Excellencies, dear guests, colleagues and friends, and my Atina family,

I’ll start with a confession—I never really saw myself as a person who receives medals. But here we are, and if there’s one thing I know for sure, this honor does not belong to me ALONE  but to all of us.

The fact that it comes from the French Republic, which has long fought for human rights, liberty, and equality, is even more critical. From the revolution to today, France reminds us that rights are not privileges and that silence will not protect us. The French legacy of feminist activism reminds us that progress is never given—it’s taken. And that is precisely why we are here today.

The best thing that has ever happened to me—and to Atina—is having ALL OF YOU in my life. The whole team at Atina, I love you! Without you, our collective fight shared struggles, and devotion, our actions would not be possible.

This recognition happening here, in Belgrade, my hometown, makes it even more meaningful—because it means I get to share it with all of you.

Thanks to my family, who have given me a sense of integrity and justice. From childhood, I understood that justice is not something you wait for—it is something you fight for.

To our colleagues in state institutions who fight within the system to improve it, we see you. The walls you push against are hard to move, but change and resistance are necessary. Without you, so many women and girls would have been left unheard, unprotected, and without hope and a way forward.

To my friends, who are always there with unconditional love and support, even when I’m impossible to deal with—thank you for keeping me sane.

To our colleagues in embassies—who, in your official and personal capacities, have stood on the side of gender equality and the fight against violence against women—your solidarity has meant more than I can ever put into words.

To the activists, especially sister feminists, journalists, Academia, and people who refuse to look away, you are making a real change.

To the private companies that support or want to support programs for women—we can not do it without you. At a time when women’s rights are jeopardized globally, when survivors' rights are threatened, every action and every support matters.

We are in this fight together.

This is maybe the best place to share the New Chapter for Atina

This year, something big happened for Atina. Thanks to the support of the European Union and our friends at UNOPS, we finally have a permanent place to call home. It’s more than just walls and a roof— we have a space where women can feel safe, get support, and build a better future. It’s also a place where all of us—partners and allies—can unite, collaborate, and create solutions to keep fighting for what’s right.

Four Commitments for the Future

This recognition is not just a moment to reflect—it is a call to act. So let me share four commitments that Atina is making for the years ahead:

1. We will ensure that our new home becomes a place of safety, empowerment, and transformation for every woman and girl who needs it.
2. We will push for stronger institutional accountability so that laws are not just written but implemented and justice is not just spoken about but delivered.
3. We will support more women who have survived trafficking and violence to reach economic independence. Without financial autonomy, there is no true freedom. We will expand employment programs, our social enterprise Bagel Bejgl activities, and partnerships to ensure survivors can rebuild their lives.
4. Survivors' voices will lead us in shaping policies, laws, and programs. Women and girls who have lived through violence know best what must change.

This is how we turn recognition into action.

Make no mistake—the most important fight is happening right now here in Serbia, and students and new generations are leading it. It is a fight for institutions to regain their autonomy, strength, and ability to support this society to be just and better for everyone.

This recognition is not just a medal. It is a reminder that we are on the right path, that everything we have fought for has mattered, that every injustice we have confronted has led us here, and that the work is far from over.

So, today, we celebrate. And tomorrow, we keep going.

Thank you, Ambassador Cochard and all the representatives of the French Republic, for recognizing Atina’s work and standing by all those who fight for justice and equity in the world.

To the women and girls who have survived trafficking, thank you for showing us what strength truly means.
To my family for the values that shaped me.
To all of you - for your solidarity and partnership.

Merci, Hvala