With Education Against Violence Toward Girls

From May to September 2025, we have been working on empowering girls and women in various areas of their lives through advocacy, media campaigns, street actions, workshops, and courses, as well as by collaborating with artists, activists, and other organizations.

At the same time, we have continuously been working directly with the Center’s users and their children, providing guidance through institutions, individual consultations, and legal support.

Here are the most important activities carried out during this period:

EMPOWERMENT TROUGH WORKSHOPS

Empowered for a Better Future

A series of workshops and courses for girls and women were held with the aim of economic empowerment and reducing the risks of violence and poverty.

The trainings included workshops on making natural cosmetics (lip balms, scrubs, lotions, soaps), creative workshops, manicure workshops, and a makeup course. Participants can use this knowledge to become economically independent, start entrepreneurial ventures, or simply save on cosmetic treatments, thereby empowering themselves.
During the activities, participants were provided with menstrual hygiene products to reduce menstrual poverty, as well as informational materials on violence prevention, reproductive health, and economic empowerment.

These activities were implemented through the project “EMPOWERED FOR A BETTER FUTURE: Improving the Position of Girls and Women in Niš through Empowerment and Poverty Reduction”, supported by the L’Oréal Women’s Fund.

Violence, reproductive health and emotional wellbeing

We held a series of workshops on reproductive health, sexual education, violence prevention and red flags in relationships, as well as emotional intelligence. Girls had the opportunity to learn, share experiences, and ask questions on these topics.

CAPACITY BUILDING FOR CSOs AND ACTIVISTS

Unite&Act for EU – Interviews with Civil Society Organizations and Activists

Within the project “UNITE & ACT for EU: Marginalized Young Women Empowered to Engage in Activism in Southern and Eastern Serbia”, Centar za devojke, Grupa 484, and Romani Asvin visited six cities – Vranje, Pirot, Leskovac, Niš, Zajecar, and Bor. We conducted interviews with interested civil society organizations, activists, and activist groups, discussing the situation on the ground, their capacities, challenges, and needs.

The project is funded by the European Union through the EuropeAid program. The content of this publication is the responsibility of Centar za devojke, Romani Asvin, and Grupa 484. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

EMPOWERING ARTISTS

11th Feminist Art Colony in Sicevo
We held the 11th Feminist Art Colony, launched in honor of the painter and humanitarian Nadezda Petrovic, founder of the First Art Colony in Sicevo. Over seven days, 10 artists had the opportunity to create, socialize, exchange experiences, and network, as well as attend the accompanying program.

On the first day, actress Dragana Jovanovic from the National Theatre in Niš performed part of the play “Oookamenjene”, dedicated to the poet Jelena Dimitrijevic, for participants and citizens of Niš. 71 people attended. The second day began with introductions and distribution of materials, ending with a magical performance of “Nadezda Petrovic – Self-Portrait in Plural” by Dragana Jovanovic and Katarina Mitic Pavlovic, attended by over 90 people. On the third day, artists watched part of the omnibus play “SHE ASKED FOR IT”, directed by Ksenija Krnajski and performed by actress Maja Mitic, addressing various forms of violence against women: physical, psychological, economic, peer, inter-women, and in media. This was followed by a theater workshop exploring the connection between movement, voice, thought, and image. The fourth day included a “Gender-Sensitive Language” workshop led by Sara Plazinic Nikolic, discussing the importance of gender-sensitive language, common misconceptions, and the current status of the Gender Equality Law. On the fifth day, artists watched part of “I Am an Emotional Being” by V (Eve Ensler), addressing human trafficking. Marta Stanojevic performed “Survival Guide through Sexual Slavery for Teen Girls” on World Day Against Trafficking (July 30). The Empowering Self-Defense workshop taught five principles: think, scream, run, fight, and speak, and how to apply them daily. Tatjana Nikolic led this workshop. On the sixth day, through two self-defense workshops, artists learned stance, three strikes, five defense techniques, and more. When asked to summarize in one word what they gained, participants answered: strength, wisdom, reflection, ability, readiness, understanding, logic, repetition, patience, focus.

Ahead of the 11th Feminist Art Colony, we held a painting workshop with the youngest activists of the Center for Girls.

This year’s Feminist Art Colony is part of the project “Empowered to Create”, supported by the Swiss Government and the Hartefakt Foundation through the “Culture for Democracy” program, as well as OAK and Trag Foundations.

ADVOCACY AND MEDIA CAMPAIGNS

Fair (FeR) Philosophy

Through the project “FeR Philosophy to the EU”, supported by the National Coalition for Decentralization, Proaktiv, and the Human Rights Committee in Niš, we carried out action research and interviews with teachers in Niš, Bujanovac, Bela Palanka, and Vlasotince, experimental FeR philosophy lessons, development of tools, resource collection, creation of teaching materials, submitting recommendations to the Institute for the Improvement of Education, and publication and promotion of the manual in Belgrade and Niš.
The project reached 183 students and 20 teachers in four cities in southern Serbia, as well as over 55,000 citizens nationwide.

The Serbian-language manual can be downloaded for free here.

My Voice

Within the project „Unite & Act for EU“ we launched the “My Voice” campaign, addressing the position and challenges faced by young women from vulnerable social groups (Roma, LBTIQ+, women with disabilities, and others). You can follow the entire campaign on our Instagram and Facebook.

The project is funded by the European Union through the EuropeAid program. The content of this publication is the responsibility of Centar za devojke, Romani Asvin, and Grupa 484. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Forced begging

We launched media campaign about forced begging as to inform the public on the topin of this firm of trafficking in human beings. You can view it in our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

STREET ACTIONS

Street Action about femicide
Centar za devojke held a street action in central Niš to raise public awareness of male violence against women and femicide.

Since the beginning of 2025, eleven femicides have occurred in Serbia, with the last two, and the murder of a child, happening within 24 hours. Meanwhile, in Montenegro, a man who killed his two-year-old daughter and then himself was presented in obituaries as a caring father.

We ask: How long will we keep counting murdered women? When will women’s lives start to be valued in this country?

Serbia lacks official femicide statistics, and its Criminal Code does not recognize it as a separate crime—murder motivated by hatred of women and the desire to control them. Responsibility for reporting violence should not fall solely on women; others, especially institutions, must report if they suspect abuse and act in the woman’s best interest. The state is responsible for continuously improving the response to violence, establishing official statistics, adapting laws, and ensuring their consistent application.

Humanity is failing in Gaza
We stood in central Niš with a banner reading “Humanity Disappears in Gaza. STOP THE GENOCIDE” to raise awareness about the erasure of the Palestinian people while the world looks away.
We must not remain silent in the face of genocide. What is happening there should never happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Over 900 people saw this action.

International Action Day for Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights 2025
We ask: Why has May 28th lost its full title – International Action Day for Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights – and adopted a shorter name, omitting the key aspect: women’s reproductive rights? Is this due to growing patriarchal control worldwide: Trump’s political actions and abortion restrictions in 10 U.S. states, near-total abortion bans in Poland, complete criminalization in some Latin American and African countries, increasing control over women’s reproductive rights in Hungary, kneeling in Croatia? Does this imply it is acceptable to advocate for women’s health, but not for reproductive rights?
We stood on the street reminding citizens that girls and women must retain the right to make decisions about their bodies. We also distributed leaflets on cervical cancer.

Remembrance Day for Women Victims of Violence – Performance “Women’s Cemetery”
Activists of Centar za devojke performed “Women’s Cemetery” on May 18, the Remembrance Day for Women Victims of Violence, commemorating 7 women killed over three days in May 2015.
Since the beginning of 2025, at least 8 women have been killed in domestic/partner violence in Serbia. Due to the lack of official femicide records, we urge institutions to establish systematic monitoring. Over 1,500 people attended the performance.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS

Empowering Girls and Women for 27 years

Centar za devojke celebrated 27 years of work. The latest publication by Sara Plazinic Nikolic was presented, and actress Dragana Jovanovic spoke about the Center.
Since 1998, we have empowered over 27,000 girls and women through workshops and many more through direct support, activist theater, the Feminist Art Colony, the ArtFemine festival, and other activities.

We continue to support and empower children, girls, and women and contribute to building a better society. You can support our cause through donations and spreading the word.

Thank you for supporting our work!

Links:

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Hello!

Recently, we have done a lot. Here’s a brief overview.

New Year’s Gift Packages for Street-Connected Children

Children who use our servies in Children Dacaare Center received New Year’s gift packages, along with other children living and working on the streets. Our little means a lot to someone else.

European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

We reminded and informed over 300 women in our community about the importance of regular gynecological check-ups. We also distributed leaflets with vital information on cervical cancer prevention, routine exams, and the HPV vaccine.

Unpaid Domestic Work – Street Action

More than 2,000 people saw the street action organized by the Center for Girls about unpaid domestic work. We distributed 400 leaflets to women, explaining what unpaid domestic work is, why it should be recognized and compensated, and what its value would be if it were paid.
Many passersby stopped to talk with us and offered words of support. While there were a few negative comments, most people showed that they understood the importance of the action.
Unpaid domestic work performed by women makes up over one-fifth of Serbia’s economic output. This raises the question: what is the total percentage of economic value represented by unpaid women’s work both inside and outside the household?

Femicide – Street Action

Over 3,000 people witnessed the street action performed by activists from the Center for Girls in downtown Niš, marking three femicides in 2025 and the most recent one in 2024. All four femicides were committed by sons who killed their mothers.
Since 2010, more than 400 girls and women have been murdered in Serbia – killed by their fathers, partners, ex-partners, brothers, grandsons, or sons.

Women Against Fascism

Over 1,500 people saw Center for Girls’ street action “Women against fascism”. There were supportive comments, but unfortunately, one citizen responded with nazi salute. Citizens were given informative leaflets while the song "Break the Chain" played.

Forced Begging

More than 2,000 people saw the street action on forced begging, organized by the activists of the Center for Girls.
The banner “Forced Begging is Human Trafficking” drew the attention of passersby, to whom we handed out informative leaflets explaining what human trafficking is, its various forms, and how forced begging fits into that context.
Several people approached us to ask for more information, and we spoke with them about the difference between voluntary and forced begging. A few citizens made negative comments, often influenced by prejudice against the Roma community.

March 8 – Women’s Day March

March 8 is not Valentine’s Day – it is a day of struggle for women’s human rights, for a life free from violence and discrimination!
Over 5,000 people witnessed the March 8 protest march, organized for the third time in Niš by the Center for Girls and the Roma Women’s Association Osvit. This year, they were joined by the Committee for Human Rights Niš, the Roma Women’s Association Nada Aleksinac from Aleksinac, and the Independent Women’s Center from Dimitrovgrad.

Fifty participants marched through the central streets of Niš carrying banners with messages such as:

Women Against Fascism

80 Years of the Women’s Antifascist Front of Serbia

Students, Workers, Rural Women, Roma Women

For Women’s Human Rights

Together for: Women’s Rights, Labor Rights, Women’s Solidarity

March 8 is Not Valentine’s Day

We Demand Paid Women’s Work. For Economic Independence of Women

Unpaid Domestic Work is Any Household Work for Which a Person Receives No Compensation

More Feminists in Decision-Making Positions to Amplify Women’s Voices

For Legal and Free Abortion

Roma Women Against: Hate Speech, Racism, Misogyny, Femicide

We Demand That Femicide Be Recognized as a Separate Criminal Offense

Stop Violence Against Girls/Women

A Woman is Never to Blame – the Responsibility Lies with the Abuser

Rape Is a Crime Without Justification

Sexual Violence Against Girls and Women Must Not Go Unpunished

Roma Women for a Society Free of Gender-Based Violence

The Only Thing That Matters Is That You Are Okay – You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone

We Believe You, We Hear You, We Understand You, We Respect Your Choices

You Are Not Alone

You Have the Right to a Life Without Discrimination

Natural Soap and Body Butter Workshop

We held a workshop where we made natural soaps and body butters with girls and women.

Stay tuned because we will do great things in next period.

Greetings,

The Team of the Center for Girls