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 51³Ô¹Ï 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?51³Ô¹Ï 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.
