Ndal - Stop!

Theatre projects with young people and women affected by violence raise public awareness of gender-based violence and stimulate public debate. With campaigns and creative street actions, the project contributes to a gender-equitable and diverse society.

Working on social change through art: Via theatre performances, festivals, workshops, campaigns and creative theatre courses for young people in rural communities, the project aims to improve the well-being of women, girls and young people.

At the same time, the audience is sensitised to gender-specific and sexualised violence as well as other social taboos. The "Ndal - Stop!" project brings together young people and adults from different cultural backgrounds for theatre projects and public actions. It encourages them to question patriarchal gender norms, build equal relationships and thus contribute to positive change towards a gender-equitable and multi-ethnic society.

Patriarchal thought patterns are strongly anchored in Kosovan society. According to these, a woman is not allowed to leave the house without the permission of her husband or parents-in-law. The wife must primarily look after the household and the parents-in-law. Domestic violence is seen as a family matter and is rarely reported. Those affected by sexualised violence are massively stigmatised and isolated within their own family and in society, regardless of their ethnic origin.

The "Ndal - Stop!" project is run by Frieda partner organisation Artpolis, a Kosovan NGO based in Pristina. Artpolis was awarded the prize for the best theatre play of 2020 by the Kosovan Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for its performance "Spring Awakening", which deals with the fears and problems of young people.