Women in Kosovo continue to be under-represented in politics and decision-making at local and central level.

We can see this because official voices from the party expected to form the Government have publicly stated that out of 15 ministries, only five will be led by women.

This small representation (precisely 33% of women in the government cabinet) directly contradicts the Law on Gender Equality (LGE), which guarantees gender equality (50/50) in institutions, as a condition for the development of a democratic society, where men and women have completely equal opportunities in the political, public, and institutional sphere.

Besides, this underrepresentation in the parliament may occur although in the parliamentary elections of February 14, 2021, the representation of women in the Assembly of Kosovo has increased by five seats, compared to previous elections (2019). This time as well, more women have been elected without quota than thanks to it.

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has followed with increased interest the representation and participation of women in elections over the years and consequently gender equal representation in the new government; therefore, KWN, through this letter, calls on Government that is expected to be formed to fully respect the LGE when appointing its Cabinet, respectively the Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

KWN, through its work and activism since it was established, strives for a Kosovo where women and men are equal and have equal opportunities in education, employment, political participation, health, and a life without violence. Therefore, in full compliance with its vision, KWN throughout this government mandate will seek public accountability and full transparency for the work that influences the realization of these vital objectives for the well-being of all women and girls in Kosovo.