Kosovo Women's Network

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

31.10.2025

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

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

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

Photo: Samir Karahoda – European Union in Kosovo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Under threat, and resilient

13.02.2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

13.02.2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

12.02.2026

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

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

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

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

Read the full letter here.

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Women’s Rights Activists Advocate Safeguarding Swedish Support to Balkans

05.02.2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

05.02.2026

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

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

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

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

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

02.02.2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Don’t be angry. Organise!” she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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KWN Contributes to New Kosovo Program on Gender Equality

30.01.2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Building Stronger, Victim-centred Responses to Domestic Violence in Gjilan

30.01.2026

On 22-23 and 26-27 January, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), in cooperation with the Department for Social and Family Policies and the Professional Council for Social and Family Policies, organised a two-day training with social workers, including from Serbian ethnicity, based on the curriculum “Working with Victims of Domestic Violence: Treatment and Referral”.

Over the course of two days, participants took part in thematic lectures, structured discussions and practical exercises, which enabled them to deepen their understanding of approaches to the treatment, management and referral of domestic violence cases, in line with the legal framework and institutional procedures. Open discussions highlighted real-life field experiences and concrete cases encountered in daily practice, while group work created an important space for joint analysis, professional reflection and the generation of new ideas to improve institutional approaches and strengthen inter-institutional cooperation.

During the training sessions, participants had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of domestic violence, violence against women and gender-based violence, as well as the applicable legal framework and new developments stemming from national legislation and international conventions, including the Istanbul Convention. The role and responsibilities of social service professionals in case management were also addressed, including risk identification and assessment, case referral, and inter-institutional coordination. The training placed particular emphasis on a victim-centred approach, the protection of children who witness violence, and work with other vulnerable groups, including Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women, LGBTQ+ victims, migrants and persons with disabilities.

Participants emphasised the continued importance of professional capacity-building, highlighting the direct impact trainings have on improving the quality of social services and on providing a more sensitive and coordinated response to victims.

“Trainings like this are very necessary, as they help us improve the way we handle cases of domestic violence”, said one of the participating social workers.

This activity is part of the project “Institutionalising Quality Rehabilitation and Integration Services for Survivors of Violence”, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with the support of the Austrian Development Cooperation.

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From Closed Doors to Open Conversations: Reaching Serbian Communities on GBV and TFGBV

30.01.2026

For many women and families within Serbian communities across Kosovo, discussing violence remains a significant challenge. Fear, social pressure and long-standing silence often prevent individuals from seeking information, asking questions or accessing support. These barriers are particularly pronounced in rural areas, where limited access to information on rights, safety and digital risks has contributed to isolation and vulnerability.

This reality began to shift when dialogue was initiated through direct, face-to-face engagement within people’s own homes.

Through intensive door-to-door outreach, Ženski Inkluzivni Centar (ŽEC) engaged women, men and families who had rarely, if ever, been included in discussions on gender-based violence (GBV) and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). These visits created safe, respectful and culturally sensitive spaces that enabled community members to speak openly about experiences, concerns and risks related to violence.

For many women, gaining information about protection mechanisms brought both reassurance and a renewed sense of confidence. As one single mother from Shterpce explained:

“Now I know who I can turn to and how to protect myself and my child.”

Another participant highlighted how access to information influenced her readiness to respond to violence:

“The information I received gave me the courage to respond if the violence happens again.”

Participants from rural areas emphasised that the outreach approach itself was essential, as it addressed structural and social barriers to women’s access to information. One woman noted:

“This is a very good way to educate women in rural areas about digital violence and violence in general. Because of geographic barriers, women are often deprived of education in this field, especially since patriarchal attitudes still dominate.”

Men also reported significant shifts in perspective as a result of the discussions. A 30-year-old participant from Brezovica reflected:

“As a man, I had never thought about how exposed women are to violence on social media. Every photo they post can become a reason for offensive comments, from men and even from other women.”

For some participants, the experience of being approached and included in such conversations was meaningful in itself. One woman shared:

“This is the first time someone has come to talk to me about this topic, so I am not even sure how to react.”

Through respectful dialogue, cultural sensitivity and sustained presence within the community, the outreach helped break silence, build trust and equip individuals with knowledge that supports safer decision-making and more informed responses to violence.

ŽEC has successfully completed the initiative “Addressing Gender-based Violence in Serbian Neighbourhoods”, contributing to the empowerment and support of ethnic Serbian women, girls, men and boys across Kosovo, with a particular focus on northern and rural areas, in preventing and responding to GBV and TFGBV.

Through intensive door-to-door engagement, a total of 3,054 individuals were reached, including 2,087 people in rural areas and 38 persons with disabilities, across the municipalities of Novoberda, Gracanica, North Mitrovica, Zvecan, Partesh/Pasjane, Gjilan, Ranilug, Shterpce, Zubin Potok and Leposavic. These interactions created safe spaces for dialogue, awareness-raising and trust-building. Educational leaflets and materials were distributed in Albanian, Serbian, Bosnian and Romani, ensuring that information on GBV and TFGBV was understandable and accessible, particularly for the most marginalised.

In addition to field-based activities, the initiative achieved notable impact in the digital space. Online content related to the initiative reached 202,000 views, contributing to increased awareness of digital violence and greater willingness to seek information and support.

The initiative was implemented by ŽEC within the framework of a project implemented by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI) and the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), illustrating how strategic collaboration can foster meaningful and sustainable change within minority communities in Kosovo.

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From Awareness to Action: KWN Supports Formal Complaints on Social Protection Rights

28.01.2026

As the Kosovo Women’s Network’s (KWN) initiative “Improving the Capacities of Civil Society to Increase Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men” moves closer to the conclusion of its information session series, the focus is increasingly shifting from awareness-raising to concrete follow-up actions. Discussions held across municipalities are now translating into practical steps aimed at addressing violations of civil rights related to social protection services.

Most recently, information sessions were held in Prizren and Gjakova, bringing together community members to discuss persistent barriers in accessing social services and the options available when rights are not respected. Beyond sharing information, these sessions encouraged participants to reflect on their own experiences with institutions and to consider formal complaint mechanisms as a tool for accountability.

An important component of the initiative has been the ongoing engagement of lawyer Fitim Gashi, who provides legal expertise and support in cases involving violations of civil rights related to social protection. As a direct outcome of the information sessions held so far, this support has now translated into practice, with two cases currently undergoing formal complaint procedures, addressing instances of denial of services and violations of beneficiaries’ rights.

“Legal aid is essential for turning awareness into real protection”, said Drita Sylejmani, Project Officer at KWN. “When individuals are supported to challenge violations through formal procedures, social protection rights move beyond policy and into practice”.

These developments highlight the importance of linking information with legal support. While many citizens are aware of the existence of social protection schemes, navigating procedures and challenging unlawful decisions remain significant obstacles. By combining community-based information sessions with legal expertise, the initiative helps ensure that awareness leads to effective action.

With three additional information sessions planned for February, KWN will continue engaging communities across Kosovo, further strengthening understanding of social protection rights and complaint mechanisms. As the series progresses toward its final phase, the emphasis remains on empowering individuals not only to know their rights, but also to actively claim them.

The initiative “Improving the Capacities of Civil Society to Increase Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men” is carried out by KWN and supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.

13.02.26