AJO’MAL project, implemented by the Utalaya Foundation, brought together girls and women from diverse professions and regions of Kosovo, reconnecting them with the country’s mountains. This unifying journey transformed the collective trauma of isolation and fear into a love for nature, while promoting women’s inclusion in sports and advocating for gender equality. With the support of partners such as the Embassy of Switzerland and UN Women Kosovo, the project showcased the strength of women in challenging the peaks of both mountains and life.
Uta Ibrahimi, the Director of the Utalaya Foundation, who led the expeditions, shared her personal experience:“My fear of being alone in the mountains stems from a deep-seated paranoia rooted in the wartime era, when as children, we heard harrowing stories of massacres and violence. Over the years, by confronting this fear, I’ve managed to explore numerous mountains in Kosovo and beyond, often by myself. I drew inspiration from strong women, initially to promote the state of Kosovo. Today, through She, Mountain, I aim to open the door for women and girls to reconnect with their origins, with the mountains of Kosovo.”
The event was honored by the participation of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Albin Kurti, who emphasized:
“AJO’MAL should inspire us all, promoting a stronger, greener, and more united Kosovo.” He concluded his speech with a heartfelt tribute to the initiative and the women leading it:
“The mountain bows before her.”
The Swiss Ambassador to Kosovo, Mr. Jürg Sprecher, praised the project and the documentary as a testament to the extraordinary potential of women to build a brighter future for Kosovo.
UN Women Kosovo Representative, Ms. Linda Sanaja-Ukmata, highlighted that the project coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, encouraging courage and solidarity for women’s rights.
