Remembering Srebrenica's commemorations for 2017 are focused on the theme "Breaking the Silence: Gender and Genocide".
As well as remembering those who lost their lives, we must never forget that Srebrenica was the final act in a genocidal plan aimed at Bosnian Muslims. Among the victims of this plan were the 20,000 to 50,000 Bosniak women and girls – as young as 12 – who were subjected to sexual violence. We do not know the exact number of victims, because the majority of them have remained silent, through stigma, shame and fear.
This film features two women, Bakira Hasečić and 'Mirsada,' who were both subjected to horrific ordeals, but bravely speak out to prevent anything similar happening again.
Misogyny, hatred and violence against women and girls are not just problems during genocide or conflict, as can be seen in our communities every day. We must stand up to all forms of hatred and build safer, stronger and more cohesive societies.
