The Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia organized meeting with Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, for representatives from ombudspersons’ offices. Representatives of Ombudsperson for Gender Equality at the meeting were: Josip Grgić, adviser; Martina Strunjak, expert associate; Srđan Kerčević and Sanda Brumen, coordinators of EU projects. Commissioner was introduced by Lora Vidović, Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia, and then Commissioner presented her work and experience as the first woman to hold the position.

Commissioner talked about the focus of her work: treatment of migrants, inclusion of people with disabilities and rights of older people. She emphasized that cooperation with civil sector is very important and related to gender equality explained that gender inequality is based in traditional gender roles.

In second part Commissioner was answering to the participants’ questions. Martina Strunjak, expert associate in the office of Ombudsperson for Gender Equality asked about he biggest obstacles for women and what is Council of Europe undertaking in this field. Commissioner brought out that crucial problem is understanding violence as private problem or part of tradition and culture. She indicated that Council of Europe pay attention to systematic data collection on violence against women.