Dielli | The Sun

Albanian American Newspaper Devoted to the Intellectual and Cultural Advancement of the Albanians in America | Since 1909

Artwork from Kosovar war survivors at the Albanian Fashion Show in NY

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By ErmiraBabamusta/

New York – NGO Arta and Albanian Fashion Agency (AFA) announced their support for women survivors of unwanted physical contact during the 1998-99 war in Kosovo. Albanian Fashion Show taking place on Sunday, 27 March 2016 (4:00-9:00pm) will showcase works of women survivors. Proceeds and donation will go women in need.

“NGO Arta” has been working for years to support, advocate and promote rights of women in Kosovo, regardless of nationality, sexual orientation, race, educational level, and physical capability. “NGO Arta” together with Albanian Fashion Agency for the first time in history is making possible to bring these products that were made from women survivors from Kosovo war. We are helping these very talented and creative women gain independence and financial freedom by encouraging them get back up on their feet,” said HafijeQyqalla, Founder and CEO of NGO Arta (OJQ Arta).

As part of Albanian Fashion Week taking place in 25-30 March 2016, Albanian Fashion Agency (AFA) who is organizing this grand cultural event, is collaborating with “NGO ARTA” to do a fundraiser. For the first time in New York, there will be an exhibition of the creative work done by the survivors themselves. All accepted donations will go to a special fund to help women in Kosovo.

Specifically, the fund and the raised money from the cultural event and the exhibit will go towards: single mothers in need, help with clothing and food for winter, education for their children and social and economic opportunities for women survivors.

“Albanian Fashion Agency is very happy to support nonprofit organization from Kosova “OJQ Arta” which is going to bring the hand made products that are made from women who were raped in war during 1998-1999. These products are going to be shown during Albanian Fashion Show. All funds and donations will be used to aid those women that need our help the most,” said MrikaKrasniqi, Founder and CEO of AFA (Albanian Fashion Agency).

“OJQ Arta” was founded in 2005 by Mrs. HafijeQyqalla to advocate for the right and needs of women. “NGO ARTA” operates as a non-governmental organization since 1993 in Kosovo. In 2014 & 2015 NGO Arta organized anti-violence campaigns to raise awareness about the injustices imposed toward women. In collaboration with Albanian Fashion Agency, NGO Arta hopes to bring financial freedom for the women survivors.

Tickets for the event are $30 general public and $50 VIP. Tickets are available on EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/albanian-fashion-show-2016-tickets-22675893207. For more info visit www.albanianfashionagency.com.