Kosovo Artist Turns Bras into Bags to Support Breast Cancer Awareness with “Shliroj Cicat”

Under Pristina’s October sun, women gather at a stall, each bringing a unique item to donate: a bra. These bras, part of a breast cancer awareness campaign led by local artist Ermira Murati, will be transformed into bags that are then sold to raise funds for breast cancer patients. The campaign, named Shliroj Cicat (Free the Boobs), marks its fourth year, aiming to spark awareness and encourage conversation about breast cancer among women in Kosovo.

Murati’s project is both practical and symbolic. The bras are crafted into bags of various sizes and colors and shared on social media to attract buyers. With the proceeds from the sales, Murati purchases mastectomy bras and other needed supplies, providing meaningful support for women recovering from breast cancer surgeries. These mastectomy bras, resembling regular bras, have built-in pockets to hold prosthetic inserts, offering comfort and dignity for women post-surgery.

“You can wear your bra as a bag,” Murati explains. “It’s a way of giving it a new, meaningful purpose.” However, the campaign’s playful logo, which features a cartoon-style depiction of a breast, has stirred controversy in Kosovo’s conservative, largely Muslim society. Despite this, supporters like Shkurte Kafexholli continue to participate, embracing the project’s mission. “We are here to support Shliroj Cicat,” Kafexholli says, standing in solidarity with breast cancer survivors.

Kosovo’s Health Ministry recorded 547 new breast cancer cases in 2022, highlighting the critical need for awareness and support. Through her work, Murati sheds light on a topic often left unspoken in the region. The campaign, aligning with global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, represents a movement toward increased openness and understanding about women’s health.

Murati is no stranger to challenging societal norms. Known for provocative art, her previous works have sparked similar reactions, including pieces portraying two men in traditional Albanian attire kissing and a depiction of a Kosovo and Serbian leader sharing a kiss. These pieces, like Shliroj Cicat, encourage dialogue on topics often shrouded in stigma, even if they provoke discomfort. “What I am doing is very provocative,” Murati acknowledges, working from her studio near Pristina’s main mosque. “It doesn’t create a lot of comfort for many people.”

Through Shliroj Cicat, Murati continues to push boundaries, raising funds and awareness for breast cancer, while challenging societal expectations surrounding women’s bodies and health issues. The project unites community members in a common cause, using art as a vehicle for both practical support and cultural change.

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