KFOR organized in Pristina the Conference

06.07.2017

 On June 1 and 2, was held the Conference "Gender Perspective Days" organized by KFOR, attended by ambassadors, leaders of various local and international organizations, political figures and members of the Kosovo Police and Security Force. The first day of the Conference was held in Hotel Sirius. 
      General Major Giovanni Fungo at the opening of the conference during his speech, among others said that "gender equality is becoming very important and if the aspects of legal equality are not taken into account then they can be an obstacle to fulfill our mission." Given that this was the first time that KFOR was organizing an event outside its fences, General Fungo described it as "a step forward to make more connections with Kosovo society". 
      After the video message from the former President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, and a speech by NATO Commander Michelle Howard, Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of KWN, among other things recalled the beginning of KFOR cooperation with women’s organizations, emphasizing the importance of gender mainstreaming and challenges with which our society continues to face. 
     On the second day of the conference, which was held at the KFOR campus, Rogova spoke about the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 United Nations Resolution on Women Peace and Security 1325 from a political perspective and gender perspective, highlighting the struggle and role of women in civil society in this process. It further indicated on international and domestic advocacy for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) since its adoption in 2000 and that after the war in Kosovo, it used the Resolution to seek more Meetings between UN officials, international decision-makers and women in Kosovo.
       By overcoming the obstacles they faced and taking into account the commitment of women to contribute to peace building and to participate in the negotiations, Rogova recalled: "It was this period when KWN and the Women in Black Network decided to create the Women’s Peace Coalition by joining women from Kosovo and Serbia who, based on Resolution 1325, wanted to have at least one woman in the negotiating team of both states stressing the importance of lobbying for women’s participation in peacebuilding."

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EU Parliament to Discuss Violence against Women in Kosovo, Region

06.07.2017

The European Parliament Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) and the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) have asked Nicole Farnsworth, Kosovo Women’s Network Lead Researcher, to speak at the “joint exchange of views on violence against women in the Western Balkans and Turkey” held on 8 June 2017 in Brussels.
            Several issues exist pertaining to violence against women. Therefore, following consultations with women’s rights activists throughout South East Europe, she spoke about four main issues:
 
  1. The weak institutional response to violence against women in most countries, including widespread “blaming the victim”; insufficient address of sexual violence and sexual harassment cases; a failure to prosecute some crimes ex officio; low sentencing; and weak inter-institutional case management.
  2. The shrinking space and decreased funding for women’s rights CSOs in the region, which hampers their ability to provide quality services, monitor institutions, and undertake advocacy related to violence against women.
  3. Diminishing sexual and reproductive health rights, such as restrictions on abortion imposed recently in some countries; insufficient access to education, counselling, and affordable reproductive healthcare, including contraception, particularly for vulnerable groups like Roma, the disabled and LGBTQI persons. She also will mention the continuation of sex selection in several countries, including Kosovo, whereby female fetuses continue to be aborted due to social preferences to have male children.
  4. Justice and reparations for sexual violence perpetrated during the war. She will ask for EU support in pressuring states to acknowledge crimes committed and to pay reparations to victims.
Overall, she asked EU parliamentarians for support in ensuring that addressing violence against women, in all its forms, becomes a political priority.
“Politicians (local and foreign) tend to prioritize so-called ‘high-level political issues’ over issues affecting people’s everyday lives, such as domestic violence and sexual harassment,” said Farnsworth. “Activists have long argued that peace is not merely the absence of war. How useful are borders or an army, if you do not have security within your own home, your own school, your workplace, your street; or if you still suffer the effects of sexual violence perpetrated during the war, because no apologies have been made, no services have been offered, no justice has been served?”
Farnsworth requested the EU’s continued political and financial support for addressing violence against women in the region, also emphasizing the importance of meeting and collaborating with women’s rights organizations directly.
Farnsworth participated in several other meetings while in Brussels, towards raising awareness regarding gender equality in Kosovo and the situation of women more specifically, including participation in European Women’s Lobby Conference events related to: “LOUD & UNITED to end Violence against women and girls”. 
The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, financed by Sweden, has supported this initiative. 
 

 

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Kosovo Women’s Fund Gave €99,842.35 to 31 Women-led Organizations

06.07.2017

 On 12 June, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) organized the Orientation Session and the Press Conference to officially announce 31 recipients of 27 grants of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) amounting €99,842.35. Out of these grants, four of which are partnerships, €56,434.25 are financed by the European Union Office in Kosovo, while €43,408.10 are financed by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). 
            By supporting these women-led organizations initiatives, KWF contributes on changes that they bring to their communities. KWN, through KWF, also encourages solidarity among women’s rights activists, and working together as a women’s movement on implementing KWN’s Strategy 2015-2018, which has been compiled and approved in accordance with KWN’s member organizations. 
         Gentiana Murati, KWF Coordinator and Besa Shehu, Finance Menager at KWN, on the first part of the meeting shared detailed information regarding the narrative and financial reporting, and filling the monitoring and evaluation database, which will facilitate beneficiaries on reporting process throughout the implementation of these projects.
       Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of KWN, on her welcoming speech recalled the beginning of the Kosovo Women’s Fund back in 2012, when the financing amount was symbolic with €500 for a grant. She expressed her gratitude to the two main donors, the European Union Office in Kosovo and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), that five years later with their support there are €100,000 being given to women’s rights CSOs.
       “Their [donors] presence itself here shows how much they support the work of women’s organizations”, said Ms. Rogova, “appreciating the importance of gender equality for the development of a [our] society”. Meanwhile, she congratulated the beneficiaries wishing them success, emphasizing that “your successful projects and your successful and transparent work and results brought KWN where it is today”. She also thanked media for always supporting and transmitting to the audience the work and voice of women. 
       Deputy Head of Cooperation in the European Union Office in Kosovo, Mr. Libor Chlad, spoke about the importance of this Fund and their expectations that these projects will have an impact on improving the lives of girls and women and their community in Kosovo. Stressing the importance of gender equality as a fundamental human right for both the EU and Kosovo, he said that this should be adequately taken care of by state institutions. Among other things, he emphasized that EU expects an increased women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes after the elections on 11 June. 
        "Given the last year’s PISA results, the EU has focused on allocating funds to the education sector next year," said Mr. Libor Chlad. "Since there is ground to build a better future in the education sector, we will concentrate on comprehensive projects where we can address the obstacles we have identified in this sector. Gender Equality agenda should be included in teaching from childhood in order to increase and raise them with equal rights. We will continue to cooperate towards an equitable society based on participatory, inclusive and long-term sustainability," he added. 
        Meanwhile, the Head of the Office of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Mr. Gunther Zimmer said they are delighted to be part of Kosovo Women’s Fund through which they influence women’s empowerment. He also stressed that since ADA has been active in Kosovo from 1999, they always made sure that projects supported by them focus on gender equality as well. Mr Zimmer also expressed hopes that the next government will keep promises and involve more women in decision-making as a tool to furthering state’s development.
        "As per the Government and furthering women’s important issues, I would like to emphasize that we should strongly encourage the future Government to take all necessary steps on establishing the Secretariat for survivors of sexual violence during the war, as a final step in this process, therefore enabling as many women as possible to receive the compensations they are entitled to,” emphasized Mr Zimmer. Among other things, he stated, "Even ADA has learned from gaps towards gender equality. However, we will continue to support, but this support would be pointless without the cooperation with KWN." 
       During the signing of the contracts, Nevenka Rikallo from NGO Ruka+Ruci, beneficiary of this KWF round said “the importance and the role of KWN for women and girls in Kosovo is very important, knowing that their financial support to small organizations impacts the improvement of the position of women in the society, having in mind that gender equality is important in becoming a society with European standards”. 
KWN and its member organisations signed contracts for grants, as following:

 Advocacy Grants for a Single Organization:
 
  • Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo with the initiative: “Better healthcare quality, when everyone have access to it” (€2,987.50, supported by ADA)
  • Mitrovica Women’s Association for Human Rights with the initiative: “Young women, decision makers” (€2,175.00, supported by ADA)
  • Vita Jeta with the initiative: “Diabetes in the elderly” (€2,741.10, supported by ADA)
  • Center for Women’s Empowerment with the initiative: “Economic empowerment of household women – mothers” (€2,780.00, supported by ADA)
  • Luna with the initiative: “Women’s Health and Freedom of Movement” (€2,987.50, supported by ADA)
  • Together in Progress with the initiative: “From Mothers” – Advocacy for women farmers of Gjakova (€2,996.00, supported by ADA)
  • Modern Woman with the initiative: “Health and sexual and reproductive rights” (€2,989.00, supported by ADA)
  • Initiative for Integration of Communities with the initiative: “Improving the position of girls and women through involvement in decision-making in Dragash” (€2,535.00, supported by ADA)
  • Ato with the initiative: “My right to property” (€2,324.50, supported by ADA)
  • Garden of Flowers with the initiative: “Promoting women’s rights and empowering their role in property inheritance” (€2,757.50, supported by ADA)
  • Bliri with the initiative: “Awareness raising of reproductive health among youth” (€2,985.00, supported by ADA)
  • Divine Woman with the initiative: “Awareness raising of citizens on women’s inheritance and property rights” (€2,530.00, supported by ADA)
  • Social Club Live with the initiative: “Easier access to justice for women about property disputes” (€2,222.00, supported by ADA)
  • Farmer Women’s Association “Krusha e Vogel” with the initiative: “Start a business, do not hesitate” (€2,440.00, supported by ADA)
  • Handikos Mitrovica with the initiative: “Women’s and girls’ with disabilities access to healthcare” (€3,531.25, supported by the EU)
  • Association of the Blind and Partly Sighted with the initiative: “Awareness raising about the support of blind persons and persons with impaired vision” (€3,753.50, supported by the EU)
  • Kosovo Center for Multicultural Development and Integration with the initiative: “Economic empowerment of youth from non-majority communities, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, with focus on women” (€3,705.00, supported by the EU)
  • Partners Kosova Center for Conflict Management with the initiative: “Women’s advocacy for their property and inheritance rights” (€3,532.00, supported by the EU)
  • Girls Coding Kosova with the initiative: “#EcShlirë [#WalkFreely] v3.0.  – Working with Kosovo Police” (€4,000.00, supported by the EU)
  • Education Code with the initiative: “Women Entrepreneurs” (€3,642.00, supported by the EU)
  • Institute of Applied Psychology, Alpha with the initiative: “Protecting human rights of women prisoners in Kosova through their socialization (II)” (€3,845.00, supported by the EU)
  • Association for Education and Family Care with the initiative: “An educated woman, a healthy society” (€3,815.00, supported by the EU)
  • Committee of Blind Women of Kosova with the initiative: “More rights for blind women” (€3,370.00, supported by the EU)
Networking for Change Grants:
  • Open Door & Ruka Ruci with the initiative: “Empowering women community activists to further women’s human rights and gender equality through participation, information and social media” (€7,955.00, supported by the EU)
  • Naš Dom (Our Home) & Women’s Centre for Rural Development with the initiative: “Improvement of local policies from women’s perspective” (€7,980.50, supported by the EU)
  • The Centre for Promotion of Women’s Rights & the Centre for Promotion of a Healthy Family with the initiative: “Empowering survivors of sexual violence during the war toward achieving their legal rights” (€7,305.00, supported by the EU)
  • Rikotta and Women’s Association Gora with the initiative: “Make yourself aware that your health is important for the society” (€5,958.00, supported by ADA)
 
KWN’s Kosovo Women’s Fund offers small grants for women’s organizations that lack of other funding opportunities and that want to work for women’s rights, especially groups working in rural areas andor with marginalized persons. Since 2012, KWF has distributed 131 grants, supported 84 organizations, totalling 455,838.50€. It has had more than 14,099 beneficiaries, and contributed to at least 15 policy changes towards improving the lives of women and girls in Kosovo. In 2017, the Kosovo Women’s Fund is receiving support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the European Union Office in Kosovo.

 

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KWN again Funds Grants: € 166,887.46 to Four Women-led Organizations

06.07.2017

On 14 June, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) organized the Orientation to officially announce four organizations recipients of grants, amounting €166,887.46, within the project “Supporting women survivors of sexual violence”, which is part of the Global Project of UN Women “Gender Sensitive Transitional Justice”. This UN Women project is financed by the European Union (EU) and its segment for women’s economic empowerment through micro-grants in Kosovo, is being implemented by KWN.
Four KWN member organizations specialized in working with women survivors of sexual violence, at the same time beneficiaries of these grants, are: 1. Medica Gjakova; 2. Medica Kosova; 3. Kosova Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT); and 4. The Centre for Promotion of Women’s Rights (CPWR).
The four actions planned by the beneficiary organizatios will contribute to the realization of KWN’s own mission to support, protect and promote the rights and interests of women and girls throughout Kosovo, regardless of their political beliefs, religion, age, level of education, sexual orientation, and ability.
“Through the implementation of this initiative we aim to contribute on the economic empowerment and the integration of women survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo”, said the representative of one of the beneficiary organisations.
Beside the realization of KWN’s mission, these initiatives will also contribute to realizing the Strategic Goals identified by KWN members in the KWN Strategy for 2015-2018.
Further, the KWN project “Supporting women survivors of sexual violence” and the four NGOs’ initiatives supported through it, will contribute to the implementation of the UN Women Transitional Justice Project, which has the overall outcome that “Government and Security Actors in Kosovo advance the Implementation of the adopted 1325 action plans and specific commitment to the survivors of sexual violence.”
Towards achieving its aim, KWN is also working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) and the European Union Office in Kosovo.
 

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Feminist Activist reunite in Croatia’s Brac

06.07.2017

During 5 – 8 June, 2017, 12 feminist activists from 10 countries around the world, including Haya Shalom from Israel, Igballe Rogova from Kosovo, Rachel Wareham from England, Lepa Mladjenovic from Serbia, Nela Pamukovic from Croatia, Laurence Hovde from France, Ria Convent from Belgium, Edme and Rina Ness from Switzerland, Dagmar Schultz and Erika Hugel from Germany, gathered in Brac, Croatia, to reflect on feminist activism over the years and organization and activities for the future.
     They gathered at the SEKA House, which is a center for therapy, education and recreation for women and children from the former Yugoslavia region, established in 1997 as a result of long-term cooperation of women from Germany with anti-nationalist women’s groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia – during the wars after the collapse of Yugoslavia. The name of the project "SEKA" comes from the Serbian-Croatian word "seka" which means "beloved sister" and symbolizes the solidarity of women from which the project was created.
      Haya Shalom, a feminist and human rights activist, and a leading force in promoting women’s solidarity for women’s peace and rights, said that "even after the end of this reunion, I still have the vibes of last week with my sisters, week full of work, laughter, dancing, good humor and support." 
      Meanwhile, Edmee and Rina Nessim said that "friendship is being strengthened considering all those common challenges and memories in our journey."

 

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International Students Groups meet KWN

06.07.2017

 During the month of June, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) met two groups of students from the Amsterdam University College and University of Essex. During these research visits, on 19 June the Amsterdam University College students met with Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director, at the Faculty of Law in Prishtina. 
      As this is the third year they are meeting with KWN, they showed interest in learning more about the experiences of women’s rights activists in Kosovo, recent developments, human rights challenges, peace and security, as well as obstacles and opportunities in the future. 
     Ms. Rogova initially spoke about activism during the 1990s in Kosovo, for the ‘Sisters Qiriazi’ Association, as well as for the war period in Kosovo, when this association did not cease at all its activity to help Kosovars who were placed in camps as refugees. Students also had the opportunity to be informed about the history of the women’s movement in Kosovo, how the first women’s rights organizations in Kosovo were founded, and the history and work of KWN since its founding in 2000 as an informal network. Among other things Rogova also mentioned investigative reports on gender-based violence and sexual harassment in Kosovo; Establishment of the Council for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Kosovo; As well as for initiatives and researches with regard to the monitoring of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in Kosovo, Resolution on Women, Peace and Security. 
      Students evaluated this meeting as an invaluable experience and source of information. 
On 27 June, graduate students from the Human Rights Centre from the University of Essex, during their study visit to Kosovo met with KWN staff members, Adelina Berisha and Iliriana Banjska. 
     Adelina and Iliriana informed the students about women’s activism throughout the years. Moreover, the informal presentation among other things contained also detailed information about the fields in which KWN is active in now; the researches, advocacy initiatives, capacity building for member organizations, etc. 
“Is there anything you don’t do?”, a student said,  expressing that he was impressed by the amount of work KWN does. 

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KWN speaking at the Council of Europe presentation of the project: “Reinforcing the fight against women and domestic violence in Kosovo”

06.07.2017

 Council of Europe, on June 29th 2017, organized a seminar with the purpose to raise the awareness on the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) as an effective tool for action in this area, especially in the area of support for victims. The Istanbul Convention calls for a comprehensive national approach to combating all forms of violence against women, which includes preventive measures, protection and support for victims, and the effective prosecution of perpetrators.
    Represented by Nicole Farnsworth, KWN was invited to do an introduction to the standards of the Istanbul Convention, highlighting the importance of the convention for Kosovar society as a tool to combat all forms of violence against women and domestic violence. Ms. Farnsworth called upon Kosovo government to increase the efforts in supporting sheltering opportunities for victims and their children and increasing the social housing programs and a better rehabilitation and reintegration programs for victims but also the importance in working with perpetrators. Further, she called upon the government to have a proper budgeting in order to implement the Istanbul Convention fully. 
     The seminar gathered main local and international stakeholders who operate in Kosovo in fighting violence against women and domestic violence. The participants agreed that although the Istanbul Convention cannot be ratified in the Constitution, its principles should be translated and adopted, and the service provisions for women victims of violence as foreseen in the Istanbul Convention should be put in place in Kosovo. 

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KRCT organizes round table: “Delayed Justice – Denied Justice”

06.07.2017

 On June 19, the Kosova Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT) organized a round table about “Delayed Justice – Denied Justice”, to mark the UN International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, in support of survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosova. Among other participants, the former President of Kosovo, Ms. Atifete Jahjaga was present together with the United Kingdom Ambassador, Mr. Ruairi O’Connell, Ms. Igballe Rogova from KWN, representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and Ministry of Health, members of the Government Comission of the recognition and verification of the status of survivors of sexual violence during war in Kosovo, civil society organizations, and local and international partners of KRCT. 
            The purpose of this table was to increase awareness regarding the situation of survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosova, as well as to advocate for the institutions to better implement the law and functionalize the Government Commission of the recognition and verification of the status of survivors of sexual violence during war in Kosovo. 
        The main recommendations from this round table were: The new Government Institutions should continue their work on the final preparations in order to functionalize the Government Commission of the recognition and verification of the status of survivors of sexual violence during war in Kosovo, and to officially start with applications for the recognition of the status of survivors; to budget a suitable pension amount for survivors of sexual violence; to offer free health services and economic programs for survivors and to improve access to justice for survivors; for the Government to sue Serbia for all the crimes they did in Kosovo and to ask for compensation for damage done during the war; and to create standard procedures for actions that institutions must undertake during the investigation and documentation process of sexual violence during the war in Kosova. 
            A number of media were present during this round table and it was transmitted by many of them, including speaking live in four televisions and radios. 
            Immediately after this, on 26 June, on the UN International Day against Torture, KRCT sent to all relevant institutions and media the recommendations that got out of this round table. KRCT is also a KWN member.  

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KGSC launched a report on Gender Policies in Civil Society and Private Sector

06.07.2017

 On 16 June, the Kosovar Gender Studies Center (KGSC) organized a conference presenting their latest report on “Gender Policies in Civil Society and Private Sector”.

            The presentation was prepared by KGSC members, Luljeta Demolli, Lavdi Zymberi, and Nita Zogiani, and included opening remarks by Kushtrim Kaloshi, the executive director of Advocacy Training and Resource Center (ATRC). Kaloshi described the issues of not only incorporating gender-based strategies into civil societie and the private sector, but focusing on how to efficiently implement them. The presenters offered solutions to keeping organizations accountable for discrimination-free workspaces, such as creating possible criteria and written policies to follow, training staff members, implementing safety provisions within the labor law, improving the functioning of the labor inspectorate, etc. Overall, the final project touched upon important topics of health insurance, job security, contract duration, paternal leave, and worker rights’ protections.   
            Ms. Lavdi Zymberi, one of the main researchers, stated the need to analyze the different needs and concerns between women and men. In her findings, she concluded that women workers’ main concern was health insurance, especially because most workplaces do not offer health insurance, while men workers’ main concern was salary. Also, discrimination and lack of protection proved to be a reoccurring issue within work environments, mostly seen in job vacancy advertisements or the tendency to hire certain workers to avoid potential pregnancy leave. Ms. Zymberi concluded that not only are there no protection meassures for sexual harassment cases, such as no specifically-trained human resource personnel, but that many employees are not aware of protective rights even if they are available.
            During the open discussion portion of the conference, attendees both thanked and commented the project’s work. While many were appreciative that KGSC researched issues within workplaces, some mentioned a need for a more diverse study population, such as including sectors from other regions in Kosovo or studying disabled people and their discrimination. KGSC gracefully responded, saying that they plan to continue their research and will expand into different areas and identities.
            The report “Gender Policies in Civil Society and Private Sector” with 120 respondents was supported by ATRC and USAID.
The full report can be read here: http://www.kgscenter.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/KGSCResearchGenderPolicies.pdf. The Kosovar Center for Gender Studies is also a member of the Kosova Women’s Network.

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During June’s Election, KWN called to Vote for Women

06.07.2017

  Being politically impartial and without intending to favor any political subject, on the first week of June, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) started a campaign through social media, appealing to vote the women in electoral lists of early elections for the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, held on 11 June 2017, in order to contribute to the fifty percent (50%) representation for each gender, as guaranteed by the Law no. 05 / L-020. The campaign started shortly after the call for on political entities to respect Law no. 05 / L-020 on Gender Equality and to provide equal opportunities for men and women on the candidate lists submitted to the Central Election Commission (CEC). 
       Women still remain very little represented in politics and in decision- making at national, municipal and party level. According to the Law on Gender Equality no. 05 / L-020 it is our obligation as citizens to elect more women in parliament, given that political entities and the Central Election Commission (CEC) have failed to implement this Law. 
     The Law on Gender Equality guarantees gender integration, which means “incorporating a gender perspective at every stage of the process, planning, adoption, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of legislation, policies or programs and budgets in all political, economic and social areas”. 
     Also, this law states that "Equal gender representation in all legislative, executive and judiciary bodies and other public institutions is achieved when ensured a minimum representation of fifty percent (50%) for each gender, including their governing and decision-making bodies.” (Article 6, paragraph 8). Article 14 also states: “Political parties with their acts are obliged to implement measures to promote equal participation of men and women at authorities and bodies of the parties in accordance with provisions of Article 6 of this Law”, which also states that: “Legislative, executive, judicial bodies at all levels and other public institutions shall be obliged to adopt and implement special measures to increase representation of underrepresented gender, until equal representation of women and men according to this Law is achieved”. (Article 6, paragraph 7). 
        The KWN considers that many of the political entities in Kosovo have violated Law no. 05 / L-020 by failing to provide equal opportunities for men and women in their electoral lists. At the same time, KWN considers that the CEC has also violated Law no. 05 / L-020 by not objecting the lists submitted by political entities and at the same time not requesting their amendment. Meanwhile, after the elections, the CEC published lists with the voted MPs, where 38 are women, compared to 82 men. This means that the Assembly will consist of 31.6% women. 17 out of 38 women are selected by quota. This means that only 43% of selected women are selected because of the quota. 
        KWN will continue to work on supporting women’s participation in Central and Municipal Assemblies is a part of the KWN Strategy 2015-2018. KWN considers the elections as a fundamental element of a democratic state and gender equality as a fundamental human right, therefore we deem it necessary and important for the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo to be given equal opportunities. The lack of democratization and inadequate participation of women in decision-making within most political entities has historically unjustly deprived women of their participation in decision-making at central and local level.

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

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe