During the KWN retreat in Durres, member organizations had the opportunity to learn new methods for using art in advocacy. The workshop began creatively with deep meditation. As members held each other’s hands with their eyes closed, they discovered parts of themselves for which they were unaware before.
    “I felt good, but it was a bit of a problem for me to keep my eyes closed,” said Drita Citaku from Down Syndrome Kosova.
   The trainer, Zana Hoxha – Krasniqi, Director of Artpolis, said that “This happens to us because we do not face ourselves as women (individual beings), but mostly as women and girls who surrender to their family, their work and to the norms established by society. We need to learn how to communicate with ourselves.”
     Zana briefly presented Artpolis as an organization and the work they have done since 2004 when the organization was established. They mentioned the Femme Fatale festival, which was the first feminist festival organized in the region. One participant expressed her will to participate in the next festival as a performer.
     “I have always wanted to be an actor. When I was little, I once performed in a play so therefore I would like to try it again,” she said.
    After this, participants divided in groups. Each group chose a social issue that they would like to advocate for through art. They chose different ways of using art to present problems to the public. The first group chose to advocate for the issue of sexual harassment in workplaces through a skit. The second group chose poverty as an issue they would present through an art exhibition. They planned to organize this for 1June, a day celebrating Children’s Day. The third group chose to advocate for the issue of violence against women by organizing a protest with banners.
     In the end of the session, participants shared their impressions about the workshop.
    “Advocacy through art is the best way to understand our work as activists. Participating in this training made me realize that we can all give our own contribution through art. I think that your performances are very useful and important and that is why we should work following your example,” said Zuhra Kani from MWAHR organization.