Leonarda Demolli on Feminism, Culture & Courage

In this powerful interview, filmed entirely in Albanian, Leonarda Demolli, co-founder of Trime, speaks openly about what it means to be a feminist in Albanian culture.

Leonarda reflects on how the word feminism is often misunderstood, seen as aggression, rebellion, or even hatred toward men. She offers a clear and grounded response:

"Feminism is not about being better than men. It's about being equal, and being safe."

Throughout the interview, she discusses:

• The deep discomfort that arises in Albanian households when women challenge gender roles

• Why advocating for women’s rights often leads to being labelled too much, crazy, or Westernised

• The internal battles many Albanian women face, between cultural loyalty and personal truth

• The importance of safe spaces where women can speak without fear of judgment or shame

  
  

Leonarda doesn’t shy away from naming the pressure, the double standards, the silencing, the fear, but she also offers something more powerful: hope through sisterhood and solidarity.

This conversation captures the heart of what Trime was built on:

Challenging silence. Questioning inherited norms. And building a world where Albanian women are no longer told to "endure quietly."

To every girl who’s ever been told she’s too loud, too emotional, too opinionated, Leonarda speaks for you.