For the first time in several years, on the weekend of 26–28 September, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) had the opportunity to gather its diverse members, Board and staff for a three-day strategic planning meeting. We came together to connect, reflect, strategise and co-create KWN’s new Strategy.

The atmosphere at the opening session on Friday was one of determination and collective strength. KWN’s Executive Director, Igballe Rogova, set the tone with a message that resonated throughout the weekend: “We are here, and we are strong because we are together.”

Her words highlighted the power of solidarity, a theme echoed by Nermin Mahmuti, Chair of the KWN Board, and Mary Ann Hennessey, Head of Office of the Council of Europe Office in Pristina.

Mahmuti underlined how shrinking space and limited support for women’s rights groups makes moments like this gathering even more vital, noting: “You have done wonderful work for the women’s movement even in these uncertain times, and the Network has not stopped working to ensure that feminist activism continues.”

Hennessey emphasised specifically how the conversation around women’s empowerment must shift from rhetoric to systemic change:

“Why do we speak all the time about women’s empowerment? Because we see women today, and since centuries or millennia, as disempowered in most spheres of life – public and private. But lacking power is in no way a natural or inherent condition of women. […] Women do not need to be ‘empowered’ – we need only for embedded systems of oppression, based in misogyny and greed, to kindly take their boots off our neck.”

Hennessey also reminded participants that women’s equality is inseparable from democracy itself: “Our modern European idea of democracy cannot exist without the free and equal participation of all citizens. Democracy makes no sense without the demos – and women are half of it.” She stressed the urgency of ending gender-based violence, transforming education to break cycles of inequality and redefining power “as responsibility, not privilege.” Concluding on a hopeful note, she affirmed: “Like a river, equality may have to bend and wind around obstacles, but it always finds its way to the sea.”

The opening session continued with KWN staff reporting on efforts and results across KWN’s programmes this year.

Inspired, Selvije Rexhepi from KWN member organisation the Association for Women’s Wellbeing “Monsig” enacted a poem that encapsulated the opening speeches, re-emphasising that women can achieve, endure and transform. By repeating the powerful phrase “You can, because you are a woman”, she underlined that being a woman is not a limitation but a strength.

Nena Rikallo from member organisation Ruka Ruci also shared her gratitude, stating: “I would like to highlight the work and dedication of KWN, and emphasise that with their support we are working to improve the position of women in society. The more women we have in decision-making positions, the more democratic our society will become. We can achieve this together with you and with KWN.”

The second day, members came together to co-create KWN’s new Strategy. Divided in working groups based on areas of expertise, they identified key issues and priorities, to help ensure that KWN’s efforts in the coming years reflect the realities and needs of women and girls from diverse communities, ethnicities, abilities and geographic locations.

This process was not just about drafting a document. It was about building ownership, strengthening bonds among members and ensuring that KWN’s work remains deeply rooted in grassroots voices. The strategy that emerges will shape KWN’s path forward and amplify women’s voices in every corner of Kosovo and beyond.

KWN staff members extend our thanks to KWN members who made this gathering possible and to the ongoing support and inspiration provided by the KWN Board. As Executive Director Rogova reflected: “A special thanks goes to each of you, the members of the Kosovo Women’s Network, who still are who you are, who have been and continue to be, who are still those who fight and … push forward the gender equality agenda in Kosovo.”

This long-awaited gathering was made possible with the generous support of the Sigrid Rausing Trust Fund.