#Celebrating International Women’s Day Across the Western Balkans: Young European Ambassadors Lead the Charge

On the 8th of March 2024, the Western Balkans came together to mark International Women’s Day in a series of events to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. Around 100 participants, including Young European Ambassadors (YEAs), engaged in various activities across several entitites, amplifying the message of equality, access, and safety for all women. 

In Albania, the streets of Tirana echoed with the voices of solidarity as YEAs, including Daniela Kortoçi, Maria Zharanjaku, Serona Kolaveri, and Xhuljana Mucaj, participated in the ‘Nata është e jona’ (The Night is Ours) march. Organised by Kolektivi Feminist, this vibrant procession from the City of Students to the Prime Ministry and then to the city centre demanded universal access and safety for women of all backgrounds. 

In Bosnia and Herzegovina YEAs Milica Okiljević, Layla Jusko, Ajla Kuluglić, and Amila Memić took centre stage in panel discussions across Mostar, Banja Luka, Tuzla, and Sarajevo. Their dialogues with students covered the pressing issues of women’s status in society, gender equality, and equity. 

Kosovo celebrated with street marches and informative events. In Prishtina and Ferizaj, YEAs like Agmie Osmani, Amina Kaja, and others walked in solidarity, while others, such as Viola Maksuti and Desantila Muriqi, contributed to discussions on women in astronomy and the inspiring journeys of women in STEM. 

Montenegro hosted the ‘Women’s Conversations’ event, where attendees, including Bojana Lalatović, were inspired by stories of women like Biserka Raičević, who transformed her career from finance to become a skilled gold embroiderer. These stories of passion, resilience, and courage highlighted the transformative journeys of women across various fields, reinforcing the value of support networks and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment. 

In North Macedonia, the celebration was marked by an event at the National Opera and Ballet in Skopje, attended by YEAs Irena Shumenkovska, Ivan Durgutov, and others. This event honoured seven women as European Women of the Year, emphasising that the fight for equality extends beyond a single day. 

Lastly, in Serbia, YEAs joined the IWD protest march under the slogan “Always on the frontline,” and supported the petition “Swear by the law” against the misuse of intimate recordings. These actions underscored a commitment to ongoing advocacy and remembrance of the importance of International Women’s Day. 

These events across the Western Balkans underscored a collective commitment to gender equality, with the Young European Ambassadors at the forefront of fostering change and empowerment. Through marches, panel discussions, and inspiring conversations, the message of International Women’s Day resonated loudly: the fight for equality and safety for all women continues with unwavering strength and unity.