Agence France-Presse (AFP) has brought “Unbounded Voices: Women of the Balkans – Strength & Legacy” to Tirana. The photography exhibition opened today at Vila 31 x Art Explora with support from L’Oréal Group.

The exhibition brings together intimate portraits of nine women from across the Balkans. Their stories explore daily life, work, passions and personal experiences in Tirana, Belgrade, Sarajevo and Banja Luka.

Through photographs and personal stories, the project challenges simplified images and stereotypes about Balkan women. Instead, it puts their strength, pride, challenges and everyday achievements at the center.

In Tirana, AFP photojournalist Adnan Beci presents portraits of Blerina Vrenozi, Elida Zhulati and Luna Causholli.

French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard attended the opening ceremony alongside representatives from the arts, culture and media. During the event, Beci thanked the guests and the women who joined the project. He also spoke about the extensive work behind the exhibition and the importance of the experience.

Meanwhile, Blerina Vrenozi, a spider specialist, researcher and lecturer at the University of Tirana, shared her experience as a woman in science. She spoke openly about the professional challenges and gender stereotypes she has faced.

Vrenozi stressed that women can overcome obstacles through determination and perseverance.

“My message today is that with hard work, strong determination and the courage never to give up, anything is possible,” Vrenozi said.

She also discussed her research on spiders and butterflies. Through her story, she highlighted the importance of perseverance and equal opportunities for women in science.

At the same time, the exhibition introduces Elida Zhulati from Gjirokastër. Zhulati preserves the traditional art of embroidery and continues to pass this heritage forward.

She spoke about her strong connection to her profession, her hometown and Albanian traditions. Despite difficult periods, she has continued to practice and preserve the craft.

Meanwhile, young singer-songwriter Luna Causholli thanked her family and everyone who helped bring the project to life. She described the experience as a special opportunity for the women and girls involved.

The exhibition also encourages visitors to look beyond the stereotypes that have often shaped perceptions of women in the Balkans.

From Tirana to Banja Luka, the nine stories explore different professions, environments and life experiences. They address themes such as freedom, work, motherhood, economic challenges, appearance and prejudice.

Moreover, the photographs give each woman space to tell her own story. Together, they offer personal perspectives on what it means to be a woman in the Balkans today.

AFP Balkan contributors Adnan Beci in Albania and Elvic Barukčić in Bosnia created the project under the editorial direction of Andrej Isaković. Camille Bouissou curated the exhibition and conducted the interviews, with support from AFP journalists across the Balkans.

In addition, the physical exhibition connects with a multilingual online platform. Visitors can explore an expanded photo gallery, written stories and audio materials.

Finally, “Unbounded Voices: Women of the Balkans – Strength & Legacy” will remain open at Vila 31 x Art Explora until Oct. 2. The exhibition invites visitors to discover the women’s stories and hear the voices behind the photographs.

/a.c/