Youth Square in Brčko Awash in Orange

Violence against women and girls is a gross violation of basic human rights and is a widespread problem across the world.

This month, the Institute for Youth Development KULT supported the Creative Workshop ‘Maštaonica,’ organized in collaboration with the Third Primary School ‘Brčko’ and the Citizens’ Association ‘Sport for All – Tessa,’ in celebration of Orange Day – Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls

The aim of the activities at Trg mladih (Youth Square) in Brčko was to engage and educate the public, raising awareness of all forms of violence against women and girls while promoting women’s rights.

Under the guidance of Nina Radenković, the head of the creative workshop ‘Maštaonica,’ around 60 children painted the square orange. These children used color to their bit in raising awareness of the importance of fighting violence against women and girls. While the children from ‘Maštaonica’ painted on canvases in honor of Mica Todorović to send a message to women and girls who are victims of violence, the students of the Third Primary School ‘Brčko’ performed the recitation ‘Today I Got Flowers’ and the song ‘Violence is Not Courage,’ which they prepared with their teachers.

Recognizing that violence is unfortunately prevalent in our country, Nina decided to observe Orange Day to raise awareness about the importance of discussing this issue, which, in her words, is too often swept under the rug.

“We organised this event to mark the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. The children had the opportunity to draw love as they imagine it, and they sent a clear message: we should treat each other with care and kindness, not violence,” Nina said.

“It’s very difficult to reach victims of violence who, due to shame or other reasons, are unable to speak out publicly,” she added.

Afterward, the children shared messages of support on orange paper to all the women at the event and to passers-by.

The Institute for Youth Development KULT will continue to raise awareness about violence against women and girls and will observe Orange Day on the 25th of each month. Through a variety of campaigns and initiatives, the Institute raises awareness about the prevalence of violence against women and girls, educates young people on gender equality, and supports other stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing activities aimed at informing the public about this important issue.

You can have a look at previous activities HERE.