Some of the most important conversations about gender equality in the Western Balkans are happening beyond institutional politics—in classrooms, on the streets, within local communities, through independent media, and in the lived experiences of people whose voices are too often ignored. That is why Balkan Talks is launching a Special Issue dedicated to gender equality, feminism, and femicide in the Western Balkans, and we invite you to become part of it.
About Balkan Talks
Balkan Talks is an independent youth media platform created by young people from across the Western Balkans. Since its founding, our mission has been simple: to create a space where young authors, researchers, journalists, activists, artists, and students can publish thoughtful, critical, and authentic work that might otherwise struggle to find a home in mainstream media.
We believe that knowledge should be accessible, that regional dialogue matters, and that young people should not only participate in public debates, but also help shape them.
Our editorial approach is built on openness rather than uniformity. We are interested in different perspectives, different disciplines, and different ways of telling important stories.
What are we looking for?
We welcome contributions addressing topics related to:
- gender equality;
- feminism;
- gender-based violence;
- femicide;
- women’s rights;
- LGBTQ+ rights and intersectionality;
- public policy and legislation;
- education and gender;
- media representations;
- activism and social movements;
- or any other topic connected to gender justice in the Western Balkans.
We especially encourage submissions from young authors, including students, early-career researchers, journalists, activists, and independent writers. We also warmly welcome contributions from members of marginalized communities and everyone whose experiences and perspectives are too often absent from public discussions.
Submission format
There is no prescribed format.
Authors are free to choose the form that best suits their ideas. We welcome:
- research papers;
- analytical articles;
- literature reviews;
- interviews;
- essays;
- opinion (op-ed) pieces;
- or other original formats.
The most important thing for us is not the format itself, but the authenticity of the voice behind it.
The Special Issue will be published in English, in both digital and printed editions.
How to submit
Please send your manuscript to: [email protected] with the subject line: Special Issue Submission.
Submission deadline: 17 July 2026 (11:59 PM).
We look forward to reading your work and continuing to build a space where new ideas, critical thinking, and authentic voices from across the Western Balkans can be heard.
The publication of this Special Issue and the accompanying public awareness campaign are supported by the YIHR Serbia and the Open Society Foundations.