Kosovo Women's Network

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.2026

On 30 March 2026, KWN Executive Director Igballe “Igo” Rogova was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit for her “extraordinary commitment, courage and tireless dedication to advancing women’s rights and human rights” by the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani.

Igo Rogova co-founded the first Kosovar women’s organisation, Motrat Qiriazi, which she later directed. Motrat Qiriazi focused on educating and empowering women and girls across Kosovo, providing over 6,000 women with access to education at a time when teaching in the Albanian language was prohibited. The organisation also supported local community development initiatives amid poverty and lack of investment.

During her time as a refugee, Igo worked in refugee camps in North Macedonia, assisting and protecting women and girls through innovative approaches related to health education, therapy, and other forms of addressing the needs of Kosovar refugee women in Macedonian camps.

To support activists working under difficult conditions, Igo founded the Rural Women’s Network, which later evolved into KWN. Today, the organisation comprises over 100 civil society groups that protect and promote the rights of Kosovar women, regardless of their political beliefs, religion, age, level of education, sexual orientation or ability. Under her tireless leadership, KWN has worked to safeguard, advance, and improve the lives of women and girls, including by empowering women to engage in politics; creating a legal framework for addressing gender-based violence; drafting policies supporting victims and recognising survivors of wartime sexual violence; improving numerous laws and policies for gender equality; economically empowering hundreds of women; and improving women’s access to healthcare. KWN remains a unique example of cooperation and transformative change in the region.

Igo was an early advocate for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in Kosovo. She began pushing for the involvement of diverse women in peace and reconciliation processes immediately after the Resolution’s adoption, challenged UN missions and development initiatives when they failed to ensure women’s voices were included, and documented and shared the stories of Kosovar women with senior officials and women’s rights activists in other countries, helping Kosovo’s experience serve as a model for others.

Igo also played a key role in founding the Women’s Peace Coalition, which brought together women peace activists from Kosovo and Serbia, and helped establish the Regional Women’s Lobby for Peace, Security and Justice in Southeast Europe. Both of these groups have successfully brought the voices and priorities of women from the region into Kosovo-Serbia negotiation processes and peacebuilding initiatives.

Between 2014–2015, Igo served as a member of the High-Level Advisory Group for the UN Global Study on Resolution 1325. She has served twice, and continues to serve, on NATO’s Civil Society Advisory Panel on Women, Peace and Security, further advancing the implementation of UNSCR 1325 at the global level.

01.06.26

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

28.05.26

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.26

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

26.05.26

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

25.05.26

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

22.05.26

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

01.06.2026

Adopted in 2022, the Education Strategy 2022–2026 represents one of Kosovo’s key policy documents for improving access to quality education at all levels. During the public consultation process, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) submitted detailed comments aimed at strengthening the Strategy’s gender perspective and ensuring greater inclusion of women and marginalised communities within the education system.

KWN’s recommendations focused on improving gender-sensitive language, increasing the visibility of girls’ experiences in education and addressing barriers faced by children from vulnerable communities, particularly Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian children. Through its comments, KWN emphasised that education policies should recognise how gender roles, social norms and economic inequalities affect access to education differently for women, men, girls and boys. Approximately 50% of KWN’s comments were reflected in the final adopted version, contributing to a more inclusive Strategy.

For example, KWN recommended the use of more gender-sensitive and sociologically accurate terminology throughout the document, suggesting the use of terms such as “women/men” and “girls/boys” instead of “female/male”. This recommendation was fully incorporated into the final version of the Strategy.

KWN also highlighted the importance of collecting and presenting education data disaggregated by gender and ethnicity. In the draft Strategy, statistics regarding school dropouts from Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities did not clearly distinguish between girls and boys. Following KWN’s recommendation, the final Strategy specifies that among the 67 students who dropped out, 28 were girls and 39 were boys. This change helps institutions better understand how gender and social inequalities affect education outcomes differently, supporting more evidence-based policymaking.

Further, KWN suggested conducting deeper analyses regarding the inclusion of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian children in early childhood education and identifying the economic and social factors contributing to their exclusion from the education system. The final Strategy strengthened its approach towards monitoring policies aimed at increasing the registration and inclusion of children from these communities in education, particularly in preschool education where they remain underrepresented.

While not all recommendations were incorporated, the final Education Strategy reflects stronger recognition of gender equality and social inclusion than the initial draft. The incorporation of KWN’s recommendations contributes to making education policies more responsive to the realities faced by girls and marginalised communities in Kosovo.

KWN looks forward to continuing to provide its expertise toward an education system where all children, regardless of gender, ethnicity or social background, have equal opportunities to access quality education and reach their full potential.

01.06.26

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

28.05.26

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.26

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

26.05.26

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

25.05.26

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

22.05.26

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.2026

In many classrooms across Kosovo, learning still follows a familiar pattern: the teacher speaks, and students listen. While this approach has long been the norm, it often leaves little space for discussion, curiosity or inclusion. For many teachers, limited opportunities for professional development make it difficult to try new methods, even when they want to. Over time, this affects not only how lessons are delivered, but also how students experience learning.

Through the initiative “Acting to Promote Quality Education”, implemented by Ura Sociale, teachers, schools and local institutions came together to explore a different approach, one where students are not just present in the classroom, but actively part of the learning process.

Ura Sociale worked closely with nine teachers from three secondary schools in Vushtrri, as well as school directors and representatives from the Municipal Directorate of Education. While teachers were the direct participants, around 370 students experienced the changes taking place in their classrooms.

As a first step, classroom observations offered an honest look into everyday teaching practices. Lessons were structured and informative, but student participation was limited. Topics such as gender equality, stereotypes or relationships – though important to students – were seldom explored in depth, and teachers expressed uncertainty about how to approach them. These insights shaped what came next.

Together with partners, a training module was developed based on what was actually happening in classrooms. During a dedicated workshop, teachers explored practical ways to make their lessons more interactive and inclusive. They discussed how gender norms can influence learning, how to recognise and challenge stereotypes, and how to create a classroom environment where all students feel safe to speak and participate. The change did not happen overnight, but it was visible.

In the months that followed, teachers began to test new approaches. Group discussions became more common, students were asked for their opinions, and lessons felt more open. When classrooms were re-observed by Ura Sociale, there was a noticeable difference, not just in teaching methods, but in the energy of the room. Students were more engaged, more curious and more willing to take part.

One teacher reflected on this shift simply: “I include students much more now. I try to make lessons enjoyable, and I can see the difference in how they respond.”

Through collaboration with the Municipal Directorate of Education, the project helped turn these experiences into concrete learning. A detailed report brought together observations, challenges and recommendations, offering practical guidance for improving teaching practices and strengthening education policies even beyond the life of the initiative.

These findings were later shared in an advocacy meeting with education officials, school leaders and community members. For many, it was the first time they had seen clear, local evidence connecting teaching methods with student motivation and performance.

As one representative from the Directorate of Education noted: “Now we can clearly see how better teaching practices affect students. This is something we can build on.”

Importantly, the project also contributed to something deeper: shifting how gender is understood and addressed in education. By supporting teachers to engage with topics like stereotypes, equality and inclusion, classrooms turned into spaces for students to question norms and think more critically about the world around them.

This experience in Vushtrri shows that change in education does not always begin with large reforms. Sometimes, it starts with a teacher asking one more question, inviting one more student to speak, or trying one new approach.

Ura Sociale’s initiative “Acting to Promote Quality Education” was carried out with the support of the Kosovo Women’s Network’s (KWN) Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), financed by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), in the amount of 9,926€, from January 2024 to December 2024. The initiative contributed directly to KWN’s Programme “Gender Transformative Education”.

01.06.26

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

28.05.26

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.26

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

26.05.26

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

25.05.26

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

22.05.26

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

28.05.2026

For women and girls, access to menstrual products is not just a hygiene issue but a question of dignity and opportunity. When these items are expensive or unaffordable, they can become a barrier to education, limit participation in daily life and reinforce social and economic inequalities. Yet in Kosovo, they are taxed as luxury rather than essential products.

This reality was the starting point for EkoKosWomen’s work. Their journey began with small grants from the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), supporting actions such as “Menstrual Hygiene Management: A Clean Life for Women and Girls” and “Access to healthcare: An investment in the future”. Through these initiatives, EcoKosWomen worked directly with women and girls to raise awareness on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health and access to healthcare services, particularly among communities facing social and economic challenges.

Building on the support from KWN, EcoKosWomen continued its advocacy and research efforts, becoming one of the first organisations in Kosovo to highlight the financial burden of menstrual hygiene products on women, girls and their families. Their research showed that abolishing taxes on these products would have minimal impact on government revenues, as their VAT and customs duties account for only 0.065% of Kosovo’s annual customs revenues. At the same time, it would significantly ease financial pressure on women and girls, improve menstrual health management and ensure more equitable access to essential hygiene products. EkoKosWomen’s advocacy also contributed to the Municipality of Obiliq introducing a budget line for free menstrual hygiene products in schools and public institutions, helping improve dignity and access for women and girls.

What began as a small initiative supported by KWN became a long-term movement for improved health and equal opportunities. EcoKosWomen continued implementing actions beyond the initial grants, expanding their work through new partnerships and initiatives focused on women’s rights and community wellbeing. Their dedication and impact were later recognised through the Human Rights Award from the French Government..

On Menstrual Hygiene Day, EcoKosWomen’s story reminds us that investing in grassroots women-led initiatives can create lasting change for entire communities.

01.06.26

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

28.05.26

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.26

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

26.05.26

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

25.05.26

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

22.05.26

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

26.05.2026

Since September 2025, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), in cooperation with the Department for Social and Family Policies and the Professional Council for Social and Family Policies, has delivered a series of trainings on the curriculum “Working with Victims of Domestic Violence: Treatment and Referral”. The trainings have provided an important platform for social workers to deepen their understanding of domestic violence, violence against women and gender-based violence, while strengthening their capacities to support victims.

This work builds on more than a decade of support from International Partnership Austria, towards strengthening institutional responses to gender-based violence and improving support services for survivors in Kosovo.

Through the trainings, 161 social workers from over 30 municipalities across Kosovo have strengthened their knowledge of the legal framework related to different forms of violence and further clarified their roles and responsibilities as social service professionals. The trainings also have addressed victim-centred approaches, the protection of children exposed to violence and work with vulnerable groups, including Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women, LGBTQ+ victims, migrants and persons with disabilities.

On 26 May, participating social workers were awarded certificates during a ceremony organised by KWN in cooperation with relevant institutions, with the participation of Minister Andin Hoti from the Ministry of Labour, Family and War Values.

Hoti highlighted the importance of the trainings in advancing efforts to improve social services across all municipalities and strengthen support for people in need. He also expressed appreciation to KWN and partner institutions for their commitment to the initiative.

Through these trainings, social workers across Kosovo are now better equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, support and refer victims of violence, contributing to stronger protection and more effective support systems.

This activity was carried out within the framework of the project “Institutionalisation of Quality Rehabilitation and Reintegration Services for Survivors of Violence II”, supported by International Partnerships Austria.

01.06.26

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

28.05.26

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.26

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

26.05.26

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

25.05.26

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

22.05.26

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

25.05.2026

Domestic violence, gender-based violence and violence against women do not end with the reporting of a case. For many survivors, this is only the beginning of a long and often difficult journey through institutions, from the moment of reporting to the police, to treatment in social work centers, and finally to the court proceedings where it is decided whether justice will be real or merely formal.

For this reason, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) continues the systematic monitoring of court cases, aiming not only at transparency and accountability, but also at providing concrete support to survivors in every step of the process.

From 2025 until May 2026, a total of 155 gender-based violence cases, including femicide cases, were monitored, while 38 cases were provided with legal advice and direct assistance. These cases have revealed serious challenges in the functioning of the justice system.

From reporting to institutional support: Challenges in practice

For many women and girls, the first contact with institutions occurs at the moment of reporting to the police. Although there have been improvements in case handling, challenges still persist in the full documentation of cases, risk assessment and the provision of immediate protective measures.

At this stage, the KWN has played an active role in supporting victims in realising their rights. In practice, this has included not only legal counseling, but also accompaniment and direct assistance during the reporting of cases.

In one specific case, a woman was deeply skeptical about reporting violence, as she believed her previous case had not been taken seriously by institutions. KWN informed her of her rights, encouraged her and accompanied her to the police station, ensuring that her statement was properly recorded and that the case was treated with the seriousness it required.

In several cases, lack of proper coordination between the police, prosecution and social work centres has resulted in delays in handling cases or insufficient protection for victims at critical stages. In such situations, KWN’s continuous intervention and follow-up have been essential to ensure that cases are not left unattended and that victims are not left unprotected.

Court proceedings: Delays, challenges and our practical interventions

KWN has continuously monitored court hearings in cases of domestic violence, violence against women and gender-based violence. Through this monitoring, several irregularities have been identified that directly affect access to justice and the adequate treatment of victims during court proceedings.

One of the most frequent challenges has been the postponement of court hearings, often due to the absence of parties or procedural issues. These delays have prolonged judicial processes and contributed to legal uncertainty for victims. Furthermore, cases have been identified where investigations were not fully developed, while indictments were based on limited evidence, in some cases only a single piece of evidence. This weakens the position of the victim and risks reducing the effectiveness of criminal prosecution.

Another persistent challenge is the withdrawal of victims from testimony, often as a result of pressure, fear or lack of sustained institutional support, directly affecting the continuation of judicial proceedings. Cases of encouragement toward reconciliation between parties have also been observed, contrary to the legal prohibition of mediation in domestic violence cases, alongside the frequent issuance of lenient sentences – such as suspended sentences or fines – which in some cases are not proportionate to the severity of the criminal acts.

Despite these challenges, KWN has played an active role not only in monitoring but also in providing concrete support to victims throughout the entire process. In many cases, the presence of monitors during court hearings has contributed to increased transparency and a stronger sense of security for victims.

“I feel much safer knowing my case will be handled better when the monitors are present”, states one victim supported by KWN.

Based on monitoring findings, KWN has consistently responded to identified irregularities in gender-based violence cases. Through addressing concrete cases and providing clear recommendations to relevant institutions, KWN has called for improved practices and greater respect for victims’ rights. These responses have contributed to increased institutional attention to domestic violence cases and greater care during judicial proceedings. In some cases, an improvement in institutional accountability has been observed as a result of these interventions.

Through monitoring, legal assistance and continuous advocacy, KWN has contributed to strengthening victim protection and improving their access to justice.

01.06.26

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

28.05.26

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.26

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

26.05.26

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

25.05.26

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

22.05.26

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

22.05.2026

Adopted in May 2026, the Law on Social and Affordable Housing marks an important step forward in regulating access to housing for individuals and families facing economic or social hardship. The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) contributed to improving the Law through detailed comments submitted during the consultation process in 2022. KWN’s input focused on ensuring that the Law better addresses the lived realities of women, survivors of gender-based violence and other vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities, who often face barriers in accessing safe and stable housing.

KWN emphasised the importance of making the law more gender-responsive, accessible and inclusive for people who need it the most. Overall, approximately a third of the comments submitted by KWN were reflected in the final adopted law. These changes directly contribute to reducing discriminatory language practices and improving access to housing for vulnerable groups.

For example, KWN suggested that the term “head of the family” should be removed as it might contribute to gender discrimination in access to housing rights and decision-making within households. This terminology was eliminated from the final draft, contributing to a more gender-sensitive and inclusive definition of beneficiaries.

KWN also requested further clarification regarding rental payment obligations for people who benefit from social housing programs. The draft law was unclear and implied that vulnerable groups, including survivors of gender-based violence, persons receiving social assistance and people with disabilities, could still be expected to pay rent despite their financial situation. KWN commented that such requirements would create barriers for people who already are facing economic hardship. The final law is much clearer regarding social and affordable housing schemes and the responsibilities of municipalities, mentioning that “the municipal subsidy of the rent for housing is 50%”.

Another recommendation highlighted the need for decisions regarding housing support to be based on the actual needs of beneficiaries. KWN highlighted that strict financial requirements could exclude, for example, survivors of gender-based violence, who may need protection and housing security even if their financial situation is not necessarily precarious.

While the final law does not fully incorporate all proposed recommendations, it reflects improved recognition and inclusion of vulnerable groups. KWN remains committed to continue advocating for inclusive and gender-sensitive laws and policies that respond to the needs of all individuals, as well as for adequate budget allocations for social housing for those most in need.

01.06.26

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

28.05.26

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.26

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

26.05.26

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

25.05.26

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

22.05.26

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

Women’s Economic Forum Sets Strategic Priorities for the Future

22.05.2026

On 21-22 May, the Women’s Economic Forum (WEF) held a two-day workshop to draft the WEF Strategy for 2026–2030. During the meeting, participants discussed WEF’s vision, strategic priorities and joint actions towards advancing inclusive economic gender equality, particularly furthering women’s economic empowerment.

Established in 2016, WEF consists of Riinvest Institute, which serves as the secretariat, the Kosovo Women’s Network, Kosovo Women 4 Women, Kosovar Gender Studies Center, Democracy for Development, Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations of Kosovo, GAP Institute, Kosovo Stability Initiative and Center for Information, Critique and Action.

Riinvest Institute coordinated the workshop, which will guide WEF’s future collaboration, while the Kosovo Women’s Network contributed to facilitating the discussion.

The workshop was supported by the National Democratic Institute and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

01.06.26

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

28.05.26

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.26

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

26.05.26

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

25.05.26

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

22.05.26

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

Loud Enough: Film Screening Sparks Dialogue on Justice and Sexual Violence Survivors’ Rights

06.05.2026

On 6 May, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), in cooperation with the Social Contract Institute (SCI) in Albania, organised a screening of the film Loud Enough – Surviving Justice at Media Center in Pristina.

Set against the fifth-year anniversary of the #MeToo movement, the film follows Madison Smith, a sexual assault survivor from Kansas, in her fight for justice and systemic change.

Madison survives a life-threatening sexual assault only to find the local county prosecutor declining to file charges against her rapist. Refusing to accept a justice system that dismisses both evidence and survivors, Madison and her family embark on a difficult journey, challenging institutional bias, undergoing profound personal transformation and ultimately stepping into advocacy to fight for lasting change.

The screening of this powerful story was followed by a discussion with Director Hilary Klotz Steinman; former prosecutor Julie Germann; former police detective Justin Boardman; and Kosovo prosecutor Mimoza Shala, who works on sexual violence cases.

Participants joining both in person and online engaged in a thoughtful conversation on justice, accountability, victim support and the importance of centring survivors’ voices.

Reflecting on the situation in Kosovo, Mimoza Shala stated “Victims are initially uninformed about where to turn. They know that they must first go to the police, but beyond the police, they do not know where to continue. The Office for the Protection of Victims provides free protection, but this is not sufficient considering the trauma that victims experience.”

Participants also discussed measures to increase the number of cases that actually lead to convictions. “Improving the laws around consent would help in the majority of countries”, said Julie Germann. “Being able to just prove that the victim didn’t say yes … would help”. But it is also an issue of biases, lack of knowledge and harmful norms and attitudes. “We all have to work to change the rape culture in our community”, established Julie. “When we do that, the victims will no longer be afraid to speak out.” “We need to start with educating our children, but also … our neighbour, our friends…”, reflected Justin Boardman.

“In Madison’s story, the first thing that happened was that she opened up to her friend, who didn’t judge her but listened to her”, added Director Hilary Klotz Steinman. “Because she received support from her relatives, she was comfortable enough to go to the police.”

The event reflected a shared sense that meaningful change requires both institutional reform and collective action. Stories like Madison’s should not remain the norm, but rather serve as a catalyst for building more just and responsive systems.

Are you, or do you know someone who is experiencing violence? Contact KWN at +383 48 105 800 for support.

01.06.26

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

28.05.26

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.26

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

26.05.26

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

25.05.26

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

22.05.26

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

Investing in Gender Equality in the EU Budget through Research Funding

05.05.2026

On 5 May, at the INCLUDE project’s Strategic Gender Budgeting Hub: 3rd Online Workshop on Gender-Responsive Budgeting in Research Funding Organisations, organised by Smart Venice, Nicole Farnsworth, Deputy Director and Lead Researcher at the Kosovo Women’s Network and a member of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) and European Gender Budgeting Network (EGBN), presented on “Gender Budgeting in the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework”.

The workshop brought together research financing organisations, researchers and practitioners to explore how research funding organisations can adopt and promote gender-responsive budgeting, particularly under Horizon Europe, ensuring that public resources contribute to gender equality.

Nicole shared key concerns previously outlined by EGBN and GBWN regarding the proposed EU multiyear budget for 2028-2034, including the weakening of gender equality as a core objective, the absence of dedicated funding and the insufficient commitments to furthering gender equality across programmes including Horizon Europe. She shared concrete recommendations promoted by EGBN and GBWN, including re-introducing binding gender equality objectives, integrating sex and gender analysis across all research activities, ensuring gender balance in decision-making bodies and strengthening monitoring through gender-disaggregated data.

She also encouraged participants to join the ongoing advocacy campaign “Invest in What Matters for People!”, which calls on EU institutions to place gender equality, care and social priorities at the heart of the next EU budget. We welcome you to sign the petition as well, available here.

Gender Action+ has also recommended changes to Horizon Europe, outlining its position on the proposed 2028–2034 programme, including improvements to budget expenditure tracking and the performance framework. Read more here.

01.06.26

KWN Helps Advancing Inclusive Education for All Children

28.05.26

When Teachers Grow, Students Flourish: Advancing Quality Education in Vushtrri

28.05.26

Menstrual Hygiene Day: EkoKosWomen Challenges Stigma and Inequalities in Kosovo

26.05.26

Social Workers Across Kosovo Now Better Equipped to Support Victims of Violence

25.05.26

Justice Under Scrutiny: Monitoring and Support to Gender-based Violence Cases in Kosovo

22.05.26

KWN Contributes to a More Inclusive and Gender-responsive Law on Social and Affordable Housing

Kosovo Hosts RESPONDER Partnership’s First Meeting, Co-Planning Research on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by Aid Workers and Peacekeepers

30.04.2026

On 15-17 April, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), in collaboration with the University of Pristina, welcomed members of the “Responder-Perpetrated Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Humanitarian Crises” (RESPONDER) Partnership to Kosovo. In addition to their expertise, members of the delegation brought a powerful feminist energy and spirit of solidarity that deeply resonated with KWN, reaffirming the strength of collective action in advancing justice and accountability.

The RESPONDER Partnership is planning research to inform efforts to counter sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel. They are conducting research across six countries with a history of humanitarian and UN intervention, including Kosovo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Lebanon, South Sudan and Haiti. KWN and the University of Pristina are contributing their expertise and collaborating on RESPONDER’s research. This first meeting served to strengthen collaboration, deepen contextual understanding and advance the research process.

On Wednesday 15 April, RESPONDER delegates familiarised themselves with Pristina through a feminist walking tour of the city, organised by Kaltrina Kelmendi, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology at the University of Pristina and Nicole Farnsworth, Deputy Director and Lead Researcher at KWN. The story of Pristina was told through the perspective of women, as participants walked by the former U.S. Information Centre as a site of women’s peaceful protests against oppression, the statue of the Goddess of Pristina, the Newborn Monument, the Heroine Memorial and Grand Hotel. The Reporting House and the Jahjaga Foundation Moment Museum kindly hosted the Partnership, showcasing film, artefacts and contemporary artwork reflecting on the war and honouring its victims, including survivors of wartime sexual violence.

Nicole Farnsworth tells the story behind the Heroine Memorial, emphasising how Kosovar women activists fought for all women to be remembered – both as victims and as heroes.

On Thursday 16 April, the workshop was officially opened by Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director, and Kaltrina Kelmendi on behalf of the University of Pristina. Rogova recalled her recurrent statement to international actors entering Kosovo, emphasising that that they could not assume they were the first and only knowledgeable persons entering Kosovo; they must listen and learn from local voices.

“We were here. We are here. We will be here”, she said. She shared KWN’s 1325 Facts & Fables where partners could read more about Kosovar women’s efforts to voice their priorities to international actors in Kosovo.

Additionally, Rogova emphasised that “It’s a great honour to work with the University of Pristina [and] smart to bring together work between activists and academics”.

Discussions addressed equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) in research, including the participation of persons with disabilities and conceptualizations of disability. During a “World Cafe”, participants provided feedback on draft research tools for surveys, interviews and focus groups, as well as ethical considerations.

In the afternoon, an event enabled academics, students and activists to discuss ethical research. Professor Edward Alessi delivered a lecture on trauma-informed approaches to research, while Kaltrina Kelmendi moderated a panel featuring Jim Lavery, Professor of Global Health Ethics at Emory University; Dr. Aliriza Arenliu, Professor of Psychology at University of Pristina; Arber Nuhiu, Director of Center for Social Group Development; and Sara Nicole Baxley, Lecturer on Ethics at RIT Kosovo and long-term collaborator with KWN. They discussed the importance of strengthening ethical review in Kosovo, as an example relevant to other conflict-affected countries.

Moderator Kaltrina Kelmendi and panellists Aliriza Arenliu, Arber Nuhiu and Sara Nicole Baxley.

Thursday concluded at Kino Armata, with a screening of the very moving film “Zana”, telling the story of a Kosovar woman struggling to reconcile the expectations of motherhood with a legacy of wartime brutality. Participants also had the opportunity to interact with the director, Antoneta Kastrati.

Friday continued with a session on education and training needs for RESPONDER partners, both academic institutions and civil society organisations. In light of decreasing financial support for civil society organisations, including women’s groups working on research and advocacy, as well as those providing services for women victims of violence, KWN’s Nicole Farnsworth held a session on the next EU Gender Action Plan and EU funding for civil society. She proposed that the RESPONDER Partnership jointly call for increased funding for women’s rights and gender equality and encouraged participants to sign and share the Nicosia Declaration and provide inputs to the EU Gender Action Plan IV.

Nicole Farnsworth holds a session on the EU Gender Action Plan, the EU Budget and funding for civil society.

Then, partners discussed ways to tackle research challenges, as well as results from RESPONDER’s Knowledge Mobilisation Survey, which serves to understand how research can best be shared beyond academia. Proposed modes included podcasts, documentary films, public art exhibitions and tribunals.

Dr. Sabine Lee, co-director of the RESPONDER Partnership, wrapped up the last day by extending the gratefulness of the Partnership to all participants as well as the hosts, KWN and the University of Pristina. “Thanks to Kosovo for being so willing and welcoming”, she said.

On Friday evening, the visit concluded with dinner and dancing at Hani i 2 Robertëve, a venue with special symbolism as it served as a meeting place for Kosovo’s parallel cultural and political life during the Serbian regime and occupation.

KWN is proud to be part of the RESPONDER Partnership and to contribute its feminist, survivor-centred expertise toward humanitarian and peacekeeping missions free from abuse that uphold the rights and dignity of all communities affected by crisis.

The RESPONDER Partnership is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada with substantial in-kind contributions by local partners, including KWN.

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