its ongoing commitment to preventing and addressing violence against women and girls and promoting the economic empowerment of survivors, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro provided immortelle plants, technical equipment, and materials to support the launch of an aromatherapy and cosmetics production program to SOS Helpline Nikšić.

For the third consecutive year, the Mission has supported the NGO SOS Helpline Nikšić in advancing and developing occupational therapy for women survivors of gender-based violence, providing resources that help them maintain psychological resilience and acquire skills they can use upon leaving the shelter.

This innovative occupational therapy initiative will establish a fully equipped production unit within the SOS Helpline Nikšić shelter for the manufacturing of essential oils, natural cosmetics, and soaps. The programme offers women survivors a holistic, hands-on learning experience in aromatherapy and natural product creation, designed to foster long-term economic independence and personal empowerment.

During the visit to the NGO, Bernd Burwitz, the Democratization Programme Manager at the Mission, praised SOS Helpline Nikšić's vital role in supporting Montenegrin women to rebuild their lives with dignity, strength, and renewed hope. "We are truly honored to support survivor-centered initiatives that not only provide safety and support, but also create tangible opportunities for empowerment, healing, and long-term independence," said Burwitz.

Nataša Međedović, the Executive Coordinator of SOS Helpline Nikšić, expressed her gratitude to the Mission for the meaningful support, underlining that "By combining technical training with personal development, this occupational therapy initiative will enhance survivors' practical skills while building their sense of achievement, self-confidence, and self-worth."

In 2023 and 2024, the Mission also supported SOS Helpline Nikšić by providing equipment and supplies for microgreens cultivation, including a greenhouse, and a Handbook for Microgreens Cultivation. This initiative introduced microgreens farming as a form of occupational therapy, helping survivors acquire skills they can continue to use independently after leaving the shelter-further supporting their journey toward financial autonomy.

The OSCE recognizes violence against women as a serious threat that undermines the security and well-being of both individuals and communities. To combat this issue, the Mission remains dedicated to partnering with national institutions and civil society organizations to advance gender equality and promote a society with zero tolerance for violence against women and girls.

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