Breast Cancer Survivors Fight for Rights
Prevention doesn’t exist: only early detection!
For most women, breast cancer is an emotionally devastating diagnosis. But in Sarajevo, 150 breast cancer survivors have found the energy to fight for legislation that is helping them cope with the disease both physically and emotionally.
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| Breast prosthesis and other educational materials distributed by Renesansa. |
Their group is called Renesansa and it just celebrated a great victory: the passing of health insurance legislation giving all women treated for breast cancer the right to receive one breast prosthesis and two special bras every second year. Previously, the healthcare system provided only one prosthesis per lifetime. Renesansa’s lobbying efforts highlighted the fact that the prostheses are made of silicone and tend to fall apart fairly quickly.
USAID's Democracy Network program supported Renesansa's advocacy efforts with an $11,444 Integrated Assistance Package consisting of intensive capacity building and advocacy training. USAID's implementing partner, ADF, provided guidance on developing the campaign strategy and additional technical assistance during the campaign itself. A Civic Action Partnership Grant provided $9,000 to support the campaign.
Renesansa made good use of the training. They established working groups to help draft legislation, organized four roundtables, held 19 awareness raising workshops and promoted their cause with TV and radio appearances.
Renesansa also lobbied artists to donate 32 original works for a fundraiser and obtained 1,000 signatures on a petition.
Renesansa's efforts paid off in March 2004, when the Sarajevo Cantonal Assembly adopted their legislation. Renesansa Executive Director Snjezana Rubcic Ljiljak is thrilled.
"People don't realize that a prosthesis is needed for more than aesthetic reasons. Rather it helps balance the weight of the body so the spine stays in alignment," she says.
Because of Renesansa's efforts, not only are Sarajevo breast cancer survivors now aware of the new legislation, but women throughout the canton are gaining a new understanding of the importance of early detection through Renesansa’s outreach efforts.
“The previous law was absurd. Without the help of USAID, we wouldn't have been able to accomplish any of this,” reports Snjezana Rubcic Ljiljak, Renesansa Executive Director.
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