Call for Bids from Individuals/Companies for Photography Services 

Introduction 

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization with a mission to support, protect and promote the rights and interests of women and girls throughout Kosovo, regardless of their political beliefs, religion, age, level of education, sexual orientation, and ability. As a network of 139 members, women-led organizations of various ethnicities located throughout Kosovo, these groups carry out important initiatives towards furthering women’s human rights, as per the goals set in KWN’s Strategy for 2023-2026. 

KWN seeks to establish a three-year Framework Contract with an individual photographer or company providing photography services. The purpose of this Terms of Reference (ToR) is to outline the responsibilities foreseen for the photographer/company.  

Background and Justification  

KWN seeks professional photography services to showcase the organization’s activities, achievements, and impacts to both internal and external audiences. Capturing high-quality, professional photographs is crucial. Photography will ensure high-quality documentation of key moments, such as speeches, award ceremonies, public events, and other significant moments. These moments are vital for historical records, internal communications, and marketing materials. The high-quality images will be used across various platforms, such as social media, websites, and annual reports, contributing to the organization’s branding and marketing efforts.  

Objectives 

The objective is to produce high quality images for KWN’s public relations materials, ultimately enhancing stakeholder engagement and showcasing the organization’s vision, activities, and impact. 

Responsibilities/Deliverables   

The contracted individual/company will have the following responsibilities and expected deliverables:  

  • Communicate, coordinate, and liaise with KWN staff to schedule planned dates when photography is needed, to understand the aims of events, and to know if any form of consent is needed prior to taking photographs.  
  • Be available for KWN events, scheduled and announced in advance.  
  • Prepare equipment prior to events to ensure proper lighting and composition. Advise on the setting of events, if needed to improve composition.  
  • As relevant to particular events and as agreed with KWN beforehand, secure permission from participants to take photographs prior to taking them.  
  • Capture key moments during activities (e.g., speeches, ceremonies). 
  • Edit and enhance photos for a professional finish. 
  • Provide edited images in multiple formats for digital and print use. 
  • Deliver the final edited photos within the timeline agreed with agreed after each event. 
  • Organize and label clearly raw and edited images, providing them to KWN for future access. 
  • Provide KWN with copyrights to use photographs also in the future. KWN will recognise the authorship of the photographer. 

Estimated Timeframe and Level of Effort 

KWN expects to contact the photographer/company on multiple occasions during the next three years to provide professional photography services during various events and activities. The photographer/company will be paid according to a fixed daily rate, based on actual time worked.  

Qualifications  

The photographer or company must provide evidence of at least two years’ experience as a photographer, including examples of prior photography. 

Evaluation of Bids 

Bids shall be evaluated according to the following criteria: 

  • Prior experience (10%) 
  • Examples of quality prior work (45%) 
  • Lowest price (45%) 

Submission of Bids  

Applicants should provide:  

  • CV illustrating qualifications. 
  • Financial proposal containing the gross daily rate. 
  • Samples of similar work. 
  • Three references contact info we can contact. 

Please note that the proposal must be VAT-exempt.  

Please submit the requested documents by 26 March 2025, to jobs@womensnetwork.org with the subject “Photographer”. 

Call for Legal expert - strategic cases 

Terms of Reference 

Title: Legal expert - strategic cases  

Project Reference: Improving Civil Society Capacities to Enhance Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men  

Implementing Lead Organization: Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN)  

Location: Kosovo  

Duration of Engagement: Up to 80 Days 

1. BACKGROUND  

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is a network of women’s groups and organizations from various regions in Kosovo, established informally in 1996 and formally registered in 2004. KWN’s mission is to support, protect, and promote the rights and interests of women and girls, regardless of their political or religious beliefs, age, education level, sexual orientation, or abilities.  

This Terms of Reference (ToR) is developed within the framework of the Action “Improving Civil Society Capacities to Enhance Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men,” funded by the European Commission through the EU Civil Society Facility and Media Programme for Kosovo – 2023. The Action aligns with KWN’s Strategy 2023-2026, focusing on gender-responsive social protection and strengthening civil society’s role in shaping inclusive policies.  

The overall objective of the Action is to strengthen the resilience, role, and capacities of civil society in advancing inclusive democracy and gender-responsive social progress, in line with Kosovo’s EU integration agenda. Its specific objective is to enhance KWN’s and its members’ capacity to influence, reform, and monitor social protection policies, ensuring better access to services for diverse women and men.  

Expected results of the Action include enhanced participation and activism of KWN and its members in shaping social protection policies, improved quality of policy recommendations submitted to institutions, increased access to social protection services for marginalized groups, and strengthened capacities of civil society organizations to advocate for gender-responsive reforms. The Action also aims to improve municipal and national institutions’ commitment to gender-responsive budgeting, ensuring adequate resource allocation for social protection services.  

Through legal aid, capacity-building, and policy engagement, the Action reinforces civil society’s role in advancing gender equality, rule of law, and democratic governance, ensuring that legal frameworks and service provision are inclusive, effective, and aligned with European standards.  

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE ENGAGEMENT  

The contracted legal expert will:  

  • Enhance the capacities of KWN members, including community activists and mobilizers, in understanding legal processes and advising women within their communities on how to realise their rights and file complaints when relevant.  
  • Contribute to institutional accountability by supporting the filing of complaints that hold responsible entities accountable for service delivery and rights protection.  

3. SCOPE OF WORK  

The legal expert will undertake the following tasks:  

  1. Legal Consultation and Advice:  
  • Provide legal advice to diverse women seeking support in filing complaints.  
  • Offer consultations through multiple channels, including in-person, email, online, and phone.  
  1. Capacity Building for KWN Members:  
  • Train KWN member organizations, community activists, and mobilizers on legal rights and complaint processes.  
  • Provide guidance on how to document and file complaints effectively.  
  • Guide women and KWN members on utilizing digital complaint mechanisms and e-governance tools for legal aid.  
  1. Strategic Litigation and Legal Support:  
  • Assist in preparing and submitting complaints to relevant institutions.  
  • Provide legal representation or referrals for cases requiring further legal action.  
  • Ensure confidentiality, data security and protection of personal data.   
  1. Monitoring and Reporting:  
  • Track and monitor complaints filed through the Action, ensuring secure data handling.  
  • Provide periodic brief reports on the number and nature of complaints filed, along with an analysis of trends and institutional responses.  
  1. DELIVERABLES  

The legal expert is expected to deliver:  

  • One day training session for KWN members and mobilizers on complaint procedures. 
  • Legal support sessions for women filing complaints (at least 20 cases).  
  • Documentation of cases handled, ensuring data security and confidentiality as relevant.  
  • Brief reports summarising cases filed (at least 20 cases), key legal challenges, and institutional responses, as relevant.  
  • Guidelines or materials to support KWN members in future legal assistance efforts.  
  1. TIMEFRAME  

The legal expert will be engaged for up to 80 days within a period of 34 months, with key milestones structured around case handling, training, and reporting:  

Application and Contracting Period  

  • Call for Applications: Open for 21 days from the date of publication (March 18, 2025).  
  • Interviews: April 10-11, 2025.  
  • Selection and Contracting: Completed by April 14, 2025.  
  • Contract Start Date: April 14, 2025  
  • Contract End Date: January 31, 2028.   

Level of Effort 

The legal expert will be engaged for up to 80 days over the course of the project. The estimated breakdown of tasks is as follows: 

  • Start-up & Initial Preparation – 1 day 
  • Planning & Designing Training – 2 days 
  • Conducting Training Sessions – 1 day 
  • Reporting – 0.5 days per report (based on the number of required reports) 
  • Mentoring & Capacity Building – 5 days 
  • Case Support & Legal Aid – The remaining days allocated for providing direct legal assistance, consultation, and follow-ups on strategic cases 

Deliverables Timeline  

  • Capacity-Building Sessions for KWN and Community Activists (5-month period): 
  • Content: Training on accessing social protection services, filing complaints, legal services referral, and interactive engagement techniques (role play, forum theatre). 
  • Method: Practical, hands-on learning to equip mobilizers with the skills to support and educate women in their communities. 
  • Outcome: Mobilizers will be able to refer women to legal services and assist in filing complaints. 
  • Case Support (Estimated 20 Cases): 
  • Each case will include legal aid, advice, complaint filing, and follow-up. 
  • All cases must be fully documented and submitted in the reports. 
  • Quarterly Reports on Cases and Institutional Responses: 
  • Reports due at the end of each quarter, including any additional brief reporting as requested by the donor. 
  1.  QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE  

The ideal candidate should have:  

  • A law degree and relevant legal practice certification in Kosovo.  
  • At least 5 years of experience in human rights law, social protection law, or related fields.  
  • Experience providing legal aid to marginalized communities, particularly women.  
  • Familiarity with Kosovo’s social protection framework and legal complaint mechanisms.  
  • Strong training and capacity-building experience.  
  • Excellent communication skills. 
  • Knowledge of digital legal services and e-governance tools.  
  • Fluency in Albanian (English proficiency is an asset).  
  1. DATA PROTECTION (GDPR COMPLIANCE)   

The legal expert must adhere to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding handling personal data of beneficiaries. All sensitive information must be stored securely and used solely for the purpose of legal assistance, with written consent obtained where necessary. Compliance with EU and Kosovo data protection laws is mandatory.  

  1. PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE COMPLIANCE  

The selection of the legal expert will follow a competitive and transparent procurement process in line with EU procurement regulations. Evaluation criteria will be based on expertise, financial offer, and technical approach.  

  1. APPLICATION PROCESS  

Interested candidates should submit the following:  

  • CV detailing relevant experience.  
  • Technical proposal outlining approach and methodology (3-5 pages max).  
  • Financial proposal including proposed daily rate in gross.  

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:  

  • Technical Proposal (70%): Relevance of approach, experience, and qualifications.  
  • Financial Proposal (30%): Cost-effectiveness and feasibility.  
    All applicants will receive an official notification regarding the selection outcome, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. 

The technical and financial proposals must be submitted, each in a separate document, by April 8, 2025. Proposals should be submitted electronically in PDF format to info@womensnetwork.org. Late submissions will not be accepted. Incomplete submissions may lead to disqualification.  

  1. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS & CONFLICT OF INTEREST  

The legal expert must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect the execution of duties. Any affiliations with institutions subject to legal complaints under this contract must be declared. The expert is expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards in legal representation and advocacy.  

Austria Supports Women’s Rights in Kosovo

The Presidency of Austria invited Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network, to provide a video message to mark 8 March 2024, International Women’s Day, during an event hosted by the Presidency in Vienna.  

In her requested 1.5-minute message, Rogova emphasised the importance of cooperation between decision-makers and grassroots organisations in making things happen and moving society forward. 

She shared how Kosovo President Jahjaga collaborated closely with women’s rights organisations assisting survivors of sexual violence during the war when she established the National Council for Survivors of Sexual Violence During the War in 2014. 

In the end, Rogova thanked Austrian taxpayers for their support, through the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), to KWN activists, which has contributed to this and other substantial impacts in Kosovo.  

KWN has cooperated with ADA since 2012, realising several achievements, including the following, among others: 

  • Since 2012, through the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), KWN has awarded more than 100 grants worth €346,607 to grassroots organisations, benefiting 13,204 people with better healthcare, education, economic wellbeing, and protection from violence. KWF has empowered more than 1,700 women to engage in decision-making and politics, some for the first time. 
  • KWF-supported initiatives involved 264 advocacy efforts that contributed to more than 15 policy changes, improving women’s lives in Kosovo. 
  • Since 2021, KWN members inspired 659 women to advocate and documented 73 abuses of women’s rights to health, holding institutions accountable to quality services, using a rights-based approach. 
  • Gender bias in eight schoolbooks was analysed, 22 teachers trained, and 65 courses observed to promote inclusive teaching, leading to eight reports recommending improvements to curricula. 
  • KWN’s advocacy shaped the National Strategy and Action Plan Against Domestic Violence (2016-2020), integrating 70% of KWN’s ADA-supported 2015 research recommendations. 
  • KWN used strategic litigation for gender-based violence cases, advocated Kosovo’s 2020 adoption of the Istanbul Convention, and supported the criminalisation of domestic violence and sexual harassment in the Criminal Code. 
  • Together with shelters, KWN’s advocacy contributed to securing sustained government funding for shelters and day centers for gender-based violence survivors. 
  • Since 2021, KWN provided free legal aid in 129 cases and monitored 186 cases of gender-based violence towards furthering justice. 
  • KWN has influenced 277 new laws and policies related to on gender-based violence, including related to social services. Among them, KWN co-led the drafting of Kosovo’s State Protocol for Treating Sexual Violence Cases (2022). 
  • At the Government’s request, KWN developed curricula for social workers to better treat gender-based violence cases and trained 15 social workers (2023). 
  • The “Ending Violence Behind Walls” exhibition educated 5,580 people across ten municipalities on how to report violence. 
  • KWN’s 1325 Facts & Fables report (2011, 2022) documented Kosovo’s implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace, and Security, informing the global Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, including NATO’s work related to UNSCR 1325. 

KWN looks forward to continuing collaboration with the Austrian people, through ADA, to further women’s rights in the future. 

Call for Proposal for Printing Services 

Introduction  

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization with a mission to support, protect and promote the rights and interests of women and girls throughout Kosovo, regardless of their political beliefs, religion, age, level of education, sexual orientation, and ability. As a network of 139 members, women-led organizations of various ethnicities located throughout Kosovo, these groups carry out important initiatives towards furthering women’s human rights, as per the goals set in KWN’s Strategy for 2023-2026. KWN has a Public Relations Strategy, and our branding and image are important to us. In the future, KWN also plans to utilise its website for online donations related to products that involve printing (e.g., mugs, sweatshirts, etc.), for which KWN needs to collaborate with a printing company. 

The purpose of this request for offers is to invite offers from professional printing companies to establish a framework contract for printing services for KWN for a three-year period. The selected supplier will be expected to deliver high-quality printing services in a timely manner, while adhering to KWN’s sustainability goals related to ecofriendly printing. The contract will be awarded through a competitive tendering process. 

Qualifications  

The company selected must fulfil the following qualifications. 

  • Experience: At least two years of professional experience providing high quality printing services.  
  • Ability for Eco-friendly Printing: Ability to use eco-friendly printing methods and sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact. 

Responsibilities 

The contracted company will be expected to: 

  • Respond promptly and professionally to KWN’s printing requests; 
  • Advise on any necessary changes to formatting and design to ensure high quality printing; 
  • Where possible, use eco-friendly printing, including recyclable materials with low environmental impact and recycled ink; 
  • Minimize the use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials. 

Bidders should indicate in their bid weather they can provide delivery services a) to KWN’s office; and b) directly to customers who place orders through KWN website. If delivery to customers is no feasible, please specify this in the bid. If such services are available, bidders should indicate in their bid if any additional associated costs exist for handling and how delivery costs will be calculated. Deliveries should be timely, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly where possible. 

Cost Estimates 

As part of their Financial Proposal, bidders are requested to provide their current pricing for the following items in costs per unit without VAT in the following table. Additional rows may be added if the bidder proposes to offer other products to KWN or wishes to further specify printing costs for various items. All foreseen items are in colour unless otherwise noted.

Product Cost per Unit 
Certificates  
Signs  
Fact sheets (A4)  
Fact sheets (A5)  
Pamphlets  
Roll-up Banners  
Coffee mugs  
Business cards  
T-shirts  
Sweatshirts  
Water bottles  
A5 Notebooks  
Smaller Notebooks (length 15 cm and width 10cm))  
Pencils  
Pens  
Bound A4 Publications (cost per page black and white)  
Total  

Submission of Bids 

Bids must contain the following, along with any additional documents that outline your company’s qualifications and sustainability practices. The bid should include: 

  1. Narrative Proposal including:  
  1. Company profile demonstrating relevant experience;  
  1. Examples of past work;  
  1. Ecofriendly printing policies and/or ability to deliver ecofriendly printing, if available, including for which products it is available;  
  1. Proposed methodology for providing delivery services, if such services are available. 
  1. Financial Proposal, using the table above, including any information related to discounted prices for larger orders for particular products and methodology of calculation of costs for deliveries if such services available. 
  1. Three references with contact information from recent or existing clients, demonstrating experience, professionalism, and timely delivery. 

Evaluation of Bids 

Bids will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

  • Price competitiveness 40% 
  • Experience, qualifications, and quality of work 30% 
  • Ability to provide ecofriendly printing 20% 
  • Proposed methodology for deliveries 10% 

Submission of Offers  

Please submit the requested documents by 26 March 2025, to jobs@womensnetwork.org with the subject “Printing Offer”. 

Terms of Reference for an Individual or Company for Updating and Modifying the KWN Website

Introduction

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization with a mission to support, protect and promote the rights and interests of women and girls throughout Kosovo, regardless of their political beliefs, religion, age, level of education, sexual orientation, and ability. As a network of 139 members, women-led organizations of various ethnicities located throughout Kosovo, these groups carry out important initiatives towards furthering women’s human rights, as per the goals set in KWN’s Strategy for 2023-2026. The purpose of this terms of reference (TOR) is to outline the changes and modifications required for the website of the Kosovo Women’s Network (www.womensnetwork.org).

Background and Justification

The current KWN website requires improvements in terms of design, functionality, and content. The website should be more mobile user-friendly and updated to reflect the current work of the organization. Therefore, KWN has decided to update the website to better represent its current programs, particularly related to its new Strategy, as well as to better showcase its past achievements. This TOR outlines the modifications requested for the KWN website.

The website is one of the main tools where we promote our work, our research reports and advocacy pertaining to gender equality. Through web-page we inform women and girls on ways to report Gender Based Violence (GBV). Advocacy letters, reactions when a case of GBV has not been treated accordingly by institutions, calls for action in cases of GBV are all promoted through our website, thus demanding a user-friendly website, that ensures better reach and engagement of Kosovar citizens.  

Objectives

The updated website should reflect the following objectives:

  • To improve the user experience by making the website more user-friendly and intuitive.
  • To improve content to reflect the current Strategy, work and achievements.
  • To increase visibility and reach by optimizing the website for search engines.
  • To improve the responsiveness of the website and ensure a mobile-friendly experience, including improving access by different types of devices.

Tasks/Deliverables

  1. The selected individual/company will be responsible for not only updating and modifying the KWN website but also ensuring a complete overhaul of its functionality and user experience, and ensuring optimal website performance with increased bandwidth for faster loading speeds.
  2. The selected service provider will commit to providing website hosting and maintenance services for a period of three years following the completion of the redesign of the website (with the annual cost to be included in the financial offer).
  3. Provide ongoing mentoring to support KWN staff in making changes to the website, if needed, totaling up to two days total per year for each year during the entire contract.

Further, the following specific tasks and deliverables should be undertaken:

  • Make the website more mobile friendly, particularly ensuring that photos appear in good quality on mobile devices
  • Clearly showcase KWN work on gender-based violence.
  • Include a section on how to access assistance for gender-based violence with laws and contact information of key institutions that is easily navigable and understandable, using text provided by KWN.
  • Change and/or move different tabs
  • Add a new section “Women’s History” under resources
  • Change of “Support Women’s right” photo and provide KWN with the capability to make these changes in the future (format of the photos)
  • Reorganize supporters & partners in alphabetical order as a list
  • Reorganize research/reports section and ensure automatic formatting of text
  • Make updates to the application for membership, based on KWN’s specific instructions
  • Update the volunteer’s section by providing a registration form
  • Ensure all forms are linked to KWN’s email, info@womensnetwork.org, so KWN receives automatic notifications of forms and can download data into excel file form.
  • Reorganize the presentation of information to include success stories under the Kosovo Women’s Fund
  • Update KWN materials section under Donate, adding more new products and better organizing the section and its visibility
  • Ensure that KWN staff can make future changes to all aspects of the website including photos and text independently. The website should allow KWN staff to make updates and changes swiftly without delays.
  • The website must function quickly, ensuring fast loading times for users.
  • When uploading photos to the website, all images should follow the same dimensions, eliminating the need for extra adjustments or cropping.
  • When adding new members, staff, or board members to the site, the system should not require tags to be entered manually; this process should be automated.
  • Collaborate closely with KWN team as needed during revisions to the website.

Prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment or services

The company must ensure that they do not use the following telecommunication equipment and services in delivering tasks while providing these services. Covered telecommunications equipment or services” means any of the following:

  1. Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);
  2. For the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities);
  3. Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities or using such equipment;
  4. Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the government of a covered foreign country.

“Covered telecommunications equipment or services” also include systems that use covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

Evaluation of Offers

Offers shall be evaluated as follows:

Quality/creativity of proposal/design:                        55%

Lowest cost:                                                                45%

Submission of Offers

The narrative and financial offer should be submitted to jobs@womensnetwork.org by 2 April 2025, with the subject “KWN website bid”.

Anticipated Timeframe

The selected individual/company is expected to deliver the tasks approximately one month from the date when the contract is signed.

Call for Bids issued14 March 2025
Deadline for requesting clarifications22 March 2025
Deadline for submitting tenders2 April 2025
Evaluation of offers18 April 2025
Notification of award18 April 2025
Contract signature25 April 2025
Start date of tasks and deliverables25 April 2025
Completion of website revisionsTo be decided upon contract signature, ideally before the end of June
End date for website hosting and maintenance24 April 2028

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only shortlisted or selected applicants will be contacted.

_____________________________________________________________________________

https://womensnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ToR_Web-Changes-4.pdf

The Kosovo Women’s Network calls for more attention to the needs of women and men

The Kosovo Women’s Network adds a gender perspective to Kosovo’s path towards the European Union. In line with the European Commission’s 2024 report on Kosovo, KWN provided its comment on Kosovo’s European Integration Program for 2025-2029.

The National Program for European Integration (NPEI) is Kosovo’s main plan for reforms towards EU membership. It aims to align domestic laws with those of the EU and is the third program of this name and the tenth since the entry into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA).

KWN has observed that the program lacks clear indicators, measurable targets, and baselines, making it difficult to measure progress. Also, objectives on neighborly relations, regional cooperation, and Kosovo-Serbia normalization, as well as on the implementation of the EU Agenda on Women, Peace, and Security, are missing.

We suggest including these elements for better monitoring and greater accountability in the integration process.

DETAJE DHE INFOGRAFIKË

The first meeting of KWN members for 2025 is held, challenges and priorities are discussed 

On February 10, 2025, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held its first regular meeting of the year, where the current situation in the country, the challenges faced by women and civil society organizations, and opportunities for cooperation and mutual support in the future were discussed. 

One of the topics opened during the discussion was the electoral process of February 9, 2025, with a special emphasis on the Civil Society Manifesto, which was delivered to all political parties before the elections. During the meeting, the importance of the new government considering all the points and common demands of the manifesto was emphasized, committing to policies that empower women and promote gender equality. It was emphasized that this manifesto represents a powerful voice of civil society and should be a point of reference for any political decision that affects women and their rights. 

At this meeting, the participants unanimously emphasized the need for solidarity and mutual support, especially at a time when right-wing extremism is gaining ground globally. The challenges posed by this phenomenon were discussed, and a greater mobilization was requested to prevent any form of discrimination and social exclusion. 

The opening of the meeting was made by Adelina Berisha, Gender-Based Violence Manager at KWN. She spoke about the current situation in the country and the challenges faced by women, asking for an open dialogue with all members to more accurately identify their needs and priorities. 

In her speech about the new parliamentary elections, she mentioned the importance of active participation of women in politics and decision-making processes. 

“We hope that in the next 4 years, we will make changes whenever we are dissatisfied. I hope that our vote, the vote of women, will be decisive. We can make changes in society only when we are together,” she said, among other things. 

Also, during the meeting, it was informed that the KWN Statute has now been updated, reflecting the new needs and objectives of the organization. 

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue the joint engagement for the empowerment of women and the advancement of gender equality. Members were invited to participate in the KWN Annual Assembly, which will be held on April 12, 2025. 

A Glimmer of Hope and Justice for Women Murdered in Kosovo 

On February 19th, the Court of Appeals upheld the first-instance verdict of the Basic Court in Ferizaj, concerning the life imprisonment decision for Dardan Krivaqa, the murderer of M.O, who lost her life due to extremely severe injuries. She was only 18 years old when the murder occurred. The court based this sentence on Article 173 of the Penal Code of the Republic of Kosovo, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1.4, which states that a person who “deprives another person of life in a cruel or insidious manner” shall be punished with 10 years to life imprisonment. 

Similarly, months earlier, specifically on December 27, 2024, Edmond Lajçi was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife Gj.U. He was sentenced under Article 173 of the Penal Code, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1.3, which states that a person who “deprives a family member of life” shall be punished with 10 years to life imprisonment. 

Although these two cases demonstrate an improved approach to handling murders, the prosecution and the court still failed to emphasize the gender-based motive behind these killings, as stipulated by the Penal Code in Article 173, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1.10, where murder is considered aggravated when the motive is “nationality, language, religious belief or lack of religious belief, skin color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or due to proximity to persons with one of these protected characteristics.” 

The Kosovo Women’s Network, through its “A Life Free from Gender-Based Violence” Program, has advocated for a legal framework that addresses gender-based violence and violence against women. 

We remain committed to deepening cooperation with justice institutions to raise awareness that murder resulting from gender-based violence, or as it is internationally known, femicide, the killing of women simply because they are women, is reflected in court decisions and prosecutorial indictments. 

Throughout 2025, KWN will organize training for officials responsible for combating gender-based violence, including judges and prosecutors, to raise awareness about gender-based violence and a victim-centered approach, as required by our legislation, derived from the Istanbul Convention. 

Additionally, KWN will continue to provide legal counseling to all victims of domestic violence, violence against women, and gender-based violence. For more information on legal counseling, please contact us at: +39348105800.  

  

Defenders of Change: Why Do NGOs Matter More Than Ever? 

For decades, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Kosovo have been at the forefront, furthering human rights, democracy, good governance and social justice. NGOs have filled the gaps where governments have failed, ensuring that justice, aid and support reach those who need it most. They have acted as watchdogs, ensuring that democratic processes are upheld and that the government remains accountable to the people it should serve. 

The achievements of Kosovo’s NGOs are undeniable. Thanks to the tireless efforts of organisations like the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and its 139 member organisations, vital laws protecting women from violence have been passed, and services such as psychological support, legal aid and shelter have been made available to women and children suffering violence. To name only a couple examples, KWN has provided legal advice and support to more than 117 women who have suffered violence, and, together with members, supported more than 335 women in claiming their rights to property and inheritance, helping women access justice. Meanwhile, NGOs have pushed for better labour rights, anti-discrimination laws and influenced more than 109 laws and policies to better meet diverse women and men’s needs, including supporting Kosovo’s path toward EU Accession. 

Why do NGOs matter more than ever? 

For those who doubt the importance of NGOs, consider this: Who steps in to provide services when government institutions fail to protect survivors of domestic or sexual violence? Who ensures that laws and policies are not just words on paper but are implemented and enforced? Who conducts research to inform these laws based on evidence of women and men’s needs? Who meets with diverse women in their communities to hear their needs and then raises these needs to the attention of the government? Who brings international attention to local injustices?  

NGOs do. 

They provide essential services—from emergency shelters for survivors of domestic violence to advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights and protections for people with disabilities. They mobilise humanitarian aid, educate the next generation on human rights and monitor government actions to ensure transparency and accountability. They build bridges of peace across physical and other borders.  

Perhaps most importantly, NGOs safeguard democracy. When civil society is weakened, so is the democratic fabric of a nation. A world without strong NGOs is a world where power goes unchecked, where marginalised voices are silenced and where human rights gains can be rolled back without resistance. 

Struggling to survive 

Recent cuts in financing for civil society, and particularly for women’s rights organisations, have hit several NGOs in Kosovo and the Western Balkans hard, putting many NGOs at risk. Behind the statistics on financial losses are real human consequences: women unable to access legal aid to escape their abusers, activists who are facing burnout amid an added workload and organisations unable to provide input on key legislative reforms that shape Kosovo’s future due to insufficient human resources and time. 

The challenges affiliated with the recent suspension of U.S. funding, and its impacts on NGOs in Kosovo, was among the topics discussed today, at an event organised by the European Union to Kosovo, in which Ambassador Aivo Orav took part. KWN’s Nicole Farnsworth, Deputy Director and Lead Researcher, participated in the panel discussion, which was held in honour of World NGO Day. . 

 “We will manage. We will survive,” Farnsworth said, reflecting on the decreased funding for women’s rights groups. “We are activists. It’s just that [sudden funding cuts] make our lives harder and reduces our time available to be watchdogs on the government, to monitor every law that they are passing, to see if someone is sneaking in any paragraphs that will remove women’s rights…” 

Farnsworth outlined KWN’s broader concerns over the cost of cuts on smaller organisations that lack other resources. “What worries us most about these cuts is the impact on our partners, organisations that were supposed to work alongside us,” emphasising the challenges faced by women’s NGOs working with Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, to provide legal aid to survivors of violence and to reach women with disabilities. 

Despite these challenges, Kosovo’s civil society is not giving up. Activists and organisations are rallying in solidarity to support each other, collaborating across borders to push back against regressive policies, and refusing to let years of progress be pushed backwards. 

On World NGO Day, it is crucial to recognise that supporting NGOs is not charity—it is an investment in democracy, justice, and a more equitable future.  

In response to a question about how the government and EU could support NGOs, Farnsworth emphasised the importance of creating transparent government support, independent of political influence and with NGO oversight.  

“With the EU Growth Plan, there should be a monitoring mechanism in place”, she added, to monitor programs and expenditures under this Plan with NGO involvement. She also recommended that the EU earmark funds in the next Multiannual Financial Framework and Civil Society Facility to support women’s rights organisations and LGBTIQ+ groups, and that such funding should involve flexible financing and core support. She said administrative barriers should be reduced, particularly for small, grassroots organisations so that they can focus limited resources on their activism, rather than administration. 

Farnsworth thanked the EU for its current support to KWN via a three-year action in partnership with the Organisation of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo and Ruka Ruci, which just started. The action aims to improve civil society capacities to enhance access to quality social protection for diverse women and men. Farnsworth stated that it will help diverse women and men better access social services, particularly after the confusion caused by closing the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. Related to improving social services, she added, “we are also committed to assisting institutions in improving their budgeting to ensure better budgeting for those in need.” 

The challenges faced by Kosovo’s civil society are significant, but the resilience and determination of activists and organisations remain unwavering. NGOs continue to play a crucial role in defending democracy, justice, good governance and human rights, and it is more important than ever to support their efforts. 

Dhurata, KWN’s New “Cathy Frischmann Intern”, Contributes to Peace 

What happens when a passionate psychology student meets a powerhouse women’s rights organisation? Women’s needs and voices are amplified in Kosovo and beyond! 

Dhurata Alilaj was recently selected as the next recipient of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Cathy Frischmann Internship for Young Women’s Rights Activists. 

An enthusiastic young woman from the city of Ferizaj, she was thrilled to start her new journey as a researcher at KWN this February.   

As a psychology student, she always wanted to understand people with whom she did not agree. She believes this skill will help her better navigate feminist approaches, which include connecting with more, diverse people and creating space for everyone’s voice to be heard.  

At KWN, she will have plenty of space to practice, as she engages directly in KWN’s ongoing research to better understand various perspectives in Kosovo and beyond, towards furthering peace and security for diverse women and men. This includes looking at different people’s understanding of peace: the feeling of peace that comes with having a secure job; the peacefulness of being healthy; of moving peacefully across sidewalks in wheelchairs or with baby strollers; the peace to walk home without fear of harassment; and the peace to live at home without physical or emotional violence. 
 
“The research on which I am working has been very insightful as to the contributions of different women in Kosovo to peace-building, and the factors that hinder women’s ability to engage and contribute,” Dhurata said. “This leads to even more will [for me] to work and publish papers on how to address their problems and allow even more number girls and women across Kosovo to take part” in furthering peace, she added. 

 
Dhurata is excited to work at KWN because of the organisation’s mission and high ethical standards, carefully considered as part of KWN’s ongoing research. She also values the power of voice that KWN gives to diverse women and girls who are often not heard. This, she says, has had a significant impact, especially in recent years.  

“KWN has contributed through its advocacy for women’s participation in peace and security and  its never ending and ongoing efforts to acknowledge the women who already have been a huge part peace-building in Kosovo, spreading this information to the public to inspire even more women to believe that they can and should be part of the movement and that they have the power to make a difference.” She said that KWN has contributed “with reports, protests and other initiatives that support women and girls in Kosovo, [as well as] with very specific numbers and facts.” 

KWN is also excited to welcome Dhurata to our team. Amid recent substantial and unforeseen cuts to KWN’s funding, Dhurata through the Cathy Frischmann Internship, has become a vital member of KWN’s research team.   

Dhurata has a fiery spirit, illustrating her personal commitment to making positive change happen. Her contribution goes beyond resisting injustice towards peace; she also contributes to positive changes through her other engagements, such as serving as an assistant coach at the “Lubeteni” karate club in Ferizaj, where she works with children. In her free time, she enjoys reading. In stressful or busy times, she likes to paint, expressing her frustration through art.  
 

Dhurata’s involvement at KWN was made possible by the Cathy Frischmann Internship for Young Women’s Rights Activists. Cathy Frischmann (1952-2023) was an activist for women’s rights, a feminist, a human rights defender, a mobiliser for the involvement of women in politics, a botanist who protected native plants, and much more… Cathy loved life, which is why she dedicated hers to defending the rights and lives of others. She worked tirelessly to make the world a better place. Cathy’s love for Kosovo began in 2004 when she met KWN member organisations. Inspired by KWN members’ work, she collaborated with Altrusa – Corvallis Branch to raise funds for an annual scholarship to support young women activists’ engagement at KWN. Although Cathy passed away from cancer in 2023, Altrusa, her friends and family have continued to support an internship in her name. In Cathy’s honour, KWN proudly hosts at least one young woman intern every year, continuing to engage and inspire new generations of women’s rights activists.  

If you would like to empower other young women like Dhurata to gain experience and skills that will facilitate their future employment and strengthen their activism, or if you would like to support KWN’s work in general, please click here for more information.