The exhibition organized by the Foundation of Local Democracy brings together the works of more than 40 artists from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, who with their creativity boldly point to the presence of violence in society, with a special focus on sexual violence against women. Through their works, artists send a strong message of support and social responsibility, calling for social changes that will provide a safer environment for all women in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Last night, in the Gallery of the Museum of Literature and Theater Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized by the Foundation of Local democracy, the exhibition "Let's Speak Up" was opened. This exhibition is part of the large public campaign "Let's Speak Up - Our Silence is Their Courage", which aims to raise awareness of the problem of sexual violence against women in Bosnia and Herzegovina, break the stigma and empower victims to speak out.
The exhibition "Let's Speak Up" gathers the works of more than 40 artists from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, who with their creativity boldly point out the presence of violence in society, with a special focus on sexual violence against women. Through their works, artists send a strong message of support and social responsibility, calling for social changes that will enable a safer environment for all women in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The event was opened by Jasmina Mujezinović, Executive Director of the Foundation of Local Democracy, who welcomed numerous guests and emphasized the importance of this media campaign:
- Through this project, we want to raise awareness and break the silence that prevents us from speaking openly about sexual violence against women. Our silence allows perpetrators to feel unstoppable, while victims feel isolated. This project aims to establish an adequate support system for victims, more efficient coordination of competent institutions and give a voice to those who are unable to, as well as to call on BiH society to support this goal - said, among other things, Mujezinović.
Jo Anne Bishop, representative of UN Women in BiH, also addressed the official part of the program, who in her speech emphasized the importance of the continued work of the Foundation of Local Democracy, and the Safe Network in the prevention and protection of women victims of violence.
In the final part of the program, certificates of appreciation were distributed to artists who contributed to the exhibition. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the Association of Fine Artists of Bosnia and Herzegovina, individual artists who submitted their works on this topic, and to students of the International University of Sarajevo who showed with their works that the younger generations understand serious social problems such as sexual violence against women and are ready to react. The Foundation of Local Democracy presented special awards to students Faris Rizvić, Ema Bakija and Hana Hodžić for the works with the best messages.
The exhibition "Let's Speak Up" was realized within the project "Empower Her - Strengthening Responses to Sexual Violence in BiH", which is implemented by the Foundation of Local Democracy in cooperation with the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Safe Network, and with the financial support of the UN Trust Fund.
The exhibition will be open to visitors until Monday, February 10, 2025, and all interested parties are invited to join and support this important initiative.
