By Roy Lie Atjam
The Embassy of Kosovo and Carabela Books, an independent and non-profit publishing house, organized the poetry collection “Girl of Monday”, at the Kosovo Chancellery in The Hague, on 18 November 2023.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Dren Doli, a professional lawyer, referenced the ability of literature to aid in comprehending legal texts through literary interpretation.
The poetry collection is the first of its kind. It is trilingual and an ongoing conversation in verse of twenty-eight Dutch and Albanian poets who have written about love, motherhood, women and girls, not from an imposed adoration of enamoured men, but from their recognition of women’s role in their lives.
Participating artists read from their work: Alban Bala, Erik Lindner, Gerard van Hameren, Jantine Dijkstra, Juan Heinsohn Huala, Leo Stilma, Liridon Mulaj, Marco Nijmeijer, Ramon Haniotis, Shqiptar Oseku, Albana Shala, as well as the daughter of Moikom Zeqo, who departed two years ago. The well-known artist Hajrije Preniqi animated the evening with her songs. The organizers plan to host a more elaborate literary evening next time. Typical delicious food by Xhevat Ilazi, from Catering Bollenstreek were served. What a marvellous evening!
