COUNTRY

Kosovo

GNI PER CAPITA

USD 5,130 – 2021 (World Bank)

INSTITUTION

AFK

MISSION

?

KEY INDICATOR

27% – loans to women for business development

Activity

Artist’s studio

Microcredit

2,500 EUR

Project

Fix premises, buy equipment and set up social media

Testimony

Tina Hoda, 34 years old, married, one son and one daughter. She has an artist’s studio, whereby she learnt her trade as a sculptor on the job, after the birth of her children. Before that, she made pottery. Tina states that motherhood stimulated her inspiration. She believes that her creations help to preserve the memory of loved ones, particularly her hand sculptures, which are metaphors for the bond between people. In November 2021, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the municipality of Gjakovë, she staged an exhibition entitled « The Appeal » at the local Avdullah Pacha Dreni historical museum, in reference to the 1,622 people still unaccounted for following the 1998-1999 war. She exhibited sculptures of hands, illustrating the link between them and the missing persons. Through her art, she hopes to pass on the memory of the war to younger generations.

Tina set up her workshop in the Gjakovë bazaar under the Zoe brand three years ago. An initial loan of €1,000 enabled her to fix up her premises and buy equipment.  Her current loan of €1,500 has enabled her to set up her professional Instagram (« zoes_studio_art« ) and Facebook pages to promote her work. She receives many commissions from private individuals. She is now planning an exhibition on vulvas, to promote and encourage women to take a positive approach to their bodies.