So much charm, elegance, determination and courage. So much irresistibility, pride and visibility. And that's what they want most - to be visible and equal. And they were - during the first fashion show for persons with disabilities (PWD), which was held in Nikšić's Freedom Square. The review was organized by the non-governmental organization (NGO) "Mozaik" from Nikšić as part of the project "EsnaZene - visible"
"We are all part of the fashion and trend story. Clothes speak about us, they affect our confidence and self-esteem. On the other hand, we know how neglected people with disabilities are, how much the fashion industry ignores the accessibility of fashion for people with disabilities. In this case, the priority is not fashion, but the promotion of inclusion and the empowerment of women with disabilities to express themselves creatively and overcome the barrier when it comes to public performance," said the moderator of the evening, Irena Rašović.
It seems that the participants of the show, both people with disabilities and their friends - users of the Day Center for Children with Disabilities and People with Disabilities, volunteers of "Mozaik" and members of the Roma-Egyptian community, overcame the barrier and bravely stepped through the city square. Maybe someone's knees were locked, but it wasn't noticeable. Dressed in clothes designed and sewn by women with disabilities, while Rada Popović and Milena Krivokapić made sure that every detail was well planned, designed and sewn, decorated with fashion details created in the workshop of the NGO "Mozaik" in cooperation with the workshop "Herbs&Clay", they also had a special decoration that was created only in their workshop – a smile.
The biggest trepidation, but also the biggest pride, was the executive director of the NGO "Mozaik", Blagoje Šturanović, who did not hide that he was very happy "that we can see something new and creative in the city".
"Because this is one of the first fashion shows, I hope not the last, and that it will motivate all of you to be creative and to think about how to include people with disabilities in all spheres of society, especially in culture, and in the fashion industry as well. This is just one of our activities. These days we were all over the city - we were visible, we did some very creative and interesting things and I hope we will continue in the same rhythm", said Šturanović.
The review was opened by the secretary of the Municipal Assembly (SO), Nikšić, who pointed out that the inclusion of people with disabilities is one of the key assumptions for building a fairer society.
"Persons with disabilities often face numerous problems, from existential to exclusion from cultural and public events, while women with disabilities are also exposed to gender discrimination, which further complicates their position. We have a duty to fight together against all negative practices every day, and to work dedicatedly to create a society in which everyone's rights and needs will be truly respected," emphasized Šljukić.
As she said, the project "OsnaZene - Visible" has the wholehearted support of the Municipality of Nikšić, which in the past has established itself as a reliable partner of PWDs, but also of all relevant addresses and individuals who want to change things for the better, and make Nikšić a safe and comfortable home for everything. She added that this practice will continue in the future.
"Together we can do better and more. After the mural of Frida Kahlo and Judy Human, which decorated the wall of the popular 'Desetka', the show is a new piece in the mosaic of a more modern, inclusive Nikšić. Thank you very much for the waves of beauty, love, optimism, creativity, energy and hope that you wash over us. That's how you make us better and be the best in us - truly human and warm", concluded the secretary of the SO Nikšić.
The review was also attended by the advisors of the President of the Municipality, Tatjana Raičević and Vojin Striković.
The project "OsnaZene - visible", which "Mozaik" implements, is supported by the Program of civil society organizations in Montenegro from basic services to policy formulation - MBASE, which is implemented by the Center for Civic Education in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation, the Center for Protection and Study ptica and the Politikon network, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Administration and the Ministry of European Affairs.
The project is financed by the European Union and co-financed by the Ministry of Public Administration.
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