With the upcoming elections scheduled for February 9, 2025, civil society has prepared a Manifesto for the Implementation of Human Rights and Gender Equality in Kosovo. 

Twelve civil society organizations have signed this Manifesto, which calls on all political parties in Kosovo to prioritize and protect women’s rights. 

“Our future depends on our commitment to equality, justice, and respect for all citizens. This manifesto outlines the essential demands that should be respected and integrated into the policies of political parties. We also call on all political parties to address our demands in their party programs,” the joint appeal states. 

This Manifesto outlines nine key points, where civil society is focused and calls for: an election campaign without hate speech; voting for and respecting the Labor Law; voting for the Civil Code that protects human rights; implementation of Gender Responsive Budgeting in accordance with the Law on Gender Equality; implementation of the Law on Violence against Women; increasing access to public kindergartens, including in rural areas; ensuring access to health, health insurance, and reproductive health; empowering an education system that changes gender norms; and respecting the principles of the Law on Gender Equality towards increasing women’s participation in politics. 

Through this Manifesto, civil society organizations call on all political parties to adopt these principles and demonstrate their commitment to women’s rights through their actions and policies. But of course, they also call on voters to hold political leaders accountable and support candidates who prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment. 

For all the details contained in this Manifesto, read the full version HERE.   

The Manifesto is signed by: 

Artpolis – Art and Community   

Kosovo Initiative for Stability – KIS   

Riinvest Institute  

Kosova – Women 4 Women  

Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS)  

Kosovo Center for Gender Studies 

CEL Kosova   

QIKA  

Csgd Kosovo  

Kosovo Women’s Network 

Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations of Kosovo  

The Foundation House