In Kosovo’s capital, Prishtina, dozens of women gathered this October for the three-day festival “Shliroj Cicat” (Free the Nipple) which combines art and open conversation to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early diagnosis.
At a panel discussion on October 14 held in the National Library of Kosovo, Vera Ora, a well known Prishtina-based psychiatrist, breast cancer survivor, and the mother of internationally famous singer Rita Ora, shared her story and the importance of receiving support.
“When I was diagnosed, I was young, with small children and a husband who supported me,” Ora noted, highlighting that the support of a spouse is incredibly important and meaningful.
“We become warrior mothers because we have to take care of the family, our social circles, and our ++work,” she explained.
Art residency with artists from Kosovo and North Macedonia at Termokiss, Prishtina. Photo: BIRN
The panel was part of the fifth edition of the “Shliroj Cicat” festival (Free the Nipple in English, to join the international movement), which brought together women, artists, activists, and breast cancer survivors to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
Ermira Murati, founder of the Prishtina based NGO Cicat, which organises the festival, explained that the message of this year’s edition is “Trupi s’është i turpit (Shame does not belong to the body)—a call to free the body from prejudice and silence that often surrounds breast cancer.
“Our goal is to speak openly about the realities that are too often hidden—from fear of diagnosis to the abandonment many women experience during treatment,” Murati emphasised.
She added that the festival’s impact on the community is evident.
“Over the past five years, Shliroj Cicat has succeeded in turning breast cancer awareness into a part of public culture—through art, discussion, education, and inclusion.”
More than just a cultural event, the “Shliroj Cicat” festival, held during global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is a call for self-love, body acceptance, and breaking the stigma that often accompanies breast cancer.
Community and creativity in action
Discussion panel with breast cancer survivors at the “Free the Nipple” festival on October 14, 2025. Photo courtesy: CICAT NGO
For three days, from October 13 to 15, an information booth with the festival’s logo was placed in Skanderbeg Square in Prishtina for the symbolic activity of “Bra Collection,” where women donated bras to be recycled into handbags.
“We sell T-shirts and bags, and the money goes to breast cancer support,” Erza, a volunteer at the festival, told Prishtina Insight.
“Today, one woman brought several bras—there’s been growing interest,” she added proudly.
Murati highlighted that as part of the festival, an art residency at the community centre Termokiss brought together artists from North Macedonia and Kosovo, who created paintings later exhibited at the Hamam of Prishtina during the festival’s closing night on October 15.
“These artworks will be auctioned on February 4, 2026, to raise additional funds for breast cancer awareness initiatives,” she noted.
As part of the festival, Murati, who works as an artist under the name Orange Girl, also painted the first mural inside the Oncology Clinic, symbolising the importance of the support that partners should provide to those with breast cancer.
Stories of survival and strength
Artwork created during the artist residency and exhibited at the festival’s closing event at the Prishtina Hammam. Photo: BIRN
This edition has been special, because for the first time the theme of the “double battle” of having breast cancer while also dealing with the lack of support from partners was addressed.
Ora said that “many women, when diagnosed with cancer, carry a heavy burden—not just physically, but psychologically as well. Partners often don’t know how to approach this issue, since it’s a family trauma that also leaves a mark on the children.”
According to Izet Sadiku, the Director of Health in Prishtina, the number of mammograms performed in the capital increased by 250% in recent years. In his Facebook account, he has explained that free mammograms are now available year-round and extend to women from surrounding municipalities.
Psychiatrist Vera Ora at the Discussion panel on breast cancer awareness on October 14, 2025. Photo: BIRN
According to data from the University Clinical Hospital Service of Kosovo, in 2024 Kosovo recorded 640 new breast cancer cases, 633 women and 7 men. From January to September 2025, around 330 new cases have been registered.
On October 6, 2025, the start of the 2025 breast awareness campaign, acting Health Minister Arben Vitia announced that more than 1,500 mammograms were performed at tertiary health centres this year, leading to earlier diagnoses for over 53% of women.
“Early diagnosis is increasing thanks to awareness efforts,” Vitia said. “Since last October, mammography and breast reconstruction surgeries have been offered free of charge.”
Women and girls participating in a ceramic workshop as part of the festival’s activities. Photo: BIRN
However, the diagnosis is only the beginning. Another breast cancer survivor, Fitore Bicaj, who joined Ora at the October 14 panel, explained the emotional challenges she faced following treatment.
“It was hard because the support was missing,” she said, explaining that, “over time, I realised that I came first. It wasn’t easy, but it was possible.”
Bicaj noted that the body goes through changes and “you start to feel like you’ve lost your worth.”
The Shliroj Cicat festival seeks to challenge and transform social norms surrounding the body and health, serving as a powerful call for self-love and the importance of self-examination.