The 8th of March 2012 – The International Women’s Day.
“A small step for a woman, but a huge one for mankind” was just one of the banners women every age were holding up into the (publi)city of Sarajevo.
But, let’s start at the beginning: just as planned, hundreds of girls and women gathered and united their power in the name of peace, equality and freedom at the National Museum Bosnia and Herzegovina at 11 am. The CURE Foundation dispensed different banners to the participants, while the organization Women to Women International offered balloons and little flags. The atmosphere was amazing – you could feel the women’s hope and energy; no matter which age or nationality – we were just one. To our amazement, there were also men joining and supporting our ideas and walk through the city of Sarajevo. We all pooled our forces with our first step.
In harmony we walked from 11.30 am until 12 am trough Sarajevo’s little alleys and strenuous main streets, along hundreds of people, young and old ones – men and women, talking about our action.
Then, we had a short stop at the parliament. Women were raising their voice to show the anger they feel due to politicians and political resolutions that treat women like numbers, not like humans, who have needs and wants.
Finally, we started our last steps to the final destination: the Eiffel-Bridge. There arrived, 1000 participants collected their confidence and pride, holding the hands with the balloons into the blue sky, and let them fly.
We finished the event with a manifest in the park “Spomenik”. High representatives were talking to the participants and audience about gender roles, problems and initiatives. Young musicians underlined the atmosphere with their art.
This action took place in different countries in Bosnia and Herzegovina and even the world. So, we invite you to join us next year, because: it is “a small step for a woman, but a huge one for mankind”!
By Tanja Matović, CURE Foundation
