GATAČKI KAJMAK EMPOWERS WOMEN AND PRESERVES HERZEGOVINA'S TRADITION

Behind the project "The Strength of Tradition – The Strength of Community" are women who, every day and often away from the public eye, preserve one of eastern Herzegovina's most recognizable traditional products - Gatački kajmak. What was once primarily a family tradition has gained new value, support and recognition through the European Union's ReLOaD3 programme.

PHOTO: Instagram: Opština Gacko

According to Dragana Milović, President of the Association of Gatački Kajmak Producers from Gacko, the support received through ReLOaD3 has been invaluable.

"The support we received through ReLOaD3 means a great deal to us; it has opened a window to the world. Through the project, we modernized our production and gained the opportunity to present our Association and our products to a much wider audience," Milović said.

Thanks to the project, members of the Association have improved their working conditions, participated in workshops, exchanged knowledge and experiences, and jointly promoted their products at fairs and public events.

The project also provided 20 cheese presses, helping to standardize production, improve product quality and ensure food safety. In addition, 20 packaging sets were supplied, enabling standardized and hygienic packaging of their products.

Beyond equipment and training, the project has strengthened the confidence of the participating women, giving them a greater sense that their work is valued and recognized. It has also contributed to their economic empowerment, particularly since most members of the Association were previously unemployed.

One of the participants, Daliborka, has been producing kajmak for more than ten years. She began by making small quantities for her family and friends, but today kajmak production has become her primary occupation and sole source of income.

The project demonstrates that preserving traditional products can go hand in hand with creating new economic opportunities, empowering women and supporting the sustainable development of rural communities in eastern Herzegovina.