Kosovo Women's Network

OPDMK marks Dystrophy Week with the opening of the new center

04.06.2024

The organization of persons with muscular dystrophy of Kosovo – OPMDK marked the beginning of the “Dystrophy Week 2024” activity with the ceremonial opening of an office that will provide services to people of this category of society.

In her speech, the executive director of OPMDK, Antigona Shestan, expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the fulfillment of this long-standing request, which has been appealed to for 12 years.

“Today we breathe more freely, in our new facility, where we can start work and implement other projects. “This will be a place where people with disabilities will meet, cry about their problems, discuss their needs and lobby to fulfill them,” she said.

We would like to thank everyone who supported us and made the opening of the office possible, Mrs. Resmije Rrahmani (Biba), mobilizer of women with disabilities of OPMDK.

“This time we are celebrating muscular dystrophy week differently. It is a great joy that we are opening our office, our place that will serve as a space in which we will develop our activities and is open to all those who need it,” she added.

The “Dystrophy Week 2024” program includes other awareness-raising activities that will be carried out in public places, on the Lidhja Square, with the aim of solving the problems faced by people with disabilities.

KWN continues to support the significant work of OPMDK on improving the well-being of persons with disabilities, with an emphasis on girls and women, with the belief that together we will achieve even better results in this direction.

08.07.25

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

01.07.25

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

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

Gender-Responsive Budgeting and Taxation: Enhancing Equality in Kosovo

04.06.2024

Elirjeta Beka, our Gender Responsive Budgeting Coordinator, recently participated in the Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) Community of Practice in Skopje, presenting the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) paper titled “Gender-Responsive Taxation in Kosovo: Enhancing Equality Through Progressive Policies.” Emphasizing the critical need for gender analysis in tax policy, her presentation took place during the panel on “National Strategies: Effective Budgeting for Equality.” Despite GRB being a legal obligation in Kosovo since 2015 and part of the Law on Gender Equality, issues such as the lack of harmonization with other laws, inconsistent implementation across public institutions, and limited public access to GRB annexes persist. These challenges underscore the need for more comprehensive and transparent implementation of GRB.

The current tax system in Kosovo does not fully consider gender disparities, often exacerbating inequalities faced by women, including lower employment rates, lower wages, and a greater burden of unpaid care work. To address these issues, KWN recommends eliminating gender bias in taxation, increasing progressivity in personal and corporate income tax rates, and conducting gender impact assessments of the tax system. Additionally, policy options such as introducing financial transaction and carbon taxes, applying reduced VAT rates on essential goods, and exempting menstrual hygiene products from taxes are vital steps toward promoting social equity and enhancing economic participation and fairness for women in Kosovo.

Renowned experts from around the world participate in the Community of Practice, organized by the Gender Budget Watchdog Network, of which KWN is an active member. The conference was supported by the Austrian Development Agency and Swedish International Development Agency.

08.07.25

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

01.07.25

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

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

KWN Shares Achievements at 21st Annual Meeting

04.06.2024

The 21st annual membership meeting of the Kosovo Women’s Network was held on Saturday, May 25. It was attended by participants from member organizations, partners, and collaborators from state institutions, friends, and supporters

In her introductory speech, the Chairman of the Board of KWN, Ariana Qosaj Mustafa, highly appreciated the Network’s work during 2023 in implementing its strategy. She emphasized the importance of unity and the continuous commitment of all members as an essential factor for success.

She recalled the story of Network’s tireless dedication, which has managed to create a powerful movement that serves as an example in the region and continues to pave the way for future generations.

The Minister of Justice, Mrs. Albulena Haxhiu, expressed thanks and gratitude for the Network’s three decades of work and commitment in protecting the rights of women and girls and advocating for equality. Ms. Haxhiu called for the joining of forces and pledged to continue cooperation to achieve new societal progress.

Member of Parliament Eliza Hoxha was also part of the Assembly. In her speech, she welcomed the will and persistence of women to achieve their goals, seeing this effort as a window of opportunity for all women who want to change their reality. “By stepping outside the boundaries set by society, women become part of platforms that empower and support each other,” she added.

International support is essential in this path toward gender equality and justice. Sandra Horina, Adviser and Head of the Office, Austrian Development Cooperation in Kosovo, described the KWN as a successful example of empowering women in the region. She thanked the Network for its relentless work and capacity building of its members, expressing continued support for their future projects.

“The network has laid the cornerstones for equality and has played a key role in empowering women’s organizations,” said Vlora Tuzi Nushi, Head of the Office in Kosovo, UN Women. She expressed UN Women’s support for the Kosovo Women’s Network and added that they would continue to take responsibility for implementing the agenda for gender equality in Kosovo and internationally.

Safete Rogova, an actress, humanist and women’s rights activist, moved many emotions guests with her interpretation of the poem “I am with you”. She dedicated it to her sister and all women activists, marking 35th anniversary of the activism of the Qiriazi Sisters Association.

This year, the annual “Sevdije Ahmeti” award was given to Sakibe Doli Dobruna, a consultant for the Safe House in Gjakova. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all women who have fought and continue to fight for gender equality and social justice.” – said Mrs. Sakibe.

KWN staff reported on the results throughout 2023, towards implementation of the KWN Strategy for 2023-2026. Some of the achievements mentioned included:

More than 70% of the KWN Strategy for 2023 has been implemented.
253 women have participated in decision-making processes, totaling 6,447 since 2012.
KWN has influenced 10 public policies, reaching a total of 267 influenced policies since 2012.
10 different women’s organizations actively participated in the EU accession processes.
The EU accession documents significantly better reflect the gender perspective, integrating up to 75% of KWN comments.
KWN contributed to the Law on Public Finances, with 11 KWN members participating in the 2023 budget consultation
556 individuals were inspired to defend their right to quality health services, totaling 2,555.
20 women have submitted complaints to the relevant authorities for violation of health rights.
3 laws and public policies related to the participation of women in the labor force have been improved, totaling 6.
25 diverse women and men have been made aware of women’s rights to inheritance and property, totaling 10,143.
178 women who experienced gender-based violence received legal assistance (28 in 2023).
Institutions have improved their performance and legal infrastructure to address gender-based violence.
92 institutional representatives have been trained to implement the legal framework.
Awareness raising about gender-based violence has improved.
17 cases of gender-based violence were monitored.
10 schools were observed, and 5 advocacy initiatives towards improving curricula and teaching methods from a gender perspective were undertaken.
7 joint initiatives with members and organizations in the region, totaling 261 since 2012.
29 grants were given to 25 organizations, totaling 281 grants to 153 organizations since 2012.
4 policy changes resulted from advocacy initiatives of KWF grantees .

The 21st Annual KWN Membership Meeting was funded by the European Union Office in Kosovo, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and co-financed by the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (Sida), the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, and the Sigrid Rausing Trust.

Throughout the year, the KWN’s efforts for gender equality have been supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women.

08.07.25

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

01.07.25

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

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

Reaction: Lack of Public Consultations regarding the Medium-term Expenditures Framework(MTEF)

15.05.2024

Honorable Prime Minister of Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Kurti,

Honorable Minister of Finance, Labour and Transfers, Mr. Murati,

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is deeply concerned about the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers’ (MFLT) recent publication of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2025-2027. The MTEF bypassed the public consultation process mandated by Regulation (GRK) no. 05/2016 on minimum standards for public consultation process. Public consultations are essential for transparency and to ensure the MTEF reflects the needs of all citizens, including women, men, girls and boys. This lack of transparency also hinders citizens’ and experts’ ability to analyze the budget’s intended impact, particularly regarding gender equality.

Furthermore, the MFLT has not released a Gender Budget Statement (GBS) or published the required gender-responsive budgeting annexes. GBS is critical for promoting gender equality in budgeting by outlining how the budget has planned to allocate resources to furthering gender equality by addressing the specific needs and priorities of women and girls. and Kosovo’s interest in implementing frameworks like Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability PEFA highlight the importance of gender-responsive public financial management (GPFM) and UN SDG 5.c.1. To date, these crucial documents have not been made available on the Government’s websites, in terms of transparency and compliance with the SDG 5.c.1 indicator. A GBS and published annexes would demonstrate how the budget advances gender equality and ensures public access to clear and comprehensive budget information.

KWN urges the MFLT to rectify this situation. Public consultations for the MTEF should be launched immediately, adhering to Regulation (GRK) No. 05/2016. These consultations should be inclusive and accessible to a diverse range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, women’s groups, and the general public. Public participation in the MTEF development process allows citizens to understand how public funds will be allocated and advocate for their priorities. This fosters transparency, accountability, and a more equitable distribution of resources.

Thus, the Kosovo Women’s Network requests that the Government of Kosovo and specifically MFLT:

Urgently launch the required a public consultation on the MTEF, as well as for upcoming annual budgets as per Regulation (GRK) no. 05/2016 on minimum standards for public consultation process.
Publish a Gender Budget Statement in line with SDG indicator 5c1, illustrating how the budget will contribute to the advancement of gender equality in Kosovo in line with the Government’s commitments.
Publish transparently online all gender budget annexes, as mandated by budget circulars, which must be submitted by budget organizations.

We hope that you will take concrete steps in addresing our recommendations, and we are available to meet to discuss further.

Sincerely,

Igballe Rogova

Executive Director

Kosovo Women’s Network

28.03.25

Rogova’s Call to Action: Together, Donors, Civil Society Make Change Happen

15.05.24

Reaction: Lack of Public Consultations regarding the Medium-term Expenditures Framework(MTEF)

29.04.24

President Osmani Hosts Women, Peace and Security Forum

29.04.24

Behind closed doors: Legal perspectives on domestic violence and spousal homicide

17.04.24

Gender Budget Watchdog Network Presents Paper on Donor Financing for Gender Equality at UN Commission on Status of Women

16.04.24

March: A Month of Protest, Resistance, Empowerment, and Solidarity

President Osmani Hosts Women, Peace and Security Forum

29.04.2024

On 15-16 Apr. 2024, Kosovo President H.E. Vjosa Osmani hosted the second international Women, Peace and Security Forum in Pristina, with the theme “Rethinking Security”. The Forum gathered leaders and activists from around the world to discuss solutions to two key issues affecting women and girls’ security in conflict and post-conflict situations globally: sexual violence and climate change.

In the Forum’s opening, KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova appeared among other women from diverse sectors in a performance that highlighted the past, current and future amid the opening remarks. She said:

Before the war,

during the war,

and after the war I went into the villages, towns, and cities

to make sure the needs, fears, rights and voices of women and girls in Kosovo were heard.

Together with so many incredible activists and feminists in Kosovo, we supported them to Speak out and Act.

And We will continue to do so, every day, for ALL of them.

I was Here.

We are Here.

And yes, We will be Here.

She emphasised the importance of activists working together to further peace and security for women.

Survivors of sexual violence shared their stories during the Forum, calling governments to take action to protect survivors and demand justice for crimes committed.

KWN member organisations like the Kosovo Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT) were actively engaged in the Forum, hosting discussions on creating support systems for survivors of violence and on male survivors’ journey from war trauma to ending silence. Under the patronage of President Osmani, artist Alketa Xhafa Mripa collected dresses for an exhibition she will prepare for the Exhibition in The Hague. KWN members KRCT, Medica Kosova, Medica Gjakova and the Centre for Promotion of Women’s Rights supported, donating dresses and explaining the special meaning of each dress related to their supporting survivors. Like the prior exhibition “Thinking of You” held in Pristina under the patronage of President Jahjaga, the exhibition will seek to raise international awareness regarding the plight of women suffering sexual violence in war and the continued lack of justice for this heinous crime.

KWN Program Director and Lead Researcher also moderated this panel on “Breaking the Cycle of Impunity: Advancing Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence”. Considering that continued impunity remains a key challenge in addressing conflict-related sexual violence, panellists discussed the key factors contributing to impunity, such as weak and corrupt legal systems, poor political will for prosecuting crimes and challenges in collecting evidence amid conflict. They sought to identify recommendations for improving the legal framework at national and international levels towards addressing impunity.

During the conference, the President also signed an agreement with U.S. Secretary Blinken’s Office of Global Women’s Issues with the presence of U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier, opening the Regional Women, Peace, and Security Center of Excellence in Kosovo. The centre, designed through collaboration between the government and civil society, will document, share, and take forward recommendations from Kosovo and the region to advance the women, peace and security agenda elsewhere in the world.

During several sessions, the President observed the recent case of femicide in moments of silence, called for courts to implement properly the criminal code with stronger sentences and called for citizens’ action to work together to condemn and stop violence against women.

On Tuesday, several actors including KWN, UN Women, former Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija and others wore red shoes in recognition of women who have suffered violence and to demonstrate visually the need for further enhancing solidarity among women towards realising shared feminist aims.

KWN, in close collaboration with its members, plans to present recommendations following the Forum on issues the Government of Kosovo, among other actors, can take forward and implement.

28.03.25

Rogova’s Call to Action: Together, Donors, Civil Society Make Change Happen

15.05.24

Reaction: Lack of Public Consultations regarding the Medium-term Expenditures Framework(MTEF)

29.04.24

President Osmani Hosts Women, Peace and Security Forum

29.04.24

Behind closed doors: Legal perspectives on domestic violence and spousal homicide

17.04.24

Gender Budget Watchdog Network Presents Paper on Donor Financing for Gender Equality at UN Commission on Status of Women

16.04.24

March: A Month of Protest, Resistance, Empowerment, and Solidarity

Behind closed doors: Legal perspectives on domestic violence and spousal homicide

29.04.2024

Domestic violence is a widespread social phenomenon that transcends geographic boundaries, socio-economic status and cultural norms. It is an evil manifestation of power and control, exercised through physical, emotional and psychological abuse where the victims, mostly women, suffer in silence, trapped in fear, shame and social stigma.

The most tragic outcome of domestic violence is when it culminates in the killing of the spouses, as a result of ongoing abuse which usually tends to be covered up and neglected. Having witnessed such consecutive cases, we considered it necessary to conduct an interview related to this issue with lawyer Fitim Gashi, legal representative of KWN for women who report domestic violence.

Through this interview, we aimed to explain the legal complexities surrounding domestic violence and spousal homicide, and the indispensable role of the justice system in stopping this horrific epidemic. “The protection of victims of domestic violence and their families is not only a professional obligation, but a moral obligation based on the principles of justice and human rights.” – said lawyer Fitim Gashi. This includes providing appropriate legal representation, amplifying the voices of the marginalized and challenging the prevailing culture of impunity that shields perpetrators from accountability.

Legally, prosecuting spousal homicide cases requires a balance between seeking justice and dealing with the complexities of human relationships. The courtroom becomes a battleground where evidence is examined, testimony is analyzed and it is established whether or not it was a premeditated crime. This process also requires a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with social workers, mental health professionals and community organizations to provide support to survivors.

Gathering and preserving evidence is essential in the prosecution of cases of domestic violence and spousal murder. This evidence may include medical records documenting injuries, photographs of injuries or crime scenes, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence such as DNA or fingerprints. Evidence preservation is especially critical in cases where the victim does not survive, as it may be the only means of proving the perpetrator’s guilt.

In lawyer Gashi’s experience, men who kill their wives often justify their actions through distorted notions of ownership and entitlement, seeing their partners as objects rather than equal human beings. Defense attorneys can use different strategies to defend clients accused of spousal murder. Common defenses include self-defense, provocation and lack of intent. Additionally, mitigating factors such as mental illness or intoxication may be introduced to reduce the defendant’s culpability or mitigate the severity of the sentence.

The legal framework surrounding domestic violence has evolved over the years, recognizing the importance of the issue and the urgent need for strong protection mechanisms. However, as lawyer Fitim Gashi pointed out, the effectiveness of these measures is often undermined by barriers within the system, including insufficient reporting, inadequate enforcement of decisions and the dominant climate of victim blaming.

The fight against domestic violence and spousal murder is far from over, but it is a battle that must be fought with unwavering determination. It requires a concerted effort by legislators, law enforcement agencies, judicial authorities and civil society to dismantle pervasive structures of oppression and create a society where every individual can live free from fear and violence. As a lawyer, Gashi vowed to continue to be on the front lines of this fight, trying to come to the aid of those in need and ensure that justice prevails, even behind closed doors.

28.03.25

Rogova’s Call to Action: Together, Donors, Civil Society Make Change Happen

15.05.24

Reaction: Lack of Public Consultations regarding the Medium-term Expenditures Framework(MTEF)

29.04.24

President Osmani Hosts Women, Peace and Security Forum

29.04.24

Behind closed doors: Legal perspectives on domestic violence and spousal homicide

17.04.24

Gender Budget Watchdog Network Presents Paper on Donor Financing for Gender Equality at UN Commission on Status of Women

16.04.24

March: A Month of Protest, Resistance, Empowerment, and Solidarity

Gender Budget Watchdog Network Presents Paper on Donor Financing for Gender Equality at UN Commission on Status of Women

17.04.2024

The Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) for the Western Balkans and Moldova presented its working paper titled “Illuminating the Issues: Multilaterals’ External Financing: Delivering on Gender Equality Commitments” at a side event during the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York on 22 Mar. 2024. Co-organised by GBWN and Keystone International, the event was held in the context of the CSW’s focus on financing for gender equality, aiming to highlight how multilaterals’ improved use of gender-responsive budgeting could contribute to more and better financing for achieving global gender equality aims, such as those related to the Sustainable Development Goals.

GBWN’s paper highlights the importance of gender-responsive budgeting by multilateral funders like UN agencies, the European Union (EU) and World Bank. If multilaterals are to support the institutionalisation of gender-responsive budgeting in individual countries, it could serve their efforts well if they themselves demonstrate best practices in gender-responsive budgeting. Moreover, gender-responsive budgeting can contribute to more efficient, effective, transparent and impactful results towards gender equality by improving how resources are allocated to benefit diverse women and men in development work.

As an author of the paper, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Program Director and Lead Researcher Nicole Farnsworth presented key findings and recommendations during a panel entitled “Illuminating the Issues: How Multilaterals Are Walking the Gender Budget Talk?”, organised by GBWN.

“While gender-responsive budgeting has primarily been used by governments, it can be applied to any budget cycle,” she emphasised.

Based on best practices in gender-responsive budgeting, multilaterals should provide a gender budget statement detailing how development funding will advance gender equality, considering intersections with age, ethnicity and disability. Then, multilaterals can lead by example by reporting on how financing contributed to gender equality commitments, the paper found. They also can better publicise their expenditures towards gender equality in a user-friendly and understandable manner.

Ludmila Malcoci from Keyston Moldova, another GBWN member, presented a case study on gender and disability from the same paper, noting that multilaterals’ strategies and financing rarely have considered how gender intersects with disability to create added vulnerabilities that must be addressed in development work.

Other discussants included representatives from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Austrian Development Agency, UN Women, the United Kingdom Women’s Budget Group and the European Women’s Lobby.

During the discussion, Jesus Sanchez Mugica from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a multilateral examined in the paper, emphasised the crucial role of civil society in holding governments and intergovernmental institutions accountable for using public finances to achieve gender equality objectives. He praised GBWN’s work in this regard and stated that UNDP would consider how the recommendations could be implemented. The discussion is available on video, and GBWN will host an online launching of the finalised working paper later this year, so stay tuned for more information!

28.03.25

Rogova’s Call to Action: Together, Donors, Civil Society Make Change Happen

15.05.24

Reaction: Lack of Public Consultations regarding the Medium-term Expenditures Framework(MTEF)

29.04.24

President Osmani Hosts Women, Peace and Security Forum

29.04.24

Behind closed doors: Legal perspectives on domestic violence and spousal homicide

17.04.24

Gender Budget Watchdog Network Presents Paper on Donor Financing for Gender Equality at UN Commission on Status of Women

16.04.24

March: A Month of Protest, Resistance, Empowerment, and Solidarity

March: A Month of Protest, Resistance, Empowerment, and Solidarity

16.04.2024

In March, as with every year, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) participated in various events in Kosovo and Albania. This included joining the traditional march in Prishtina known as “We march, we don’t celebrate,” the protest in Tirana called “Nata është e jona” (The Night Is Ours) and the Femfest 2024 festival in Tirana, among others.

The slogan “Our bodies, our rights! For each other!” brought together numerous activists during this year’s We March We Don’t Celebrate event in Prishtina. United, activists and citizens advocated for autonomy over the bodies and rights of girls and women, rejecting any system attempting to exert control over them. Despite facing government oppression, the collective Marshojmë S’festojmë in Pristina expressed their determination, unity, and organization in defending the fundamental right to protest on March 8, 2024.

In Tirana, activists gathered under the banner “The night is ours”, focusing on critical issues of physical and digital security in domestic, workplace, and public settings. Amidst the femicide that has tragically claimed numerous lives, they emphasized the urgent need for action.

According to the “Feminist Collective,” 41% of Albanian women who engage online have encountered some form of technology-based violence.

The urgent call for imposing severe penalties for crimes targeting women online, including the criminalization of sexual blackmail and cyberstalking, was emphasized. “We stand united in our quest for change and justice” said the Feminist Collective in Tirana.

Femfest 3, an empowering feminist arts and culture festival, once more enthralled audiences, elevating voices through art, dialogue, and discourse.

This platform not only celebrated the accomplishments of women but also advocates for the complete fulfillment of women’s rights. Through performances, panel discussions, and scholarships, Femfest remains a source of inspiration and empowerment.

FemFEST, a feminist art and culture festival was initiated by BASH ART and debuted in Tirana, Albania in 2022.

Planned to be an annual event, coinciding with International Women’s Day, the festival seeks to reinvigorate the original intent of March 8th: recognizing the cultural, political, and socio-economic accomplishment of women while advocating for the complete realization of women’s rights.

28.03.25

Rogova’s Call to Action: Together, Donors, Civil Society Make Change Happen

15.05.24

Reaction: Lack of Public Consultations regarding the Medium-term Expenditures Framework(MTEF)

29.04.24

President Osmani Hosts Women, Peace and Security Forum

29.04.24

Behind closed doors: Legal perspectives on domestic violence and spousal homicide

17.04.24

Gender Budget Watchdog Network Presents Paper on Donor Financing for Gender Equality at UN Commission on Status of Women

16.04.24

March: A Month of Protest, Resistance, Empowerment, and Solidarity

The organization The Committee of Blind Women of Kosovo Identifies the Challenges Faced by Blind People in Education

16.04.2024

The member organization of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) “The Committee of Blind Women of Kosovo” (CBWK) has successfully completed its initiative titled “Inclusive Education Works Better for Blind and Visually Impaired Children,” thanks to a grant received from KWN’s Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF).

Over the course of an eight-month initiative, the organization has collected data on a previously unexplored topic in Kosovo. Through research observations at the Resource Center for Blind People “Xheladin Deda” in Peja, the organization successfully identified the challenges and obstacles faced by blind and visually impaired individuals, with a particular focus on women and girls, in accessing education.

The organization’s representatives organized an advocacy meeting with the Director of the Directorate of Education in the Municipality of Peja. During this meeting, the research findings were presented, and a request was made to support the Resource Center for Blind Persons by ensuring the provision of essential infrastructure This infrastructure is crucial for enabling students with disabilities to access education more easily.

As a beneficiary of this project, CBWK has enhanced its capacities by collecting concrete data on a topic that will contribute to the further advancement of its initiatives.

The CBWK carried out this activity as a beneficiary of the grant within the 18th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund. This initiative, titled “Furthering the Women’s Rights’ Initiative” was funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-funded by the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (Sida).

08.07.25

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

01.07.25

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

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

KWN, NGO “Integra”, and the Ministry of Justice in Collaboration with the Hadi Shehu City Theater Support the Theatrical Performance ‘STIFFLER’

16.04.2024

On March 29, the theater “Hadi Shehu” in the city of Gjakova presented the play “Stiffler”. Written by Doruntina Basha and directed by Kushtrim Koliqi, and featuirng actors Rebeka Qena, Armend Smajli, and Adrian Morina, this play sheds light on the challenges encountered by victims of sexual violence and human trafficking when they seek assistance from local institutions, highlighting the stigma and prejudices they face.

The play was created as part of the “Sot dhe Çdo ditë tjetër” (Today and Every Day) campaign initiated by the Ministry of Justice, aimed at fostering societal efforts to combat gender-based violence. Supported financially by the Kosovo Women’s Network, the play contributed to diminishing prejudices against victims of sexual violence and trafficking. “Stiffler” is a production of the NGO Integra.

28.03.25