A store where sexually violent survivors sell pickles

I don't rest, I have to do something”, said B., which is 51-year-old. I feel like my brain is calmer when I do these things in my” home.

Later that day, she makes almost different kinds of fresh and ungurt cheese in order to sell them to her store in Gjakova town, which is located 30 minutes from her home.

B. It is one of 20,000 women and men raped and tortured by Serbian police and the Yugoslav Army during the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo. The exact number is difficult to recognize, given the sensitivity of the subject in the state of 1.8 million people. In Kosovo's conservative and traditional society, the sex victims of war are stigmatized, ashamed and isolated from society, but even from their families, where many survivors kept the violation of them secret. Hence, survivors do not use their name in this article.

In general, in cases of sexual violence, guilt and shame unfortunately go to the victims, not the bully. In Kosovo, the case is the same”, says Rosafa Kemendi, project manager in the organisation's women, Peace and Security sector. - What? Women in Kosovo. She says that in 2008, the Security Council passed the resolution condemning sexual violence, and calls it a means of war.

So if the United Nations had to pass this resolution in 2008, then it takes a longer time for society to accept sex violence as a means of war, and a crime against civilians and not as something that is viewed with shame”, Kelmendi said.

Medica Gjakova, one of four NGOs in Kosovo working with survivors of sexual violence have opened a food store in December last year, with the help of Germany's GIZ organisation and the Federal Ministry of Economic Development, and many international donors have been involved in supporting this NGO in Kosovo.

The store sells organic products of various kinds, which are made up of some survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo. Food includes different types of fresh cheese, yogurt, three kinds of honey, apples, berries, blueberries, red pepper, and eggs. The store is part of Medica Gjakova's project to promote the economic empowerment of survivors.

This is the first store of this kind in Kosovo, and it is a major step towards helping women to be more independent, and financially safer. Medica Gjakova is in the process of registering the store as a social business and training survivors for business and skills development.

We saw that economic empowerment is very important for women because they earn more self-confidence. And when it comes to family, they are able to make some money for them, and their role in the family is strengthened”, said Mirlinda Sada, executive director of the NGO Medica Gjakova. “We are trying to prepare these women to be leaders in entrepreneurial”, Sada said.

The ancient city of Gjakova was completely destroyed during the war. Many crimes have occurred in this city and villages around it, especially during the 78 days of NATO bombing during 1999. This bombing campaign prompted Serbian forces of President Slobodan Milosevic to leave Kosovo.

The artisan shop is located on one of the city's most frequent roads. The window at this store features pictures of the village's fresh eggs, pumpkins and apples. Since the opening, the store has been constantly supplied with hot food and other products, thanking consumers who are looking for fresh and traditional food.

People are writing to us at Medica, asking us where they can buy products, and then writing back to us how good they are” said Sada.

Medica Gjakova NGO has provided many consultants to help the 400 survivors of sexual violence since the war. Although many survivors continue to receive treatment and do not work, others feel ready to move on with their lives.

This is very important because consultants and psychologists are helping these women”, Sada said. “Having a job and working is a type of therapy”

This is so true of survivors like M.

“ (Food work) helps me with my peace and health”, M said. From her home to a village near Gjakova, where fierce fighting occurred during the war. “Time passes and I forget past”

M. now spends her days listening to music from a little radio in her workspace in her backyard. There, it makes home ajvar, traditional Balkan food, and pickles, which are popular foods in the country. “Here I feel best”, said M., 57-year-old.

“I get many compliments from my clients, who are satisfied”, M said. for her products. I get pleasure from this job when I see that I'm doing good for others. He helps me with my finances at the same time. I helped my children with their schooling. And I help my spouse with my family”.

It earns around 275 euros a month approximately the average wage of women in Kosovo.

Medica Gjakova is helping to open a shop in Pristina, Kosovo's capital, during the end of April, as well as an online store.

So this is really cherry on cake, because we know these women are able to benefit, earn money, get stronger and have a voice in the family”, Sada eventually added.