Public Installation, Strasbourg, 2025 

 

In June 2025, the entrance of the Council of Europe and the Rue de Hallebardes in Strasbourg is being transformed with washing lines full of dresses and skirts. Thinking of You drapes the city in a sea of donated garments by survivors of sexual violence in conflict and their supporters from around the world, each a silent testament to the courage of survivors of sexual violence.

This installation by Alketa is a powerful homage to survivors of sexual violence worldwide and a testimony of the reality of sexual violence and its human consequences, challenging a wide audience to think more deeply about the lived realities of survivors around the world and mobilize key decision-makers to take stronger action in preventing sexual violence.

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Alketa said: “I am honoured to bring Thinking of You to the heart of international human
rights and policymaking such as Strasbourg. It is a call to action and a statement of hope
that all survivors will receive the justice they deserve.”

From 17 until 30 June 2025, Thinking of You is installed at the entrance of the Council
of Europe, and from 27 June to 4 July, the installation will be extended along the avenue of
Rue de Hallebardes.

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The Council of Europe plays a leading role in preventing and combatting sexual violence in
its member states, through its Conventions and the judgements of the European Court of
Human Rights.

Ambassador Tanja Gonggrijp, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands, chairs the Committee of the Parties to the Convention on preventing and
combating violence against women and domestic violence. Closely involved with bringing
Thinking of You to the Council of Europe, she stated: “Thinking of You reminds us,
policymakers, and other spectators of the survivors behind the dresses. It inspires us to do
everything in our power to prevent and fight sexual violence and to support the survivors
according to their needs.”

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