Pristina, April 12, 2025 – The air in Hotel Emerald, Pristina, hummed with the quiet strength of a movement. The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) had gathered its forces – its dedicated members, steadfast partners, and passionate advocates – for its 22nd Annual Assembly. This wasn’t just a meeting; it was a powerful recounting of a year etched with progress, a moment to collectively draw breath and honor the indomitable spirit of those who tirelessly champion women’s rights and gender equality. 

Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa, the guiding force as Chair of the KWN Board, set the tone with words that resonated deep within the room. “The Network, is far more than an organization. It is a living, breathing movement fueled by shared knowledge, hard-won experience, and unwavering action. We are the voice for the women who are too often relegated to the margins, whose stories are either unheard or, worse, told by those who cannot truly understand the contours of their lives.” 

The presence of former President Atifete Jahjaga added a layer of profound significance. Her words were a testament to KWN’s enduring impact. “For years, this Network has been a beacon of hope, relentlessly pursuing justice to ensure that every woman and girl in Kosovo has an equal chance – in healthcare, in the workplace, in the very fabric of their lives,” she affirmed. “You have cultivated a deep well of trust among women, fostering the unwavering belief that an equal and just existence is not a distant dream, but an achievable reality. You have shown us, with unwavering dedication, that a society founded on fairness, equality, and the complete absence of discrimination is not just a vision, but a tangible possibility.” 

The heart of the assembly beat with the personal narratives shared by three remarkable KWN members. Their stories weren’t just anecdotes; they were powerful testaments to the transformative impact of the Network’s support, particularly in the nascent stages of their activism. 

Kadire Tahiraj, the resolute Executive Director of the Center for the Protection of Women’s Rights in Drenas, painted a vivid picture of the movement’s early days, anchored by the unforgettable Igballe Rogova and the unwavering KWN team. “They instilled in us an unyielding spirit, teaching us to stand firm against any obstacle in our pursuit of a new and equitable society,” she recounted. “When we dared to open our Center in 2012, at a time when the wounds of war were still raw and the issue of sexual violence a deeply entrenched taboo, Igballe and the Network were our unwavering allies. Their support was instrumental in reaching survivors, offering solace and a path towards healing. Because of KWN, countless women found access to vital healthcare, pathways to economic independence, and the crucial embrace of emotional support.” 

Ganimete Sava, a visionary artist with disabilities and the driving force behind the “Art Without Limit” festival, spoke of KWN’s early embrace of her dream. “KWN didn’t just offer support; they were the very first to believe in our vision,” she shared, her words radiating gratitude. “Through their connections, we’ve transcended local boundaries, becoming part of a global tapestry of festivals, earning international acclaim and achieving successes we once only imagined.” 

Nevenka Rikallo, the determined Director of “Ruka Ruci,” underscored the profound strength found in unity. “Today, we stand together, a powerful testament to the fact that our collective voice, the unified strength of 140 active women’s NGOs across Kosovo, is our greatest asset,” she declared with conviction. “The Network serves as the vital thread that binds us, amplifying our voices as we fight for the fundamental rights of women – for freedom, for equal opportunities, irrespective of ethnicity. We extend our deepest gratitude for everything, especially for the lifeline of support in establishing the shelter, a sanctuary for those most vulnerable to the insidious grip of domestic violence.” 

The assembly reached a poignant crescendo with the presentation of the annual “Sevdije Ahmeti” award, a tribute to unwavering dedication. This year, the honor was shared by two extraordinary women: Marta Prekpalaj, recognized for her courageous protection of women and children in the tumultuous years before the war, and Kadire Tahiraj, celebrated for her tireless advocacy for survivors of wartime sexual violence. 

“Every step we have taken, every victory we have achieved, has been a collective endeavor,” affirmed Marta Prekpalaj, her words echoing the spirit of the Network. 

Kadire Tahiraj, holding the award with quiet dignity, dedicated it to those whose voices she has amplified for so long. “This award,” she declared, “belongs to every survivor of sexual violence during the war, a tribute to the enduring memory of Mrs. Sevdije Ahmeti, who was their courageous voice when so many remained silent.” 

The Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, recalled and shared moments from women’s activism, from the 1990s until today, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and mutual support among women. 

Beyond the powerful stories and heartfelt honors, the assembly also served as a crucial platform for reflection and future planning. The KWN staff presented a transparent overview of the past year’s triumphs and tribulations, laying out a clear roadmap for the work ahead in 2025. The members, the very heart of the Network, actively engaged in shaping its future, approving the 2024 Annual Report and the 2025 Work Plan, and voting to embark on the important task of crafting KWN’s next strategic vision. 

As the day drew to a close, two new and passionate voices were welcomed to the KWN Board: Gjyljeta Mushkolaj and Maria Berishaj-Sylejmani, elected by the collective wisdom of the members. The Network also paused to express its profound gratitude to the outgoing Board members, Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa and Zana Hoxha, for their exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and invaluable contributions that have shaped KWN into the formidable force it is today. 

The stories shared, the honors bestowed, and the plans laid out at the 22nd Annual Assembly painted a powerful picture of resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment. The Kosovo Women’s Network continues its vital work, weaving a tapestry of progress, thread by courageous thread, towards a future where equality is not just an aspiration, but a lived reality for every woman in Kosovo.