In the municipality of Rahovec, women encounter numerous challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Financial barriers and a lack of functional services make it difficult for them to receive necessary care. Additionally, women often report poorer health status compared to men. In response to this situation, especially in the villages surrounding Rahovec, the organization “Gruaja Fermere” (Woman Farmer), a member of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), has launched an initiative aimed at improving healthcare access for women and girls in both rural areas and the city.
Through its initiative “Promotion of Primary Healthcare for Women in Rural Areas”, Gruaja Fermere has become one of the few, and in some cases the only, sources of essential information for women and girls in Rahovec regarding access to health services and their rights to these services.
During meetings with participating women and girls, their advocacy skills were developed, empowering them to express their dissatisfaction and complaints in writing to ensure their concerns are addressed. “I’ve familiarized myself with the situation; I’ve visited every Family Medicine Center (FMC), photographed the complaint boxes, and spoken with the nurses and doctors,” says Muradije Shehu, a representative of the Gruaja Fermere organization.
Through informative meetings held in Rahovec and the three surrounding villages of Apterush/Opteruša, Krushë e Madhe/Velika Kruša, and Zatriq/Zatrić, 82 women have gained a better understanding of their rights to access quality healthcare. They have learned about mechanisms for reporting violations of these rights and feel more empowered to advocate for improved services.
Additionally, through the project’s lectures, 40 women and girls have been educated on the prevention of serious illnesses such as breast cancer and cervical cancer, as well as the management of common non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Gruaja Fermere continues to explore new ways to inform and empower women and girls throughout the municipality. The initiative aims to broaden its impact by providing women with new knowledge and opportunities. Eleven meetings are planned with women and girls from 11 villages in the municipality of Rahovec, including Zoqishte/Zočište, Ratkovc/Ratkovac, Xërxë/Zrze, Radostë/Radoste, Serbian neighborhood, Roma neighborhood, Fortesë/Fortesa, Celinë/Celina, Hoça e Madhe/Velika Hoča, Hoça e Vogël/Mala Hoča, Denjë/Denja, and Sopniq/Sopnić. The primary goal of the project is to ensure better access to healthcare for women.
The initiative seeks to inform women and girls about breast cancer, cervical cancer, and the management of prevalent non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. The lectures, conducted by a qualified doctor, are followed closely by participants who actively engage in discussions, share personal experiences, and express their concerns and challenges. During these meetings, they receive valuable advice and information on disease prevention and other important health topics.
Mrs. Muradije notes that these lectures have a positive impact, motivating women to access appropriate healthcare services and submit complaints through the complaint boxes available at the Family Medicine Centers (FMCs) in the villages and the Main Family Medicine Center (MFMC) in Rahovec.
The idea for health training emerged from discussions among women, highlighting a gap in their knowledge about their rights to access healthcare services and the importance of being informed. It became evident that reaching women in rural areas was essential to ensure they all have access to this information. Women living in rural areas face financial challenges and difficulties accessing healthcare services, as health clinics are often non-functional. Additionally, Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian women encounter cultural, financial, and accessibility barriers to these services.
Mrs. Muradije indicates that while women’s awareness of their rights has improved, similar lectures are even more crucial for Roma women, as this community is often overlooked, much like the elderly. “Members of this community have reported that doctors do not provide complete and accurate information regarding medication,” she states. Participation among women in this year’s activities appears to have increased, with notable interest from minority communities; more Serbian and Roma women are now attending these awareness lectures.
So far, 248 participants have been trained in Gruaja Fermere activities, including 24 Serbian women, 21 Roma women, and 213 Albanian women. Given the interest expressed by women and girls, Gruaja Fermere plans to continue this type of education for young girls (teenagers) in the future, as there is a growing demand for it.
Gruaja Fermere is carrying out this initiative as a recipient of the 19th round of grants from the Kosovo Women’s Fund, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA)
