The most prominent peace promoters in Kosovo are part of a global photography exhibition launched today by UNMIK, marking the start of the 16 Days of Activism campaign against Gender-Based Violence. This initiative joins global partners in calling for immediate action to prevent and stop violence against women and girls.
“Addressing gender-based violence is a human rights imperative and essential for building sustainable peace. When women and girls are safe and able to fully participate in all aspects of life, societies become more resilient, inclusive, and stable. This year, we reiterate our call for joint action within communities, civil society, and institutions to ensure safety, dignity, and justice for all,” said Milbert Dongjoon Shin, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Acting Head of UNMIK.
According to the announcement, as part of this year’s campaign, UNMIK is launching the global photography exhibition in Pristina, showcasing powerful images captured by female photographers. The exhibition highlights the vital role of women as promoters of peace, defenders of women’s rights, and peacekeepers—bringing global attention to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda and their significant contributions to peace and security.
“The exhibition reminds us that, while women often face the greatest consequences of conflicts, they also play a central role in building and sustaining peace, strengthening trust, and promoting positive change,” added Mr. Shin.
Originally launched in June 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York to mark the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), the exhibition is now traveling worldwide and has arrived in Kosovo.
Presented in eleven contexts—Kosovo, Abyei, Cyprus, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Mozambique, Sudan, and South Sudan—the exhibition tells a collective story of resilience, strength, and hope. Kosovo is represented by two prominent leaders: former President Atifete Jahjaga and Gordana Gjoriq, both defenders of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda and women’s rights. Their portraits were taken by photojournalist Laura Hasani.
“Often, women’s roles in peace processes and trust-building are overlooked or underrepresented,” said Hasani. “These photographs aim to change that, so the world can see and hear from the women who are rebuilding communities and leading change.”
The exhibition will be displayed at the square on Mother Teresa Boulevard in Pristina, near the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, from November 25 to December 10.
“Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace” is a collaboration of the United Nations—Department of Peace Operations and Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs—UN Women, and the Elsie Initiative Fund.
