The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was engaged in a series of activities throughout the month of December that marked the end of 2024. In the following, we present a summary of the key moments, wishing you a happy holiday season and hoping that 2025 will bring more success and achievements for all of us. 

The Jahjaga Foundation organized a festive event to launch the 9th edition of the “Za [The Voice]” magazine, which was attended by officials, ambassadors, and representatives of civil society. One of the speakers was the Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, whose story is part of this edition of “Za [The Voice]”. The magazine describes fragments of more than 30 years of Rogova’s activism for women’s rights, girls’ rights, and human rights… from the founding of the Qiriazi Sisters Association, which provided education for thousands of girls in rural areas during the 1990s, to her international advocacy for peace, security, and justice for women and girls from diverse backgrounds. 

In her speech, Rogova congratulated the Jahjaga Foundation on the 9th edition of “Za [The Voice]”. She shared a story about President Jahjaga’s first meeting with women who survived sexual violence during the war, and the actions the President took to establish the National Council for Survivors of Sexual Violence during the War. 

“It is no coincidence that the magazine is called “Za [The Voice]”,” said Rogova. “Because President Jahjaga has been the voice of women and girls in Kosovo, in the region, and internationally”. 

In the exhibition organized by Integra, curated by Eliza Hoxha and photographer Arben Llapashtica, profiles of 10 leading women were presented who represent diversity and transformative power in Kosovo. Igballe Rogova was one of the selected women, sharing her message: 

“Dare, dream, change. Don’t let your rights be violated,” she said. 

In a discussion on the role of the legislature in addressing gender-based violence, the Program Manager against Violence at KWN, Adelina Berisha, emphasized the need for men’s engagement in promoting gender equality. She underlined the importance of cooperation between women in civil society and institutions to achieve sustainable change. 

“The burden of gender equality has been left to us women alone, we are looking at how to bring men to the table and share it together. This message should go to male deputies and other men in institutions, but also to other men. The biggest work has started when the cooperation of women between civil society and institutions has started. The goal is beyond our egos. We have shown ourselves to be cooperative with each other,” she said among other things. 

Also, during December, the Art Without Limit International Film Festival concluded its 5th edition. On December 3, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the closing night of the festival was held. Among others, Igballe Rogova also shared an award, that for “Best Story in the Film for Women Empowerment”, praising the organizers for their dedication to promoting inspiring stories. 

On International Human Rights Day, a discussion was held at the Law Faculty with students from the Institution of the Ombudsman on the topic: “The values and principles of fundamental human rights and freedoms in the country, as well as the role of the Ombudsman in promoting and protecting human rights.” 

Igballe Rogova shared her experiences in a conversation with students about the values and principles of human rights, recalling that these rights are equal and inalienable for all. 

That day she recalled that fundamental rights and freedoms are inalienable and equal for all human beings, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, social status or sexual orientation. Human rights include the right to life and security, the right to education, the right to equal employment, the right to freedom of expression, as well as protection from violence and discrimination. 

The 10 roundtables on gender equality in electoral processes, organized by the Central Election Commission, OSCE and KWN, were also successfully concluded. KWN’s contribution was very welcome by all.  

Even in 2025, the Kosovo Women’s Network will continue its commitment to promoting gender equality and fundamental human rights, working to empower women and improve the lives of all communities in Kosovo.