On 25 Nov., the Agency for Gender Equality (AGE) in the Prime Minister’s Office of the Republic of Kosovo in close cooperation with the National Coordinator against Domestic Violence, Deputy Minister Lirak Çelaj launched officially the 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women. The 25 Nov., marks the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women. 
     AGE Chief Executivee Officer Edona Hajrullahu provided the opening remarks. “Violence doesn’t just mean physical vionce, there is also emotional, psychological and economical violence”, she noted. “Safety, particularly physical safety is the foundation of development of one country”. 
     Then, the National Coordinator, Deputy Minister Çelaj, provided an update on the process of drafting the new National Strategy and Action Plan against Domestic Violence, a process which began last week.   "I recorfim my commitment and the government’s commitment to fight against this harmful phenomenon for our society," he said. 
     Then, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Executive Director Igballe Rogova presented key findings from KWN’s recently released research, No More Excusesan Analysis of Attitudes, Incidence, and Institutional Responses to Domestic Violence in Kosovo.She noted that while some things have improved since 2008, there are still several challenges ahead. She also spoke of the importance of the “triangulation of coordination” among the government, donors, and civil society, stressing the importance of all actors supporting the work of institutions, rather than their own agendas. “It’s time to join forces and to work together seriously on this topic,” she said. “We as a Network don’t have activities for 16 days of activism.  We go for the full 365 days, because violence happens during a whole year, she added. 
    Blerta Deliu Kodra, Member of Parliament and Head of the Women’s Caucus, also spoke. 
 The 16 Days will continue until 10 Dec., International Human Rights Day. For a calendar of activities, click here for more info. However, beyond these days, KWN calls for 365 Days against Violence against Women.