From empowering women and girls to advocating with institutions, the Center for Equality and Justice (CEJ) works to ensure that human rights do not remain only on paper, but are upheld in everyday life.
Established in 2023 and based in Prizren, CEJ is an organization working to support, promote, and protect human rights, with a particular focus on women and girls. Through training, advocacy, lobbying, and economic empowerment initiatives, CEJ works with citizens and institutions to address inequalities and create more equal opportunities.
An important part of the organization’s work is supporting women and girls experiencing gender-based violence. CEJ provides counselling and supports them throughout the reporting process. The organization is part of the Municipal Mechanism against Domestic Violence and the Institutional Mechanism within the Basic Prosecution Office in Prizren, making it the only civil society organization represented in both mechanisms.
CEJ also works to empower women and girls to know their rights, speak about the issues affecting them, and demand accountability from institutions. Through various activities, the organization creates spaces for discussion and exchange of experiences, while working to ensure that women’s perspectives and needs are reflected in policies and decision-making processes at both local and central levels.
As part of its work on gender equality, CEJ has organized workshops to analyse the work of municipal directorates from a gender perspective. Through these activities, the organization has encouraged discussion on gender representation, the distribution of resources, and the different ways local policies can affect women and men.
CEJ also contributed to the development of the Kosovo Programme for Gender Equality 2025–2035. Through its participation in this process, the organization brought the experiences and issues identified through its work on the ground into discussions on future gender equality policies.
CEJ is currently finalizing a gender policy with concrete recommendations for each municipal directorate in Prizren. The document aims to help local institutions better integrate a gender perspective into their policies, budgets, and services.
The organization’s work also addresses women’s health and well-being. Through discussions with women and girls, CEJ has highlighted the importance of access to healthcare services and regular health check-ups, aiming to increase awareness and encourage women to prioritize their health and well-being.
Alongside its work on gender equality, CEJ is also engaged in civic activism and environmental protection. The organization supported the establishment of an informal network of environmental advocates in Prizren, encouraging citizens to become involved in addressing community concerns and demanding solutions from institutions.
Another CEJ initiative focuses on accessibility for persons with disabilities. The organization has developed an application that enables real-time reporting of inaccessible spaces, including entrances, toilets, and other inadequate facilities. Through these reports, CEJ aims to increase accountability among institutions and businesses and encourage the creation of accessible spaces for everyone.
During a meeting with Tringa Kasemi, Executive Director of CEJ, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) discussed the organization’s work and achievements, the challenges faced by women and girls in Prizren, and opportunities for continued cooperation.
CEJ has established an active presence in Prizren through its direct work with citizens, participation in policymaking processes, and advocacy for gender equality and human rights.
“At the end of the day, we are happy with the work we do and with the people we are able to reach and influence,” said Tringa.
KWN is pleased that Tringa Kasemi is a member of its Board, bringing her experience, perspectives, and knowledge from her work on women’s rights and gender equality to the Network. KWN will continue to cooperate with CEJ and its other member organizations, supporting their efforts to protect human rights, empower women and girls, and advance gender equality in Kosovo.
Learn more about CEJ’s work and activities on its Facebook page.
