The organization “In Time”, beneficiary of the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), has started the activities of the initiative “Improving women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes towards women’s economic empowerment”, funded by the European Union Office in Kosova and supported by the Kosova Women’s Network (KWN). 

In the first meeting held on October 4 with the current assembly members of the municipality of Prizren, women candidates for assembly, and citizens, it was discussed about various problems they face. Also, the data of the research conducted by “In Time” were presented, which show that 94% of women answered that they pay attention to voting women in municipal elections. Moreover, they have numerous demands from women candidates for assembly, such as business support, employment, and equal treatment. 

The candidate for municipal assembly, Vlora Karavidaj, said that voting is a right and responsibility of everyone. 

“Women should be made aware of the importance of their vote, but also men, so they do not prevent women from voting”, she said. 

The other candidate, Dafina Alishani, said that the economic empowerment of women should be monitored. 

“Women are receiving funds that are being used by men. Therefore, there should be continuous monitoring of these funds that women are receiving, so that women are not deprived of their right to work”. 

For Ymran Fusha, candidate for municipal assembly and president of the Association of Crafts and Business of Prizren, it is important to create the infrastructural conditions for women to develop their businesses. 

“Opening a joint point of sale in the city centre would be a good idea to make the products of businesswomen and craftswomen more accessible to tourists, but also for them to help each other”.  

Similar meetings were held with women from the municipality of Vushtrria, and Mitrovica. In these meetings it was agreed that women of all political parties should be united in order for every woman to have her voice heard, and to advance her role in politics, economics, or other fields. 

“In Time” will continue to implement the initiative by organizing meetings with employed women, women entrepreneurs, and unemployed women, in order to develop their capacity to advocate for women’s priorities.