Rafaela Prifti/
Last night’s talk by philanthropist Emina Cunmulaj hosted by Albanian Roots Club at St. Francis College highlighted the multifaceted role of women in society in varous contexts from the stigma and challenges inflicting the survivors of wartime sexual violence in Kosova to domestic violence, family values and children’s education. The Albanian Roots Club and Emina’s Hand, a Miami-based non-profit foundation are collaborating in a fundraising campaign intended to create a space that accomodates children with special needs in the northern Albanian town of Shkoder. Currently, there is only one such room in Tirana, operating as a private entity, that is associated with high rates, and hardly meets the demand for such services.
Sitting at counter stools by a table against the backdrop of St. Francis College banner in a packed and well-lit multipurpose venue, Megi Rama, President of the Albanian Roots moderated the over-an-hour long talk with Emina Cunmulaj. Drawing on her early childhood memories from the time she was born to Montenegro Albanians parents in Michigan to moving back with the family to their hometown, former model and current executive, described a blend of memories that have shaped her life. At a very young age, she understood the painful experience of her late mother, a life pattern that is typical of women in a patriarchal society, and realized its long lasting impact. “That’s not what I wanted for me,” Cunmulaj said, “and the same goes for my three kids. It’s important to understand that the abuse of women is not a local issue, it is happening on both sides of the ocean, from Montenegro to Michigan and around the world.”
A daunting task that Emina is taking on with committed partners in the US and Kosova. At the talk, she encouraged youth “to advocate for women, to speak up and pressure the governmental institutions to protect women’s rights, and for all to join forces in bringing a true impact on social issues.”
Asked about ways that today’s youth can be impactful, Emina drew attention at the changes that have occurred generationally for women in society. “Still there is so much to be done,” she said. “The recent killing of two women by domestic partners in Kosova should enrage all of us, because it is a system failure,” endorsing the in-solidarity protest in Midtown this coming Sunday.
One of the joint collaborations of Emina’s Hand is the partnership with with Jahjaga Foundation, a non-profit led by the former Kosova President Ahtifete Jahjaga to provide assistance and economic support for women-owned small businesses in Kosova.
Jesika Hasankolli and Andrea Gajtani, respectively Vice President and Secretary of the Albanian Roots Club at St. Francis College introduced the guest speaker and thanked the participants in the audience particularly the Pan Albanian Federation of America Vatra, its Secretary, Dr. Pashko Camaj, Malesia e Madhe Association, Ulqini Association, Open Hand Association, renowed fashion photographer Fadil Berisha, from the office of NYS Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spantons, community members and students.
Talking with the hosts and Emina, Vatra’s Goodwill Ambassador since last November, Dr. Camaj supported the students and encouraged them to continue to be active in our community.
Guided by the conviction that “the more we talk the more powerful the impact,” Emina Cunmulaj impressed upon the audience the need for a joint strategy and joining forces to combat issues that the community cares about. She was honored with a Certificate of Gratitude by the organizers of Albanian Roots Club and was presented with an acknowledgement by the Staten Island Director Vanesa Limani of NYS Senator Spantos office.
Photo Courtesy Valon Gerbeshi, Videographer and Albanian Roots Club