Can we truly “pack” our entire lives into a suitcase for just a week and begin anew? Anda’s story illustrates how she accomplished precisely that and now dedicates herself to contributing to her country. 

Anda Krasniqi is one of the enthusiastic volunteers who joined the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) team in February of this year. She spent a significant part of her life in Spain, raised by two Kosovar parents who had left Kosovo before the war began, and she has always felt a strong connection to her country of origin. “I thank my mother for emphasizing the importance of learning the Albanian language for me; she pushed me to be very connected to the Albanian language and to Kosovo,” Anda said. 

When Anda’s mother decided to return to Kosovo to be closer to her family, the trajectory of Anda’s life also changed significantly. Within a short time, she made the decision to return to Kosovo at the age of 18. “Coming to Kosovo and starting my studies here was a colossal change for me,” she recounts. 

With the start of her studies at the University of Prishtina, in the Philosophy department, Anda began a new life in Kosovo, socializing and forming a new circle of friends here. “The change I made by returning to Kosovo has been extremely good for me; I have gained so much richness in the social aspect in this country,” Anda added. 

Since Spain is one of the countries that still does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state, this was one of Anda’s strongest motivations for leaving the comfort and stability of the life she had built there to return to Kosovo. “I always had to identify with a national identity that I didn’t want. Even though I have the best friends there and they were very much in favor of Kosovo’s independence as a state, it’s about how the state itself identifies you,” Anda explained. 

With enthusiasm and curiosity for the work, and energy to contribute to a strong cause, Anda brings a fresh spirit to the Network. She is involved in the “Women, Peace and Security” project, through which she shows that she is also familiarizing herself with different work processes and aspects she was not previously acquainted with. Laws and their functioning, the situation of minority communities in Kosovo, and other important topics are things Anda is learning during her work at the Network. 

Anda has an undeniable enthusiasm for contributing to KWN, expressing that each person should feel responsible towards the society they are part of and not remain silent. “It seems to me that each person should have that responsibility towards society… People are being punished for who they are,” she stated. 

Over the past three years, Anda has worked as a health insurance consultant, an interesting job that has helped her find a part of herself by developing her communication skills. 

She works at KWN several hours a day during the week and enjoys being actively engaged in some activity; she plays tennis as she did as a child and has a passion for painting. She is a film enthusiast and spends part of her time dedicating it to her favorite movies. 

Anda has made a big change in her life and has set an excellent example of how passion and commitment can lead to positive and significant changes for society. 

The Kosovo Women’s Network continues to call on individuals from all groups and communities, regardless of age and affiliation, to actively engage in strengthening the feminist movement in Kosovo. When more people come forward, more voices are heard, and real change becomes possible. This is a moment to stand together, to challenge inequality, and to build a society where gender justice is not just a goal, but a reality. 

Through our Volunteer Program, we offer a space for learning, advocacy, and action. Whether you are a scientific researcher, activist, student, or simply someone passionate about human rights, your engagement can make a difference. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, contribute to research, and deepen your understanding of the challenges faced by women in Kosovo, such as gender-based violence, economic inequality, and systemic discrimination. 

Over the years, we have engaged at least 392 different volunteers from Kosovo and beyond, empowering them with the tools to become advocates for change. Now, we are expanding this movement and we need you. Together, we can build a stronger and more inclusive feminist movement – a movement that amplifies voices, influences policies, and paves the way for a more just and equal future. 

If you wish to contribute as a volunteer, like Anda and our other dedicated volunteers, please contact us at info@womensnetwork.org to learn more about our Volunteer Program.