Jelica Begović, Executive Director of the NGO “Civic Activism”
With a focus on social change and a vision of a better future, Jelica Begović, Executive Director of the NGO “Civic Activism”, leads an organization distinguished by its broad spectrum of activities—ranging from education and science to health and human rights. In an interview with Diplomacy & Commerce Montenegro, Jelica reveals how they channel resources into projects that provide the greatest b e n efit to the community, why healthy lifestyles are the foundation of modern society, and the ways in which they empower vulnerable groups and improve their position in society. She also discusses the importance of synergy between the non-governmental sector, state institutions, and citizens in creating sustainable changes that go beyond current challenges.
Jelica, your organization is one of the few that covers such diverse areas—from education, science, and agriculture to health culture. How do you channel your resources and select projects that will have the greatest impact on society?
Thank you for the question! Our approach is based on identifying priorities in line with the community’s needs, as well as on analyzing data and feedback from the users of our programs. We allocate resources to those proje cts that bring long-term benefits and align with our mission— contributing to social equality and improving the quality of life. At the start of each project, we conduct comprehensive survey, including an assessment of its impact on various groups, from local communities to institutions. We also engage experts from different fields to ensure a high-quality, interdisciplinary approach. This way, we select projects that will create the most positive changes in society, ensuring that every resource is invested for the benefit of the users and the development of the community.
One of the Association’s goals is the development of sports and health culture. What specific initiatives are you planning in this regard, given the importance of healthy lifestyles in modern society?
The development of sports and the promotion of a culture of health are key to strengthening healthy lifestyles, which are becoming increasingly important in modern society. Accordingly, we are planning several specific initiatives to support health through sports and education.
One of the initiatives involves organizing free sports programs and training sessions for young people in local communities. We also plan to launch educational workshops on nutrition, mental health, and disease prevention, as we believe that healthy lifestyles require holistic approach. Additionally, we are working on establishing partnerships with schools and sports associations to initiate physical activity programs for children and youth.
Moreover, we aim to organize regular sports events and public gatherings that involve the wider public to raise awareness about the importance of health and physical activity. Our goals are to motivate citizens to adopt an active lifestyle and to create a supportive environment for anyone looking to improve their health.
Considering that you hold a master’s degree in law and that your work focuses on human rights and gender equality, how do you use your legal knowledge to strengthen the position of vulnerable groups through the activities of your Association?
My legal expertise helps me identify subtle aspects of legal protection and take steps toward more effective empowerment of vulnerable groups. Within the Association, we work on various projects that raise awareness of human rights, educate about legal protection, and provide guidance on exercising rights, particularly in the area of gender equality.
I apply legal analysis and advisory practices to empower the members of the groups we work with and enable them to better understand their rights. We also provide free legal support through counseling and educational workshops where participants can learn how to protect their rights. The Association often collaborates with relevant institutions to advocate for changes that will improve legal protections and create lasting improvements in the position of vulnerable communities.
What role, in your opinion, does the civil society sector play in the economic and social empowerment of communities and individuals?
The civil society sector plays a crucial role in the economic and social empowerment of communities and individuals. As organizations working directly with citizens, associations identify the specific needs of communities, provide support where state or private initiatives may be lacking, and enable the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
On the economic front, the civil sector can stimulate development through training, education, and employment opportunities. Through projects focused on professional development and encouraging entrepreneurship, we can help individuals acquire marketable skills, which directly impacts the economic stability of individuals and their families.
Socially, non-governmental organizations help build more connected and supportive communities. By educating citizens on human rights, gender equality, and civic rights, the civil society sector raises awareness of important issues and empowers citizens to actively participate in decision-making. Thus, the civil society sector acts as a bridge between citizens and institutions, working to improve quality of life and create equal opportunities for all.
You have established partnerships with NGOs such as “Jadranski Horizonti” and “Rastimo Zajedno”. In this regard, how do you evaluate cooperation with other civil sector organizations and state institutions?
Collaboration with NGOs like Jadranski Horizonti and Rastimo Zajedno is extremely valuable because it allows us to combine resources, expertise, and influence. Each organization brings specific knowledge and experience that contribute to the success of joint projects. Such partnerships often lead to innovative solutions, as joint efforts enable better identification and addressing of community needs.
Collaboration with state institutions is equally important because it contributes to more sustainable and long-term changes. Through these partnerships, we achieve a broader impact and gain the support and recognition necessary to implement policies and initiatives that serve the interests of citizens. I believe that synergy and cross-sector collaboration are key to achieving meaningful social progress.