Në Duart Tona

Population migration has been a fundamental part of Kosovar society throughout history. Unfavorable economic and political circumstances were, and in some cases still are, among the main causes of Kosovar emigration.

The period of migration (with a focus on the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s) affected many lives and people from all walks of life. Women were the most affected, since it was primarily men who left Kosovo in search of work. As a result, many women in Kosovo were forced to raise their families alone, without male figures present in their lives. The idea that these women are “superhuman” comes from the fact that they defied every social standard imposed on them. The very notion that women could raise their families alone at that time was considered both terrifying and, at the same time, deeply inspiring.

Our aim is to empower women with these stories, to show what true resilience and loyalty mean. We will interview some of these women, who will share details from their personal histories of how they had to raise their families alone, without their husbands present.

This project will provide the representation that Kosovar women need. The movement for women’s empowerment in Kosovo still has a long way to go today, but as we move forward, we must not forget the past—we have an obligation to honor the struggles and sacrifices of these women. During that dark period, they fought their own battles in the larger, ongoing struggle for women’s rights, often without realizing the extent of their contribution. It is important for us to share their stories, and to teach both younger and older generations about the resilience of these women.