A Year of Hard Work, Dedication, and Hope for a Better Tomorrow

The year 2024 was marked by tremendous effort, commitment, and, most importantly, real impact on the lives of women and girls who have experienced violence and exploitation. NGO Atina is proud to share the outcomes of its work this year, which reflect a strong dedication to the shared fight for the rights of victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence.

These results were primarily made possible through the project “Together We Progress – Supported Housing and the Open Club Initiative for the Social Inclusion of Victims of Human Trafficking and Exploitation,” implemented under the EU Support to Social Housing and Active Inclusion Program, funded by the European Union and carried out in cooperation with UNOPS. This project enabled Atina to significantly improve its services by purchasing a property for program use, expanding its reach, and providing concrete responses to victims' needs.

Record Number of Referrals and Expanded Services

A record 53 individuals were referred to Atina’s programs—6 victims of gender-based violence and 46 potential victims of human trafficking. Among them, 13 were foreign nationals and 39 were domestic. Notably, seven were referred by existing beneficiaries, demonstrating the trust and positive impact Atina has built. Many referrals also came from the Center for Social Work (ISS), further motivating the team to continue providing critical support.

Support at the Reintegration Center

Atina’s Reintegration Center supported 200 women and girls and 130 family members, mostly their children. Twelve women were housed, including two victims of gender-based violence and 10 victims of trafficking, evenly split between foreign and local nationals. Atina’s team conducted 134 field visits, providing daily hands-on support. Over 600 individual services were delivered each month, covering legal status, psychological and legal counseling, education, medical assistance, material support, and more.

Education and Empowerment of Women

Atina organized 144 workshops attended by more than 410 women, held regularly in the Reintegration Center, the asylum center in Krnjača, and the reception-transit center in Bujanovac. These workshops equipped women with skills and knowledge for a fresh start after overcoming trauma. Additionally, 71 beneficiaries participated in the economic empowerment program, and 35 completed training in the Bagel Bejgl social enterprise.

Legal Support and Systemic Assistance

Atina supported victims in exercising their legal rights. In 2024, 12 victims were represented in 15 legal proceedings, with the team monitoring 7 verdicts. Three beneficiaries were granted asylum in record time, one received travel documents, and another—a migrant woman aspiring to continue her education—was awarded a scholarship for master’s studies at the Faculty of Law.

December Donations and Community Support

December brought a wave of generosity: 97 care packages were distributed to beneficiaries, along with donations and community support that proved invaluable during a time when life was complicated due to various challenges.

While the achievements in 2024 were substantial, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of Atina’s entire team. Everyone—from frontline staff to workshop facilitators, legal advisors, and coordinators—played a crucial role in delivering this work with passion and commitment.

Looking Ahead

As we close this year filled with pride, we enter 2025 with even greater determination and plans for continued growth. We remain dedicated to supporting women and girls who have experienced violence, empowering them economically, and fully integrating them into society. With hope and energy, we embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Thank you to everyone who supported us in 2024—our partners, donors, and volunteers. Without you, none of this would have been possible.

Happy holidays, and may the new year bring new opportunities for us all!