How to live with dignity after life-changing hardships and how to resist social pressure were among the questions discussed at workshops held in Livno, Bratunac, Bosansko Grahovo, and Glamoč during April and June 2026. The theme of the workshops was “Women and Religion – Stories from the Shadows,” led by Prof. Dr. Zilka Spahić Šiljak and Dr. Sc. Jadranka Rebeka Anić. The workshops were organized by the association Li-Woman with the support of the Ecumenical Women’s Initiative.

The workshops gathered women from different life experiences and created a space for honest conversations about the position of women in society, family, religion, and tradition. Through powerful emotional stories and an interactive approach, participants reflected on the challenges women face every day, especially after major life hardships. The workshop theme, “Stories from the Shadows: how women live and cope in different roles after life-changing hardships,”encouraged participants to think more deeply about the importance of empathy, mutual understanding, and support among women.

Special attention was devoted to the following topics:

• life in the roles of mother, wife, and daughter-in-law,
• life after loss and the strength of widows,
• challenges faced by divorced women,
• and the position of women living outside traditional social frameworks.

Through the exchange of experiences and open dialogue, participants discussed ways to develop empathy and compassion, improve communication skills, and break down myths, stereotypes, and prejudices often directed at women facing different life challenges. The workshops were marked by strong emotions, sincere life stories, and an important message, that no woman should remain invisible, misunderstood, or alone in her struggles. The organizers emphasized that it is through conversation, understanding, and support that a more humane and empathetic society for all women is built.