Kosovo Women's Network

European Union in Kosovo, Kosovo Women’s Network Launch Groundbreaking Gender Analysis on Peace and Security in Kosovo

31.10.2025

On 31 October, the European Union in Kosovo, together with the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), marked the 25th Anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) at the Europe House in Pristina and launched an EU-funded and KWN-prepared report entitled “Peace and Security in Kosovo: A Gender Analysis”.

“The aim of the gender analysis of peace and security in Kosovo is to inform present and future EU programming that will further and better support the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Kosovo, in cooperation with institutions, civil society, women’s rights organisations and international partners,” said Aivo Orav, the EU Ambassador in Kosovo.

In marking this Anniversary, Orav was joined by Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of KWN, a multiethnic network of 102 diverse women’s rights organisations. “Without the inclusion of women, there is no lasting peace. Without women, there is no justice, and the absence of justice undermines the achievement of sustained peace,” Rogova emphasised.

Photo: Samir Karahoda – European Union in Kosovo

Presenting the new Gender Analysis’ key findings and recommendations, the KWN Deputy Director and Lead Researcher Nicole Farnsworth highlighted that Kosovo has committed to the WPS Agenda but that several laws and policies require amending and adopting to ensure its implementation, particularly related to women’s participation and protection, including electoral laws, the law on the status and rights of war victims and the Law on the Kosovo Security Force.

“The new Kosovo Program on Gender Equality should attend to several unimplemented aspects of the WPS Agenda so it can serve as Kosovo’s National Action Plan on WPS,” said Farnsworth.

The report further notes that the root causes of past, present and potential future tensions include segregated education and media that reinforce gender norms underpinning violence; insufficient inclusive and gender-responsive interethnic communication and interactions; economic instability and inadequate transitional justice.

The report recommends strengthening gender-responsive transitional justice, improving access to social and health services and implementing gender-responsive education, economic and environmental programs that address gendered structural inequalities and bring diverse women and men together to address issues of shared interest.

In addition, the report highlights the need to better engage diverse women, men and women’s rights organisations in consultations and in transitional justice, security, and peace processes, ensuring inclusive participation, leadership and gender-responsive decision-making.

The full report is available here in English, Albanian, and Serbian.

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

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Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

03.03.2026

To the sounds of flute music and poetry, the book launch evening for Motrat Qiriazi: An Association for Education and Civil Resistance in Kosovo took place on 2 March 2026, marking simultaneously the 80th birthday of actress and activist Safete Rogova, as well as the 36th anniversary of the founding of the Motrat Qiriazi Association.

The book, published by Buzuku Publishing House and written by Nicole Farnsworth, presents for the first time the testimonies of activists who worked with the Motrat Qiriazi Association since 1989, at a time when Slobodan Milošević’s regime systematically suppressed Albanian education and culture in Kosovo.

Founded by Safete Rogova and Igballe Rogova, the Motrat Qiriazi Association played a key role in educating and empowering women during the 1990s. At a time when Albanian-language books were considered “illegal”, activists opened secret libraries and organised schools and literacy courses, providing over 6,000 women, particularly in rural areas, with access to education.

The Motrat Qiriazi Association has played an extremely important role in Kosovo. It carried forward the spirit of sisters Parashqevi and Sevasti Qiriazi, promoting knowledge and education and empowering girls and women in the most vulnerable areas across Kosovo, especially in Has, during extremely difficult periods, including the displacement of women at the onset of Serbian terror in Kosovo. Even in the harshest circumstances Kosovo faced, they continued their work, assisting people in need in overcrowded camps in Bllace, Stankovec, Çegran, Kukës and across Albanian territories hosting war refugees.

The book launch was held in a venue with special symbolism – during the 1990s, Hani i 2 Robertëve served as a meeting place for Kosovo’s parallel cultural and political life. Renowned actresses Igballe Qena, Kumrije Hoxha and Drita Begolli read excerpts from the book, bringing to life touching stories of courage, resilience and the quiet power of education.

The evening was opened by President Atifete Jahjaga, who in the past has awarded the Motrat Qiriazi with presidential medals for their contributions to education, culture and the affirmation of Kosovo’s cause.

“If, many decades ago, someone had said that a book would be written about the heritage of the Motrat Qiriazi, no one would have believed it. But today we are here thanks to the path they paved”, Jahjaga said, emphasising the importance of solidarity among women.

“Allow me to wish Safete a heartfelt happy birthday”, continued Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo. “The girls of Kosovo, including myself, are fortunate to have women like Safete, like Igo, like President Jahjaga, and so many activists whom I see here today after such a long time”, she added.

“When we speak, and even dream, of national unity, in fact, through the activism of the Motrat Qiriazi, that unity has already been happening naturally for a long time”, longtime friend Ms. Delina Fico, an activist, began her speech, reflecting on the current situation in which we live – surrounded by wars and hatred towards each other, migrants, other races and different religions. She recalled that even when the authorities of the time cut off their means of living, activists continued working to support women and girls, particularly those unable to raise their voices.

“Today I want to pause and honour one of the main actors. I want to honour a beautiful human being in the broadest sense, Ms, Safete Rogova, co-founder of the Motrat Qiriazi alongside her dear Igo and Nuredin Loxha. After meeting Safete, what inspired me most was her ability to weave love for the family she came from and for the family she created… All the fieldwork with women and girls, opening their eyes and giving them freedom”, added Ms. Fico.

Meanwhile, Ms. Vjosa Dobruna, an unstoppable activist and member of the KWN Board, emphasised that the progress of women today in public and institutional life is the result of women’s activism in the 1990s.

“You, Motrat Qiriazi, are as great as the name you bear. The women of Kosovo have known how to identify challenges even when unnoticed. They have built policies by empowering women, seeing them as societal actors. We have women in positions – Speakers, Presidents, successful women in culture, great artists – but all of this is not thanks to institutions, which barely existed back then, but thanks to women’s activism”, Ms. Dobruna said.

In a continuation of appreciative words for their extraordinary work and activism, the author of the book, Ms. Nicole Farnsworth, Deputy Director and Lead Researcher at KWN, gave her remarks:

“This is their story. I have simply heard many inspiring stories and done what I could to share their extraordinary work with others, hoping it will inspire other women and men, as it has inspired me”, she said.

To close the evening warmly, Ms. Safete Rogova took the stage. She expressed her gratitude to the activists of Krusha e Vogël, the activists of Mitrovica, and all those present at this special launch, highlighting their role in honouring the heritage of the Motrat Qiriazi Association.

“Thank you all. Our contribution has been modest. We have been inspired by the Motrat Qiriazi since the opening of the first Albanian schools, where their motto was ‘I will work for the motherland, then complete my life’. I think I’ve reached 80, but I’m not planning to rest. I will continue together with you, Igo, and all the other activists”, she concluded with much emotion.

The book Motrat Qiriazi documents an important period in Kosovo’s history and the role of women in education, civil resistance and societal development, highlighting a significant chapter of 1990s activism.

03.03.26

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Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

27.02.2026

For many Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian families in Kosovo, gender-based violence continues to be addressed in silence. Fear of stigma, economic hardship, lack of information and limited trust in institutions have contributed to the reluctance of many women to seek assistance, even when facing severe forms of violence. These circumstances have restricted access to protection mechanisms and intensified feelings of insecurity and social isolation.

This reality became evident during the initial field visits carried out by the Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organisations of Kosovo (RROGRAEK) as part of the initiative “Addressing Gender-based Violence in Kosovo: Door to Door”. A family from the Sef neighborhood in Gjakova expressed relief at learning, for the first time, about the availability of free legal aid services for survivors of domestic violence:

“We have often remained silent due to fear and lack of information, but receiving the brochure and contact number increased our sense of safety and hope.”

A similar experience was reported in the village of Hereq in the municipality of Gjakova, where a family emphasised that severe economic conditions and unemployment had directly contributed to tensions within the household:

“We felt heard and respected. Being informed about the free legal aid office helps us understand that we are not alone and that institutions exist to support us.”

In the Ali Ibra neighborhood of Gjakova, a mother shared her emotions during the visit, highlighting that fear and social prejudice had previously prevented her from seeking help:

“The brochure and contact details I received gave me the courage to consider the next steps toward protecting myself and my children.”

A family from the Blloku i Ri neighborhood in Gjakova also responded positively to the outreach engagement, reflecting on the broader social context in Kosovo:

“The general social situation often makes people feel powerless. These activities raise awareness and strengthen trust in legal support, especially in cases of domestic violence.”

Through door-to-door visits, RROGRAEK reached a total of 1,450 individuals, including 39 persons with disabilities, across the municipalities of Gjakova, Fushe Kosovo, Mitrovica, Peja and Prizren. This approach created safe spaces for dialogue and information-sharing, enabling community members to become informed about their rights and the existing mechanisms for protection and reporting.

To ensure accessibility of information, RROGRAEK distributed educational brochures in Turkish, Romani and Serbian, reflecting the languages used within the targeted communities and addressing the need for clear and comprehensible communication.

Beyond field engagement, the initiative also generated impact in the digital sphere. Through a social media campaign, prevention messages on gender-based violence and technology-facilitated gender-based violence achieved over 170,000 views, extending awareness beyond direct physical outreach and engaging a broader audience, particularly young people.

Implemented within the framework of the East-West Management Institute program in partnership with the Kosovo Women’s Network, the initiative illustrates how community-based interventions and strategic collaboration can foster sustainable change and produce tangible impact on the lives of women and families from some of the most marginalised communities in Kosovo.

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Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

25.02.2026

Gender-based violence and domestic violence are global phenomena, disproportionately affecting women. In many communities in Kosovo, domestic violence is still considered a private matter to be handled within the family. Kosovo’s legal framework related to gender-based and domestic violence is aligned with international standards, but consistent implementation remains a challenge. Few women report violence, and when they do, their cases are often handled without sufficient sensitivity or seriousness.

The NGO Zensko Pravo sought to bring this issue to the attention of judicial and law enforcement actors in northern Kosovo, while simultaneously fostering stronger multisectoral coordination to improve responses to cases of violence.

Building Awareness and Trust

Zensko Pravo began by raising awareness through monthly meetings and trainings with prosecutors, victim advocates and judges handling cases of domestic and gender-based violence. Participants discussed gender-sensitive approaches and reviewed practical case studies, confronting persistent challenges in applying Kosovo’s aligned legal framework.

A roundtable brought together professionals from judiciary, prosecution and law enforcement with civil society actors working in the field of gender-based violence, to exchange perspectives and reflect on systemic obstacles. The discussion that took place covered recurring issues such as inappropriate referrals to mediation in cases of domestic violence, victim displacement from shared homes, and the lack of social housing support for survivors.

Through artistic performances, a debate, and a public awareness campaign, women, girls and minority groups gained a clearer understanding of their rights and the services available to survivors of violence.

One of the judges who participated in the meetings, Vesna Milic, highlighted how many survivors face economic insecurity, limiting their independence. Following her recommendation, Zensko Pravo also organised a seminar covering women’s rights to property and inheritance.

From Knowledge to Commitment

Building on this increased awareness, the initiative transitioned into active collaboration between the judiciary, prosecution, police and civil society. Three cooperation agreements were established, and workshops allowed key representatives to develop joint strategies for more effective case management, including improved reporting and follow-up efforts. Health and education institutions also joined, strengthening cross-sector efforts to respond cohesively to incidents of domestic and gender-based violence.

Free legal and psychosocial support was provided to survivors. Cases included a woman who had endured 17 years of repeated assault and received help to report the abuse and secure a divorce; a minor facing family-related behavioral issues, who was treated with therapy alongside their mother; and Roma victims of violence who received legal guidance, psychological support and safe housing. A legal consultation held with one of the participating victim advocates, Burhan Medjuni, helped a survivor involved in ongoing proceedings understand the legal process, while also encouraging them to continue pursuing the case.

These interventions highlighted how important accessible legal aid is for building trust in institutions and helping survivors seek justice.

Towards Justice and Safety for All

The initiative left a lasting mark: it laid the foundation for closer and more efficient collaboration between institutions, while also increasing people’s knowledge of victims’ rights. “The ‘Protected and Safe’ project allowed us to take important steps in connecting local institutions and organisations”, says Andrijana Strauss, Project Assistant at Zensko Pravo. “For the first time, all actors sat at the same table and discussed specific cases, not just procedures. I believe this is one of the project’s greatest contributions – real collaboration in practice”. Media coverage of the initiative was extensive, with local TV and radio channels broadcasting activities and workshops, further strengthening public awareness.

Key recommendations from participants included maintaining multi-sectoral cooperation, continuing public awareness campaigns, and expanding social and legal support services for survivors. Following these recommendations, Zensko Pravo continued to work with representatives from local government, police, health and social services even after the initiative ended, to ensure ongoing collaboration. In partnership with other organisations, they also carried out an additional public awareness campaign, featuring informational materials distributed to citizens as well as two public events.

Free legal aid and psychosocial support for victims of violence continues to be provided by Zensko Pravo, thanks to additional sources of funding. “The number of beneficiaries of these services is growing, which we see as a positive indicator of trust and increased awareness among women about their rights”, says Ružica Simić, Zensko Pravo’s Director. Zensko Pravo also is in the process of developing a mobile team to provide field support to victims, aiming to expand the accessibility of specialised services.

Zensko Pravo’s initiative paved the way for a safer, more just society where the rights of all survivors are recognised and protected. The lessons learned and partnerships built continue to guide efforts toward lasting change.

Zensko Pravo’s initiative “Prevention of Violence against Women in Northern Kosovo – Protected and Safe” was carried out with support from 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 €4,927, from October 2021 to April 2022. The initiative contributed directly to KWN’s Programme “A Life Free from Gender-based Violence”.

03.03.26

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25.02.26

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13.02.26

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13.02.26

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12.02.26

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Under threat, and resilient

13.02.2026

The Kosovo Women’s Network has published the report “Under Threat, and Resilient – The Situation of Women’s Organisations in Kosovo”, which analyses the current state of women’s rights organisations in Kosovo in the context of rapid geopolitical changes and shifts in the funding climate. The study is based on surveys and face-to-face interviews with 103 women’s civil society organisations (WCSOs) representing the interests of women of all ethnicities, ages and abilities in both rural and urban areas.

The evidence gathered shows that women’s organisations have been a driving force behind key achievements towards inclusive democracy, good governance, the rule of law, access to justice and human rights, contributing to progress towards membership in the European Union. However, despite their important role, organisations are under threat due to global changes in funding trends. Some bilateral donors and private foundations have reduced support suddenly and significantly. Shifts in priorities are being observed also within the European Union.

Over the past two years, 40% of organisations reported a decline in funding. 59% had no income secured for 2026, while only 9% had funds secured for 2027 and beyond. As a result of lack of funding, more than 22 staff members have lost their jobs, and at least 49 activists have reduced their working hours. Budget cuts also have led to reduced services, support for women’s economic empowerment, advocacy, watchdog functions, awareness-raising campaigns, education and research. The situation has contributed to stress, insecurity and professional burnout among activists.

Report findings show that Kosovo’s enabling environment for civil society in general is in line with international human rights standards. However, improvements to philanthropy, volunteering, taxation and funding frameworks would facilitate organisations’ access to resources. 81% of interviewed organisations have received support from Kosovo institutions in the past, although contracts lasted on average less than five months, indicating room for improvement in the sustainability of this support, not the least in light of decreased international funding. The report recommends that the Administrative Instruction on public–private partnerships is adopted and that a dedicated state budget line for support to civil society organisations is established. It also calls for improvements to legal frameworks for fundraising and volunteer engagement, to preserve an independent and functional civil society.

Regarding recommendations for international donors, the report emphasises the need for adequate, long-term and flexible funding, including core support for organisations engaged in research, monitoring and advocacy.

Despite the challenges outlined, 91% of organisations stated that they will continue their work even without donor funding, demonstrating resilience and strong commitment to activism.

The report is being shared with various donors in Kosovo and abroad to inform and encourage sustainable support for women’s organisations.

This publication was produced with the financial support of The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.

03.03.26

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27.02.26

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25.02.26

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13.02.26

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13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

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The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

13.02.2026

In a world where much of young people’s lives happens online, the line between digital and real-life harm is becoming harder to see. Through the forum theatre performance Prapa Ekranit, Artpolis helps young people recognise digital violence, understand its impact, and explore how they can respond, together.

Following performances across Pristina, Peja, Ferizaj, Gjakova, Mitrovica and Prizren in 2025, the play will continue reaching new schools and communities throughout 2026. The new chapter begun on 12 February in Vushtrri, and will continue to Gjilan (4 March), Rahovec (18 March), Dragash (8 April), Skenderaj (22 April) and Vitia (13 May), expanding the conversation and reaching young people where these stories matter most.

The play is part of Artpolis’ initiative “Addressing Gender-based Violence in Kosovo through Forum Theatre”, which aims to increase awareness, prevention and reporting of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly technology-facilitated violence (TFGBV).

Set within Kosovo’s university environment, Prapa Ekranit follows Krenar, Dafina, Lea, Ardi and Professor Drita as they navigate the pressures of a world shaped by images, likes and videos that promote toxic models of love, power and desire. Through the interactive forum theatre format, Artpolis invites the audience to become active participants, engaging directly with the characters, stopping scenes and proposing alternative choices. This approach enables young people to explore hands-on the realities of online violence, manipulation and abuse, while reflecting on and discussing these sensitive but vital issues and how to respond to them.

“The show carries an educational message, especially for the generations who are currently our high school students. I think many of the interactive discussions with the characters provided a good example for young people of how to act – to not be controlling but to be careful and considerate of their partners”, says a staff member at Eqrem Cabej high school Vushtrri.

So far, students have openly asked questions and shared their own experiences of online pressure and manipulation. They also have spoken about the challenges of reporting violence, especially when it involves someone they know. These discussions help normalise conversations around digital violence and reinforce that support exists.

“I liked how the actors expressed real-life situations through art, almost like an awareness-raising video”, says one of the students at Eqrem Cabej. “We also received a very important message: control and care are not the same thing because violence is not love – it’s a crime”.

As the play continues to reach more schools, its goal remains clear: to help young people feel informed, supported and confident to speak up.

This activity is carried out by Artpolis within the framework of a project implemented by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI) and the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN). Prapa Ekranit is directed and dramatised by Zana Hoxha.

03.03.26

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25.02.26

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13.02.26

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13.02.26

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12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

12.02.2026

After more than a year of political uncertainty and institutional delays, Kosovo finally has formed a new Government, opening the way for long-awaited reforms and legislative processes to move forward.

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) today has sent a letter to Prime Minister Albin Kurti congratulating him on the formation of the new Government. At the same time, the Network expressed concern regarding the small percentage of women appointed as ministers. KWN recalled that the Law on Gender Equality mandates equal representation of women and men in decision-making (50%), stressing that balanced representation is both a legal obligation and fundamental to democratic governance.

Moreover, as the new Government prepares to rapidly move forward with substantial reforms and new legislation, KWN urged the systematic integration of gender equality and women’s rights across all policy areas. The Network called for several urgent legal and policy changes, including: the adoption of a new Labour Law aligned with the EU Work-Life Balance Directive; the establishment of clear gender equality indicators within Kosovo’s Reform Agenda under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans; the institutionalisation of gender-responsive budgeting within forthcoming public finance laws; greater investment in care services, towards enabling women’s labour force participation and transforming unpaid work into paid labour; and the establishment of a dedicated budget line within the Agency for Gender Equality to support diverse women’s organisations, especially in light of the current funding crisis.

The Network expressed its readiness to cooperate closely with the new Government and all ministers to continue protecting, promoting and advancing women’s rights in Kosovo.

Read the full letter here.

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13.02.26

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Women’s Rights Activists Advocate Safeguarding Swedish Support to Balkans

05.02.2026

Who will hold governments accountable when support for independent watchdogs is cut? This was the question Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Deputy Director Nicole Farnsworth and partner women’s rights organisations from the Western Balkans brought to Swedish officials earlier this week in Stockholm. The visit came in response to the Swedish government’s recent, sudden decision to end regional development cooperation financial support to the Western Balkans, a move that has directly affected Kvinna till Kvinna’s regional program to support democracy, resilience and integrating attention to diverse women and men’s needs in the European Union (EU) Accession process.

This program provided vital core support to KWN and financed 14 other women’s rights groups in the region. It enabled women’s rights groups to monitor the quality of reforms related to EU Accession; provide evidence and expertise to inform the EU’s annual Enlargement Package; engage diverse women in democratic processes related to reforms; hold governments accountable; further rule of law; and raise public awareness about and support for EU Accession, particularly important amid growing Euroscepticism. In some countries, funding cuts have placed crucial services for women at risk, such as legal representation for survivors of violence, which has furthered access to justice and informed women’s rights groups’ advocacy for improved rule of law, considering domestic violence is among the most prevalent criminal offences in the region.

During the trip, Farnsworth and other activists met with members of the Swedish Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Activists shared information about the concerning situation in the region, which is at risk of insecurity and backsliding amid anti-democratic and anti-human rights forces from within and abroad.

Farnsworth emphasised the crucial role KWN plays as a network of 103 diverse civil society organisations, as well as a “think and do” tank that monitors democratic processes, rule of law and EU Accession. “We bring the voices of women and men of all ethnicities, across urban and rural areas, including people with disabilities, into reform processes,” she explained. “We ensure that governments are accountable, democracy is strengthened and reforms reflect the needs of the people.”

Swedish support through Kvinna till Kvinna has enabled KWN to engage thousands of diverse women in decision-making processes, sometimes for the first time. Further, it has provided KWN with resources to review and comment on hundreds of draft laws and policies at municipal and national levels, reflecting diverse women and men’s needs. In more than two-thirds of these laws and policies, the government has accepted KWN’s input, utilising KWN’s expertise. Kosovo should soon establish a new government that is expected to pass more than 30 new laws related to EU Accession in a very short time. As funding cuts have forced KWN to lay-off staff members engaged in reviewing laws and consulting diverse women to inform them, KWN is concerned how well diverse women will be engaged in these processes and who will monitor the quality of reforms from an equality perspective.

Meanwhile, governments across the Western Balkans must implement EU growth plans as part of receiving EU financial support for the EU Accession process, but these do not attend sufficiently to diverse women and men’s needs, including in Kosovo. It is critical that we continue to monitor the quality of reforms to ensure that diverse women and men’s needs are addressed and that future growth plans related to the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework incorporate these perspectives,” Farnsworth said. Funding cuts put women’s rights organisations’ active engagement in monitoring reforms at risk.

Historically, women’s rights groups have led efforts towards furthering peace and security in Kosovo and the region. They have advocated women’s engagement in peace processes and brought women’s voices into these processes when governments and international actors failed, including during negotiations and the Dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. Conflict in Kosovo has not been resolved and very real insecurities persist for diverse women and men. The Women, Peace and Security Agenda has observed and emphasised that women’s engagement is crucial to lasting peace. Yet, funding cuts are placing women’s rights organisations’ important work at risk, undermining implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

Farnsworth noted that women’s rights groups in the region have lost more than €2 million euros in the past year alone. KWN’s recent survey of women’s rights organisations found that more than 40% have lost funds in the last two years and 9% do not have any funds secured for 2027 and beyond. “We are deeply concerned about how this will impact both service provision and civil society’s ability to uphold good governance, advance democracy, and continue supporting EU-aligned reforms,” Farnsworth said.

For more than 15 years, KWN has supported and mentored EU institutions, member states and WB governments to advance an inclusive EU accession process. “We are your partners,” Farnsworth emphasised to Swedish decision-makers, “and we hope to continue building on the progress we’ve made together, towards upholding our shared values.”

Women’s rights organisations also met with Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation staff to reflect on the substantial impact achieved together over the last 20 years, to discuss the current situation and opportunities for the way forward. The delegation also met with the Embassy of Ireland in Sweden in the context of Ireland’s vocal support for upholding human rights, new representations in Belgrade and Sarajevo and forthcoming leadership role in the EU Presidency in fall 2026.

Through this visit, women’s rights organisations reinforced their longstanding message: sustainable reforms, democratic progress, good governance, rule of law, economic growth, fundamental rights and meaningful EU integration require the continuous engagement of civil society, particularly women’s rights organisations.

“We must ask: what kind of member states does the EU want,” said Ines Leskaj from the Albanian Women’s Empowerment Network (AWEN). “If fundamental rights are implemented properly, the rest will follow naturally.”

If you want to support KWN, its members and our important work during these difficult times, you can make a donation here.

03.03.26

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25.02.26

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13.02.26

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13.02.26

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12.02.26

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KWN Calls for Greater Support for Civil Society in New Government Strategy

05.02.2026

The Office for Good Governance within the Office of the Prime Minister has published the Government’s Strategy for Cooperation with Civil Society 2026–2031 and the Action Plan 2026–2028 for public consultation. The Strategy and Action Plan aim to strengthen partnerships, increase transparency, support EU integration, enhance civil society participation in decision-making, and promote sustainable development.

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has analysed the draft Strategy and Action Plan and, with the aim of best representing the interests of its diverse member organisations and civil society in Kosovo, has provided comments on both documents. Among other things, it calls on the Government to:

Ensure the draft Strategy adopts an inclusive and gender-sensitive approach, particularly regarding the presentation of data disaggregated by gender, age, ethnicity, rural/urban residence and disability. The presentation of gender-disaggregated data is a requirement under the Law on Gender Equality.
Take greater account of the geopolitical situation and the risks associated with shrinking foreign development funds, such as the decline in service quality (including protection for victims of gender-based violence) and reduced monitoring and/or engagement of diverse people in EU reform processes. Particular attention should be paid to the impact this situation has on the work of women’s organisations. This has not been adequately addressed in the draft Strategy, nor has there been a commitment to allocate public funds to support the work of diverse organisations. The draft Strategy contains only initial and general steps for co-financing EU projects and service providers. Therefore, the Government should advance concrete commitments to allocate funds to support civil society organisations in: 1) service provision, 2) co-financing (expanding the list beyond EU projects) and 3) research, monitoring, advocacy and other areas. Clear commitments to financial support should be implemented through funding mechanisms established in consultation with various civil society organisations.
The Action Plan does not clearly outline the Government’s commitments; instead, it relies heavily on foreign donor funding, even though the Government should take responsibility for its implementation.
Both the draft Strategy and the Action Plan should be based on a Gender Impact Assessment and gender-responsive budgeting, in line with the Law on Gender Equality, and should ensure the collection, analysis and reporting of gender-disaggregated data.

KWN remains committed to advancing the legal framework in support of gender equality and marginalised groups. The Network will continue to monitor these developments in the interests of its members and maintain close cooperation with other civil society organisations and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo in addressing the comments outlined above.

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Stakeholders Discuss Advancing Progress on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Kosovo

02.02.2026

On 29 January in Pristina, stakeholders from Kosovo’s security sector, civil society and the international community convened to engage in a roundtable dialogue on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda.

Organised by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Kosovo Security Force Remzie Zeqiraj and the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) with support from the Luxembourg Directorate of Defence, the discussion focused on how better oversight, coordination and accountability can support Kosovo’s implementation of the WPS Agenda, while also providing space for participants to reflect on progress made and challenges remaining.

The event was opened by Remzie Zeqiraj, followed by remarks from Erik Dietz, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Kosovo, and Antje Fritz, Head of DCAF’s Assistance Programme in Kosovo. Fritz reaffirmed DCAF’s strong commitment to the WPS Agenda in Kosovo and globally, and Dietz underscored the importance of women’s meaningful participation in security sector reform.

“We firmly believe that peace and security can only be sustained when women are included in shaping and overseeing security”, said Dietz. He emphasised that inclusive peace and security require engagement from government and civil society, which play complementary roles in these processes.

Key contributions were delivered by Edi Gusia, Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Gender Equality in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Remzie Zeqiraj and Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director.

Gusia highlighted Kosovo’s progress on WPS, describing the country as a “success story”: one of the first countries to adopt a standalone WPS Action Plan, only a few years after declaring its independence. “Resolution 1325 has a special story in Kosovo … as a new democracy”, she said, pointing out that attention to the WPS Agenda has been embedded in Kosovo’s state-building process from its earliest stages. While acknowledging achievements to date, she called for continued support for women in politics, women judges and women diplomats, as well as for a stronger role of the Assembly of Kosovo in monitoring WPS implementation.

Rogova contributed feminist perspectives rooted in decades of engagement with women’s rights, focusing on the specific role of women’s rights organisations in furthering peace in Kosovo and across borders, including together with Women in Black Serbia. Even though women’s rights activists often were ignored by international actors and left out of official peace processes, they mobilised time and time again to make women’s voices heard:

“Don’t be angry. Organise!” she said.

This has been the continued motto of women’s rights activists. Rogova called for women’s increased engagement in peace processes, including the Pristina-Belgrade Dialogue, as well as for support for women’s rights groups’ efforts to further peace. She called on the government and international actors to take women’s activists’ voices seriously and to utilise their expertise.

Several of the speakers’ points were echoed by Eva Tabbasam, Director of Gender Action for Peace and Security in the United Kingdom, who presented key findings from a recently conducted draft status report on WPS in Kosovo. She stressed that limited progress on WPS is not due to a lack of commitment, but rather gaps in implementation and coordination. Key recommendations from the report include adopting a new WPS Action Plan within the forthcoming new Kosovo Program for Gender Equality; allocating sufficient domestic resources for WPS to reduce reliance on external donors; strengthening institutional coordination mechanisms that include civil society and international partners as observers; and enhancing parliamentary oversight.

The draft report will now be revised based on input received during the workshop, and DCAF welcomes further input in writing.

The event included a roundtable discussion co-moderated by KWN Deputy Director Nicole Farnsworth and Eva Tabbasam, during which participants further explored how executive action, parliamentary oversight and coordination mechanisms can more effectively support WPS implementation. The roundtable involved Remzie Zeqiraj; Edi Gusia; Vlora Citaku, Member of the Assembly of Kosovo; Lieutenant Colonel Zylfije Dema, Association of Women of the Kosovo Police; Solène Brabant, Gender and Security expert, DCAF; Dania Hadi, Representative, National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman; and Sylvia Schär Hahn, Independent Confidence Centre for Members of the Swiss Armed Forces.

The roundtable echoed several of the key findings in KWN’s recently published “Peace and Security in Kosovo: A Gender Analysis”, prepared for the European Union Office in Kosovo, which highlights both important advances and shortcomings in translating WPS commitments into practice.

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KWN Contributes to New Kosovo Program on Gender Equality

30.01.2026

Required by the Law on Gender Equality, the Kosovo Programme for Gender Equality (KPGE) seeks to further gender equality in Kosovo in public and private life across several sectors. Currently, the Agency for Gender Equality in the Office of the Prime Minister is leading the process of drafting the new KPGE for 2025-2035. It has three pillars: 1. Economic Empowerment and Livelihood; 2. Human Development, Media and Gender Relations; and 3. Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

Based on an official decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and its member organisations have been engaged in the official working group that is drafting the new KPGE, including the Kosovar Gender Studies Centre and the Women’s Inclusive Centre.

On 28 January, KWN Deputy Director and Lead Researcher Nicole Farnsworth participated in the working group meeting on Pillar III: “Women, Peace and Security”, during which objectives and actions under this pillar were discussed. This Pillar of the Kosovo Programme for Gender Equality will serve as Kosovo’s official National Action Plan for the implementation of the WPS Agenda.

In recommending actions, Farnsworth drew from KWN’s extensive research and experience, including Peace and Security in Kosovo: A Gender Analysis, which KWN prepared for the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo last year, towards informing the EU’s strategy for implementing the WPS Agenda in Kosovo. One of the main recommended activities for the KPGE was for the government to ensure quality, lasting financial support for women’s rights organisations as per WPS Agenda commitments, considering the crucial role that women’s rights organisations have played and continue to play in furthering peace, providing crucial services to diverse women survivors of violence, rehabilitation interventions and advising the government and international stakeholders on furthering the implementation of the WPS Agenda. Financial support from the government is particularly crucial in the current global context, as women’s organisations have witnessed drastic cuts in financial support that threatens to undermine their important work.

KWN welcomes input from its members for the KPGE and its actions related to all three pillars. Please send any inputs to info@womensnetwork.org by 15 February so KWN can advocate for your priorities!

The working group began work in November 2025 when a comprehensive situation analysis was presented, prepared by a team of experts. UN Women is providing technical and financial support to this process with financing from the Gender Equality Facility, funded by the EU.

03.03.26