The Kosova Coalition against Family and Sexual Violence convened in Durres, Albania from 11–14 Nov. to discuss the Coalition’s strategy for 2009 and future structure. Seven organizations participated including the Center for Protection of Women and Children (Prishtina and Mitrovica), Medica Kosova (Gjakova), Liria (Gjilan), Women’s Wellness Center (Peja), Hope and Homes for Children (Prishtina) and Safe House Gjakova. The meeting was moderated by Delina Fico with assistance from Eli Krasniqi. Members cooperated to formulate the Coalition’s vision, mission, principles, strategy for 2009, structure, decision-making process and representation and communication both within the Coalition and with the general public. Coalition members agreed that the mission of the Coalition is to prevent family and sexual violence, as well as support, help and empower survivors of violence.
The strategic goals for 2009 are:
- Reducing the causes of family and sexual violence by supporting programs for gender equality and gender mainstreaming;
- Increasing awareness;
- Completing the legal framework;
- Increasing capacities; and
- Empowering the Coalition.
Planned activities include an initiative for decreasing poverty in Kosova; a campaign during the 16 days of activities against violence against women; advocacy in regards to the law against domestic violence and National Action Plan against Domestic Violence; monitoring; cooperation on the regulation for licensing shelters; and securing budgets for shelters.
The Coalition’s organizational structure involves the Leading Committee comprised of executive directors from the shelters as the highest decision-making organ; the Coalition Representative, which will represent the Coalition; and the Coalition Coordinator, an outside person working part-time to organize meetings, take meeting minutes, prepare project proposals and develop public relations materials. Coalition members decided that the group will remain informal, functioning within KWN. The Coalition will meet at least every two months.
On Nov. 20, the group met again to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding between the Coalition and KWN, election of the Coalition Representative and who will fundraise for the Coalition’s 2009 activities. The Coalition received financial support from UNFPA and technical assistance from KWN.
