Sexual violence committed during the war in Kosovo continues to remain an open wound in the hearts of our society. It is a sensitive topic, that exemplifies human rights abuses and belated institutional response to those that are most in need. Survivors continue to face judgement, bias, shame, and until very recently, lack of institutional support.
Within the EU funded project “Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in Kosovo”, the forum theater play “Stigma: Claim Your Right” was delivered across the country. “Stigma” directly deals with this heartbreaking, collective trauma. The performance directly targets discrimination and bias towards survivors of sexual violence. However, the special feature of the Theatre Forum is the live interaction between actors and audience whereby the audience can ask questions throughout the performance, obtain new information, and challenge the (often discriminatory) views of the actors.
This play has challenged the current mentality and attitudes towards survivors of sexual violence, and managed to promote a revolting spirit, which was most noticeable during the live interactive discussions between the audience and actors. Among others, the play used its attention to raise awareness on the mandate and commitment of the Ombudsperson Institution by actively speaking about its mandate, focus, and responsibilities.
It was a performance that brought together institutional representatives, representatives from civil society, students and pupils and random citizens, all of whom believe in human rights and an equal society for all. Most importantly, following the screenings of the play, the Ombudsperson Institution began to receive requests and inquiries by survivors of sexual violence during the war, on state reparations and how to obtain them.
The play premiered in October 2017 in the Women’s Correctional Facility in Lipjan, where the play was offered in front of women prisoners who had the opportunity to discuss on human rights abuses and the role of the Ombudsperson. The play was then held 6 more times in 2017 throughout Kosovo, as well as 6 further times in 2018 due to popular demand.
Approximately 2000 people have already viewed the play and participated in its interactive discussions; 60% of all participants were women and girls, while 40% were men and young men. Ultimately, the play has achieved to challenge commonly held discriminatory and judgmental beliefs towards victims of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo.