The project Whispers – Stories of Strong Women used theater, digital performance, and immersive storytelling to confront gender-based violence and celebrate women’s resilience across Albania, Kosovo, and Serbia. Through a powerful cross-border collaboration, it delivered a series of compelling monologues, live and digital performances, and advocacy campaigns that reached audiences both in person and online.
The preparatory phase ensured smooth coordination among partners and secured performance venues such as the Digital Art Gallery and the Andon Zako Çajupi Theatre in Korça. A total of eight monologues were developed and performed by a diverse cast from the three countries, based on real-life stories of women who had experienced and resisted gender-based violence. These were showcased during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign in December 2024 and performed live on key dates such as November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) in Korça and March 8 (International Women’s Day) in Tirana.
The theatrical performance Whispers – Pëshpërima combined monologues, music, and digital art, drawing over 120 participants in Tirana and more than 100 in Korça. With innovative visual storytelling and strong emotional resonance, the project fostered dialogue on critical social issues and created a deeply immersive experience for audiences. To broaden access and amplify its impact, the digital performances were translated into Albanian, Serbian, and English, and streamed across social media platforms in all three countries.
Visibility efforts included social media campaigns, video promotions, and targeted ads timed with advocacy milestones. Influential figures such as Serbian actresses Maja Mitić and Olivera Viktorović Durašković, and Kosovar actress Albulena Kryeziu Bokshi supported dissemination. These efforts extended the project’s reach beyond national borders and strengthened regional solidarity.
The project successfully merged immersive technology, artistic excellence, and real survivor stories to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and advocate for gender equality across the Western Balkans.
Implementing partners: Institute for Strategic Development (Albania), Pan Pozoriste NGO (Serbia).
Whispers – Stories of Strong Women project was supported by the British Council through the “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” project, funded by the European Union. CC4WBs aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.