My name is Sara Dojčinović (25) and I am from Belgrade. I completed my undergraduate studies in psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade, where I am currently finishing my master’s studies. I work at the Psychosocial Innovation Network, an organization dedicated to advancing the field of psychology and protecting the right to mental health. My roles within the organization include advocacy and research, with a special focus on working with children and youth. I engage in the analysis and monitoring of public policies at both national and international levels, collaborating closely with UN human rights mechanisms. My primary focus is on the Universal Periodic Review process and communication with UN Special Procedures on the right to health, particularly regarding last year’s proposed amendments to the Law on the Protection of Persons with Mental Disorders. Although my activist experience is not extensive, I am socially engaged through various forms of public advocacy. My goal is to deepen my involvement in community activism. Through Heartefat’s program, I aim to address the lack of solidarity and the prevalent stigma in society, especially regarding mental health and the impact of broader social factors on it, such as belonging to marginalized groups. This issue largely arises from ignorance and a lack of experience with people who have mental health problems or different life experiences. I plan to tackle this problem through (video) campaigns, public events that promote solidarity and understanding of diverse experiences, and by influencing media narratives that perpetuate stigma and prejudices.
