A woman gazes into the distance, clutching a bouquet of flowers. Around her are dozens of pairs of red shoes, each pair symbolizing one of Kosovo’s victims of femicide.
Much can be read into this heartfelt tribute that was unveiled in Pristina in September as part of the global United Nations activation campaign around the. But the words of the lead artist on this multiethnic mural are undoubtedly the most important:
"I wanted to depict a woman holding her head high, symbolizing hope and healing. The scattered red shoes represent the victims of gender-based violence, reminding us to strive for a future where women can live without fear,” 21-year-old Argjenda Azemi said.
The inauguration ceremony was opened by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the?United Nations Mission in Kosovo?(UNMIK) Caroline Ziadeh and Pristina Deputy Mayor Alban Zogaj.
Ziadeh has described the mural as a "product of peace", created by a multi-ethnic team of six young artists in a spirit of collaboration.
“Peace begins with me and begins within each of us,"?said?Deputy Mayor Zogaj.
"Each small act of compassion, understanding, empathy, and cooperation contributes to the larger goal of a peaceful world. It is about the cumulative effect of many small and positive actions. We cannot allow a culture of silence to persist while women are being killed in our communities."
The mural was organized by?Mural Fest, a?local art non-governmental organization,?with support from UNMIK.
