Kosovo Women's Network

Women’s Economic Forum Launch National Agenda

29.12.2017

After a yearlong of coming together to discuss current and urgent affairs dealing with women’s economic empowerment, the Women’s Economic Forum presented its National Agenda for the Economic Empowerment of Women on the 18^th of December 2017.

KWN as one of the founders and members of this forum has provided input for this agenda and has been active in advocating for amending Kosovo’s Law on Labour in order to create a more enabling labour environment in which more women can be employed. During this event, after welcoming words by Alban Hashani, Executive Director of Institute Riinvest and James Hope, USAID Kosovo Mission Director, the agenda and its aims were presented. The mains pillars of this national agenda were drafted by all 10 member organizations of the Women’s Economic Forum and evolve around amending the Law on Labour, mostly focussing on introducing new models for maternity leave, paternity leave and shared parental leave.

Secondly, on increasing the number of and establishing new forms of investing in childcare facilities. Thirdly, the agenda focusses on advocacy points related to changing trainings offered at vocational training schools and lastly, on women’s entrepreneurship. The launch of this agenda included a panel discussion with the Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

All governmental representatives welcomed the agenda, expressing its relevance and Kosovo’s need for such a document. According to Mr. Çerkin Dukolli, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, “women are a strategic capital”, expressing his understanding of investing in strategies that would enable more women to become active members of the labour market.

As the agenda is now made public, 2018 awaits an active year full of advocacy efforts towards empowering women economically.

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Artpolis, through forum theater, seeks realization of the rights for survivors of sexual violence during the war

29.12.2017

Since the issue of survivors of sexual violence during the last war in Kosovo is still considered being a taboo for many people, ArtPolis – Art and Community Center, which is also a member of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) continues with its activities to advocate against this phenomenon in our country. This center has presented the performance "Stigma – Demand Your Right" in the framework of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, which on 6 December 2017 was presented at the National Theater. Present were representatives of the country’s institutions, representatives from civil society, students, pupils and others.

Artpolis also presented this show in six Kosovo municipalities, including Lipjan Correctional Center in Peja, Mitrovica, Prizren, and Gjakova while the closing show took place in Pristina.

This performance addresses a rather sensitive topic, that of survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo, which, according to various reports, indicated that are about 20,000 women who have experienced sexual violence during the war.

Through the show were presented lives of two families, one living in Kosovo while the other family living in England. Mira, a show character who was a survivor of sexual violence during the war, had migrated to England after her husband had been killed in the war. She had now created a new life in England but had not yet found the strength to tell her son the horror she had experienced during the war. After her son got acquainted with a girl from Kosovo, Mira comes to Kosovo after 18 years where she met with the girl her son had chosen and with her father. Immediately the father of the girl saw her, recognized her and knowing her story, he asked from her to leave without making bigger issue of it. The characters stayed in their roles and talked to the public. Mira told she was survivor of violence during the war and her son, affected by what his mother had experienced, supported her. Same did the girls but her father did not have the same stance that appeared in a very patriarchal role.

Many of these women, even 18 years after the war, live in miserable conditions. There are women who, because of the unjustly committed violence against them, were forced by their families to marry with mentally ill persons, thus causing to her further psychiatric harm.

The Ombudsman – Hilmi Jashari promised that these women will have his unremitted support and asked other local institutions to carry out with their work with more dedication and the survivors enjoy their rights they belong to.

The message conveyed by this show, among others, presented these women as heroines.

This show was created under the project "Protection and promotion of human rights in Kosovo through active civil society", an EU-funded project managed by the European Union Office in Kosovo under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, implemented by the Kosovo Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED), by the Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) and by Artpolis in partnership with the Ombudsman’s Office.

Also, within the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Artpolis, together with the ‘MIQT community’ and support of local gastronomy company Fëfër, organized a civic and solidarity initiative to support women entrepreneurs from Krusha. Initially, FërFër allocated a donation with the necessary gastronomic tools for those women who deal with food business, while all day long, on 9 December, traditional food was cooked and served by these women and a modest amount was collected as a contribution for the small businesses owned by women of Krusha.

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Addressing sexual harassment in the workplace

29.12.2017

On Dec. 4^th, Kosovar Gender Studies Center (KGSC), a long-time member of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) organized a panel discussion titled “Sexual Harassment in the workplace in Kosovo”. The panel was moderated by Lavdi Zymberi, KCGS, and comprised of Gresa Rrahmani, KWN, Jeta Berisha, Artpolis and Zana Idrizi, Girls Coding Kosovo.

Idrizi informed the public regarding “Walk Freely” an online application, the first of its kind developed by young women coders in Kosovo. Through this application women and men can report sexual harassment in their phones. Further, Idrizi elaborated the data collected which shows 52 reports of sexual harassment at work, from which 25 were perpetrated by the employer, 15 from work colleagues and 12 by clients. On the other hand, Berisha focused on the continuous work Artpolis has been doing in raising awareness to the public about the harm of sexual harassment though art. Moreover, she shared her personal experience when trying to report sexual harassment to the responsible institutions and their failure to rightfully address them. Rrahmani shared the research data from KWN’s “Sexual Harassment in Kosovo” report, noting how concerning it is that 60% of women have experienced sexual harassment in their lives compared to 30% of men. Briefly addressing the main problems related to the issue from “victim blaming” to “power relations”, she concentrated her presentation in how victims of sexual harassment can report it to the responsible institutions, the procedures they can take and the importance of knowing and exercising your rights.

Ultimately, most people present agreed that although the issue of sexual harassment remains problematic and widespread, it is important to continue talking about it, raising awareness and supporting victims of sexual harassment in their claims. This panel was organized within the 16 days of activism campaign "Leave no one behind: End Violence against Women and Girls", supported by Kvinna till Kvinna and funded by SIDA.

Photo: ©KGSC

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Belgrade – Pristina Dialogue from Women’s Perspective

29.12.2017

Mitrovica Women’s Association for Human Rights and Women’s Association ‘Pescanik’ from Krushevac partnered up for a project supported by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation with the aim of bringing together human and women’s rights activists from Serbia and Kosovo to contribute to processes of peacebuilding.

In this framework, a panel discussion on the EU facilitated dialogue for the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina was organized. Its key aim was to discuss the way in which women’s groups can play a role in making sure that women’s priorities and needs are reflected in these negotiations.

Among panel members was also former Minister of Dialogue for the Government of Kosovo, Ms. Edita Tahire who gave a detailed explanation of the history of the Dialogue, which agreements were made and what this means for Serbia – Kosovo relations. She explained that issues such as repatriation of survivors of sexual violence during the war and missing persons have been deemed to be too sensitive still to include it in the Dialogue but that in the future it will be.

Marija Stankovic from AKTIV, an NGO that operates in Northern Mitrovica, critiqued the Dialogue for not having any substantial positive impact on the lives of Serbian citizens in the north. For example, obtaining official documents in the Serbian language is still an issue or the fact that people feel less secure when crossing the bridge in Mitrovica after the last elections.

Iliriana Banjska from KNW moderated the debate and raised the issue of a lack of consultations organized with diverse women prior to negotiations in order to reflect their needs and priorities in these talks. Ms. Edita Tahiri agreed and stated that “Dialogues as the one today are what is needed to inform the Belgrade – Pristina Dialogue and what is missing in it”.

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Artpolis launched the first Activist Women’s Virtual Museum

29.12.2017

On 14 December, at the Oda Theater, the Art and Community Center – Artpolis launched for the first time in Balkan’s history the first Activist Women’s Virtual Museum.

This virtual museum is presented as a digital entity that takes character of a museum, but with a more distinctive role: to Promote values ”‹”‹of the peaceful activism of women who protect human rights. This museum, which will be the first of its kind in Kosovo, will be presented in the form of an interactive platform, bringing inspirational and vital stories, pictures or videos of women activists.

The idea came from the need to have information on women’s activism in Kosovo and due to lack of information on women activists who have challenged the mentality and patriarchal system. Particularly for those reasons that history has recognized very little such women when even a single chapter was not ever dedicated to them. They are much, much more than we know them. They are not numbers; they are names that should not be forgotten.

Artpolis together with activist Fjolla Vukshinaj have initially collected 20 articles written about women from Kosovo and the Region who have fought in social disparities in various forms by engaging in empowering women’s role in patriarchal societies.

Presentation of the platform was also followed by a discussion with participating activists who also took part in writing the history of human rights, such as: the Moderator: Fjolla Vukshinaj; Panelists: Xhejrane Lokaj – Activist; Shuki Gashi – Executive Director of Partners Kosova – Center for Conflict Management/Activist, Vjollca Krasniqi – Professor at the Department of Social Affairs, University of Prishtina/ the Activist Ariana Qosaj – Mustafa – from KIPRED, Blerta Zeqiri – Director / Dramaturge, Jeta Krasniqi – KDI , Urim Ahmeti, Sherife Vukshinaj – Economist, Adelina Berisha – KWN and Halit Kadriu.

Hundreds of associates, activists, artists and women who have written the history of activism hailed the initiative. The evening was followed by a cocktail event under the sound of live music by Vala Mulliqi and Denis Rexhepi.

This initiative was supported by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.

Photography: © Artpolis

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Medica Kosova continues being committed to survivors of sexual violence

29.12.2017

On 22 December 2017, in Gjakova, the Medica Kosova through a round table on “Supporting the survivors to facilitate the process of recognition of their status – IF NOT US, WHO ELSE?" successfully concluded another project as support to a better life for survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo.

Thanks to the multi-year partnership with the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, in order to guarantee a sustainable path to support the survivors, the Medica Kosova implemented the project "Implementing an Integration Approach to Legislation for Surviving Sexual Violence during the War". Veprore Shehu, Executive Director of Medica Kosova and Yllka Soba, Kosovo Program Officer for the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation spoke about the project. The roundtable was also hailed by Ardian Gjini-new Mayor of the Municipality of Gjakova.

Furthermore, Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of Kosovo Women’s Network, among others mentioned the common advocacy as a powerful tool to push the process of recognition forward. Meanwhile, for the media campaign "Nje fije drite” for raising the society’s awareness of the support to survivors of sexual violence, spoke Elvana Shala, Ambassador of Goodwill at the International Human Rights Committee and also author of the campaign.

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Kosovar Student Shares Passion to Address Inequalities, Interning at KWN

29.12.2017

Ardita Avdija is in her final year for Psychology at the University of Prishtina. She was a Public Relation (PR) intern these past 4 months with the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN). Even though she is studying another field, she is also very passionate about gaining more skills in professional writing and public relations. Before KWN, she worked at local radio stations, promoted books for many authors, and attended non-formal trainings that helped her to shape her perceptions about recent current affairs. Her most cherished part of working with KWN was being primarily involved in fighting for women’s rights and their empowerment. She feels incredibly lucky to have contributed and helped staff with writing and reporting, also with logistical tasks within projects when needed.
The most interesting thing for her was understanding the problems Kosovar women face and gender issues in a deeper perspective. As Ardita stated it was challenging for her to work while she was studying, but she knew that this was an excellent opportunity to improve and adapt many other skills, considering the vast amount of great work being done by the Network. Ardita plans on using this experience to expand her idea of what feminism and advocating for gender equality looks like, and it makes her want to work further in this area. “I wish to contribute more and keep my potential for making a significant contribution in the near future related to all the visions and ideologies that I have”, Ardita emphasized. She genuinely feels lucky to have volunteered with an organization such as KWN.

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The Lobby on Gender Equality list women advocacy priorities during 2018

02.12.2017

On Nov., 24-26, in Durrës, the Lobby on Gender Equality in Kosovo (Lobby) held its three-day meeting attended by over 100 Lobby members, representatives of local institutions and members of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) staff.

After the accommodation in Durrës, on the first day of this meeting, Igablle Rogova, KWN Executive Director, in her opening speech thanked all the participants from the 24 municipalities that were present and for the joint work and commitment during the year we are leaving behind. She further presented a short history about Lobby for the Assembly members who were present for the first time, highlighting several successful advocacy initiatives.

Before the members of Lobby were divided into working groups to summarize the work and engagement on the issues raised by each municipality during 2017, Rogova informed the participants about the program of this three-day meeting, pointing out that the main purpose of this meeting is networking, solidarity and exchange of experiences with each other, thus creating co-operation between municipalities to improve the position of women and girls in the respective municipalities.

The second part was reserved for Mrs. Milva Ekonomin, Member of the Parliament of Albania, invited as a speaker for cooperation between women in politics and women’s organizations in Albania. Mrs. Ekonomi shared her experiences as a woman who had been working on finding and analysing various state statistics in Kosovo and Albania, as a woman part of civil society, as a minister and ultimately as a deputy in parliament. After her speech the attendees had the opportunity to ask questions about the issues they were interested in.

On the second day, after work in working groups, one representative of the municipality presented three main points for which they will be committed to work in 2018. Some of the planned advocacy initiatives are: Advocacy for young girls towards engagement in politics and their empowerment in political subjects; Advocate for equal division in managerial positions; Advocate for employment and sheltering for self-supporting mothers; Advocate for the economic empowerment of women through subsidies in municipalities; Advocate for problem solving in better quality access to health services for women; Advocate for scholarships or other important issues for the education of girls and women; etc.

The afternoon was reserved for discussion with the National Democratic Institute (NDI). "NDI does not only train for a few days, but there is continuity of work, and their participation today and the discussions that will be made are the continuation of our co-operation," said Ms. Rogova when presenting NDI.

Political Party Development Program Manager at NDI, Pranvera Lipovica, after presenting the work done with the Women’s Leadership Academy and the "Week of Women", emphasized to the attendees that regarding the work done with women, for NDI it is important that as many women are engaged in political life, whereby there is a work process for building the capacity of women and young people. The purpose of the NDI presence at this meeting was to hear women’s voices on the issues they think are important to be presented during the Week of Women 2018.

At the end of this meeting, the Lobby decided to send a press release to show dissatisfaction with the low representation of women in the formation of the new Government.

Witnessing again solidarity, Lobby’s women gathered 400 euros for Ina M., a woman from Pristina who needed help for her children after experiencing domestic violence.

This meeting was made possible by financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

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KWN Calls for Improved EU Funding for Women’s Rights CSOs

01.12.2017

On 22 Nov., the European Parliament (EP) in cooperation with the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation organized a debate in Brussels, where panellists discussed: “Is the EU Accession Process delivering for women in the Western Balkans?” Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Jozo Radoš, Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), Julie Ward, Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and Eduard Kukan European People’s Party (EPP) co-hosted the event. In addition to these MEPs, other panellists included Liselotte Isaksson, Head of Sector Civil Society and Inclusion in Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR); Morten Jung, Senior Advisor for Western Balkans at DG NEAR; and women’s rights activists from the region, including Nicole Farnsworth, KWN Program Manager and Lead Researcher.
The half-day debate involved three panels focusing on: I) Mainstreaming gender and women’s rights in the EU Accession process: examples from Country Progress Reports; II) social reforms including maternity leave: who benefits?; and EU funding for women’s organisations: and III) what are the challenges and opportunities?
Drawing from recent research findings, in her remarks, Nicole emphasized the important role that women’s rights organizations play in bringing about sustainable changes within their communities. Further, she noted that the EU Gender Action Plan II recognizes this role and thus encourages the EU to support women’s rights organizations. Despite the Gender Action Plan II’s clear indicators related to funding for women and girls, as well as for women human rights defenders, respectively, current EU E-Systems do not enable the EU to track adequately these expenditures. Thus, one recommendation was for the EU’s new, forthcoming electronic data management system to include indicators related to funding for women and girls, as well as for women’s rights organizations.
Moreover, Nicole spoke about women’s rights organizations’ funding needs and different types of funding modalities for reaching diverse organizations. She suggested that the EU use a “healthy mix” of funding modalities that include longer-term, larger sub-granting programs towards better reaching medium and smaller organizations (such as based on the positive model of the Kosovo Women’s Fund); Action Grants that address gender inequalities, as identified in Progress Reports and EU country Gender Analyses; Operating Grants as multi-year Framework Partnership Agreements to better support organizations’ long-term strategic initiatives; and contracting local gender experts to support the EU in realizing its aims to implement the Gender Action Plan II. More information from Nicole’s presentation is available here: http://www.womensnetwork.org/documents/20171201123609298.pdf.
Nicole’s trip to Brussels involved several other important advocacy meetings. Together with representatives of the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation and other women’s rights activists from the region, she also met with the Swedish representation in Brussels to discuss opportunities for collaboration in realizing the aims of Sweden’s Feminist Foreign Policy. With fellow activists, Nicole also met with Liselotte Isaksson to discuss further needs and opportunities related to funding for women’s rights organizations; Mariam Wehbe-Herrera, Policy Assistant on Gender Equality within DG NEAR to collaborate towards implementing the EU Gender Action Plan II; MEP Clare Moody to discuss opportunities for the EP to earmark funds for women’s organizations; Gaby Hagmüller and Sonja Nita from the Centre of Thematic Expertise on Civil Society Support; and Julia Mueller-Hellmann, Judiciary and Human Rights Policy Officer, and Farina Ahäuser, Assistant Policy Officer, Political Desk from DG NEAR Kosovo Unit to discuss issues of concern in Kosovo in the context of the forthcoming Progress Report.
This trip was supported by the EP and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.

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