On 13–15 October 2025, the NGO Shliroj Cicat organised its fifth annual festival in Pristina to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this year under the slogan “Trupi s’është i Turpit” (“The Body is Not Shameful”). The festival once again brought together art, activism and care to empower women and break stigma around breast cancer.

Every day from 10:00 to 19:00, a bra donation was organised at Skanderbeg Square. A booth with the banner “Free your breasts” drew the attention of passersby, who stopped to learn more and ask questions. Beyond raising awareness, the campaign also supported fundraising efforts: lacing from the donated bras will be re-used to create handbags that will later be sold to support women affected by breast cancer. The volunteers working by the booth also handed out brochures on the importance of breast self-examinations for early detection.

On the second day of the festival, Shliroj Cicat hosted a powerful panel where each voice brought stories, energy and inspiration for women and the community. This year’s edition was particularly significant as for the first time the panel addressed the theme of the “double battle” – facing breast cancer while lacking support from partners. The panel featured Vera Ora, Fitore Bicaj, Bind Skeja, Edi Gusia and Kaltrina Ajeti.

Other festival activities included a gathering of local artists from North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo, who painted artworks exhibited on the final day of the festival at the Great Hamam. Shliroj Cicat plans to sell the pieces at an art auction on 4 February 2026, marking World Cancer Day. Funds raised will go directly to initiatives supporting women affected by breast cancer.

During the three-day festival, Shliroj Cicat also used its Creative Space to host interactive activities with women and youth, including yoga and ceramics sessions.

“Reactions from participants were overwhelmingly positive,” says Ermira Murati, the festival organiser. “Many described the festival as a rare space where art, care and activism merge into a powerful message for women’s health.”

Despite ongoing financial challenges, Shliroj Cicat continues to stand strong in its mission: “Shliroj Cicat is more than a festival – it’s a movement that opens dialogue about women’s bodies, fear and strength. Through art, we aim to release the topic of breast cancer from stigma and silence, giving women space to feel seen and empowered,” says Murati.