Amela Bajrović, recipient of the OSCE Mission in Serbia "Person of the Year" award for 2025.

This award recognizes the significant contributions of individuals, citizens of Serbia, who, through activities supported by the Mission, have contributed to the affirmation of the values and principles advocated by the OSCE in Serbia throughout the year.

Some of these include the fight against discrimination, the consolidation of human rights, equal opportunities, sustainable democratic reforms, and a focus on improving the living conditions of individuals and communities.

Amela Bajrović has been awarded for her outstanding collaboration with the Mission in empowering women's participation in public life, her commitment to media freedom, and promoting tolerance in southwestern Serbia.

As a journalist, Bajrović upholds the highest professional and ethical standards in her work. She provides crucial support in expanding the network of the initiative I too am asking implemented by the OSCE Mission. Through collective gatherings of women (a total of 73) from various social backgrounds and their involvement in monthly discussions on urgent local issues, as well as offering various opportunities for their voices and needs to be heard and addressed, Bajrović has contributed to the implementation of the OSCE Mission's goals.

During 2025, under her leadership, the network expanded to a third municipality and continued to grow and develop in Novi Pazar, generating concrete policy proposals in the areas of mental health, public transportation, and urban planning.

"Ms. Bajrović is a prime example of the transformative power of inclusive citizen participation. By leading the Mission's network I too am asking in Novi Pazar, she has created a key space where women's voices are not only heard but also translated into concrete policy proposals that enhance their communities," emphasized the Head of the OSCE Mission in Serbia, Ambassador Marcel Peško. "Her work with the Mission demonstrates that when women are empowered to participate in democratic processes, entire communities benefit," he added. "Ms. Bajrović has shown a strong commitment to strengthening and empowering voices that are less frequently heard in decision-making spaces, even when faced with significant pressure, and we consider her an inspirational example regarding the values and commitments undertaken within the OSCE, which our Mission, together with Serbia, is working to strengthen and enhance."