By Francesco Cortese
Celebrating The Truly Inspiring Power of Women’s Literature to emphasize the accomplishments of an exceptionally vibrant 2024, the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo, in partnership with Carabela Books and the Dutch-Albanian Foundation, successfully hosted a poetry night last December at its premises in The Hague. This remarkable event, titled “Voices of Her Own: Albanian Women’s Literature Across Borders,” celebrated the significant contributions of Albanian women poets as they assert their presence in national and European cultural arenas.
The evening commenced with a powerful opening speech from H.E. Mr Dren Doli, Ambassador of Kosovo in the Netherlands. Moderated by the esteemed Albana Shala and Mirza Adami—two influential figures within the Kosovo-Albanian diaspora in the Netherlands—the event highlighted a compelling lineup of authors and their impactful works.
Five distinguished Albanian women authors from Kosovo, Albania, and the diaspora—Blerina Rogova Gaxha, Olimbi Velaj, Erenestina Gjergji, Vlera Kastrati, and Ervina Halili—showcased their vital contributions to contemporary literature, honoring a rich heritage and diverse perspectives.
The first segment of the event was highly engaging, with poets delivering powerful readings of their works alongside other artistic expressions, such as music production and cinematography. The poetry readings in both Albanian and English not only captured the original musicality of the pieces but also ensured the international audience grasped their meanings and messages clearly.
Following the readings, a robust panel discussion unfolded, diving into the deeper aspects of the poets’ work. The dialogue examined their motivations for writing, the profound influence of Albanian heritage on their artistry, and the obstacles faced by women writers navigating the regional literary landscape.
What a lovely evening it was for the Kosovar diaspora in the Netherlands and their international friends! It created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to come together. As the evening went on, the vibe got even more relaxed and cheerful, allowing everyone to connect and enjoy this special moment.
To top it all off, the gathering wrapped up with a reception, featuring a delightful wine-tasting experience and traditional dishes from the Kosovar cuisine. It was the perfect way to celebrate the amazing contributions of Albanian women to literature!
