The KWN research team (clockwise from left corner), Elizabeth Carolan, Dafina Beqiri, Albana Lumi, Ali Misimi and Dr. Lynne Alice) discuss the methodology.

KWN Monitors UNSCR 1325 Implementation in Kosova

Starting in June, a KWN research team interviewed key figures from Kosovar public life to document and assess the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in Kosova. Their research included interviews with local politicians, civil society activists, UNMIK staff, and other leading figures. The research attempted to determine if the resolution on women, peace and security, passed by the UN Security Council in 2000 and applicable to all states, has been implemented in Kosova over the past eight years. The resolution covers areas such as the inclusion of women in decision-making and peace-building, efforts to mainstream gender awareness into peace-keeping missions and the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence during and after conflict.

Dr. Lynne Alice of Deakin University in Australia coordinated the research. Since working at the University of Prishtina from 2001 to 2003, she has returned to Kosova many times to assist with various civil society and university initiatives. She spent two months overseeing the research carried out by the local research team: Dafina Beqiri, Albana Lumi and Ali Misimi. Elizabeth Carolan, an intern from Ireland, also assisted with the research. The research was supported by UNDEF and UNIFEM.

Zena Zenama undertook a similar research initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lynne Alice and members of the research team traveled to Sarajevo in September to assist with the final stages of data collection there. On the seventh anniversary of UNSCR 1325 on 31 October, the executive summary of the report was widely distributed via email. KWN released the final report on 5 December in Prishtina at the Grand Hotel.