Kosovo’s “Be My Voice/Bëhu Zëri Im” Campaign

Viktoria Pashtriku
Women’s Association Medica Gjakova
Gjakova, Kosovo

One of the most vital initiatives in Kosovo that seeks to challenge the stigma surrounding survivors of wartime sexual violence is the “Be My Voice/Bëhu Zëri Im” campaign. Launched on June 19, 2018–the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, as well as the 20th anniversary of the Kosovo War (1998-99)–in collaboration with the Kosovo Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT), the campaign promotes advocacy work that encourages Kosovo’s public to openly discuss wartime sexual violence. It also raises awareness on the struggles survivors are facing and provides resources and information for the process of applying for the “recognition and verification of the status of sexual violence victims” (a globally pioneering program in Kosovo that offers survivors monthly pensions).

The “Be My Voice/Bëhu Zëri Im” campaign logo has become a commonly recognized image around Kosovo. The purple color has a long history of being used by women’s human rights groups/efforts. Originally purple was used in 1908 to symbolize the Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK, and purple is the color for International Women’s Day as well. Image courtesy of Medica Gjakova.

The phrase, “Be My Voice/Bëhu Zëri Im,” was chosen to challenge people to speak up on behalf of survivors of wartime sexual violence who are not ready (and may never be) to speak up for themselves. In doing so, others can be their “voice” instead. Through this campaign, Medica Gjakova consistently produces promotional work such as social media posts and engagement, TV appearances and interviews, urban artwork, informational events and conferences, human rights protests, and more, in order to engage people to participate with the campaign.

Campaign artwork on a mural promoting women’s human rights at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada, created during the Women Deliver 2019 Conference. Image courtesy of Medica Gjakova.

Wall with three "Be My Voice" campaign logos painted on it. — Promotional campaign artwork found in the center of Prizren, Kosovo. Image taken by author.

Women of the Kosovo Philharmonic wearing the campaign logo during a performance in Paris, France, in solidarity with survivors of wartime sexual violence. Image courtesy of Medica Gjakova.

Women at protest holding up a sign — Leaders in Kosovo with the director of Medica Gjakova (center, dressed in red), during a protest in Prishtina, Kosovo. The sign they are holding up states “Më Trajto Dinjitetshëm,” which translates to “Treat Me With Dignity.” Image courtesy of Medica Gjakova.

I arrived in Kosovo for my fellowship work at Medica Gjakova just in time for this year’s International Day of the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict and the one-year anniversary of the campaign. I was able to gain some indispensable background exposure to the ways Medica Gjakova engages with locals and raises awareness for survivors of sexual violence. This included the creation of digital media posts and a TV interview to discuss how survivors of wartime sexual violence can come to Medica Gjakova for help and assistance. Kosovo’s “Be My Voice/Bëhu Zëri Im” campaign demonstrates that it is not necessary for survivors themselves to speak up about their experiences, that grassroots local engagement can encourage ordinary people to challenge stigma, and that campaign work is capable of going beyond marketing practices in order to establish worthwhile change.