The HRH Crown Princess Katherine Foundation in Belgrade, in cooperation with Lifeline Humanitarian Organization of Chicago, which patron is Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Katherine, has provided substantial support over many years to the women who reside in safe houses / women’s shelters in Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, and this assistance continues with the most recent donations.
The “Economic Empowerment of Women Victims of Violence” project was launched to enable women in safe houses/women’s shelters to garner gainful employment and to become financially independent upon leaving these institutions. This particular project was enacted to assist three safe houses in the Republic of Srpska, located in Banja Luka, Modrica, and Bijeljina. The funds for this project were provided by the publishing and sales of the “Cooking with Love” cookbook, which was created by a distinguished group of selfless and dedicated supporters of Lifeline Chicago.
These three safe houses received valuable donations which included the following: a laser cutting and engraving machine, a sewing machine, an embroidery machine, a commercial-grade iron, a laptop, and a greenhouse to assist residents in acquiring and/or expanding their knowledge and skills in the field of agriculture. The living conditions in the safe house in Banja Luka was also greatly improved with the installation of new radiators and the purchase of new living room furniture.
In addition to assisting safe houses/women’s shelters in the Republic of Srpska, the institution in Sombor, Serbia, received the following: sewing machines, an industrial iron, and materials for producing linens/bedding sets. The tailors of this institution, affectionately known as the “Sewing Ladies of Sombor,” are utilizing this new equipment to produce quality products to sell and to also train other women who are residing in thе safe houses/women’s shelters with respect to a new trade which will, thus, assist in the eventual financial independence of the ladies of this institution.
“I thank all the people with big hearts who participated in the creation of the recipe book and thus provided help and important, necessary support to the users of the safe houses in the Republic of Srpska and Serbia. It is very difficult for me when I hear that some women are exposed to violence on a daily basis, both verbally and physically. We all need to pay attention to what is happening in our environment and prevent any kind of violence. And also provide support to those who have been victims of violence.
Our women must know that someone is standing by them and protecting them, defending them, and working to reduce violence and discrimination. We must all work together to make them feel safe and know that they are not alone and that they have those who are ready to help them. My Foundation in Belgrade, as well as the offices of the Lifeline Humanitarian Organization abroad, which all work under my patronage, have been providing support and assistance to safe houses and women who are victims of violence, and will continue to do so because we wish to make the world a better place to live in”, said HRH Crown Princess Katherine.