The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, marked a historic moment with the launch of the Regional Center of Excellence for Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). We, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), congratulate the President and her Cabinet for this important Center, which is the result of global efforts to protect and empower women in conflict zones.

The center was established in close cooperation with civil society, which continues to contribute and also, yesterday, praised the President of Kosovo for good relations with civil society organizations for women’s rights.

KWN and its members welcome and will continue to support this Center in every way, viewing it as a significant step toward advancing women’s rights, peace, and security in Kosovo and beyond. Through ongoing support, the Network will work to ensure that the women of Kosovo are an integral part of peace and security solutions, demonstrating that Kosovo, as a country with experience in these matters, is a contributor to global efforts for a fairer and safer world.

This Center represents a strong commitment to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, not only within Kosovo but also beyond its borders, at both regional and international levels. At a time when women and girls in conflict and war zones face severe challenges, this initiative by the Presidency of Kosovo aims to provide a strong voice for them, highlighting their vital role in such processes.

The Center, opened in Kosovo on September 17, is one of three such centers – one in Indonesia and one in Colombia – each representing a concrete step toward a world where women are recognized not only as victims of conflict but also as key actors in peacebuilding!

We at KWN believe that this initiative is particularly important for Kosovo, as a country with an unforgettable history of war and rich experience in peacebuilding. Women from Kosovo have played an extraordinary role, being on the front lines in defending rights and rebuilding society after the conflict. 

Kosovo’s women’s rights activists have over 23 years of experience advocating for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, which we can share with the world to support other activists. Furthermore, Kosovo’s institutions and civil society have collaborated to create innovative ways to support survivors of sexual violence by using a victim-centered approach that ensures their well-being, from which the whole world can learn.