From 11 to 13 November 2025, Dr. Tatjana Takševa, a professor and researcher at Saint Mary’s University (Halifax), visited Sarajevo as part of a three-day program organized by the Association Forgotten Children of War.
The central event of the program was the official presentation of her new book,
“Unforgetting and the Politics of Representation: Voices from Contemporary Bosnia and Herzegovina”
(Routledge, 2025).
The book is based on years of extensive research and explores the political significance of traumatic experiences, as well as the power of survivors’ narratives in societies affected by armed conflict. By centering voices from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the publication makes a significant contribution to contemporary debates on memory, justice, and representation in post-conflict societies.
In addition to Dr. Takševa, the book presentation featured Ajna Jusić, President of the Association Forgotten Children of War, as well as research participants whose personal stories are included in the book. Their presence further underscored the collaborative nature of the project and the courage of survivors who chose to share their experiences.
As emphasized by Dr. Takševa, the inclusion of survivors in public dialogue is one of the key elements of the project, as it contributes to the visibility of their voices and the recognition of their experiences within both academic and societal spaces.
During her stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Takševa also delivered guest lectures at the University of Sarajevo, including the Faculty of Philosophy, the Department of Political Science, and the Faculty of Law, as well as at the International Burch University, where an additional presentation of her book was held. These academic engagements and public events opened space for interdisciplinary dialogue on traumatic experiences, collective identity in post-conflict societies, and the role of dialogue in peacebuilding processes.
Special attention throughout the program was devoted to the experiences of children born of war, particularly those born as a result of conflict-related sexual violence. The events brought together survivors, activists, researchers, and members of the academic community, creating a safe space for the exchange of knowledge and lived experiences.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Ajna Jusić stated:
“This event once again demonstrated how important continuous collaboration between academia, civil society, and survivors is as a key element in understanding and building social justice in post-conflict societies.”
The Association Forgotten Children of War continues to build bridges between knowledge, lived experience, and advocacy, with the aim of ensuring that survivors’ voices remain permanently present in public, academic, and political spaces.
