KWN Joins the Initiative “Santa Exists”

28.12.2015

 “Santa Exists” is a comprehensive citizen initiative that aims to give gifts to children who are most in need.  “Santa Claus Exists” began in 2014 and continued this year in order to bring smiles to the faces of more children during the holiday season. Clothes, gifts, and money are collected as part of this initiative. 
     Due to the KWN’s commitment to initiatives that support citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, KWN also joined the “Santa Exists” initiative. At the 13th Annual members meeting, KWN called all participants to donate money to “Santa Exists.” During the annual meeting, the KWN sold various items with the KWN logo so that the money collected from their sales would be donated to this initiative. 
      KWN collected 142.2 euro in total, 35.50 euro from the donation box and 106.70 euro from the sales. The total amount of money was given to “Santa Exists” and they bought 150 gifts that will be sent to children in Prishtina’s hospital in Paediatrics, Psychiatry and Surgery.

01.04.26

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

31.03.26

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

27.03.26

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

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

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

KWN Awarded Acknowledgements for its Supporters

28.12.2015

 During the Annual Meeting, KWN awarded acknowledgements to persons who have marked life achievements or those who have supported the KWN in its journey. 
Acknowledgements for “Courage and deeds that have motivated and empowered girls and women in Kosovo”, were awarded to renowned artists, Nexhmije Pagarusha, Leze Qena and Safete Rogova.
   Other acknowledgements for “Contribution given in carrying out the campaign ‘One Billion Rising’ and ‘Take Back the Night’” and in other KWN activities, were awarded to Oda Haliti, Nesim Maxhuni, Fatos Mehmeti, Rita Parashumti, Orgesa Arifi, and Erëblina Elezaj. 
     This is the third year that KWN is giving awards for its supporters, including in 2013 that were given to activists and artists that contributed to women’s rights; and in 2014 that KWN gave to businesses that continuously supported KWN.  

 

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

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

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

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

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KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

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

Mitrovica Women’s Association for Human Rights empowers women in decision-making

28.12.2015

 The number of women in decision-making positions in the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo is extremely small, especially in the northern part of Kosovo, where almost all Municipalities are led by men. Therefore, Mitrovica Women’s Association for Human Rights (MWAHR) undertook the initiative “I deserve a leading position” and worked with the women parliamentarians from the region of Northern Mitrovica, namely northern municipalities: Zveçan, Leposaviq, and Zubin Potok. 
     The first activity they undertook to empower these women in the decision-making processes was the training of 12 women parliamentarians from these four municipalities, in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSC) on “Women, peace, and security” (2000). Ms. Ksenija Bozovic.. explained the mechanisms of this resolution and tried, by using this example, to increase the capacity of women parliamentarians in leadership, political empowerment, and better functioning of Offices for Gender Equality. 
   The second training, aimed at informing the women parliamentarians and civil society women about the advocacy and public speaking methods, was held on 30 July by trainer Jelena Memet. The women participants considered the training as highly important and requested that such trainings be organized for longer periods of time. 
   Under this initiative, MWAHR established the groups of women parliamentarians in the four aforementioned municipalities, wherein women parliamentarians created the structures of the functioning of these groups and appointed the chairpersons of the groups in each municipality. Afterwards, the MWAHR staff members advocated with the structure of four Municipalities to open gender equality offices. 
“One of the greatest and most important results of this project is that the MWAHR established very good relations with the women parliamentarians and they have their doors open for us. The government institutions welcomed the work and very good mission of MWAHR, and showed their readiness for further cooperation,” Vetone Veliu, Executive Director of this organization said. 
   This initiative enabled MWAHR to conduct a research for the first time about the gender equality in the local institutions of these four municipalities. The research was conducted by interviewing 67 women and parliamentarians. The recommendations resulting from this research are the following:

  • Strengthening of NGOs and media role to promote the participation of women in decision-making processes;
  • It should be worked on rising the awareness of political entities about the gender equality;
  • It should be worked on mobilizing the voters to support the participation of women in politics, by voting them;
  • The Councils of Women Parliamentarians should be strengthened; and
  • Cooperation with men parliamentarians in the relevant municipalities should be reached, in order to work together with other stakeholders to ensure the necessary space for the participation of women in the works of the Assembly, Board, and Management.
 This initiative was supported by the European Union Office in Kosovo in the amount of € 2,545.

01.04.26

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

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

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

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

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

KWN Members Selected two new Board Members

28.12.2015

The KWN Board of Directors is elected by the KWN Assembly of Members during the Annual Membership Meeting in December. As the elected representatives of KWN members, it is the second highest decision-making body in the network. The Board of Directors oversees KWN’s work through quarterly meetings, as well as advises on key decisions taken by the network’s staff. For 2015, Board of Directors members include: Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa, Chair of the Board, Women’s Rights Activist; Sevdije Ahmeti, Activist for Human Rights, Hajrulla Çeku Executive Director, Ec ma Ndryshe, Belgjyzare Muharremi, Executive Director, Open Door (Dera e Hapur); Zana Hoxha Krasniqi, Executive Director, Artpolis; Besim M. Kajtazi, Director of the Legal Office, Office of the Prime Minister andNermin Mahmuti, Executive Director Community Development Fund (CDF).
Since the mandate of two Board members: Ms. Belgjyzare Muharremi and Ms. Zana Hoxha Krasniqi, expires in December. Ms. Muharremi, despite being re-nominated, had expressed her wish to pause and to provide others with the opportunity to be part of the KWN Board, while Ms. Zana Hoxha Krasniqi was excited to admit the re-nomination. The new nominations were: Ajete Kërçeli, Dua Dauti – Kurti and Hana Marku. Also during the meeting was given the information that the Board has received the letter of Board member, Mr. Hajrullah Çeku, requesting resignation, which should be approved by the Board. Until this happens, the replacement of Mr. Çeku in the Board cannot be voted on.
    During that time, the commission for counting the votes was established, the members were: Ms. Besa Shehu, Administrative and Financial Manager in KWN; Gjejrane Lokaj, representative of the KWN member organization “Women’s Initiative Association”; and Shqipe Kurti, representative of the European Union Office in Kosovo.
After some minutes used for voting, Besa Shehu announced the results of voting, with Ms. Zana Hoxha Krasniqi having won 32 votes; Ms. Hana Marku 15 votes, Ms. Ajete Kërqeli and Ms. Dua Dauti 14 votes each, which means that the two new members of the KWN Board for the 2016-2018 period are Zana Hoxha Krasniqi and Hana Marku.
 
 

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

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27.03.26

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

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

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

Many Successes Mark 2015 for KWN

28.12.2015

 The KWN had another successful year, including the publication of many reports and the distribution of grants for KWN members. KWN staff also gave comments and suggestions during the drafting of many laws in Republic of Kosovo to insure that they included a gender perspective. KWN sent more 10 press releases to raise awareness of justice for women and gender equality in Kosovo. Additionally. Details of the KWN’s year can be found in their Annual Report. All of the KWN’s successes are due to the hard work and dedication of the KWN staff. In addition, a special thanks is owed to the KWN members,  Lobby for Gender Equality and all the other interns that helped out the KWN during this 2015. 
In closing, the KWN would like to thank all who helped contribute to the KWN initiatives, making 2015 a very successful year. 

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

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

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

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

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KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

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KWN Members Hold Bimonthly Meeting

01.12.2015

 On November 9, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held its regular bimonthly meeting, gathering 80 representatives from KWN member organizations, the Lobby for Gender Equality in Kosovo, donors, friends and supporters. 
    Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director, welcomed participants. 
     Afterwards, Belgjyzare Muharremi, Executive Director of KWN member organization “Open Door” (Dera e Hapur) and a member of KWN’s Board of Directors, provided information about Freja Forum, this year held for the first time in Kosovo on Nov. 6-8. For more detailed information on the Freja Forum 2015, please click here. 
     After this presentation, Ms. Rogova officially announced that KWN has a new logo. 
     “Awareness among youth in Kosovo has increased, and they are mentioning ‘feminism’ more and more,” she said. “We thought that it would be a good time for us to use feminist symbols and change KWN’s logo. We need to explain to people that feminists don’t hate man, they fight for equal rights among women and men.” 
     Ms. Rogova then conveyed greetings from Vice President of the European Parliament, Ms. Ulrike Lunacek, whom because of her tight agenda during her stay in Kosovo, could not participate in this KWN meeting. Ms. Rogova, on behalf of KWN, expressed gratitude for Ms. Lunacek’s work in support of Kosovo, including its EU Integration. 
     Then, Feride Rushiti, Executive Director of Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT), a KWN member, shared information regarding her participation in a three-day International Conference for women’s rights and gender equality, involving international panelists, deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Kosovo, activists from Kosovo and the region. 
     Iliriana Banjska, Research Assistant at KWN, then provided an update on KWN’s research on the Labour Law, which aim to inform the new Labour Law with evidence-based findings on topics such as maternity and paternity leave. This research is driven by an official request from Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Arban Abrashi for recommendations. This research is essential due to KWN’s belief that the new Labour Law should be drafted with citizens’ needs and experiences in mind. KWN will publicly launch this groundbreaking research soon. 
   Ms. Rogova thanked members of KWN and Lobby for their contribution to this research, emphasizing that “we will contribute to the creation of a better Labour Law not only for women, but for men also.” She thanked the women and men who volunteered, making this research possible. 
     Ms. Nicole Farnsworth, Lead Researcher at KWN, provided an update on the status of two research initiatives on domestic violence and sexual harassment in Kosovo, respectively. 
     Ms. Rogova emphasized that “KWN is not active only during the ‘16 days against violence against women’ but it aims to work 365 days against violence.” Therefore KWN’s research will be published one before and then the other after the 16 days. 
     Donjeta Morina, Coordinator for Capacity Development in KWN then presented information regarding KWN’s work on Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB). KWN plans to launch a report on the budget of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) and separately for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST). KWN’s work on GRB is supported by the Austrian Development Agency and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). 
     Also, Donjeta Morina informed participants about the latest cooperation among KWN, the Agency for Gender Equality (AGE) in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, GIZ and the Kosovo Institute for Public Administration (KIPA) in redrafting the new KIPA curriculum on gender equality for civil servants. Redrafting the curriculum is very important given that the past couple of years have yielded a completely new legal and policy framework related to gender equality in Kosovo. This work is being supported by GIZ. 
     Ms. Rogova then informed participants about the campaigns “I DARE” (UNË GUXOJ) that KWN started in collaboration with the Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality, supported by the Dutch Embassy, to promote legal frameworks that protect women and girls from discrimination, domestic violence, sexual harassment and other forms of gender based violence. “I Dare” is part of the Project for  Promoting Women’s Rights. For further details regarding the campaign, click here. 
         As a member of the High-Level Advisory Group for the study on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (2000), the KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova made several contributions to this important study. Requested by the UN Secretary General and led by Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Global Study was commissioned to mark the 15th Anniversary of UNSCR 1325. For further details regarding this Study, click here. The full version of the Study is here: Preventing Conflict, Transforming Justice, Securing the Peace: A Global Study on the Implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2015).  
The other information shared in this meeting was also regarding the beneficiaries of 8 round of KWF and the second part of the meeting was for KWN members only, where KWF was evaluated. 

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

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

27.03.26

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

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

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

More than 1200 participants in Campaign “I DARE”

01.12.2015

The theatre play “I dare” took place in Gjilan on 20 Nov. Gjilan is the tenth place that welcomed this play including: Dragash, Rogove, Lipjan, Drenas, Viti, Prizren, Kaçanik, Hani Elezit and Deçan. This campaign aimed to promote the legal framework that protecst women and girls from discrimination, domestic violence, sexual harassment and other forms of gender based violence. 
  For all two months, the spaces where the play took places in all municipalities were filled with people that attended the play with the actors: Kumrie Hoxha, Makfire Miftari, Florentina Ademi, Safete Rogova and Molika Maxhuni, writen by Alba Loxha. 
   The play itself consists of five different monologues that include five issues very that are common at the moment in Kosovo; missing persons from the last war; domestic violence; sexual harassments at work and the right of inheritance. 
  Although the play as a whole describes the unfortunate reality that girls and women face in their daily life, the ending is quite positive and empowering. All of the mentioned personal stories encourage girls and women to acknowledge their rights and to use legislation if they face any violation of their rights. 
   Through these stories, audience members learned more about the laws that are in place in the Republic of Kosova, such as Anti-Discrimination Law, Law on Gender Equality, Law on Protection against Domestic Violence, and the Law on Inheritance. 
KWN is very thankful that the Dutch Embassy made this campaign happen by supporting it.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

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

27.03.26

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

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

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

Startup

30.11.2015

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

Students from University of York Learn about KWN

27.11.2015

 Over 20 students from University of York in England visited KWN on 26 Nov. They met Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director. 
     Rogova initiated her lecture by informing the students on women’s activism in the 90s, about the association “Motrat Qiriazi”, as well as for the war period in Kosovo, when this association never ceased its work, helping in this way Kosovars who lived in refugee camps. 
    The students that were present had the opportunity to get informed on how the first women’s rights organizations in Kosovo were formed after the war, as well as on the history and work of KWN from its beginnings in 2000 as an informal network. 
     “This is one of the best visits and most informative we had during our stay here in Kosovo”, said one of the students. 

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

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

27.03.26

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

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

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

Government Says No More Excuses for Violence against Women

Government Says No More Excuses for Violence against Women

27.11.2015

On 25 Nov., the Agency for Gender Equality (AGE) in the Prime Minister’s Office of the Republic of Kosovo in close cooperation with the National Coordinator against Domestic Violence, Deputy Minister Lirak Çelaj launched officially the 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women. The 25 Nov., marks the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women. 
     AGE Chief Executivee Officer Edona Hajrullahu provided the opening remarks. “Violence doesn’t just mean physical vionce, there is also emotional, psychological and economical violence”, she noted. “Safety, particularly physical safety is the foundation of development of one country”. 
     Then, the National Coordinator, Deputy Minister Çelaj, provided an update on the process of drafting the new National Strategy and Action Plan against Domestic Violence, a process which began last week.   "I recorfim my commitment and the government’s commitment to fight against this harmful phenomenon for our society," he said. 
     Then, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Executive Director Igballe Rogova presented key findings from KWN’s recently released research, No More Excusesan Analysis of Attitudes, Incidence, and Institutional Responses to Domestic Violence in Kosovo.She noted that while some things have improved since 2008, there are still several challenges ahead. She also spoke of the importance of the “triangulation of coordination” among the government, donors, and civil society, stressing the importance of all actors supporting the work of institutions, rather than their own agendas. “It’s time to join forces and to work together seriously on this topic,” she said. “We as a Network don’t have activities for 16 days of activism.  We go for the full 365 days, because violence happens during a whole year, she added. 
    Blerta Deliu Kodra, Member of Parliament and Head of the Women’s Caucus, also spoke. 
 The 16 Days will continue until 10 Dec., International Human Rights Day. For a calendar of activities, click here for more info. However, beyond these days, KWN calls for 365 Days against Violence against Women. 

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

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

31.03.26

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

27.03.26

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

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

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