Midwife Xhejrane Lokaj dedicated her life to women’s health and improving the living conditions of women in Kosovar society.

In this journey, for many years she collaborated with the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), by being part of many activities.

KWN’s Unique Contribution for Women’s Rights  

In this conversation, Lokaj elaborates on what were the most important activities and advocacies that KWN has undertaken over the years to improve women’s rights, and also how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected her commitment as women’s rights activist. 

“For years KWN has been implementing very democratic standards with member organizations, through regular meetings and the KWN Annual Meeting, with detailed narrative and financial reporting. Through equal treatment of all member organizations and through continuous capacity building.” she says.

As a precious opportunity for women’s rights activists, she mentions the grants given through the Kosovo Women’s Fund, networking and building partnerships through the establishment of Lobby for Gender Equality and Coalition for Quality.  

She recalls KWN’s contribution to advocacy and demands to relevant institutions, protests regarding protecting women’s rights and opposing violence against them, as well as initiatives for necessary legal changes.

“Meetings hosted by KWN have enabled us not only to get to know each-other but also to recognize the problems of women in Kosovo. […] Building partnerships has a special importance to us. In creating this opportunity, the credits go to KWN with its brilliant staff who always reminded us to respect the principles we use in our work and joint activities.”

Challenges Brought by 2020  

The past year has been difficult for everyone, especially for women’s rights organizations. Lokaj elaborates on how this year affected her as an activist. 

“For all of us, 2020 was the hardest year since the Kosovo war in 1998/98. During 2020, we experienced the unknown and the unexpected. The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge for the state institutions, the citizens, and to a large extent a responsibility and a challenge for me as a women’s rights activist.”

Lokaj adds that although the pandemic is a global problem, Kosovo’s economy created even more difficult circumstances. 

“I have been active through individual health advises and with small groups with pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Women, single mothers and mothers with poor economic conditions, referring to social work centres, non-governmental organizations, Kosovo Red Cross branches and donors, and often mediating for help and support.” 

KWN as a Good Example for Women  

At the end of this conversation, she says that every step of the journey has its turns that aren’t easy to overcome, but we must not forget that in life there is always hope, work, commitment, success, joy, strength, and pride.

“We overcome together obstacles with the help of others, with family, friends, and colleagues, always by working hard, giving respect and love. […] “

According to her, KWN is a good example that can serve to many women and young women.

“In KWN you find a big family, a family that always thinks of you, teaches you and helps you, gives a helping hand and does not let you go, raises you up and helps you get through the obstacles more easily.”

Conclusively, Lokaj gives a message for all the women out there. 

“Do not surrender to challenges and difficulties, they will pass. You, as a woman, continue walking, walk bravely because you are not alone. There are other women like you, who will not leave you alone. We are all together in this and we will walk together until the sun rises for us.”

*This article is a continuation of KWN series of publications on the work and contribution of human rights activists in Kosovo.