In the words of Dejana Dexi Stošić: “One of the hardest things to be in Serbia is actually to be a young girl and to have a voice. Standing against gender violence and speaking up the truth helped me unite 21,000 voices”

Dejana Dexi Stošić is a 25year-old human rights educator and activist from Serbia, who is committed to fighting gender-based violence with a specific focus on sexual violence. She worked with and for girls in the program that she helped establish, called “SOS Girls Corner”.  In recent years, she has been using her social media platforms to raise awareness and help amplify the voices of survivors of gender-based violence. In 2021, she started a hashtag called “#NisamPrijavila (#IdidntReport)” on X (former Twitter) where she explained her own story and why she didn't report sexual violence. In just three days, more than 21,000 women used the same hashtag to tell their stories about gender-based violence they survived but never reported. Dexi joined the UN Women’s "Imagine" campaign because she believes it helps address gender inequalities and can empower Serbian and Western Balkans youth to challenge discrimination and cultural stereotypes in their countries.

“I am Dejana Dexi Stošić, an educator and activist based in Serbia. Born in the vibrant city of Vranje, my journey has been shaped by both the beauty of my homeland and the challenges faced by its people. Dedicated to combating gender-based violence, especially sexual violence, my work centers on advocating for gender equality and human rights.

One of the hardest things to be in Serbia is actually to be a young girl and to have a voice. Women and men are not equal. We do not have equal paychecks, possibilities and opportunities. Women and girls are killed. Gender-based violence is rising. A lot of girls are afraid to speak up. A lot of girls my age do not know it is not ok to get beaten up. People do not know what their basic human rights are. 

I co-founded the SOS Girls Corner program, globally recognized for its empowering impact on young women, because I believe in people, even when they don't believe in themselves. One effective method of inspiring young individuals to engage in human rights education is by demonstrating what it entails—clarifying their human rights and illustrating what they can accomplish through them. As a Serbian ambassador in the Women Against Violence of Europe network, I have tirelessly worked to amplify the voices of survivors and advocate for policy change.

Despite the strides forward, Serbian society still grapples with deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes. My activism met with challenges like hate speech and threats, yet I remain undeterred in my commitment to justice and equality. During the early 2020s, media headlines were rife with cases of sexual assault involving prominent figures. However, the prevailing rhetoric often questioned victims' motives, perpetuating victim-blaming narratives. Despite my background in supporting victims of domestic abuse, I found myself captive by my own experience that was still fresh but I did not report it to anyone. I felt hippocritical because I was the one who was telling women to report violence but I first did not.

Using the potential of social media, I have endeavored to educate and raise awareness on gender issues. Victims of sexual assault are frequently met with skepticism and blame, perpetuating a culture of silence and stigma. Through advocacy and grassroots efforts, I challenge these damaging norms, fostering empathy and support. In 2021, I initiated the Twitter hashtag #NisamPrijavila (#IdidntReport), sharing my own experience of not reporting sexual violence. The response was overwhelming, with over 21,000 women sharing their stories of silence and survival, highlighting the pervasive nature of gender-based violence and the urgent need for systemic change. For three days, people were in shock while reading and showing their support for the victims. This movement served as a beacon of solidarity for survivors, reinforcing the message that their experiences are valid and their voices essential. It underscored the importance of unity in our quest for justice and equality, resonating deeply within our community.

Looking forward, my mission remains clear: to champion democracy, peace, and gender equality in Serbia and beyond. I envision a future where every individual, regardless of gender or background, is treated with dignity and respect. Together, we can cultivate a society that embraces diversity, where every voice is heard and valued.”