14.04.2026

On April 14, at the French Institute in Kosovo, in collaboration with Artpolis, a special evening was held dedicated to the thought and legacy of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, Simone de Beauvoir.

The event featured an intimate and powerful performative reading, where Beauvoir’s words came to life through the voices of actress Rebeka Qena and writer Nerimane Kamberi, performed in Albanian and French. Through this interplay of languages, the universality of her ideas on freedom, identity, and the role of women in society was reflected.

The evening was enriched by a lecture from feminist sociologist Sibel Halimi, titled “Why Simone de Beauvoir Today?”, which placed her thought within the context of contemporary challenges. Meanwhile, the discussion moderated by Naile Dema Selmani, “The Personal is Political—Still,” opened an honest and reflective dialogue with the audience.

The welcoming remarks by the French Ambassador to Kosovo, Olivier Guérot, emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation and the power of art and critical thought. His speech on Simone de Beauvoir’s work was delivered in French, deliberately—as he himself noted—to pay tribute on the 40th anniversary of her death.

During the evening, one of Beauvoir’s most powerful ideas was reaffirmed: “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”
A call that continues to challenge us today—in a time when freedom often negotiates with invisible norms and societal expectations.

With a minimal form yet profound expressive force, the evening created a space where literature, performance, and critical thought intertwined to remind us that reflection and dialogue remain essential on the path toward freedom.

In conclusion, this event—met with such interest and enthusiasm by the audience—is intended to be established as an annual fixture in the cultural calendar, both by the French Embassy in Kosovo and Artpolis.