Kosovo Women's Network

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

31.03.2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

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.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

31.03.2026

Officials from the European Union (EU), its Members States, researchers, civil society representatives and gender budgeting experts gathered in Nicosia for the international conference “Gender Budgeting in the New EU Multiannual Financial Framework [MFF]: Making Budgets Work for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights in Europe” on 26–28 March 2026. Hosted under the auspices of the Cypriotic Presidency, the conference focused on the EU’s forthcoming seven-year budget and the need to ensure that it reflects people’s real needs, supports gender equality and strengthens social investment. Participants emphasised that budgets are not neutral technical documents, but very political choices that shape people’s daily lives, determine access to services and influence whether public resources contribute to equality or deepen existing inequalities.

Discussants expressed concerns that current MFF proposals risk sidelining social priorities. Speakers called for budgets that are more transparent, people-centred and based on evidence of need, with stronger indicators to measure impact and clearer links between spending and gender equality outcomes.

“Budgets for everyone must work for everyone” was a recurrent theme during the conference.

This requires a shift from general commitments to concrete, measurable and adequately funded action.

Nicole Farnsworth, Lead Researcher at KWN, contributed to organising the conference as well as to the moderation and discussions as part of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN), in collaboration with the European Gender Budget Network, European Women’s Lobby.

She spoke about gender equality in EU accession and neighbourhood countries, presenting key findings and recommendations from a regional paper on Reform Agendas in the Western Balkans and Moldova written by the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN). Together with fellow panelists from Albania, North Macedoni, and Ukraine, the discussion highlighted the need for stronger expenditure tracking, improved monitoring and sustained political and financial support for civil society, emphasising that “civil society plays a crucial role in continuous monitoring and supporting reforms”.

A key outcome of the conference was the Nicosia Declaration, which calls on EU institutions and national governments to ensure that the next EU budget prioritises gender equality, women’s rights, care and social investment, and integrates gender equality across all stages of the budget cycle. Building on this momentum, participants also launched a petition calling for an EU budget that truly delivers for equality and people’s wellbeing.

Sign the petition here.

The Declaration and petition together reinforce a shared vision for a better future for all. As participants reaffirmed throughout the event, “Invest in what matters: people.”

KWN contributed to organising the conference as well as to the moderation and discussions as part of GBWN, in collaboration with the European Gender Budget Network, Foundation Fimonoi and European Women’s Lobby, among others. They, in collaboration with other partners, plan to continue advocacy in the coming months towards implementation of the Declaration’s recommendations amid ongoing MFF negotiations.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

27.03.2026

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) recently launched the book “Motrat Qiriazi”: An Association for Education and Civil Resistance in Kosovo, telling the story of the Motrat Qiriazi Association and its work to advance women and girls’ education, economic empowerment and safety during and after the 1990s war.

Among those present at the book launch was Rachel Wareham, who travelled to Kosovo for the occasion as well as to celebrate the 80th birthday of long-time friend and colleague Safete Rogova. Her visit also coincided with Women’s History Month. Visiting KWN’s office, Rachel reflected on the important work she once carried out alongside the women of Motrat Qiriazi.

Rachel first came to the Balkan region to volunteer in Croatia after the Bosnia war. While there, she learned about the situation in Kosovo and decided to visit Motrat Qiriazi co-founder and KWN Executive Director Igo Rogova. That visit turned into something much bigger, and Rachel ended up living in Kosovo from 1995 to 2001, working with Motrat Qiriazi during the years of Serbian repression, throughout the war, and during its aftermath.

Rachel was in charge of administrative and financial work, such as fundraising and writing project proposals. She accompanied Igo and Safete Rogova on trips to villages across Kosovo. Together, they established community Albanian-language libraries and organised educational and sports activities for women and girls. Among their initiatives was the creation of the first girls’ volleyball team in Kosovo. Rachel also delivered trainings for women’s groups in Kosovo and Macedonia. She was present during the early days of the Rural Women’s Network, which would later become KWN.

Looking back, Rachel emphasised the importance of grassroots organisations with deep ties within their communities. “Because of the way Safete, Igo and Marta organised it [community activities], it felt quite familiar to the women”, she said. “The meetings took place in somebody in the community’s home, and in some way, it was a break from the boredom”.

Under oppressive conditions, everyday life slowed to a standstill.

“There weren’t many opportunities for women to go out of the house… so I think it was very exciting in a way, both for the mothers and the daughters”. She continued, “But on the whole, the women came because they knew Marta and the other female teachers, and they respected them”.

Amid the challenges of the time, moments of solidarity carried profound meaning. Rachel recalled one particularly touching story that has stayed with her over the years, showcasing the tireless work of Motrat Qiriazi while also serving as an example of how small glimpses of hope can help you carry on:

“One of the activists from Mitrovica had a disability, one of her legs was not working… When she got married, she wanted to walk down the aisle without a crutch. So, we had an internal fundraising for her to buy a prothesis”.

No matter how wealthy you were, they decided that everyone should give 20 euros. Rachel continued, “Then the war started, and we were forced to leave and leave everything behind. That money was in an envelope in Igo’s apartment. When we came back after the war, they had completely trashed the apartment… There were papers everywhere – the office was there as well”.

But Rachel didn’t want to throw it away. “I said no, I needed to reconstitute the accounts, even though the donors didn’t demand it. I went through all the papers and sorted everything out, and I found that envelope with the money still in it”, she said smiling. “Finding that was lovely. We could finally get her her prothesis”.

When asked for her guidance on fundraising today, Rachel emphasised that the funding landscape has changed a lot. From what we have seen in recent years, with USAID shutting down and other donors cutting funding or shifting priorities, Rachel would advise women’s groups to not assume that things will stay the same, but to have some level of flexibility, with various and different types of funders. She emphasised the importance of beginning with the community itself, recognising the resources and strengths that already exist within it.

“I would say… and that’s what Motrat Qiriazi was always about – it was about the people. If you work for a community or a group, you have to maintain your roots there and not get distracted by other things”, Rachel said. She shared an example from those early years, when one international donor wanted to give Motrat Qiriazi a vehicle. The organisation declined, choosing instead to continue travelling by bus in order to stay close to the communities they served and to avoid standing out.

For Rachel, the enduring strength of organisations like KWN lies in their commitment to values: “One thing that KWN has always been very good at is having values and principles and not compromising on things that shouldn’t be compromised”.

“But I don’t think there is really anything I can teach Kosovar women”, she added. “They’re so experienced. They need to hear that they have vast experience. Their activism and what they do is remarkable”.

Rachel recalled how, when the war started, international actors negotiated with Serbia to get aid into Kosovo. “I went one time with one of those convoys into Drenica. The men in the community had taken their tractors to try and get out of Drenica to get supplies, and they had gotten nappies, period products… The international aid groups didn’t have that at the time”, she said. What moved her most was how the men approached the situation: “It was very touching to see these men, who asked the women themselves what they needed and went and got it”. The story illustrates the ethos of Motrat Qiriazi: real change starts from within the community, and its people are the ones who know best what is needed.

After leaving Kosovo in 2001, Rachel continued working for women’s rights in several countries, including Afghanistan.

“Really everything I learned, I learned from Kosovo – from women here, from Motrat Qiriazi, from activists, from Igo, Safete and Marta”, Rachel said with a smile on her face. “When I went out into the post-Kosovo, post-war world, it was always with the spirit of Motrat Qiriazi and what the community here had taught me”.

This Women’s History Month, we remember the vital work Kosovar women’s groups have and continue to carry out. We honour women such as Rachel, whose dedication and solidarity helped strengthen communities and inspire generations of activists.

The book “Motrat Qiriazi”: An Association for Education and Civil Resistance in Kosovo is published by Buzuku Publishing House and written by Nicole Farnsworth. Hard copies are available at KWN’s office.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.2026

On 11 March 2026, member organisation Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organisations of Kosovo (NRAEWOK) presented the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) with a certificate of appreciation. The recognition acknowledges KWN’s long-standing collaboration and continuous contribution to promoting gender equality and empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women, particularly through the recent initiative “Addressing Gender-based Violence in Kosovo: Door-to-Door Campaign”, supported by KWN and the East West Management Institute (EWMI).

The honour reflects years of dedication and tireless work by KWN in advancing women’s rights and creating equal opportunities for all. The partnership between KWN and NRAEWOK has had significant impact on initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s roles in their communities and changing societal perceptions of gender equality.

During the ceremony, KWN expressed gratitude to NRAEWOK for this recognition and emphasised that their collaboration will continue in the future, supporting the promotion of gender equality, women’s rights and equal opportunities for all citizens.

“This recognition is not only a sign of appreciation but also a motivation to continue our work in supporting women and marginalised communities, especially Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women. Our collaboration with NRAEWOK is a powerful example of how organisations can work together for a fairer and more equal society”, said Adelina Berisha from KWN.

This action underscores the importance of inter-organisational cooperation and joint commitment to building a society where gender equality and women’s rights are a priority, not just an aspiration.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

26.03.2026

For women and girls in the Municipality of Skenderaj, access to basic gynecological health services remains a daily challenge. Despite the existence of a maternity unit within the Main Family Medicine Centre, the absence of a gynecologist has left many women without essential reproductive health care. As a result, routine examinations, consultations and preventive check-ups often require travel to Mitrovica or Pristina, an option that is financially and emotionally out of reach for many.

To respond to this gap, the NGO Drugëza launched an initiative aimed at raising awareness, documenting barriers and strengthening advocacy for accessible gynecological services in Skenderaj. The project focused on empowering women to understand their rights, voice their concerns and engage directly with local institutions.

Listening to Women’s Experiences

At the heart of the initiative was listening to women themselves. Through two focus groups, one with women aged 35–60 and another with girls and young women aged 16–35, as well as 50 questionnaires conducted mainly in rural areas, Drugëza gathered first-hand accounts of the realities women face when seeking gynecological care. Participants described infrequent or nonexistent check-ups, financial barriers and discouraging experiences within public health institutions.

Some women reported being redirected to private clinics or treated disrespectfully when seeking services, while others explained that the costs of transportation, consultations and prescribed medication made regular visits impossible. These findings confirmed a broader pattern: the lack of a gynecologist in Skenderaj directly affects women’s willingness and ability to care for their reproductive health.

Information as a Tool for Empowerment

Drugëza organised five informational sessions with gynecologist Lindita Ibrahimi Veliu in Skenderaj, Runik, Vojnik and Kryshefc. In total, 96 women and girls participated in these sessions, learning about the importance of regular gynecological check-ups, sexual and reproductive health, and the mechanisms available for reporting rights violations.

For many participants, this was the first time they were informed that denial of care or mistreatment could be formally addressed. Two women from Kryshefc, who reported experiencing inappropriate treatment when seeking services, were supported and referred to the Municipal Office for Free Legal Aid, where their cases were taken under review.

“I didn’t know that we could complain somewhere about these harsh words that doctors are saying to us”, one participant reflected, highlighting how access to information shifted perceptions of what is acceptable in health care settings. “I had to go to Mitrovica to give birth, and on the way there I ended up giving birth in the ambulance”, another woman recalled, describing the long distances many women must travel to access basic maternal care.

Bringing Institutions to the Table

Drugëza complemented community work with direct advocacy. Three meetings were held with the Municipal Director of Health in Skenderaj, including one session attended by 20 women from different areas of the municipality. These meetings created rare spaces where women could directly express their concerns to decision-makers and present the findings from the research and focus groups.

During the final meeting, Drugëza presented evidence showing low levels of gynecological care usage and the structural reasons behind it. In response, the Director of Health expressed readiness to explore legal possibilities for allocating municipal funds to engage a gynecologist, even on a part-time basis, to improve access for women and girls in Skenderaj.

Awareness Beyond the Room

To ensure the findings reached a wider audience, Drugëza also published five visual graphics summarising key research results on social media. These posts reached over 8,300 people and generated more than 26,000 impressions, significantly expanding public awareness of the state of gynecological services in Skenderaj and the need for change.

A Step Toward Sustainable Change

By the end of the project, 126 women and girls had directly benefited from activities, while thousands more were reached indirectly through online dissemination. Women involved in the initiative became more informed about their rights, more confident in addressing violations, and more engaged in advocating for improved health services. At the same time, municipal officials and health representatives gained clearer insight into the everyday barriers women face.

Drugëza’s initiative demonstrated that when women are informed, organised and supported, they can turn personal challenges into collective advocacy. While access to gynecological care in Skenderaj remains an ongoing issue, this project marked an important step toward accountability, awareness and institutional dialogue.

NGO Drugëza’s initiative “Increasing women’s access to quality health care” 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 June 2023 to November 2023. The initiative contributed directly to KWN’s Programme “Right to Health”.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

Applying a Gender Lens: Erkenda Begins Her Internship at KWN

19.03.2026

Erkenda Kabashi from Skenderaj has just begun her journey as the Kosovo Women’s Network’s new “Cathy Frischmann” intern. After only one week in the office, she is already discovering how laws and policies can shape gender equality in practice.

Erkenda studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where she is pursuing studies in management and entrepreneurship as well as public policy and governance. Alongside her studies, Erkenda also works as a math tutor at RIT. With a natural talent for mathematics, she enjoys helping fellow students break down difficult concepts, build their confidence and improve their grades.

With public policy and governance as one of her majors, Erkenda had already developed an interest in gender mainstreaming and was curious to see how it is applied in practice. This, combined with a growing personal awareness of the everyday inequalities that women continue to face, led her to apply for the Cathy Frischmann internship.

“Through my studies and experiences, I became increasingly aware of the everyday inequalities women face and the important role NGOs play in driving real change”, she says. This understanding motivated her to contribute to meaningful work where impact is visible and tangible. Erkenda says her decision to join KWN comes from a strong sense of purpose. “I want to make sure that policies are not only well-written, but truly inclusive and impactful for all”, she explains.

Reflecting on her first days in the office, Erkenda says she was struck by the scale of the work and the influence of KWN. “It’s really amazing how much impact we have as a non-governmental organisation”, she says.

So far, much of Erkenda’s work has focused on law monitoring. She has been reviewing laws that KWN previously commented on, analysing how much of the organisation’s input was ultimately incorporated into the final legislation. The task has quickly changed the way she approaches reading laws and policies.

“When I first started reading the laws, they looked alright, but when I saw the comments from KWN, I realized that it’s not as equal as it should be”, she says. “This is really something I’ve learned from this internship so far”.

Through this work, she has begun to see how even the smallest details in legal language can influence how inclusive a policy truly is. KWN’s legal commentaries, she explains, often highlight issues that many people would overlook. “Even though they’re small details, they make a huge difference”.

Erkenda finds it encouraging that, most of the time, at least some of KWN’s recommendations are reflected in the final laws, though she believes more could still be done. “You spend so much time working on laws to make them as inclusive and equal as possible for everyone, so more of that work should be reflected in the final laws”.

In the coming months, Erkenda will also become involved in other research efforts, including by participating in interviews and focus groups. One of the key things she has learned so far, she says, is the importance of speaking up. She has also been struck by the working culture within KWN. “I think the level of communication and cooperation is unique in this organisation”, she says.

While maintaining a busy schedule with studies, tutoring work, and now also an internship, Erkenda still finds time to relax. She spends her free time watching Turkish series and reading novels.

Looking ahead, Erkenda believes the experience at KWN will benefit both her future career and her academic journey. Working directly with policies and legislation has already improved her analytical skills and helped her better understand the subjects she studies.

“When I chose public policy and governance, I kind of got an idea of what I was going to study, but when you get to do it in person, you get much more of a hands-on experience”, she says.

For anyone considering an internship at KWN, Erkenda has simple advice: “I would encourage everyone to go for it. In the beginning, I was really overwhelmed with a lot of information, but with time you take it step-by-step. You also have great colleagues that are there for you if you need help”.

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

If you would also like to contribute to KWN’s work, we always need and welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds, experience levels and locations. Click here to learn more about our Volunteer Program.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

Request for Production of Public Service Announcement (PSA) on Social Protection Rights

16.03.2026

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is seeking a qualified company or individual to design and produce a Public Service Announcement (PSA) aimed at raising public awareness about citizens’ rights related to social protection services and the available mechanisms for reporting rights violations.

This assignment is part of the EU-funded action “Improving Civil Society Capacities to Enhance Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men”. The action seeks to strengthen civil society’s role in advocating for inclusive and gender-responsive social protection policies while improving access to services for diverse women and men in Kosovo.

The selected contractor will be responsible for the full creative and technical production of a PSA of approximately 30 seconds, including concept development, scripting, production and post-production. The PSA should inform citizens about their rights related to social protection, encourage reporting of denied or inadequate services and increase the visibility of available complaint and support mechanisms. The final video will be disseminated through public television and online platforms to reach a broad audience across Kosovo.

The PSA must be produced in Albanian, Serbian and English (through voice-over and/or subtitles) and comply with EU visibility and communication requirements.

The assignment is expected to be completed within up to two months from the date of contract signature.

Interested applicants must submit a technical proposal, financial proposal and portfolio of relevant work. Applications must be sent electronically to procurement@womensnetwork.org
no later than 6 April 2026 at 17:00.

For full details regarding the assignment, application requirements, evaluation criteria and procurement procedures, please consult the Terms of Reference and tender dossier attached to this call.

ToR_PSA_EU CSF Download

Section 1. Invitation to Tender (ITT)Download

Section 2. Instruction to Bidders or Consultants Download

Section 3. Data Sheet and Technical Specification Download

Section 4. Cover Letter and Declaration on honour on exclusion criteria and absence of conflict of interest Download

Section 5. Technical and Financial Submission Form Download

6. Draft Service Contract Download

16.03.26

Request for Production of Public Service Announcement (PSA) on Social Protection Rights

17.12.25

Request for Quotation – Meeting Room, Catering, and Accommodation Services in Pristina

16.12.25

Call for Intern for Gender Mainstreaming Laws – KWN “Cathy Frischmann” Internship

21.08.25

External Evaluation of the Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo II Action Implemented by KWN

19.08.25

Kickstart Your Career and Make a Difference: Join the Kosovo Women’s Network as a Research or Design Intern!

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.

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31.03.26

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31.03.26

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27.03.26

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26.03.26

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26.03.26

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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.

01.04.26