We are pleased to share with you the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) 2013 Annual Report. This year KWN has made progress towards realizing its Strategic Plan for 2011-2014. Some of our key accomplishments in 2013 include:
o The Government of Kosovo approved a National Action Plan for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security in Kosovo on 29 January 2014. KWN has advocated for this Plan since 2000.
o On 8 March 2012, KWN organized the first demonstration to mobilize public attention regarding the challenges faced by women who suffered sexual violence during the war. Following intensive advocacy in solidarity with women survivors and parliamentarians, on 20 March 2014 the parliament amended the Law No. 04/L-054 to include women who suffered sexual violence during the war.
o KWN supported the President in establishing a high level Council that will offer justice and holistic care to women who suffered sexual violence during the war.
o Since fall 2012, KWN provided 34 grants totaling €66,209 to its member organizations via the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), enabling them to directly benefit 1,883 diverse women from rural areas, with disabilities, of diverse ethnicities, youth, and pensioners.
o Through these KWF member-led initiatives, coupled with municipal institutions’ support, approximately 637 women received free medical check-ups, some for the first time.
o Through Young Women’s Empowerment Initiative (YWEI), KWN involved 150 young women in advocating their priorities to the President of the Republic of Kosovo, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, and other officials.
o Established a new Individual Membership Program, involving women and men around the world as KWN members (join here). Membership fees contribute to the KWN Sustainability Fund.
o Published “Where’s the Money for Women’s Rights?” a report examining funding trends related to women’s rights and gender equality in Kosovo over the last 15 years.
o Supported the creation of two new Gender Equality Advocacy Groups (GEAGs), now totaling ten, which bring together women in politics and civil society in advocating for women’s rights and gender equality at the municipal level.
o Organized seven demand-driven, interactive workshops for KWN members, which enabled several members to further their capacities in advocacy, project proposal writing, financial management, and public relations, among other issues.
o Launched ‘Alternative Fundraising’, a Guide with new ideas for KWN members to secure funds for supporting their work
More information about these and other initiatives can be found in our annual report.
