Disability Rights CSOs Empowered in Gender-responsive Budgeting and Social Service

31.07.2025

The Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK) held a workshop on 24.07.2025 in the Municipality of Fushe Kosovo, as part of the project “Strengthening the capacities of civil society to improve access to quality social protection for diverse women and men”, supported by the European Union, in partnership with the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and Ruka Ruci.

During the workshop, participants deepened their understanding of Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) and Law No. 08/L-255 on Social and Family Services, gaining practical skills for integrating a gender perspective into budgeting and policymaking processes. This activity aimed to strengthen the role of civil society in delivering inclusive, quality social services for all citizens.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

KWN Strengthens Gender-responsive Budgeting Skills for Social Protection in Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian Communities

31.07.2025

Six Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian activists were trained on Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) for Social Protection Services, as part of the project “Improving the Capacities of Civil Society to Increase Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men,” supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.

Organised by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), in cooperation with the Network of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian Women’s Organisations of Kosovo (RROGRAEK), the training held on 14 July 2025 aimed to strengthen local capacities to monitor and advocate for inclusive social protection reforms. Facilitated by Elirjeta Beka, Officer for Women’s Economic Empowerment and GRB, the training equipped participants with tools and knowledge to continue advocacy efforts within their communities.

More specifically, participants learned about GRB, the Law on Gender Equality, and how to analyse local annual and medium-term budget frameworks from a gender perspective. The training also addressed good and bad practices regarding citizen participation in the budgeting process, with a specific focus on budget allocations for social services. Participants discussed the importance of public consultations and how to submit effective recommendations during these processes. The group emphasized the need for all communities to be involved in local decision-making, especially during budget planning, to ensure their needs are reflected in policies.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

Humanus Vita Sparks Change: Reimagining Sexual Education in Rural Kosovo

31.07.2025

In the rural municipality of Drenas, where conservative norms historically have often shaped school practices, the NGO Humanus Vita took a bold step to challenge entrenched stereotypes and promote gender equality through education. Their initiative focused on 8th-grade Biology teachers and school principals across four public schools in urban and rural settings. They aimed to assess how sexual education is currently addressed in schools, as well as to build awareness and encourage concrete change within schools and institutions.

A Grounded and Inclusive Approach

Fully supported by the Municipal Directorate of Education via a Memorandum of Understanding, Humanus Vita were granted access for observing classrooms and interviewing teachers and principals. This provided direct insights from those implementing the curriculum. Over the following weeks, Humanus Vita staff observed eight biology classes where sexual education topics were covered, even though such topics are formally planned for the second semester. This flexibility, granted voluntarily by teachers, was a clear sign of their willingness to improve how these subjects are taught. Simultaneously, structured interviews were conducted with four teachers and four school principals. Interviews explored how topics such as puberty, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), sexual identity, and gender norms were being taught or avoided, and how much training teachers had received to handle them. Data revealed several gaps: no Biology teachers had been trained in gender-responsive or transformative teaching methods, or in sexual education. Moreover, while teaching, some teachers showed signs of bias toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and other identifying persons (LGBTQI+) issues, highlighting a pressing need to address stereotypes among educators.

Meanwhile, student engagement, especially among girls, was high. Teachers noted that students, when given the space, asked questions without hesitation and showed great interest in accurate, age-appropriate information. A teacher remarked, “The pace of life and the information students access online make it essential for them to receive accurate and scientific education about sexually transmitted diseases, family planning, sexual identity, and puberty.”

From Data to Advocacy

After gathering information, Humanus Vita engaged with local institutions. On 16 Nov, 20 participants from local government, civil society, schools, and media gathered to discuss findings and recommendations. This included the urgent need for teacher training, curriculum reform, and improved school infrastructure, especially for girls and students with disabilities.

A school principal emphasized, “I believe that sexual education should be included as a separate subject in the school curriculum.” The roundtable opened a broader conversation about transforming the current system. Key actors, such as the Director of Education, a municipal representative, and the Gender Equality Officer, expressed readiness to consider concrete measures, including integrating sexual education as a standalone subject or strengthening its place within the Biology curriculum.

Toward Sustainable Change

Rather than imposing change from the outside, Humanus Vita built trust with educators, creating space for honest discussion. Teachers and principals openly acknowledged the challenges they face, not only in terms of curriculum, but also in infrastructure, training, and support for gender equality.

Through media outreach, including coverage by Radio Kosova, Syri.net, and the Kosova Times, their initiative raised public awareness about the importance of scientifically accurate and inclusive sexual education.

While systemic transformation takes time, Humanus Vita’s initiative has already begun to shift attitudes and spark institutional reflection. As one participant concluded: “At a time when human values are beginning to fade, it is necessary to introduce moral and sexual education as a school subject.”

Humanus Vita’s initiative “Inclusion of Sexual Education and Challenging Stereotypes towards Transforming Gender Norms through Education” was carried out with support from the Kosovo Women’s Network via the Kosovo Women’s Fund with funding from the Austrian Development Agency and the Swedish Development Agency, in the amount of €4,916.00, from August to November 2023. The initiative contributed directly to KWN’s Program on Gender Transformative Education, which aims to reshape social norms through inclusive and equitable learning.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

MWAHR Pushes for Gender-Responsive Budgeting in South Mitrovica

30.07.2025

As part of the “Gender Budgeting as a Transformative Budget Tool for Municipal Institutions” project — and building on previous efforts to promote gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) — the Mitrovica Women’s Association for Human Rights (MWAHR), a member of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), has continued its advocacy to ensure that GRB and the meaningful inclusion of women are reflected in the Medium-Term Budget planning process of the Municipality of South Mitrovica.

Between September 2023 and August 2024, MWAHR organized a series of consultative meetings with the Director of Budget and Finance, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Director of Public Administration, Director of Social Welfare, and Director of Youth, Sports, and Culture in South Mitrovica. Together with local citizens, they discussed the importance of integrating gender perspectives in municipal budgeting and ensuring that services and programs are accessible and equitable for both women and men. Specific recommendations were presented to each directorate.

These discussions led to concrete commitments from municipal officials, including increasing the number of women and girls benefiting from scholarships, grants, healthcare support, and participation in cultural and sports activities. Notably, for the first time, the Medium-Term Budget Framework now includes gender equality objectives, marking a significant step forward in institutionalizing GRB in South Mitrovica.

A short video capturing key moments from the consultative meetings and voices from citizens and officials is available here.

This project was supported by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) within the framework of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) in the Western Balkans and the Republic of Moldova, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), which began in 2023 and was finalized in 2024.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

MWAHR: “Gender Budgeting as a Transformative Budget Tool for Municipal Institutions”

30.07.2025

30.07.25

MWAHR: “Gender Budgeting as a Transformative Budget Tool for Municipal Institutions”

01.03.21

Kosovo Women’s Fund Documentary, 2018-2020

04.12.20

The Exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence Behind Walls”

18.12.18

RTV21 Annual Meeting 2018

19.12.17

Kosovo Women’s Fund Documentary, 2015-2017

29.11.16

Gender Responsive Budgeting

From Medicine to Human Rights: Saneea’s Internship with KWN 

25.07.2025

After ten years of working as a physician in palliative medicine in Nova Scotia, Canada, Saneea Abboud felt a pull in a different direction. Although her work was deeply meaningful, she began to feel that it was time for something new – something that could create broader systemic change. The calling to do something different led her back to school, pursuing a Master of Science in Global Health. Saneea’s internship at KWN, facilitated through Isla Internships, marks the final component of her degree – and her first-ever experience in Kosovo. 

Saneea’s interest in human rights – and particularly women’s rights – made KWN a natural fit when exploring potential internship opportunities. Even during her medical training, Saneea had a specific interest in helping women. At the time, she thought she might pursue gynecology. She didn’t, but the passion for women’s rights and well-being remained. When asked about where this dedication comes from, Saneea states that “It might just be that women are so inequitably served everywhere around the world, that I wanted to help in whatever way I can. I am an empowered woman myself, with a lot of privilege with my education, coming from the country that I come from… so, it just feels like I should help if I can.”  

During her internship, Saneea has contributed across several areas, including KWN’s Health Program, where her background proved especially valuable. She has, for example, been involved in a new research effort focused on personal assistance for people with disabilities, where her contributions include a legal analysis. The research is related to KWN’s action “Improving the Capacities of Civil Society to Increase Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men”, which is being implemented together with two partner organizations, and supported by the European Union Office in Kosovo. It explores challenges faced by personal assistants – most of whom are women, and often family members of the person with a disability. Saneea notes that while similar challenges likely exist in Canada too, people there may have more protections in place. 

Beyond the Health Program, Saneea has also contributed to research in other areas where health intersects with broader social and environmental issues. This includes work on a study on transportation, where she focused on health-related aspects – such as how air pollution can harm physical health and how the lack of accessible infrastructure may negatively affect mental well-being. She has also explored challenges in health policy, including why certain laws, like those related to health insurance, have yet to be implemented despite being in place for several years. 

In addition to research and policy work, Saneea has supported communication efforts by updating materials for KWN’s website and program factsheets, and by writing stories from events such as the Women, Peace and Security Forum and the FemArt Festival. 

The transition to Kosovo wasn’t difficult for Saneea, though a few things took some getting used to – especially the language barrier, and, she jokes with a laugh, “the smoking everywhere – but I don’t know if you want to put that in the story.” Still, she enjoys many aspects of life in Pristina, including how vibrant and walkable the city is. Back home, she lives too far from the city center to walk, so this was a refreshing change. She has also taken advantage of Kosovo’s location to travel on weekends, visiting Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece. Most of her trips have been hiking-focused. She quickly noted that Kosovo is perfect for hiking, and Montenegro was the biggest hike she has ever done in her life. 

Saneea sees her time at KWN not just as a professional milestone, but as part of a larger shift toward purpose-driven work. “Kosovo is definitely behind when it comes to equality and women’s rights – or even rights in general,” she says candidly. But she leaves with a better understanding of the global feminist movement and the people who are powering it. Reflecting on her time at KWN, Saneea expresses admiration for the organization’s hard work and dedication, stating “It makes me feel like the NGOs are really doing THE work.” 

As she prepares to finish her degree, Saneea is still considering what’s next. She hopes to make a transition from full-time clinical work to something more directly related to human rights, possibly reducing her hours in palliative care while working part-time with another organization, potentially even remotely. Saneea has also expressed interest in continuing to support the work she’s been involved in at KWN, from Canada. 

If you would like to contribute to KWN’s work, we are always looking for ways to engage dedicated volunteers from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about our Volunteer Program, please contact us at info@womensnetwork.org. 

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

08.07.2025

From June 23 to 26, 2025, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) organized a four-day workshop for the staff of shelters and organizations providing services to victims of gender-based violence and wartime sexual violence. The workshop aimed to support the emotional and professional well-being of social workers through sustainable supervision and the prevention of burnout.

During these days, participants shared their experiences, reflected on the emotional challenges they face in their daily work, and were equipped with concrete tools for self-care and stress management.

“I thought I wasn’t cut out for this job. After five years, I gave up because I had no one to talk to about the emotional burden I experienced every day,” one participant said during a reflective exercise.

Another participant added: “By trying to appear strong in front of our clients, we often suppress our own feelings. We don’t allow ourselves to feel, just to seem powerful for them.”

During the workshop sessions, topics such as the meaning and symptoms of burnout, building team resilience, clinical and peer supervision, and setting healthy emotional boundaries at work were addressed. A participant from the Serbian community emphasized: “Every time you talk about your experiences, I learn how to act in similar cases. Concrete examples help me reflect on my own challenges.”

The workshop was led by clinical psychologists Melis Bilibani and Tringa Lajqi, who, through their professional approach and interactive exercises, created a supportive space for all participants.

At the end of the training, the participants expressed satisfaction, emphasizing that they felt more energized and readier to continue their daily commitment to protecting women and girls experiencing violence.

This activity was developed within the Initiative for Institutionalizing Quality Rehabilitation and Integration Services for Survivors of Violence, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), with funds from Austrian Development Cooperation.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

01.07.2025

In May, a powerful and thought-provoking play debuted in Drenas, serving as a call for social awareness and reflection. “The Shirt of Freedom,” a production by the Center for Promotion of Women’s Rights (CPWR), began its tour with a strong message: support saves lives. 

Written by playwright Arian Krasniqi and performed by the renowned actresses Safete Rogova, Kumrije Hoxha, and Igballe Qena, the play sensitively and realistically addresses a topic as painful as it is crucial—domestic violence and how society can (and should) respond. 

After Drenas, the tour continued in Mitrovica, Rahovec, Dragash, and Gjakova, while in June, the public had the opportunity to see it in Podujeva, Lipjan, and Prishtina.

This is just the beginning, as the play is scheduled to be performed in other cities throughout the year, in collaboration with local organizations and communities. For instance, in September, the play will be staged in Kline and Obiliq. 

Three Women – Three Stories Reflecting Reality 

At the heart of the play are three women, each representing a common voice in our communities: 

The Mother (Safete Rogova) is a figure of support and courage. She represents the parent who chooses not to remain silent, empowering her daughter to build a life free from fear and violence. 

The Mother-in-Law (Kumrije Hoxha) starts as a critical voice, blaming the victim, but undergoes a journey of reflection and change. Her apology to her daughter-in-law is a pivotal moment that reveals the power of personal transformation. 

The Neighbor (Igballe Qena) is a psychologist and mediator who brings the role of the community to the stage. She urges the audience not to be passive, emphasizing that violence is not a private problem but a societal one that demands action and reporting. 

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

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People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

27.06.2025

Freeing Minds through Art: FemArt 2025 Opens with Bold Performances 

Under the theme of identity, memory and coexistence, the 13th edition of the International Festival of Artists and Activists, “FemArt”,hosted by ArtPolis, unfolded over six vibrant days in Prishtina. This year’s motto, “Free Your Mind,” set the tone for a deeply engaging program that kicked off on 16 June with an electrifying opening night at the AMC Hall. The audience was captivated by “Shkodra Elektronike,” an experimental performance that blended electronic music with traditional motifs, creating a powerful multisensory experience. 

In the days that followed, the program featured a series of international theatrical performances. Notably, the Italian collective Biloura presented “Silent Voices,” while “I Am Her” and “The Women of Troy” explored interethnic, multigenerational and multilingual experiences of violence, trauma and women’s empowerment. These performances united artists from Kosovo and Serbia, marking inspirational moments of cross-border artistic and political collaboration. 

Activists Explore Mental Health and Burnout in the Arts and Activism  

This year, the International Conference “Art + Mind: Healing, Mental Health & Burnout in Creative Resistance” addressed an often taboo topic in Kosovo – mental health and burnout. The conference featured three panel discussions exploring art as a healing tool both for individuals and society, mental health challenges within creative industries and burnout among artists and activists, respectively. Panels brought together a diverse group of artists, activists and clinicians from Kosovo, Serbia, Ukraine, France, the UK and the United States. 

One panel featured Adelina Berisha from the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Program Director for Addressing Gender-based Violence. She shared insights into intersections of activism, empathy and emotional resilience. 

Art as Healing and Solidarity: Transcending Pain through Creative Expression 

The opening panel focused on art as a medium for healing. Through dance, theatre, poetry, and painting, panelists expressed how creative practices have helped them process personal and collective pain—from experiences of war and patriarchy to everyday emotional hardships. Many described art as their lifeline, often repeating the powerful phrase: “Art saved me.” 

Beyond individual healing, art was also embraced as a tool for connection and solidarity, as a means connect us all, not just within communities, but globally.  

Through her poetry on dance, Janet Reineck described art as a universal language that transcends borders, helping us reach beyond selfhood and what separates us. In solidarity she declared: “You’re not alone. Dance, rise, speak as one voice so you will be heard… We witness, we embrace, we bring our hearts and our help. We rise together, we jump, we sing out, we dance our sisterhood.”  

Burnout and Beyond: Mental Health and Gendered Systemic Pressures in Creative Work 

The second panel focused on mental health concerns in the creative sector. Approaching it from a more clinical perspective, Dr. Mariel Leclère described burnout as when “you reach the limits of your body psychologically and mentally… it’s an overwhelming state by doing a lot of work and not really listening [to] your needs – mentally and physically.”  She emphasised that it’s the body’s way of signaling the need to slow down, often manifesting as exhaustion, muscle stiffness, depression and anxiety.    

A shared reflection across the panel was how deeply women in particular have been conditioned to keep going – to push through, seek validation, achieve success or people-please- rather than slow down, tune into our emotions and give ourselves time to heal. Panelists highlighted the importance of setting boundaries, creating healing environments and engaging in solidarity and mutual support.   

While burnout was discussed as a personal challenge, it was recognised by all as a systemic issue, with gendered dimensions and structural roots in patriarchy and capitalism. These systems were described as perpetuating structural violence for those in the creative industry and beyond, with burnout emerging as one of its most visible symptoms.  

Burnout, Resilience, and Healing: Navigating the Emotional Toll of Activism 

The theme of burnout carried into the third panel session opened by Shqipe Malushi, a self-proclaimed feminist “since the day she was born”. Like many activists, she took on the responsibility at a young age of “fixing the world and bringing joy”. Working in war zones and experiencing personal tragedy, she suffered burnout. Yet, Malushi offered a powerful reframe: burnout, she said, should not be a source of shame, but an opportunity for growth and reflection. “Burnout is something that has helped me build courage,” she shared, comparing it to “an engine that pushes you to move forward.” She emphasised the importance of self-forgiveness, learning from your mistakes, healing through creative expression and meditation, and acknowledging that grappling with mental health, particularly as an activist, is often a lifelong journey.  

Adelina Berisha expanded on these ideas, drawing from her dual experience as a trained psychologist and gender-based violence expert. She emphasised empathy as central to activism. Activists, she noted, often carry the emotional weight of others’ suffering and feel compelled to make change. For women, particularly those working in gender justice NGOs, this burden is compounded by patriarchal norms, financial precarity, and in Berisha’s case, the emotional toll of working closely with survivors of gender-based violence. The result, she noted, is a perfect storm for burnout. “We need to take care of our feminist activists so they can stay motivated in their work on gender equality,” she said. “Amid these times of uncertainty, when we see shrinking spaces for support for the feminist movement, we should stand together in solidarity and support one another.”  

Berisha reflected on her early years at KWN when there was little awareness about burnout and strategies of self-protection. She stressed the importance of proactively supporting staff mental health, not only for organisational performance, but also for fostering a healthier society. She shared that in recent years, KWN has taken meaningful steps to create a space for their staff’s emotional wellbeing – through workshops, group sessions and access to professional support, even reflecting this commitment in their budgeting. ”KWN provides psychological support for its staff, and we are working closely with shelters and day centers to create safe spaces. These spaces allow them to talk freely about their experiences and help prevent burnout and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can result from long-term work with survivors of gender-based violence and other daily issues affecting women.” 

She added that in the coming days, KWN will support a three-day workshop for shelter workers focused on dealing with emotional distress and preventing burnout, facilitated by psychologists and psychotherapists.  

The panel also spotlighted the struggles faced by marginalised groups, including LGBTIQ+ activists – highlighting the intersectional barriers that arise when defending and promoting human rights amid persistent stigma and discrimination. LGBTIQ+ activist Rajmonda Sylbije spoke candidly about the difficulty in accessing psychological support both for herself and others in her community.   

Overall, the “Art + Mind” conference offered a powerful reminder that healing from and preventing burnout involves both personal effort and political resistance. Caring for our mental health, especially amid the intersecting struggles of those living under gendered oppression, is not a luxury but a necessity. This care must be integrated into our institutions and daily lives, while confronting and transforming the systemic roots of harm.  

Celebrating Life and Art: FemArt’s Uplifting Closing Ceremony 

On the final day, under the open sky of City Park, artists and activists gathered for rest, self-care and solidarity. Janet Reineck and World Dance Kosova led a vibrant and joyful dance event. Movement, laughter and rhythm flowed freely in a collective expression of release and togetherness. 

The closing celebration of FemArt 2025 truly felt like a festival. The final evening program gave space to Fête de la Musique 2025, headlined by the French group “Tentative,” whose performance transformed the conclusion of this six-day journey into a celebration of life, resilience, and the power of art to unite. 

We can’t wait to hear what surprises, solidarity and inspiration FemArt will bring next year! 

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

18.06.2025

On June 13, 2025, a workshop was held on the topic: “Social Services: Social Protection Legislation, Rights, and Complaint Procedures.” This event was part of the project “Improving Civil Society Capacities to Increase Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men,” supported by the EU Civil Society Programme (EU CSF). 

The workshop, hosted at the Kosovo Women’s Network premises, aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of partner organizations OPDMK and Ruka Ruci, along with their local mobilizers. It provided education, support, and mentorship on social protection legislation, the rights derived from this legislation, and the procedures for filing complaints in cases where these rights are violated. 

This activity directly contributed to achieving one of the project’s key outcomes: “Increasing NGO capacities to support and involve diverse women in informing and monitoring social protection reforms.” 

The workshop was led by Prof. Ass. Dr. Avdyl Gashi from the Department of Social Work at the University of Prishtina and Attorney Fitim Gashi. They shared their knowledge and experience on the legal framework governing social and family services in Kosovo. During the interactive sessions, participants had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Law No. 08/L-255 on Social and Family Services, discuss the fundamental principles of social service provision, and learn about complaint mechanisms. 

This collaborative effort contributes to strengthening the role of civil society in implementing and overseeing social protection reforms, with the aim that no woman or man is left behind in accessing fundamental social rights. 

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care