Dear all,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing today to share some insights on a meaningful topic.

I am honored to be the recipient of a residency awarded by the Austrian Foreign Ministry, implemented by the Cultural Forum of the Austrian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During this residency, I am exploring the intersection of art and transgenerational trauma, partnering with the Sarajevo-based organization Kuma International.
As an artist who has experienced war and displacement, and someone who has spent decades exploring individuality and the concept of belonging across different societies, psychology has naturally become an integral part of my artistic work. It’s therefore a pleasure to share some of my reflections with you.

As part of the residency, I’ve decided to focus on an issue that has caught my attention over the past two years while collaborating in Sarajevo and Tuzla with psychologist Dorothee Janssens de Bisthoven, a specialist in transgenerational trauma for over 25 years. My artistic projects and numerous conversations with locals have also deepened my understanding of this issue. Specifically, I’ve observed the societal imbalance arising from the one-sided empowerment of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a post-conflict and patriarchal society.
While empowering women is essential, I’ve noticed that without engaging men in the process, this approach can lead to unintended consequences and further imbalance in behavior and societal roles. I aim to raise awareness of these potential outcomes and encourage discussions about new, modern, and holistic approaches that can benefit society as a whole.
As part of this initiative, we are planning a dialogue on December 16 at the Europe House in Sarajevo. 
For those of you who can spare five minutes and are interested in this topic, I kindly ask you to read about my remarks and share your thoughts by answering this question to my e-mail address aldina.topcagic@artalive.at
Have you noticed any changes in behavior or imbalances in society related to the one-sided focus on women’s empowerment in Bosnia and Herzegovina? If yes, how do you perceive it, and what stands out most to you?

If you’re short on time, feel free to respond with:

  • Yes
  • No
  • I have no remarks on it

Your feedback would mean a lot to me and contribute to a meaningful discussion. Thank you in advance for your time and support!

 

My remarks: 

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a post-conflict country with deeply rooted patriarchal norms, women’s empowerment movements have made significant progress in addressing critical issues like gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and the underrepresentation of women in politics. However, these movements often operate in isolation, focusing exclusively on women while neglecting the broader societal dynamics and the role of men. This one-sided approach, while well-intentioned, is contributing to a deeper gender imbalance in society.    

The war of the 1990s left widespread trauma, with men, women, and children carrying the psychological scars of displacement, violence, and loss. In a society where patriarchy remains dominant, men traditionally occupy roles of power and authority. Simultaneously, women have faced systemic suppression and exclusion, creating an urgent need for empowerment. After the war, numerous initiatives focused on empowering women, often excluding men from the process.

Empowered women in Bosnia and Herzegovina frequently feel the need to adopt “tough” personas, often expressed through exaggerated external appearances like exaggerated makeup and fashion or confrontational behaviors, as symbols of independence and strength. In response, men - feeling excluded, threatened, or emasculated - may react with heightened aggression or emotional withdrawal. This dynamic deepens societal tensions, as societal roles shift without mutual understanding. 

For example, nearly half of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina have experienced some form of violence, according to a 2022 UN Women report. While this underscores the urgency of empowering women, it also highlights the societal tension that arises when men are not engaged in the process.  

True and lasting empowerment must involve both genders. Men need to be sensitized to their emotions, supported in healing their trauma, and included in conversations about gender equality. Empowering men does not mean reinforcing patriarchal norms but fostering emotional awareness and equipping them to support gender equity. 

 

To create a harmonious society, Bosnia and Herzegovina should adopt inclusive approaches:  
1. Trauma Healing: Community-based programs for both genders to address psychological wounds.  
2. Education: Gender sensitization for men and boys, fostering constructive emotional expression.  
3. Authentic Empowerment: Encouraging women to embrace empowerment through collaboration and education rather than confrontation or competition.  
4. Youth Programs: Early education on respect and equality to shape healthier future generations.  

 

Conclusion:
The focus must shift from "empowering women against men" to empowering both genders for each other. This approach ensures that future generations of boys and girls grow up in a healthier, more balanced society. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, and by healing past wounds, Bosnia and Herzegovina can build a future rooted in empathy, respect, and shared growth - a society where equality is not a contest but a collective journey toward harmony and stability.

 

Warm regards,
Aldina