Organized by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo and the Ecumenical Women’s Initiative from Omiš, the first online FER School, “Feminism and Religion,” recognized its 2021/2022 cohort with a certificate ceremony on October 8, 2022, at the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, Prof. Dr. Zdravko Grebo in Sarajevo. The certificates were presented by Prof. Dr. Sci.Zilka Spahić Šiljak, program director of the TPO Foundation and academic director of the FER School. The graduates—courageous women—critically examined the social realities in which they live, questioning their beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and practices related to human rights and freedoms. They also explored how gender stereotypes shape the lives of both women and men within the family and society. Additionally, the program for the new cycle of the FER School for the winter semester of 2022/2023 was introduced.
We live in a time when serious discussions are being held globally about the validity of feminism as both theory and practice, feminist theology, and gender studies. To many, feminism and religion seem incompatible; feminist theology is viewed as blasphemous, and gender is seen as a “dubious” concept, allegedly concealing dangerous conspiracies aimed at destroying family and tradition. However, lived experiences reveal that feminism, gender, and religion have always been intertwined, influencing almost all areas of private and public life. Feminist and gender theories, theologies, and activism help us recognize these connections and position ourselves in response to the challenges, limitations, and discrimination that arise from neglecting them.
The FER School is dedicated to exploring these intersections. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in five academic modules that examine gender issues through an intersectional lens. The course program for the new cycle, open to participants in the winter semester of 2022/2023, was also presented. This program will provide knowledge and arguments for rethinking and reinterpreting feminism and religion. The FER School is free and designed for those who wish to pursue courses at an academic level. If you are brave enough to challenge your own beliefs, worldviews, and practices and are open to a new perspective, detailed information on how to apply (with three days left to do so) is available at: https://ferskola2022.onlinebase.net/
The FER School is organized by the TPO Foundation from Sarajevo in partnership with the Ecumenical Women’s Initiative from Omiš.
