Kosovo Women's Network

AEFC advocates to open a Gynecology Counseling Service in Gjakova

01.12.2017

On 7 November, the Association for Education and Family Care (AEFC) held the last meeting under the project of “An educated woman, a healthy society”, attended by representatives of Active Women of Gjakova, Kosovo Center for Development and Multicultural Integration, Medica Kosovo, a few women assembly members of the Municipal Assembly of Gjakova, representatives from the Center for Social Work in Gjakova, representatives from the Family Medicine Center, and representatives of the Kosovo’s Women Network (KWN).

Firstly, the Director of AEFC, Ms. Bahrije Deva, informed the attendees of the general purpose of this project, the importance of opening a gynecology counseling office only for young girls and the activities held in Dobrosh, Molliq, Korenica, and Lipovec. The meetings were held with the students and women of these villages.

Blerta Domi, gynecologist, stressed that girls are interested to be more informed about the health problems which their peers might face. “When young girls start to see the gynecologist, they hesitate to talk about this matter, and do not even talk about it with their girl peers because of fear of being prejudged”, Ms. Domi said.

Amid other topics, the attendees discussed also about the problem of early marriage of young girls, mentioning the most recent case of a young Roma girl who had given birth at the age of 14.

The women assembly members of the Municipal Assembly of Gjakova, Mimoza Shala and Vjollca Roka, declared that they will make pressure –until the goal is reached–in every meeting of the Municipal Assembly, so that the assembly members discuss about the opening and making operational a gynecology counseling office only for young girls, emphasizing the importance of such office.

Some of the recommendations deriving from the awareness-raising meetings with girls and women, advocacy meetings, and round tables include the following: To establish a “pentangle” linking parents, teachers, students, medicine professionals and NGOs to hold awareness-raising meetings more often regarding matters related to youth’s health and rights; to have at least one day every month reserved for gynecological visits and counseling in lower and higher secondary schools; to advocate at institutions for including the health education subject in the curricula, with a focus on sexual education, etc.

This project was supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) of the Kosovo Women’s Network and funded by the EU Office in Kosovo.

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25.02.26

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Kosovo Women’s Network continued cooperation with University of York

01.12.2017

On 22 November, a group of students from the Department of Post-War Recovery Studies, University of York, visited the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN). This is the third time that various generations of students from this University visit KWN in the context of study visits to Kosovo, over the last three years.
Adelina Berisha, Research and Advocacy Coordinator for gender-based violence and Nertila Qarri Gërguri, Project Coordinator of KWN informed the students of the work that the Network has done since its establishment. A particular focus during this meeting was put on the role the women and the civil society play in the process of dialogue, inter-ethnic reconciliation, refugee reintegration, and gender equality.
The representatives of the University of York thanked KWN for the time it made to welcome the students of this University for three years in row, emphasizing that such meetings help them acquire a hands-on experience of the best practices for empowering the roles that women and society play in all the facets of life.

19.03.26

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27.02.26

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25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

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13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

Instead of a commemoration

19.11.2017

A special friend

A year ago, on 19 November 2016, the Kosovo Women’s Lobby was holding its meeting at Gërmia bar. At around noon, Igo’s cellular phone rang and she rushed outside. We were left speechless. We did not know what was going on.

A few minutes later, Igo came; her eyes were in tears and her lips trembling. She announced us the mournful news: “I am sorry, but we have to terminate the meeting. Today, a special fiend of ours, Sevdije Ahmeti, passed away”. She could not continue the sentence… We were left speechless. Only the tearms running down women’s cheeks could be seen.

And who did not know Sevdije Ahmeti? That energetic women, daring activist, who was loving and smiling all the time with the people surrounding her.

Sevdije Ahmeti, the most privileged sister from her paternal great family of Çarkaxhiu; the distinguished student of the Faculty of Philology, English Language department.

The first student to receive a scholarship for improving language skills in London.

Sevdije, a devoted spouse, mother of Flamur and Urim, who, as young people that they are, ran the house errands for her so that she could work for the holy cause.

Sevdije, the new spirit and soul of the University Library.

Sevdije, the mastermind of women’s movement in 1990s, who did not accept to become a leader, because she wanted to be an activist only.

Sevdije, co-founder of the Center for Protection of Women and Children.

She never blinked an eye when she went into war zones to help vulnerable women and children.

Sevdije, on the vanguard of all protests organized for freedom and independence.

Sevdije, signatory of numerous petitions related to human rights violation.

She consistently traveled to Europe and even to Beijing to participate in women’s conferences, in which she was honored with numerous prizes, decorates and recognition.

Sevdije was the first daring woman who told internationals: “STOP! WE ARE THE LORDS OF THIS HOUSE!”.

Right after war, Sevdije Ahmeti raised her voice to support and rehabilitate women who had been violated during war.

Her activities were endless.

Sevdije Ahmeti’s heart was broken into pieces and her soul wounded when she was exhausting her entire being for Kosovo.

Sevdije loved Prishtina, Ulcin, Vlora, Preveza, Struga and Korab’s fields so much.

We will always remember her with respect and

19.03.26

Applying a Gender Lens: Erkenda Begins Her Internship at KWN

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

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13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

KWN launches research report on Budgeting for Improved Gender Equality in Diaspora

17.11.2017

Often times, women, men, girls and boys have various needs and priorities. Diaspora policies and programs must consider such differences. The Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) includes integrating gender in all the stages of planning, implementation, monitoring and assessment of state budgets.
In Kosovo, all budget organizations are legally bound to perform a GRB in order to advance the gender equality and better fulfil the needs of various citizens. Carrying out the gender analysis is the first essential step towards informing GRB.
For this reason, the Ministry of Diaspora (MD) and the Kosovo Women’sNetwork (KWN) have cooperated closely in order to carry out this gender analysis towards identifying the specific objectives and activities for furthering the gender equality in the operations of the Ministry.

Therefore, as a result of this cooperation, on 17 November, KWN published the most recent report on “Budgeting for Improved Gender Equality in Diaspora Program”. The recommendations stemming from this analysis aim at providing vital information to the MD Budget for 2018, and the Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEFs).

In her opening speech, KWN Executive Director, Igballe Rogova expressed her gratitude to the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) for its support and the Ministry of Diaspora, which made it possible to work on this report.

Later on, Cerim Bajrami addressed to the attendees thanking KWN and ADA for this cooperation which led to such completed report.

Further on, the main findings and recommendations stemming from this report were presented by the co-author of this report and the KWN Program Manager and Head of Research, Nicole Farnsworth.

Following the presentation of main findings, Kreshnik Berisha, Political Advisor to the Minister of Diaspora, expressed his willingness to continue the cooperation with KWN stating that “we are hearing and we will act”.

In the end, the attendees were given the opportunity to discuss the findings and recommendations stemming from this report, which was published with the support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

While you may read here, the final report, the main findings and recommendations of this report are provided below:

Some MD departments and bodies do not have gender-segregated data or systems for maintaining and using such data for budget planning. The Ministry should ensure that the employees gather, maintain and use gender-segregated data about the targeted persons, persons receiving consultation and those who benefit from MD programs, in order to improve the input data for planning future expenditures.
Except for this report, the Ministry has not carried out any known gender analysis to gather data for drafting or analyzing laws, policies or existing strategies related to diaspora. The Ministry should carry out gender analysis to obtain data that will inform drafting of laws, policies, strategies, programs and action plans, analyzing the way the latter impact differently men and women. The Ministry must ensure that the Gender Equality Officer (GEO) participates in working groups.
As of May 2017, women constituted only 23% of all beneficiaries of subsidies and transfer category and received only 20% of expenses (less than EUR 22,000 out of EUR 110,000), MD must take affirmative actions to increase the share of subsidies and grants benefiting women.
The procurement processes did not include affirmative actions towards furthering gender equality, as stipulated by the amended Law on Public Procurement. The Public Procurement Division can increase the inclusion of social objectives related to gender equality, under contracts, thereby obliging the contractors to apply the measures designed to promote gender equality when implementing their contracts.
More men than women have availed themselves of the opportunity for Diaspora students to carry out internships in various ministries. Women constitute 35% of all the interns during 2015-2017.
The Department for Protection and Cultivation of Education and Culture in Diaspora may use affirmative measures to encourage more men to participate in internship programs.
More women (60%) than men (40%) participated in trainings held during 2015 and March 2017. Unless these affirmative measures aim at advancing women in career, MD must consider a more balanced participation in trainings from women and men.
In April 2017, 37% of MD employees were women and 63% men. In 2016, men received 70% of expenditures for salaries and wages. More men (81%) than women (19%) have continuously worked at decisionmaking and better paid levels. MD must use affirmative measures to employ and promote more qualified women, thus contributing to more balanced expenditures in the salaries and wages economic category.
Women participated in 20% of official travels out of the total official travels in 2016.
As a result, the women officials received only 15% of expenditures for official travels. MD must ensure a gender balance among its staff that participate in official travel.

19.03.26

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25.02.26

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13.02.26

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13.02.26

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KWN Launches Report Budgeting for Improved Gender Equality in Diaspora Programs

13.11.2017

Download File

On November 17, at Hotel Sirius in Prishtina, starting from 10:45 – 12:00, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) will launch the results of our joint efforts, with Ministry of Diaspora and Strategic Investments (MDSI), which have resulted in a new publication entitled Budgeting for Improved Gender Equality in Diaspora Programs. During this event, KWN will present key findings and recommendations resulting from the analysis, as well as welcome discussion regarding the findings.

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

17.10.24

Letter to the Chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

KWN launches Policy Paper: Kosovo’s Progress in Aligning Its Laws with the European Union Gender Equality Acquis

13.11.2017

Download File

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) will publicly present its newest policy paper on 8 November 2017 at Hotel Sirius, entitled Kosovo’s Progress in Aligning Its Laws with the European Union Gender Equality Acquis. The paper was written by two renowned European lawyers and gender equality experts, Sylvia Cleff le Divellec and Katharina Miller, at KWN’s request and with financial support from the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

17.10.24

Letter to the Chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

Launching Event: Budgeting for Better Agriculture and Rural Development

12.11.2017

Download File

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

17.10.24

Letter to the Chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

KWN – dissatisfied and disappointed with the number of women representing the new government: “Where are the women”?

11.11.2017

Download File

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), expressed dissatisfaction and disappointment regarding the low representation of women in the new Government, at its regular meeting of the Assembly, held on September 11, 2017.

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

17.10.24

Letter to the Chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

KWN Invites Citizens to Demand Justice for Zejnepe #JusticeForZejnepe

10.11.2017

Download File

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

17.10.24

Letter to the Chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

KWN held its regular members’ meeting

10.11.2017

On 6 November 2017, at Hotel Sirius, the regular bimonthly meeting of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) members was held, attended by representatives of KWN member organizations, members of the Lobby for Gender Equality in Kosovo, and representatives of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo.

Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director opened the meeting by welcoming the participants. She noted that last week marked the 17th anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, Resolution that obliged institutions to contact and consult women, who until then were not consulted for anything. Now even official delegations when they come to visit, besides the governors, they also meet representatives of women’s organizations.

Mrs. Rogova mentioned the finally approved budget by the Government for the survivors of sexual violence during the war, even though the process lasted long. The process for these women to apply to benefit compensation can be done in 3 ways: online, through organizations working with these women and through the Secretariat. “Now, it is not our job as organizations to put pressure on these women to apply; we just have to share with them the information about the application process, but it remains for them to decide whether they want to apply or not” stated mrs. Rogova. Meanwhile, KWN is lobbying for donors to continue support for these women, as is the UN Women supported project recently, with grants for their economic empowerment. Among others, se shared a very touching solidarity example between survivors of sexual violence, when they have decided to share honey beehives with the ones more in need. The Network, but also Rogova personally, have taken on as a sacred duty to monitor this process, “because we have betrayed so much these women, broke them, and we have isolated them so much as a society, therefore no more violation will be allowed.”

KWN will organize an exhibition during the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence" campaign, meanwhile members were asked to notify the KWN staff if they plan any activities for this campaign. Thus, KWN can share the information with the Security Gender Coordination Group, in order to include these activities in the campaign calendar and inform citizens.

Further, Rogova spoke about the KWN’s concern with latest women’s murders (Femicide) becoming commonplace. KWN decided to hire a lawyer for the case of Zejnepe Berisha aiming to increas the punishment to the perpetrator, but also to convey the message to the relevant institutions and everyone else that someone is following these cases and the perpetrators of these offenses will not go unpunished. Also, KWN cooperation with BIRN has enabled participation in court cases through their monitoring.

Later, the members had the opportunity to share information about the activities that were recently taken, where Magbule Elezi from the Kosovo Midwifes Association informed that in cooperation with KWN they met the Minister of Health where among other raised concerns, it was emphasized the issue of maternity wards closing. The Minister has expressed the willingness to push this matter forward, re-opening of maternity wards so every woman have the opportunity to take these services as close as possible to their place of residence.

Nicole Farnsworth, the Program Manager and Lead Researcher at KWN, shared the information that soon she will be giving a speech in Brussels that deals with the EU mechanisms for funding women-led civil society organizations (WCSOs). Together with members issues related to two different policy papers KWN is in the process of writing were discussed. Further, members filled our a survey which contained questions related to funds made available by the EU and to what extend these address the issues that their organizations identify as the priorities in Kosovo. This survey moreover seeks to understand what type of support mechanisms grass-roots WCSOs need from the EU (in terms of funding, political support, etc.). The second round of questions evolved around the extent to which the EU Delegation in Kosovo is consulting WCSOs when planning, implementing and evaluating IPA programming and how the political section within the delegation is meeting WCSOs to set the country’s political agenda, to consult them on political matters and how much they feel that this section is mentioning gender equality issues in public (media, in public events, etc.)

At the end of the first part of the meeting, Mrs. Rogova informed the attendees that the Lobby for Gender Equality in Kosovo will organize three-day meeting in Durrës on 24-26 November 2017. Meanwhile, she added that the several-day meeting of KWN member organizations in Durrës is scheduled to be held during spring where the new KWN Strategy will be drafted.

The KWN 2017 Annual Members’ Meeting is set to be held on December 16, 2017.

This meeting was financed by the European Union Office in Kosovo.

19.03.26