In times of need, we are here for each other. Solidarity prevails. This was the main message at the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) members’ meeting today.

“In the 1990s, it wasn’t easy. It was a difficult time”, recalled KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova.

Throughout the nineties, women’s rights activists organised voluntarily to open libraries in rural areas, inspire families to enrol girls in school, deliver humanitarian aid and medicine and document human rights abuses. When they felt fear or stress, they danced to energize and support each other.

“Once a month we organised a party,” Rogova continued. “That positive energy kept us going for another month. Music and dancing are therapy.”

At that time, the Rural Women’s Network, KWN’s predecessor comprised of 11 women’s rights organisations, operated without any budget or office. Activists supported each other by providing small contributions at monthly parties, organised together with local businesses who believed in the cause.

Today, of KWN’s 102 member organisations, more than half have no funds, operating within their communities on a voluntary basis; 57% do not have any funds secured for next year. Despite the challenging situations in which they work, inspiringly, nearly all KWN members said they will continue their work.

“I don’t have, but I won’t stop”, activists said. This is the real activism at the heart of KWN; its members working tirelessly within their communities every day to empower women.

KWN believes that together, in solidarity, we can support each other amid the toughest of times, and we will persevere.

“When we are together, we are strong, and when we have solidarity, we are even stronger,” Rogova said.

Continuing KWN’s tradition of community organising, during the meeting activists contributed what they could to support the Committee of Blind Women in Kosovo, among KWN’s oldest members. Serving and protecting the rights of blind women and girls, their achievements are many, including making textbooks available in braille, encouraging girls to access higher levels of education, supporting independent mobility, advocating for the Law on Blind and Visually Impaired Persons, improving access to public services, economic empowerment and transforming society’s attitudes towards blind women’s autonomy.

Today, the Committee of Blind Women is in dire need of support, and KWN members have stepped up in solidarity to help them continue their important work, collecting more than €1500. [If you want to support this incredible organisation you can too, here, noting funds are for the Committee].

“Like many other organisations, we are in a difficult position. But solidarity has always existed and continues to exist. Women have been and will always be united in solidarity. Thank you very much,” said Bajramshahe Jetullahu, Executive Director of the Committee of Blind Women.

This tradition will continue. KWN plans to organise parties for other KWN members to recognise and support their work in solidarity and action by having fun together.

As Emma Goldman said, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution!”

And the revolution continues with us!