Zoe Brennan-Krohn, Brown University
“Surviving the War, Surviving the Peace: Supporting Survivors of War-Rape and Domestic Violence in Medica Zenica”
Bio: Zoë Brennan-Krohn is a senior at Brown University, where she studies history with a focus on human rights. Her research in Bosnia-Hercegovina was conducted during a semester abroad in the Balkans. In addition to her research and interest in Bosnia, Zoë is interested in disability theory and the social and cultural aspects of disability. Before college, she lived in Ireland for two years in a therapeutic Camphill Community with children with cognitive and physical disabilities. For her undergraduate honors thesis, Zoë is researching the history of the international Camphill organization.
Abstract: During the war in Bosnia, when women were systematically raped, many feminist humanitarian organizations were established with aid from abroad. This research is the history of one such organization in Bosnia, a women’s shelter, in its evolution from war-time work with survivors of mass rape and ethnic cleansing, to its post-war focus on domestic violence survivors. These repercussions include the economic destruction of the war and simultaneous demise of socialism, a sense of political powerlessness in the face of a corrupt and complex government, and a dangerously heightened tolerance toward violence. Some women in Medica suggested that violence has not diminished in the post-war years, but simply moved out of the public eye and into domestic spheres, disproportionately targeting women. This paper will discuss how in spite of numerous post-war challenges, Medica hassurvived, and continues to provide high-quality and much-needed services. Although focused on the dynamics of this particular organization’s history, the research suggests trends which are prevalent throughout Bosnia and other post-conflict areas. The long-term consequences of war and social upheaval are too often neglected by international donors, and the lack of resources disproportionately impacts women and families. Medica’s persistence in this field makes it an important case study, worthy of attention and research.
