ŠAMAC BRINGS TOGETHER FRIENDS OF BOOKS AND LIFE

The Gallery Stari Sat in Šamac became a gathering place for friends of literature and life on May 14, as visitors spent an inspiring evening discussing courage, insecurities, and the strength hidden within everyday struggles.

PHOTO: Aquarius

The promotion of the book “I Am Not Perfect” was far more than a traditional book launch. The collection brings together stories from 45 women across Bosnia and Herzegovina, each sharing personal experiences accompanied by illustrations created by some of the country’s leading female artists. The project was organized by Aquarius Group with the goal of empowering women, encouraging dialogue, and emphasizing the importance of embracing personal imperfections.

“These promotions are not just an opportunity to present the book. They are an invitation to talk about the real-life experiences of women, about insecurities, courage, and the strength hidden in everyday struggles. Every local community in Bosnia and Herzegovina is equally important to us — there are no small or big places when it comes to the message of ‘I Am Not Perfect.’ Every community matters because women everywhere face insecurities and expectations, and their stories remind us of the courage every woman carries within herself,” said Jelena Pralica, PR representative of the “I Am Not Perfect” project.

Every copy of the book sold during the promotion, as well as through the platform nisamsavrsena.ba, contributes to a humanitarian mission. All proceeds will be directed toward initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina that help children and young people build confidence and resilience in facing life’s challenges.

One of the authors who joined the project was award-winning writer and director of the Center for Culture Šamac, Milanka Blagojević. During the event, she shared experiences and reflections that inspired her contribution to the collection.

“I believe it is very important to speak openly about all those struggles and insecurities hidden behind success and behind every successful woman who may appear perfect from the outside. We need to break the modern-day imperative of perfection. It seems that we are constantly bombarded with images of perfection, while behind them there is often a series of fears and insecurities that deserve honest conversation. We should send the message that, while achieving success, we all continue to face challenges and mistakes every single day,” she said.

The event in Šamac marked only the first stop on the journey of “I Am Not Perfect” across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Upcoming promotions promise new meetings, conversations, and meaningful dialogue, as every local community carries its own stories and women who deserve encouragement, respect, and recognition.