For Jazmine Pitman, women’s rights have long been more than an academic interest. Originally from California and currently studying at the University of Hawaii in the United States, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Throughout her studies, she has sought opportunities to turn her passion into practical experience, leading her to volunteer with Planned Parenthood before undertaking an internship with the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), facilitated through Isla Internships.

At Planned Parenthood, an American non-profit organisation that provides sexual and reproductive healthcare and education, Jazmine was involved in organising informational sessions and awareness-raising activities on university campuses. She also participated in lobbying days, advocating to legislators for increased funding for Planned Parenthood. Through this work, she gained first-hand experience in advocacy and public outreach, both of which are central to KWN’s work.

Hoping to gain international experience before graduating, Jazmine sought an internship that would combine her interests in women’s rights, gender equality and public health. KWN immediately stood out.

“Kosovo Women’s Network checked all my boxes. You do really important work, and I wanted to work in women’s rights advocacy and sexual and reproductive health,” she says.

Asked where this passion comes from, Jazmine reflects on her own experiences growing up: “Growing up as a woman, it is hard to ‘miss’ the inequalities,” she says. “Living in the United States, I know I have a lot of privileges, and looking at what other women have to put up with in other countries is heartbreaking. That is why I want to do more international work.”

During her internship, Jazmine has contributed to KWN’s policy and research work across several areas, including health and elderly and disability care. She particularly appreciated seeing how gender equality intersects with so many different issues.

“Gender issues really are in every aspect of life,” she says, reflecting on the broad scope of KWN’s work.

Beyond the specific projects she contributed to, Jazmine says one of the biggest benefits of the internship has been gaining a deeper understanding of how advocacy works in practice: “I have always wanted to be more involved in advocacy work and have a better picture of what it actually looks like, the logistics.”

Working alongside KWN’s staff has given Jazmine a greater appreciation of the research, coordination and policy engagement that underpin advocacy efforts, offering valuable insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes to achieve lasting change.

Jazmine joined KWN in May and has spent two months living in Kosovo. She did not know what to expect before arriving but has really appreciated the warmth and hospitality she has experienced.

“People are really friendly and a lot of people come up to talk to you,” she says.

Outside of work, Jazmine enjoys reading, is currently learning how to crochet, and likes hiking. Although the summer heat meant she did not get to experience Kosovo’s hiking trails, she still explored the country, visiting other cities such as Prizren and Peja, while also travelling to neighbouring North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania.

As she prepares for the next stage of her studies, Jazmine is applying for master’s programmes in Public Health. While she is still deciding exactly where her career will take her, she knows she wants to continue working for a non-profit organisation focused on women’s rights, particularly sexual and reproductive health. She hopes to contribute to improving awareness and education around these issues, believing that access to accurate information can make a meaningful difference.

“I think that’s why I’m so interested in sexual and reproductive health, because it’s so taboo in so many places and there is not a lot of accurate information, which can be really harmful.”

Looking back on her internship, Jazmine says she would encourage other students to take advantage of similar opportunities: “It’s really been a good experience and a good learning opportunity for me.” Although she will soon return to the United States, Jazmine plans to continue supporting KWN’s work remotely as a volunteer.

If you would also like to contribute to KWN’s work, we always need and welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds, experience levels and locations. We offer opportunities to volunteer in-person or from a distance. Learn more about our Volunteer Programme here.