The Heroinat Memorial: Honoring Kosovo’s Forgotten Heroines
Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Heroinat Monument created by Ilir Blakçori and situated in downtown Pristina, in the central park in front of the iconic Newborn monument is one of the most impressive memorials I have ever encountered. Its design is deeply moving, but even more important is the cause it represents:honoring the 20,000 Kosovar women who suffered sexual violence at the hands of Serbian forces during the Kosovo War (1998–1999). This monument is not only a tribute to their courage and pain—it should also stand as a symbol of solidarity among women worldwide in the face of such horrific brutality. These Kosovar women need our remembrance and respect.
Ilir Blakçori reading The Human Rights Watch reports revealing that 20.000 Kosovar women were raped in the war was inspired by their courage and suffering to create this powerful monument. The memorial has a form of a three-dimensional portrait of an Albanian woman. It consists of 20,000 metal pins, medals each representing a victim and serving as a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and strength.
The pins are at different heights, creating a portrait in relief. What makes it very special is the fact that it offers a dual perspective: micro and macro. When you approach it you can see individual portraits and when you keep the distance you can admire the complete memorial, a face of a a Kosovar woman, a heroine. The memorial is 5,5 meters high and 4,5 metres wide. And it was unveiled on June 12, 2015, marking Kosovo’s Liberation Day.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Women played a crucial role during the war, not only as victims but also as soldiers, activists, and members of the non-violent resistance. More than two decades after the war, many survivors still live with trauma. This memorial is a strong reminder of the painful past of Kosovo and it is also a strong statement that these brave women are no anonymous and are not forgotten.
Heroinat by Ilir Blakçori won a prestigious A’ Design Award. in Architecture, Building and Structure Design category.
Photos: ©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is a Dutch-Polish journalist, author, and the editor-in-chief of the Central and Eastern Europe Center. She serves on the board of the European Institute on Communist Oppression. Born in Warsaw and currently residing in the Netherlands, Beata has roots in Lviv, Ukraine and has Armenian heritage.
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