On November 7, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) organized the third meeting of the Coalition for Equality “Kosovo’s Feminist Government. When?”, attended by women in politics, representatives of women-led organizations and women activists.

Igballe Rogova, the KWN Executive Director, in her introductory speech pointed out that seeing that the idea that women from all spheres should join was obvious, and seeing that women remain underrepresented in politics at municipal and central level in Kosovo, and to address this issue Coalition for Equality was born. She emphasized that “The message of this union is solidarity among women and advancement of gender equality in decision-making”.

Her support for the Coalition was reiterated by Atifete Jahjaga, President of the Republic of Kosovo (2011-2016), who said: “We need to eliminate the traditional division of gender roles that continues to affect how we feel as a society.” Meanwhile, Mexhide Mjaku-Topalli, Member of Parliament and Chairwoman of Women Caucus, said: “Gender equality is not just a human right, but a necessity for the development of our society.”

Further, Clare Hutchinson, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security spoke about the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 in NATO and the importance of advancing the agenda for women, peace and security. “20 years after the adoption of the Resolution, we are still not where we should be,” she added.

Mrs. Karin Hernmarck Ahliny, Ambassador of the Swedish Embassy in Kosovo, spoke about how a feminist government looks like, discussing the government feminist policy and its importance. “Gender equality is not a cherry on the top of a cake, it’s the actual cake,” Ambassador Hernmarc said. She went on by quoting the Swedish Foreign Minister as saying: “No woman needs to be given a voice. Everyone has a voice. We need listening.”

Following the speeches, participants discussed the importance, challenges and solidarity that should guide the work and the commitment to achieve the goal of having a feminist government in Kosovo.

This meeting was supported by Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

Coalition for Equality was established on 22 June 2018 during the initiative “Strengthening Women Participation in Politics and Decision-Making in Kosovo”. The Coalition for Equality is a group composed of women in politics from the central and local levels, non-governmental women-led organizations and women activists who support and empower each other in improving the position of women in politics, decision-making and advancement of gender equality in Kosovo. The Coalition is committed to working towards fulfilling joint mission and vision on empowering and improving the position of women in politics and decision-making and advancing gender equality in Kosovo through mentoring, advocating, solidarity and support for each other.