"I have had the privilege of traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) after the Bosnian War, and I realized that with women involved, peace could be achieved," said Congresswoman Johnson. "I know what it takes to bring change, and the road is long and arduous, but you must continue to move forward."

This year's keynote speaker was the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States, H.E. Jadranka Negodic. Ambassador Negodic spoke of the challenges that women face in being included in political and peacemaking processes. She stressed the importance of education and the accessibility of female role models. Ambassador Negodic noted that young Bosnian women living in the United States serve as the best advocates for BiH.

Diana Sehic, President of Rights for All, a leading women's rights protection non-governmental organization, based in Sarajevo spoke about the importance of women's civil rights organizations in BiH and the importance of working with women on the ground in order to better serve them and their needs. Ms. Sehic also spoke about some of the obstacles that she has faced noting that "one of the biggest challenges is the actual implementation of women's rights laws." She highlighted that there have been many improvements in BiH in the last ten years but also stressed the importance of still much needed support from the international community.

ACBH Executive Director, Ms. Ajla Delkic thanked Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and her staff for helping host this event. "The Bosnian American community is so thankful for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's steadfast support and for genuinely caring about issues related to Bosnia and Herzegovina and for helping us highlight women's issues year after year. We are very proud to have her as an active member of the Congressional Caucus on Bosnia."