For decades, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Kosovo have been at the forefront, furthering human rights, democracy, good governance and social justice. NGOs have filled the gaps where governments have failed, ensuring that justice, aid and support reach those who need it most. They have acted as watchdogs, ensuring that democratic processes are upheld and that the government remains accountable to the people it should serve. 

The achievements of Kosovo’s NGOs are undeniable. Thanks to the tireless efforts of organisations like the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and its 139 member organisations, vital laws protecting women from violence have been passed, and services such as psychological support, legal aid and shelter have been made available to women and children suffering violence. To name only a couple examples, KWN has provided legal advice and support to more than 117 women who have suffered violence, and, together with members, supported more than 335 women in claiming their rights to property and inheritance, helping women access justice. Meanwhile, NGOs have pushed for better labour rights, anti-discrimination laws and influenced more than 109 laws and policies to better meet diverse women and men’s needs, including supporting Kosovo’s path toward EU Accession. 

Why do NGOs matter more than ever? 

For those who doubt the importance of NGOs, consider this: Who steps in to provide services when government institutions fail to protect survivors of domestic or sexual violence? Who ensures that laws and policies are not just words on paper but are implemented and enforced? Who conducts research to inform these laws based on evidence of women and men’s needs? Who meets with diverse women in their communities to hear their needs and then raises these needs to the attention of the government? Who brings international attention to local injustices?  

NGOs do. 

They provide essential services—from emergency shelters for survivors of domestic violence to advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights and protections for people with disabilities. They mobilise humanitarian aid, educate the next generation on human rights and monitor government actions to ensure transparency and accountability. They build bridges of peace across physical and other borders.  

Perhaps most importantly, NGOs safeguard democracy. When civil society is weakened, so is the democratic fabric of a nation. A world without strong NGOs is a world where power goes unchecked, where marginalised voices are silenced and where human rights gains can be rolled back without resistance. 

Struggling to survive 

Recent cuts in financing for civil society, and particularly for women’s rights organisations, have hit several NGOs in Kosovo and the Western Balkans hard, putting many NGOs at risk. Behind the statistics on financial losses are real human consequences: women unable to access legal aid to escape their abusers, activists who are facing burnout amid an added workload and organisations unable to provide input on key legislative reforms that shape Kosovo’s future due to insufficient human resources and time. 

The challenges affiliated with the recent suspension of U.S. funding, and its impacts on NGOs in Kosovo, was among the topics discussed today, at an event organised by the European Union to Kosovo, in which Ambassador Aivo Orav took part. KWN’s Nicole Farnsworth, Deputy Director and Lead Researcher, participated in the panel discussion, which was held in honour of World NGO Day. . 

 “We will manage. We will survive,” Farnsworth said, reflecting on the decreased funding for women’s rights groups. “We are activists. It’s just that [sudden funding cuts] make our lives harder and reduces our time available to be watchdogs on the government, to monitor every law that they are passing, to see if someone is sneaking in any paragraphs that will remove women’s rights…” 

Farnsworth outlined KWN’s broader concerns over the cost of cuts on smaller organisations that lack other resources. “What worries us most about these cuts is the impact on our partners, organisations that were supposed to work alongside us,” emphasising the challenges faced by women’s NGOs working with Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, to provide legal aid to survivors of violence and to reach women with disabilities. 

Despite these challenges, Kosovo’s civil society is not giving up. Activists and organisations are rallying in solidarity to support each other, collaborating across borders to push back against regressive policies, and refusing to let years of progress be pushed backwards. 

On World NGO Day, it is crucial to recognise that supporting NGOs is not charity—it is an investment in democracy, justice, and a more equitable future.  

In response to a question about how the government and EU could support NGOs, Farnsworth emphasised the importance of creating transparent government support, independent of political influence and with NGO oversight.  

“With the EU Growth Plan, there should be a monitoring mechanism in place”, she added, to monitor programs and expenditures under this Plan with NGO involvement. She also recommended that the EU earmark funds in the next Multiannual Financial Framework and Civil Society Facility to support women’s rights organisations and LGBTIQ+ groups, and that such funding should involve flexible financing and core support. She said administrative barriers should be reduced, particularly for small, grassroots organisations so that they can focus limited resources on their activism, rather than administration. 

Farnsworth thanked the EU for its current support to KWN via a three-year action in partnership with the Organisation of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo and Ruka Ruci, which just started. The action aims to improve civil society capacities to enhance access to quality social protection for diverse women and men. Farnsworth stated that it will help diverse women and men better access social services, particularly after the confusion caused by closing the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. Related to improving social services, she added, “we are also committed to assisting institutions in improving their budgeting to ensure better budgeting for those in need.” 

The challenges faced by Kosovo’s civil society are significant, but the resilience and determination of activists and organisations remain unwavering. NGOs continue to play a crucial role in defending democracy, justice, good governance and human rights, and it is more important than ever to support their efforts.