LocationsIntergenerational Exchange for a More Resilient Community
Bridges of Trust: Through a Culture of Remembrance, Youth Build Just Society
July 10, 2025
Intergenerational workshop in Čanj
Photo: Vive žene
The culture of remembrance of genocide and other past atrocities is not only for survivors—it is the foundation upon which a responsible society is built. When young people recognise the importance of these memories, they not only honour the victims but also actively contribute to building a fairer and more resilient society. In this process, remembrance becomes a bridge between generations, between past and future, between pain and hope.
In the year marking 30 years since the Srebrenica genocide and the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to build bridges of trust and understanding. One of the most powerful examples comes from Tuzla, where the association Vive žene brought together survivors and young people through the project Intergenerational Confrontation with the Past in a shared process of dialogue, learning, and mutual support. This project was implemented with the support of a grant awarded under the broader regional initiative EU Support to Confidence Building in the Western Balkans, implemented with financial support from the European Union (EU) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Intergenerational confrontation with the past is a process in which different generations come together to discuss difficult experiences from the past, learn from one another, and jointly build the foundations for a fairer and more resilient society. Through workshops, group meetings, and joint activities, young people had the opportunity to hear personal testimonies from survivors. In contrast, survivors were given space to share their stories and feel the support of new generations. Intergenerational connection becomes a space where truth is preserved, and in these encounters, a new energy is born—one that does not forget but chooses to build.
Voices That Connect
Mirsada Tursunović, from a village near Zvornik, who lost her home and safety during the war, is now one of the women who bravely shares her experience. “These traumas stay with you for life, but with the support of psychologists, we’ve learned how to cope,” Mirsada recalled. Participating in support groups organized by Vive žene gave her new strength:
“With them, we became even stronger. We worked on our life stories, and I was amazed that young people are willing to hear the stories of survivors—they should be the ones to write our history,” she emphasized.
“Silence only benefits the perpetrators. I decided to speak out”
-Mirsada Tursunović
On the other hand, young people like Melisa Bukvić, a law student in Tuzla, expressed compassion through their support, interest, and commitment. Their conversations helped group members who had survived the suffering of the 1990s wars feel understood and part of the community.
“The truth must be defended and spoken out loud,” said Melisa, who participated in the support groups.
“It’s important to me that all survivors receive the protection and support they need because they were strong for their children, for our parents, for us—and now we must be strong for them and fight to make the voices of survivors heard,” she emphasized.
“The truth must be defended and spoken out loud”
– Melisa Bukvić
Together for Remembrance
Through project activities in 2024, dozens of participants took part in workshops, discussions, and shared reflections. In an atmosphere of mutual respect and support, bridges of understanding and solidarity were built.
“There were many tears, but even more laughter, support, and hope,” said Melisa. “I didn’t expect we’d grow so close to one another.”
For many survivors, this was the first time they spoke publicly about their experiences.
“Silence only benefits the perpetrators. I decided to speak out,” said Mirsada.
Confronting trauma is not just a personal process but a collective effort. That’s why bridges of trust and understanding between generations are built carefully and under the expert guidance of psychologists. Survivors and young people worked together, sharing experiences in workshops and seminars.
The project Intergenerational Confrontation with the Past, implemented by Vive žene in 2024, organized workshops for 44 participants. As a result, bridges of understanding were built between generations, and all participants gained a sense of shared hope. “The lessons we learned from the survivors’ stories will shape our actions and inspire us to create a better society for all,” concluded the young participants.
On Human Rights Day 2024, Vive žene premiered the documentary Together for Remembrance, which shares the stories of survivors and reflections from young people on the importance of preserving collective memory. The film is a powerful reminder that confronting the past is not only a personal but also a societal process—and that we all have a role to play in it.
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