Kosovo Women's Network

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

31.03.2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30.04.26

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

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

28.04.26

KWN Publishes Policy Paper Urging Recognition and Protection of Personal Assistants for Persons with Disabilities

25.04.26

Advancing Women’s Rights Together: KWN’s 23rd Annual Assembly Reflects on Progress and the Road Ahead

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

30.04.2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30.04.26

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

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

28.04.26

KWN Publishes Policy Paper Urging Recognition and Protection of Personal Assistants for Persons with Disabilities

25.04.26

Advancing Women’s Rights Together: KWN’s 23rd Annual Assembly Reflects on Progress and the Road Ahead

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.2026

For many teenage girls, the transition into adolescence can feel overwhelming. Physical and emotional changes happen quickly, and questions about relationships, safety and wellbeing arise. Yet in many schools in Kosovo, topics such as puberty, emotional health and sexual harassment are rarely discussed openly. Without safe spaces to ask questions or seek guidance, many girls are left to navigate this important stage of life on their own.

Recognising this gap, the Institute of Applied Psychology (“Alpha”) launched the initiative “Supporting Teenage Girls to Overcome Social and Emotional Problems”. The initiative aimed to give girls the knowledge, confidence and support they need to better understand themselves and the challenges that can come with adolescence.

Over the course of three months, the initiative reached 102 women and girls from different communities, including Albanian, Bosniak and Turkish participants. Activities took place in several schools in Gjakova, Prizren and Gornje Lubinje.

Alpha started off by organizing interactive lectures for girls in eighth and ninth grade. Led by Professor Neki Juniku, the sessions focused on the physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was open and engaging. Many girls felt comfortable sharing their thoughts and asking questions, turning the meetings into lively discussions rather than traditional lectures.

During the sessions, participants learned about common emotional challenges during adolescence, such as insecurity, stress and low-self-confidence, and explored ways to cope with them. The girls were also encouraged to talk about these experiences with people they trust.

A particularly important part of the initiative was bringing mothers and daughters together. In joint sessions, they discussed the role families can play in supporting girls during adolescence and in preventing issues such as sexual harassment and gender-based violence. These conversations helped create space for honest dialogue between generations, something that is often difficult when discussing sensitive topics.

Participants also practiced simple therapeutic techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive relaxation and mindfulness. These tools can help young people manage stress, anxiety and emotional challenges in their daily lives.

To ensure that the initiative’s impact would continue beyond the activities themselves, Alpha encouraged some of the most engaged girls to become peer facilitators within their schools. These girls were supported in developing ideas for activities they could organise with their classmates, helping to spread knowledge and support among their friends.

This peer-to-peer approach proved especially powerful. Because students often face similar experiences and concerns, learning from one another helped create a sense of understanding and solidarity.

By the end of the initiative, many girls reported feeling more confident, more informed and better prepared to navigate the challenges of adolescence. At the same time, mothers became more aware of how important their support and communication are during this stage of their daughters’ lives.

Most importantly, the initiative helped create safe spaces within schools, where girls felt comfortable discussing topics that had long been considered taboo. Through knowledge, open dialogue and peer support, the initiative showed that even small community efforts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young women in Kosovo.

As the peer facilitator groups continue their activities in schools, the conversations started through this project are expected to continue, helping even more girls feel supported, informed and confident as they grow.

Instituti i Psikologjisë Aplikative initiative “Supporting Adolescent Girls in Overcoming Social and Emotional Challenges.” was carried out with the 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 €5,000, from October to December 2021. The initiative contributed directly to KWN’s Programme “Gender Transformative Education”.

30.04.26

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

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

28.04.26

KWN Publishes Policy Paper Urging Recognition and Protection of Personal Assistants for Persons with Disabilities

25.04.26

Advancing Women’s Rights Together: KWN’s 23rd Annual Assembly Reflects on Progress and the Road Ahead

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

30.04.2026

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has published a paper “Monitoring Financial Allocations and Expenditures for Gender-Responsive Programs in the Kosovo Budget for 2024.” It examines how public spending in Kosovo is contributing to gender equality, as required by the Law on Gender Equality. It analyses financial allocations and expenditures towards gender equality and gender-responsive programmes, identifying which sectors and programmes have received funding to address gender disparities. It also highlights challenges related to the availability and use of gender-disaggregated data, as well as structural barriers that make it difficult to track and evaluate the impact of spending on gender equality outcomes.

KWN calls on the Ministry of Finance to institutionalise gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) by amending the Law on Public Finance, the Law on Local Government Financing and the Law on Public Procurement; integrating gender analysis, objectives, indicators, baselines and targets into all budget processes and systems; strengthening public finance management system objectives, capacities and templates; and publishing Gender Budget Statements and GRB annexes. At the municipal level, KWN urges adequate and sustainable funding for gender equality, including resources and salaries for Gender Equality Officers, and their systematic involvement in all planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and reporting processes.

Read the report here.

This report is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Sweden through the Gender Budget Watchdog Network.

30.04.26

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

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

28.04.26

KWN Publishes Policy Paper Urging Recognition and Protection of Personal Assistants for Persons with Disabilities

25.04.26

Advancing Women’s Rights Together: KWN’s 23rd Annual Assembly Reflects on Progress and the Road Ahead

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

29.04.2026

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has achieved another important milestone in protecting the rights of women and children, demonstrating that justice can be achieved even in the face of long and challenging processes. 

The story of A.B. reflects strength, resilience and the importance of proper support. As a survivor of domestic violence, she took a courageous step in 2022 by seeking divorce and child custody. With the support of KWN’s lawyer, the procedure was initiated, aiming to secure a safer life for herself and her children. 

From the moment the case was referred by the organisation National Network to End Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence from North Macedonia, KWN assumed her legal representation, committing not only to protect her rights but also to ensure that her voice was heard at every stage of the process. 

Due to its complexity, the case required inter-institutional and cross-border cooperation between Kosovo and North Macedonia, making the process even more sensitive and challenging, but not impossible. 

“This case once again confirms that when institutions, civil society organisations and the justice system work together, real and meaningful change in the lives of women and children who have survived violence is possible. The courage of A.B. to seek protection and justice, as well as the professional and dedicated support provided by the Kosovo Women’s Network, clearly demonstrate how crucial it is that survivors are not left alone during long and often exhausting legal processes”, stated the Executive Director of the National Network to End Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. “As the National Network, we remain firmly committed to regional cooperation and to ensuring timely, high-quality and survivor-centred support for every woman facing gender-based violence. This decision is not only a legal victory – it is a step towards a safer, more dignified and freer life for survivors and their children”, she added.

Beyond legal representation, KWN continuously monitored court hearings to ensure that all procedures were conducted fairly, transparently, and with sensitivity toward the survivor. After years of proceedings, the Court issued its decision, dissolving the marriage in accordance with the claims presented. 

This decision marks more than a legal outcome; it represents a step toward a safer and more dignified life for A.B. and her children. It also clearly demonstrates that professional support, persistence and dedication can make a real difference in the lives of survivors of gender-based violence. 

Since 2021, KWN has supported 142 cases through counseling and legal representation for survivors of gender-based violence and has monitored 386 court proceedings. 

KWN remains committed to standing by every woman in need of support, offering free legal aid and counseling at: +383 48 105 800. 

This initiative is supported by the International Austrian Partnership. 

A.B. are anonymised initials used to protect the confidentiality of the case.

30.04.26

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

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

28.04.26

KWN Publishes Policy Paper Urging Recognition and Protection of Personal Assistants for Persons with Disabilities

25.04.26

Advancing Women’s Rights Together: KWN’s 23rd Annual Assembly Reflects on Progress and the Road Ahead

KWN Publishes Policy Paper Urging Recognition and Protection of Personal Assistants for Persons with Disabilities

28.04.2026

On 28 April, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), together with its partners Organisation of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy (OPDMK) and Ruka Ruci, launched the policy paper “Unpaid and Unprotected: Personal Assistants Carry the Weight of Care for Persons with Disabilities”, within the framework of the EU-funded project “Improving Civil Society Capacities to Enhance Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men”.

The launch event, held at Europe House, marked the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, drawing attention to the often overlooked and unregulated working conditions of personal assistants who provide essential care for persons with disabilities.

The policy paper presents key findings from research conducted with a wide range of stakeholders, including personal assistants, organisations of persons with disabilities and institutional representatives. The research ensured the inclusion of diverse communities, including the Serbian community through partnership with Ruka Ruci, as well as Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities through cooperation with Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organisations of Kosovo (RROGRAEK).

Opening the event, Ms. Reyes Charle Cuellar, Gender Adviser at the EU in Kosovo, emphasised the importance of inclusive and gender-responsive social protection systems, underlining the EU’s continued support for strengthening civil society engagement in policy development and implementation.

“The European Care Strategy pushes for care work to be valued, properly supported and fairly rewarded. The work of women – because the large majority are women – who care for men, women and children with disabilities should be recognised and regulated.  This should be a key element within the inclusive social protection system that the European Union is assisting Kosovo to develop”, said Ms. Reyes Charle Cuellar.

“Unpaid care work by women sustains our societies, yet it remains largely invisible and undervalued. Recognising and supporting caregivers of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of gender equality, but of building a more just society for all”, said Maria Berishaj, Board Member of KWN.

KWN Researcher Ms. Mirjeta Ademi presented the key findings, highlighting significant gaps in legal recognition, working conditions and access to social protection for personal assistants in Kosovo, along with key recommendations from the policy paper. These include:

Ensuring that the forthcoming Inclusive law clearly recognises personal assistants as formal employees, requiring mandatory written contracts, pension contributions, health insurance, regulated working hours and protection for overtime.
Increasing financial support for personal assistants within the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, aligning compensation at least with the minimum wage level of €425 per month, with a total cost of €53 million in 2026, €23 million in 2027 and €77 million in 2028.
Establishing a nationally accredited program for the training and certification of all personal assistants, providing free training on disability-specific care.

The event also featured a panel discussion bringing together representatives from institutions, civil society and organisations of persons with disabilities, who discussed the feasibility and practical steps needed to implement the policy recommendations. Participants stressed the importance of formalising the role of personal assistants, ensuring fair working conditions, and improving access to quality services for persons with disabilities.

“Personal assistance is not a luxury; it is a necessity for independent living. For many persons with disabilities, support is needed 24 hours a day, yet current financing is far from sufficient to ensure dignified and adequate care”, said Resmije Rrahmani from the Organisation of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK), drawing on her own lived experience as a person with a disability.

Moreover, Ms. Nevenka Rikallo, representative of partner organization Ruka Ruci, stressed: “Personal assistance requires not only legal recognition, but investment in training, psychosocial support, and dedicated budget lines to ensure quality support for persons with disabilities and those who provide care.”

This initiative contributes to broader efforts to enhance access to quality social protection services and to ensure that care work is recognised, valued and protected in line with international standards.

30.04.26

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

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

28.04.26

KWN Publishes Policy Paper Urging Recognition and Protection of Personal Assistants for Persons with Disabilities

25.04.26

Advancing Women’s Rights Together: KWN’s 23rd Annual Assembly Reflects on Progress and the Road Ahead

Advancing Women’s Rights Together: KWN’s 23rd Annual Assembly Reflects on Progress and the Road Ahead

25.04.2026

On 25 April 2026, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) brought together members, partners, Board and staff for its 23rd Annual Assembly. More than a formal gathering, the event served as a moment to reflect on the past year’s achievements, set priorities for the year ahead, and honour those who have dedicated their work to advancing women’s rights and gender equality in Kosovo and beyond.

KWN Board member Gjylieta Mushkolaj opened the Assembly reflecting on the essential role women continue to play in building a more just and democratic society, while also acknowledging the persistent challenges that remain.

“Despite the progress achieved, this meeting is an opportunity to reflect and strengthen our commitment to ensuring that women are treated as equals. Violence against women remains a serious challenge, yet women’s activism has brought concrete changes and important achievements in public, political and institutional life”, she said. “Women’s dignity is not a matter of party politics, but the foundation of a democratic country. Therefore, we must continue working together to build a future where girls and women live free, safe and equal.”

Albulena Haxhiu, Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo and Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, highlighted the long-standing contribution of women’s activism and KWN’s role in shaping Kosovo’s democratic development. “The Network is a clear example of the power of equality, protection from violence, and the empowerment of women in decision-making. KWN has generated knowledge, demonstrated that democracy is strengthened not only by institutions but also by civil society, and has been a vital partner to institutions, a strong voice against injustice, and an active force for change that creates safe spaces for women.”

Nancy Soderberg, Director of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Kosovo, further emphasised the indispensable role of women’s civil society organisations in strengthening democracy, justice and equality. “It is essential to understand that progress is not made only within institutions, but also through everyday engagement with citizens, municipalities and local realities”, she said. “Our partnership with the Kosovo Women’s Network is important precisely because it connects national-level efforts with grassroots realities. At a time when, across many countries, we are witnessing backlash against gender equality, disinformation and targeted attacks on women in politics and public roles, KWN’s work is even more critical. By combining community engagement with rigorous research and policy analysis, KWN ensures that women’s voices are not only heard, but also translated into concrete policy proposals.”

Reyes Charle Cuellar, Gender Adviser at the Office of the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Kosovo, reinforced this message by emphasising that meaningful progress depends on cooperation between institutions and civil society. “EU and KWN have been partners; it has been a relationship built on dialogue and trust. Your ability to represent diverse women is a responsibility that you take seriously. Your expertise, provision of services and monitoring of public services, public policies and institutional performance remain indispensable. Equally, your monitoring of our actions as EU representatives in Kosovo has, on many occasions, opened our eyes and helped us in furthering gender equality and women’s rights.” She continued by stressing that “The European Union will continue to support efforts to prevent gender-based violence, strengthen women’s economic empowerment and reinforce social mechanisms for gender equality, remaining a committed partner in this shared journey.”

Finally, Saxhide Mustafa, Coordinator of the Women’s Economic Forum and Deputy Executive Director of the Riinvest Institute, underscored the importance of broadening alliances for gender equality. “Your voice, Igo, has been heard even in the most remote areas of the country, showing that there is still much work to be done. Therefore, we must continue creating joint initiatives for a more equal society. We need a broader alliance with women and men, including Members of Parliament and decision-makers, because women’s issues should not be addressed by women alone.”

Following the opening remarks, KWN Board member Xhejrane Lokaj presented the annual “Sevdije Ahmeti” award, a sign of solidarity, support and recognition of contributions to the women’s rights movement. This year’s award was given to Flora Brovina, who for decades has supported women and children and contributed to strengthening civil society and advancing gender equality, including during her time as a Member of Parliament.

Reflecting on her journey, Flora stated: “Women’s voices have not always been heard – from patriarchy to the moment when representation was secured through quotas, and to today, when more and more women are entering decision-making based on merit. But the journey is not yet complete.”

The ceremony continued with a powerful poem performed by actress and women’s rights activist Safete Rogova, followed by a personal tribute from Sevdije Ahmeti’s sister, Hikmete Xharra, who expressed gratitude to KWN for preserving Sevdije’s legacy through the award: “There may be young women and girls who did not have the chance to know Sevdije, so I would like to say a few words about her … From a young age, she stood up against injustice. Although our father was somewhat authoritative, she would always ask ‘Why, just because we are women?’. For Sevdije, there was no place for division or discrimination.”

KWN staff then presented the organisation’s key achievements in 2025 as well as the work plan for 2026, which was formally approved by members. The Assembly also included the election of the new KWN Board, which will continue overseeing and guiding the Network’s efforts in the coming year. Since there was no quorum, the voting process for Board members was decided to continue online.

In the spirit of solidarity and collective reflection, KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova continued by emphasising the importance of standing together and mutual support, while giving space to members and partners to share experiences, challenges and the way forward. In this context, she also shared with participants the symbolic amount of funds raised during the Assembly in support of the organisation “Dëgjo Zërin Tim”.

“KWN has always stood by us with support, trying to help us in every possible way, even when opportunities were limited, especially us, persons with disabilities”, said Resmije Rrahmani (Biba), Coordinator of the Organisation of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK). She continued by emphasising the importance of inclusive cooperation: “Only together can we achieve our shared goals, which are in the interest of all women, especially women who experience violence and women with disabilities.”

Vlora Nushi, Head of Office at UN Women Kosovo, reflected on the global context and the growing challenges facing women’s organisations. “As we are all working and facing a global challenge, where destructive forces are gaining more power around the world, support for women’s organisations remains more important than ever. Globally, we are advocating for the strengthening of women’s organisations and for the allocation of sustainable funding for their work”, she said. “I want to greet women’s organisations and assure you that we will continue our work and commitment, ensuring that in every meeting, women’s organisations remain at the centre of attention. I promise you that we will stand together with you.”

Ganimete Sava, Executive Director at Art Without Limit, shared a special moment from the organisation’s 10-year journey, thanking KWN for its support at a decisive moment: “When we founded the [International Film] Festival and wanted to bring it to the stage, we sought support but had no funding. It was precisely then that the support of the Kosovo Women’s Network came, the first grant we received, and we said ‘yes’ to our work and our dream.” Holding up an engraved glass trophy, she continued: “Today, after 10 years of work, we are marking the first edition of the festival in Vienna and the seventh edition in Pristina. We are forever grateful and dedicate this trophy to the Network, as a sign of gratitude for the first helping hand it extended to us in our journey.”

These reflections once again underscored the importance of solidarity and joint commitment to advancing women’s rights in Kosovo.

30.04.26

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

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

28.04.26

KWN Publishes Policy Paper Urging Recognition and Protection of Personal Assistants for Persons with Disabilities

25.04.26

Advancing Women’s Rights Together: KWN’s 23rd Annual Assembly Reflects on Progress and the Road Ahead

Prime Minister’s Office launches Gender Impact Assessment of Administrative Burden Prevention and Reduction Programmes in Kosovo

15.04.2026

The Administrative Burden Reduction (ABR) Process, including government programmes for 2022–2027 and 2025–2028, have sought to modernise Kosovo’s public administration, simplifying procedures for people and strengthening efficiency, transparency and public trust.

On 31 March, the Strategic Planning Office in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), supported by the Administrative Burden Reduction initiatives, co-financed by the European Union (EU) and Germany and implemented by GIZ Kosovo, officially launched the Gender Impact Assessment of Administrative Burden Prevention and Reduction Programs in Kosovo.

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was contracted to conduct the assessment, which aimed to learn from previous ABR programmes towards ensuring that gender equality is systematically integrated in future action plans, programmes and activities, making them more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

The Assessment is among the first comprehensive ex-post gender impact assessments to be conducted for a government strategy or program, aside from those focused on gender equality, and the first-of-its-kind gender impact assessment of ABR in the Western Balkans. Thus, it also serves as an example for other ministries as to the importance of such analyses and how to conduct and use them to inform future programs across diverse sectors.

The launching event underscored the importance of gender analysis and gender-responsive tools for shaping more inclusive, accessible and equitable public services.

“This [European] Commission aims for a simpler and easier Europe, as well as a simpler and more efficient administration, which is essential. We can make public administration very simple, but at the same time we have to add value,” said Hubert Perr, Head of Cooperation at the EU Office in Kosovo. “This comprehensive part is really key: not only reducing burden, but also integrating gender equality as an element that adds value”, he emphasised.

Nicole Farnsworth, KWN Deputy Director and Lead Researcher who led the assessment, in close cooperation with Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa and Donjeta Morina, echoed Mr. Perr’s remarks, emphasising that the Assessment shows how gender analysis does not necessarily create extra administrative burden (as sometimes suggested). Rather, through digitalising data collection, ensuring interoperable use of data and utilising gender analysis in planning and evaluation, the government can design more efficient and impactful programs.

The research included gender analysis of legal documents, a survey of 203 public officials (48% women) and 247 citizens (75% women), and 34 interviews with institutions, donors and civil society (65% women).

Findings show that the 2022-2027 Administrative Burden Prevention and Reduction Program did not include gender equality objectives and indicators to monitor the impact of reforms. Meanwhile, the 2025-2028 program recognised some issues, such as the lower participation of women in training (39% in 2023), which enabled actions to successfully increase women’s participation to 45% in 2024.

The analysis emphasises that digitalisation and simplification of procedures have brought significant benefits, reducing administrative barriers. Services such as eKosova have facilitated access for women with limited mobility or living in rural areas, reducing the need for physical visits and waiting in lines.

“Women have less time, so by digitalising processes, we are saving that little time that they have”, a research participant observed.

Mrika Berisha from the Strategic Planning Office provided several examples as to how ABR initiatives had reduced burden for women, such as life-event services, particularly those related to childbirth registration and linked benefits, which have streamlined administrative steps for new parents and reduced the need for multiple submissions of personal data. Also, Suhareka’s good practice of offering incentives for women to register property, potentially bringing broader impacts for women’s more equal access to property, is now being scaled up to other municipalities, to name a few, also emphasising that the Blueprint emerging from this report will serve as a foundation for systematically integrating a gender perspective into future ABR reforms.

Despite substantial progress, ABR benefits depend on internet access, digital skills and service design. Findings highlighted that only a fraction of procedures are fully digitalised, with many still requiring physical verification. Many users seek help from family members or others to apply for services. While these barriers affect everyone, they have a greater impact on women with care responsibilities, people with disabilities, residents of rural areas, minority groups (due to language), older people and those with lower levels of education.

“If you have a smart phone, you need to understand how to open eKosova with it”, a research participant said. “Maybe only 5% of persons with disabilities can do this; it’s especially harder for older persons.”

Meanwhile, the review of concept documents and policies found that policy and legal analyses rarely included the legally obligatory intersectional gender impact assessments, which could contribute to inadequate consideration of how different social factors affect diverse women and men’s access to public services.

The report recommends integrating obligatory gender impact assessment into programming documents and checklists, ensuring more structured cooperation with gender equality mechanisms, better informing diverse women and men how to use eKosova services and continuing to digitalise and simplify services citizens use most. For example, research participants said reforms should continue to focus on procedures related to life events, such as linking death registration with inheritance rights (towards safeguarding women’s equal access to inheritance); online or more accessible certification for persons with disabilities and the elderly; and easier access to social protection, health, employment and professional licensing services.

The Minister of Digitalization and Public Administration, Lulëzon Jagxhiu, emphasised that the Administrative Burden Reduction Process is a key reform of public administration and digitalisation. “The report recognises the progress we have made in advancing our inclusive approach to public administration reform and the delivery of public services through a life-event-based model”, he said, giving the example of integrated services related to childbirth, which were launched last year. These services “enable a reduction in administrative burden for new parents – in particular for pregnant women and new mothers”, Jagxhiu explained. “Furthermore, the design of these services has been based on a design-thinking process, involving parents from different population groups, including single mothers”. Jagxhiu concluded by stressing that the goal is for such good practices not to remain isolated cases; “Our aim is for the addressing of the specific needs of women and vulnerable groups to be systematically incorporated into all administrative reforms”, he said, emphasising that the blueprint emerging from this report will serve as a foundation for systematically integrating a gender perspective into future ABR reforms.

The SIGMA representative congratulated the government for this meaningful analysis and stated that the findings would be useful as part of its work with the government related to public administration reforms towards a simpler administration that is both impactful and has value to citizens.

The presentation brought together key stakeholders from the Government of Kosovo including the Agency for Gender Equality and Office of Good Governance, as well as the EU Office in Kosovo, the German Embassy, GIZ and civil society.

The report will be made publicly available soon.

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Igo Rogova Participates in ASHAK Discussion on Advancing Women and Girls in Science and Academia

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Why are women, despite their achievements and potential, still underrepresented in science and academia – and how can this be changed?

On 31 March, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Executive Director Igballe “Igo” Rogova was invited to the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo (ASHAK) for a roundtable discussion on the topic “Advancing Women and Girls in Science and Academia in Kosovo”.

The event was organised amid the continuous lack of representation of women with advanced academic titles in institutional leadership positions and in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Stakeholders gathered to discuss concrete actions to overcome structural barriers, gender biases, and limitations in access to mentorship and professional networks for Kosovar women and girls, towards making sure their education and potential are translated into equal opportunities and advancement in science and academia.

The roundtable was organised under the leadership of ASHAK President Justina Shiroka-Pula, with the support of UN Women in Kosovo.

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New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

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28.04.26

KWN Publishes Policy Paper Urging Recognition and Protection of Personal Assistants for Persons with Disabilities

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Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

01.04.2026

The European Union (EU) must “invest in women’s rights and gender equality like you want us to win”, said Nicole Farnsworth, the Kosovo Women’s Network’s (KWN) Deputy Director and Lead Researcher, quoting statements made by women’s rights activists during other events. This statement captures a central concern recurrently raised by women’s groups from the Western Balkans (WB) during their recent visit to Brussels: without strategic, sustained and earmarked funding, the EU’s partners, key actors in furthering the EU’s agenda, are at grave risk. The shrinking space that women’s rights organisations (WCSOs) face can undermine the furthering of EU values including good governance, democracy, rule of law, access to justice, human rights and gender equality. Activists are thus calling on the EU to earmark financing for WCSOs in line with commitments in the EU’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

On 22–25 March, KWN joined forces with the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation and partner WCSOs from across the WB for a week of advocacy and collective action in Brussels. For more than 10 years, this coalition has advocated for improving attention to the needs of diverse women and men as part of the EU Accession process, including through annual trips to Brussels supported by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation and Sweden. This may be the last such trip amid funding cuts.

Thus, partners utilised the opportunity of being together to reflect on their shared results during a public event, “Safeguarding Democracy: Women’s Rights Organisations in the EU Accession Process”. Activists emphasised that this cooperation has strengthened long-standing partnerships, resulted in tangible results like hundreds of more inclusive and gender-responsive laws and policies and amplified equality, democracy and peace. WCSOs have contributed to EU accession processes by providing vital services legally foreseen albeit not funded by the state, such as for survivors of gender-based violence; enhancing access to justice through free legal aid and monitoring justice institutions to hold them accountable; conducting research to inform evidence-based legal and policy changes, as well as EU Enlargement Packages and regular reports; supporting progress on reforms; monitoring reforms; and enhancing democracy and good governance by expanding diverse women’s engagement in politics, decision-making, budgeting and EU accession processes at diverse levels, facilitating more inclusive and implementable reforms.

During the “Safeguarding Democracy” event, Farnsworth shared findings from KWN’s recently published report “Under Threat, and Resilient: The Situation of Women’s Organisations in Kosovo”. She affirmed that WCSOs are essential, not optional, to Kosovo’s EU accession process, highlighting how women’s groups have been the motor behind key achievements in democracy, good governance, rule of law, access to justice and human rights. Drawing on the report, which builds on face-to-face surveys with more than 100 Kosovar WCSOs, she also brought attention to the financial challenges these organisations face.

Shrinking space for women’s rights activists coupled with recent funding cuts by U.S. and traditional European funders put the crucial contributions of WCSOs to the EU Accession process at risk. The EU’s plans to distribute funds linked only to Reform Agendas and distributed through big funders (who often pass on small, short-term grants) threaten to undermine the work of WCSOs as short-term, small grants will not allow them to undertake long-term advocacy to impact laws and policies, particularly amid the political instability that exists in the WB, activists said. This can undermine progress towards achieving EU values like human rights and gender equality. Farnsworth stressed that decreased funding has led to reduced services, including for victims of gender-based violence, as well as weakened advocacy, watchdog efforts, awareness-raising, education and research. It has also contributed to activist burnout.

Farnsworth and Etleva Zeneli from the Kosovar Gender Studies Center also met with Kosovo-focused representatives of the European Commission (EC) and the European External Action Service (EEAS). Zeneli highlighted how the absence of a functioning government has slowed progress on peace processes and key legal reforms towards equality, such as amendments to the Labour Law, disability rights laws and the Civil Code. Farnsworth and Zeneli provided updates on key gender inequalities in Kosovo that should be addressed through the forthcoming Enlargement Package, including in chapters on security, good neighbourly relations and climate. While the legal framework addressing gender-based violence has improved, they noted that further protections against technology-facilitated violence must be included in the Criminal Code and more comprehensive budget allocations are needed to meet government commitments to the Istanbul Convention, particularly for Rape Crisis Centre, shelters and the SOS hotline. They also stressed that gender-responsive budgeting must be institutionalised to support more evidence-based budget allocations. Moreover, stronger institutional safeguards are needed to ensure that gender equality is systematically integrated into policymaking, including in the context of EU accession, and WCSOs must be meaningfully engaged in both EU accession and peacebuilding processes.

They also met with EC representatives focusing the Growth Plan and countries’ Reform Agendas. Recent analyses conducted by KWN and other members of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network show that Reform Agendas generally do not integrate gender-responsive budgeting; they treat gender equality as a mainstreamed principle rather than a concrete budgeting approach, and lack baselines, targets and indicators to clearly link funds to specific gender equality outcomes. This, combined with the fact that financial allocations are integrated directly into national budgets rather than earmarked for specific purposes, makes it difficult to track whether funding associated with reform measures is contributing to advancing gender equality.

The coalition also met with representatives of Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU, as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

For more information see Kvinna till Kvinna’s “Gender analysis of the 2025 European Commission Country Reports for EU accession countries”, offering recommendations for stronger gender mainstreaming within the reports and across EU accession processes overall.

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