Event Held in Sarajevo: "Traces of the Past, Strength of the Future"

The event was organized by the Foundation of Local Democracy in cooperation with the Association "Sumejja – Strong Herzegovinian Women" from Mostar and the Kozarac Camp Detainees Association. Its aim was to honour women who survived conflict-related sexual violence while creating a space for dialogue on the role of young people in building a society based on truth, empathy, and solidarity.

In the opening remarks, Selma Begić, Programme Manager at the Foundation of Local Democracy, welcomed the participants and highlighted the Foundation's continuous support for women survivors of war. She also emphasized the importance of increasing public recognition of their work and advocacy to ensure greater visibility of women survivors in society.

New Generations

A special segment of the programme focused on presenting the work of associations that bring together women survivors of war and former camp detainees. Participants had the opportunity to watch short films showcasing the work of the Association "Sumejja – Strong Herzegovinian Women" from Mostar and the Kozarac Camp Detainees Association. Following the screenings, the presidents of the two associations, Adisa Peco and Nurfeta Arnautović, shared their experiences, discussed the challenges they face, and stressed the importance of joint action in advocating for the rights and dignity of survivors.

One of the most inspiring parts of the event was dedicated to young people. Through video stories featuring youth from Mostar and Kozarac, as well as a discussion with participants of youth workshops from Kozarac, important questions were raised about how new generations understand the legacy of war, how they confront inherited trauma, and what role they wish to play in building a more just society.

During the event, an animated video explaining the Law on the Protection of Civilian Victims of War of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was also presented. The video explains, in a simple and accessible way, the rights guaranteed under the law as well as the challenges survivors encounter in exercising those rights. The screening was followed by an expert presentation on the practical implementation of the law and the importance of ensuring its effective application.

As part of the roundtable discussion entitled "Rights of Women Survivors of War – Where Are We Today and What Do We Still Need?", representatives of associations from Kozarac, Mostar, and Foča discussed the current position of women survivors of war, the importance of preserving the culture of remembrance, involving young people in processes of dealing with the past, and opportunities for future joint action.

Youth Exhibition

The programme concluded with the opening of an exhibition featuring works created by young people from Sarajevo, Mostar, and Kozarac during educational and creative workshops dedicated to understanding the consequences of transgenerational trauma. Through photography, drawings, written reflections, and other artistic forms, the young participants presented their perspectives on the past while conveying messages of hope, empathy, and solidarity.

Awards for the best artworks were presented to students from the International University of Sarajevo, along with special recognitions for young participants from Mostar and Kozarac for their contribution to increasing the visibility of women civilian victims of war through the exhibition "Traces of the Past, Strength of the Future."

This activity was implemented within the framework of the regional project "EU Support to Confidence Building in the Western Balkans", funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The content of this press release is the sole responsibility of the Founadation of Local Democracy and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the United Nations Development Programme.