Recalling the words of Gloria Steinem, the feminist icon, journalist, and activist, who said, “We are stronger together. One woman can do a lot, but together we can change the world,” I had the privilege of witnessing how women in Gračanica, a beautiful town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are changing the world for the better—for themselves and others.

On March 7, 2025, on the eve of International Women’s Day, at the invitation of the Informal Women’s Lobby Group, Medina Mujić and I held a book promotion for “The Price of Impure Blood: Cultural and Economic Aspects of Menstruation in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” which I co-authored with Jasna Kovačević based on our research on menstrual poverty. The discussion was moderated by the excellent journalist and activist Elma Mujkić, a member of this group.

It was an opportunity to reconnect, build new relationships, and witness the strength of women who, with their skill, wisdom, and perseverance, show how communities can be built and why it is important to take collective action.

Gračanica is widely known for its hardworking people and entrepreneurial spirit, but also for its exceptional cultural and historical heritage—keranje (hand embroidery and lacework), preserved by women.

Thanks to the “Gračaničko keranje” Association, women successfully registered keranje as an intellectual property with the Institute for Intellectual Property of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2010. I cannot fail to mention Azemina Ahmedbegović, who, along with many women from this association, managed to establish Gračanica lacework as a globally recognized brand.

This was particularly evident when they created the now well-known Srebrenica Flower, a symbol of remembrance. A book should be written about this, not just a short column.

These women offer the world handwoven lace, embroidered cushions, curtains, and other artistic works that, on one hand, reflect the mastery of female creativity, and on the other, represent the strength of women’s groups that weave networks of cooperation and resistance against violence and patriarchy.

It was an honor to meet the activists of Gračanica, who have gathered over ten women’s organizations into the Informal Women’s Lobby Group, dedicated to improving their community by preventing violence against women and addressing discrimination and exclusion. The ten women leaders, who run associations involved in food production, handicrafts, clothing, and other products, are coordinated by Larisa Šuša. They act in synergy, speaking with one voice when addressing problems and challenges in their community. The coordinator represents them publicly as a shield and defense for women in their community, serving as a buffer against attacks that inevitably come when challenging power structures and patriarchy. Resistance is often fierce, requiring skill and wisdom in strategic actions. There is much to learn from these women about developing different strategies for activism.

These women are true artists on the stage of life. As entrepreneurs, farmers, lawyers, politicians, and designers, they dedicate part of their time and resources to helping others.

“Helping others ultimately means helping oneself,” as one of them explained, because life without purpose has no meaning. And for them, the purpose of life always includes others—those in need of help, a kind word, and the feeling that they are not alone.

Looking at the hand-embroidered decorations on the walls of the Bosnian House in Gračanica, and the fine threads meticulously woven by a small needle into extraordinary networks of floral and other motifs, I realized that these women are not just creating exceptional lace but the most beautiful ornaments of solidarity and female unity.

As I observed these embroidered decorations, I felt something beyond mere aesthetics—I saw connection, community, and perseverance. These women are not only preserving the heritage of their mothers and grandmothers but also shaping and adapting it to the needs of the present day.

Why Does This Matter?

First and foremost, because research (Gender Barometer BiH 2024) shows that due to the lack of solidarity among women, deeply ingrained cultural practices and gender roles continue to change slowly.

In the book The Subversive Stitch: Embroidery and the Making of the Feminine, Rozsika Parker argues that while “embroidery was a means of educating women to become feminine, it also provided a weapon of resistance to the constraints of femininity.” Handicrafts such as embroidery and lacework can be seen as a double-edged needle—historically used both to reinforce ideas of femininity and domesticity and to challenge them. At first glance, embroidery, lacework, and weaving may appear as traditional women’s tasks that confined them to the home. Yet, throughout history, women have used these very crafts to build their autonomy, connect, exchange knowledge, and support one another.

Through keranje, (lacing), weaving, and other exceptional crafts, Gračanica’s women showcase their femininity and creativity while at the same time challenging patriarchy, oppression, exploitation, and marginalization. They are weaving strong networks of solidarity, just as a fine needle threads delicate strands into a cohesive fabric that is not only aesthetically valuable but also strong and resistant. They have long understood that only together can they bring about change—not just for themselves, but for the generations of young women who will follow.

Keranje in Gračanica is not just a craft, it is a silent revolution, an act of resistance, and a symbol of unity, as Elena Ferrante reminds us: “True female friendships are like a network—they support you, catch you when you fall, and enable you to grow.”

These women demonstrate that solidarity networks are strong, that they can rely on one another, and that a single phone call can solve problems that would otherwise take days of bureaucratic procedures. And if they fall, as life inevitably brings challenges, they are there to catch one another in their net of solidarity offering a helping hand, a kind word, shelter, contacts, and even financial assistance.

I conclude this column with the words of Margaret Mead, whose quote many are familiar with:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

This small group of women proves that change always starts with us—and that only by working together can we achieve something meaningful. Only together can our voices be strong enough to dismantle patriarchy and the violence that harms women, children, and even men. Because patriarchy, contrary to popular belief, does not benefit men either. Women and men should be partners in life’s journey, because only together can they build happier families and societies.

Happy March 8, 2025—International Women’s Day, a day of resistance and demands for justice and equality