Faris Šehić Wins STOP VIOLENCE Sketch Battle

Orange Day, a day dedicated to eliminating violence against women and girls, is celebrated worldwide on the 25th day of every month. It’s important to note that physical violence is not the only type of violence inflicted on women, and far from the only way of making women feel neglected, betrayed, denied human rights. According to data from the Agency for Gender Equality, 52.8% of women suffered some form of violence. Although there are some statistical data, it isn’t enough to be precise.

Due to the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, victims of violence are forced to spend more time with their abusers, which led to a 22% increase in reports of domestic violence. In an effort to support victims and show them that they’re not alone, the Institute for Youth Development KULT in cooperation with Painted Slate held an online contest titled “Sketch battle STOP VIOLENCE” to celebrate International Orange Day in May 2020. Participants were invited to use their sketching skills to represent the message STOP VIOLENCE and support victims of violence.

Members of the jury evaluated all the artwork, and chose the winner. Jury members were our famous rapper Adnan Hamidović Frenkie, graffiti artists HUKE and Hana Hodžić, and Samir Mahmić from the Institute for Youth Development KULT. The jury rated the artwork on creativity and inventiveness, and took into account the number of likes each sketch got on the Painted Slate Instagram profile. After the jury selected their favorites, and all the likes were counted, Faris Šehić from Bugojno was declared the winner. The best sketch will be painted at a suitable location, with the help of Painted Slate, during a graffiti workshop planned by the Institute for one of the upcoming Orange Days. Painted Slate has also prepared a prize for the winner.

We believe that the entire society needs to get involved and support victims of violence, and we will continue celebrating Orange Day with various activities. Violence can be reported anonymously by calling 1264 (RS) and 1265 (FBiH).