Today, 14 April 2021, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held an online launching of the report “A Seat at The Table: Women’s contributions to and expectations from peacebuilding processes in Kosovo”. 

This report, supported by UN Women through the Peacebuilding Fund, examines the roles, contributions, and needs of women, particularly young women, related to peace and security processes in Kosovo since 1989. 

It explores the role of women’s rights organisations in peacebuilding processes. It also contains recommendations for furthering peace and security in Kosovo, including in the continued dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. 

The launch of this report brought together representatives of Kosovo institutions, international organizations, as well as civil society organizations for women’s rights. 

Igballe Rogova, Executive Director, KWN, thanked participants for taking the time to join the launching of this report and their continued work toward advancing gender equality. 

“A Seat at the Table contains an analysis of events since 1989. We wanted to document the role that women’s organizations have played in peacebuilding processes. Of course, we ask for over one seat, but one seat must come first in order to double and triple that number.” she said. 

Dr. Vjosa Osmani – Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosovo, in her video message for the launch of the report ” A Seat at the Table”, vowed to work together with women’s organizations to ensure that women’s voices will be heard in peace and security processes. 

“The contribution of women in crucial processes of building our state is extraordinary and their role can never be denied. Women and girls were there when we fought for freedom, they were there when we sealed independence, they are part of our state-building journey. But often they have not been heard enough in the peacebuilding process.” said Osmani – Sadriu. 

“[…] Women really have a place at decision-making tables, and this is not only the right decision, but it is also the wisest.” she added, while emphasizing that she welcomes the recommendations of this report. 

Vlora Tuzi Nushi, Head of Office at UN Women, recalled that this launch is taking place on the anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace and Security. 

“As the report states, the absence of women in peace processes actually reduces the chances of advancement and socio-economic development of a country. We will work together, to always make sure that women and girls are at the tables where decisions are made,” she said.   

Next, Ulrika Richardson, United Nations Development Coordinator, spoke. 

“Excluding women from the decision-making process will not provide the best possible choices. […] The participation of women in any decision-making process will make that process more sustainable and inclusive.” 

Zana Hoxha, Executive Director, Artpolis and KWN Board Member recalled that the peace processes in which women are involved have created long-term peace. 

“Artpolis, as a member of the Network and other organizations, has actively contributed to the inclusion and enhancement of the role of women in peacebuilding. It has also took part in initiatives that promote sustainable solutions to divisions ethnic groups that existed within Kosovo and the Balkan region.” 

The presentation of key findings and recommendations of the report were made by Nicole Farnsworth, co-author, Program Director/Lead Researcher, KWN, and Majlinda Behrami, co-author, Project Coordinator, KWN. 

Recommendations for the Government of Kosovo are: 

• Ensure women’s equal participation and representation in peace processes. 

• Increase women’s representation in all elected and appointed decision-making positions at national and municipal levels, as per law. 
• Meet young women of diverse ethnicities to better understand and address their needs. 
• Enhance government focus on human security, investing more state resources in quality education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, and security for women in their homes, streets, and institutions. 

The full report will be published on KWN’s website soon, in Albanian, English and Serbian.