Every handcrafted item symbolizes the story of women who survived sexual violence during the war in Kosovo. Their colorful works are being showcased today at the "Empowerment Fair – Products with Life Stories and Resilience," in Pristina.

For three consecutive days, at the "Adem Jashari" square, artisanal and agricultural products made by these women will be promoted and sold, KosovaPress reports. The fair is organized by Medica Gjakova with the support of the United Nations Trust Fund and in collaboration with partner organizations from the "Be the Voice" platform.

“The aim of the fair is to offer a different story behind the products of the survivors, as we want to focus on economic empowerment. Every product showcased here is handmade by survivors we work with. Our goal is to contribute, even a little, to their economic empowerment, to advocate for the strength they possess, and to give a new tone to the painful history they have endured – turning that pain into strength,” said Dorina Babuni Krelani from Medica Gjakova, according to KosovaPress.

The fair features paintings, frames, embroidery hoops, bags – all handcrafted by women who survived sexual violence during the war. Additionally, various agro-cultural products are on display.

“People visiting the fair, which runs for three days in Pristina from May 19 to 21, can see a wide range of handmade items – from paintings and embroidery to bags. There are also homemade agro products like honey, walnuts, and a variety of jams. There are handmade brooches, frames with different decorations – everything you can imagine from handmade work can be found here,” she added.

All proceeds from product sales go directly to the survivors who created them.

“Every cent earned from these sales goes to the survivors who made the items. That’s incredibly important because economic empowerment gives women a stronger position within their families, and it also contributes to their personal healing. We all know how much stronger we feel when we are financially stable. That’s why it’s so vital to contribute – even the smallest purchase makes a difference, as it gives real strength back to the survivors,” she concluded.

The fair is being organized in the seven largest municipalities of Kosovo. After Pristina, it will travel to Gjakova, Prizren, Peja, Ferizaj, Gjilan, and South Mitrovica.

The exact number of people raped during the last war in Kosovo remains unknown, though reports estimate around 20,000 cases. Their stories often remain untold, as survivors continue to fear stigma and judgment – choosing silence instead.
— Sh. Pajaziti