On 9 October 2025, the Organisation of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK) held an information session in the municipality of Prizren for people with disabilities and their personal assistants. The session focused on access to social and family protection services, as well as procedures for filing complaints.

The activity was carried out within the framework of the project “Enhancing the capacities of civil society to increase access to quality social protection for diverse women and men,” funded by the EU Civil Society Facility (EU CSF) Programme and implemented by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), in partnership with OPDMK and Ruka Ruci.

During the session, participants learned about existing services, recent reforms in the field and the institutional mechanisms that support citizens in need. They had the opportunity to learn how to access social protection services and navigate public digital platforms. A special segment was dedicated to the E-Kosova platform, where participants were shown how to create accounts and use online services, encouraging greater use of digital solutions.

Participants were informed about the procedures for applying for social assistance and the channels available for submitting complaints in cases of obstacles or unfair treatment by public institutions. Discussions underscored the importance of being aware of one’s social and legal rights as a tool to drive concrete improvements at both the local and institutional level.

The information session also featured practical exercises, real-life examples and role-playing activities designed to enhance participants’ understanding of administrative procedures and help them develop the skills to address their issues independently.

During interactive discussions, participants shared their own experiences, including challenges in accessing social services and obtaining official recognition of disability status. They emphasised frequent delays in case reviews, a lack of transparency and insufficient information from responsible institutions.

At the end of the session, concrete recommendations were provided for improving access to public and digital services for people with disabilities, emphasising the need for ongoing cooperation between public institutions and civil society organisations.

This activity marks a significant step towards advancing inclusion and equality in access to social protection, demonstrating the commitment of KWN and OPDMK to empower citizens and foster a more inclusive and just society for all.