A panel discussion titled “Art as Resilience” was held as part of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, within the framework of cooperation between the International University of Sarajevo, the Sarajevo Photography Festival, and the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth of Canton Sarajevo (MONKS).
The panel brought together Ms. Kristina Ljevak, journalist and human rights activist; Assistant Prof. Dr. Emir Hambo from the Visual Arts and Visual Communications Design (VACD) study program; Assistant Prof. Dr. Lejla Mustoo Basar from the Psychology (PSY) study program; Ms. Mirela Vasić-Hadžihalilović, representative of the Ministry; and Ms. Aida Redžepagić, photographer, Director of the Sarajevo Photography Festival, and lecturer of Photography at the VACD Department.
The panel addressed key issues related to gender-based violence, including the responsibility of the media and the harmful narratives that often accompany reporting on this topic. Special emphasis was placed on the role of art and culture in opening spaces for dialogue, fostering understanding, and encouraging meaningful social change.
As an introduction to the discussion, the artistic and journalistic project “Between Four Walls” was presented, serving as a starting point for a broader conversation on the intimate and often invisible aspects of violence, as well as the urgent need for more ethical, sensitive, and responsible media approaches.
It is also noteworthy that Ms. Ljevak received a highly prestigious award from the French-German government for her advocacy of human rights and the rule of law shortly after the panel. This recognition further underscores the relevance and importance of the perspectives and topics opened during the event.
