For Peace Today, Let’s Recall Wartime Yugoslav Feminist Solidarity

Anti-war activism plays a significant role in preventing devastating wars and fostering solidarity with victims of war.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are once again reminded of the importance of anti-war activism among human rights activists.

Likewise, feminist activists in Yugoslavia played an important role in the social and political transformation of an entire society. It is important to remember this activism, given how it has faded from public discourse and collective memory.

In particular during the break-up of Yugoslavia, feminist activists were notable for their efforts to bring peace and solidarity to the region. During and after the dissolution of the federation, feminist activists sought through various means to fight against the regime of Slobodan Milosevic and bring peace to the region. Women's anti-war activism in Serbia played a central role in Serbia's alternative political space.

It was one of the most traumatic periods anyone (especially women and children) could experience.

As Adriana Zaharijevic, senior research fellow at the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory in Belgrade, has pointed out, unlike most east European countries, where socialism was simply succeeded by a post-socialist regime, Yugoslavia experienced not only a transition from socialism but also a gruesomely violent disintegration.

The solidarity and organic cooperation between feminist activists in Kosovo and Serbia which prevailed during the conflict amounted to a political refusal to follow oppressive state orders and served as an "alternative scene" and an aspiring frame for activism.

Piercing the political silence

Serb group "Women in Black" stage an anti-violence protest...