Kosovo Women's Network

Feminist Forum FemACT Organizes March against Sexual Harassment in Public Spaces, as part of #TakeBackTheNight Campaign

27.11.2014

29 November 2014, 20:00
In front of National Theatre, Prishtina, Kosovo

On 29 Nov., in front of the National Theatre in Prishtina at 20:00, The Feminist Forum FemACT, a Kosova Women’s Network (KWN) supported initiative, will organize a march against sexual harassment in public spaces.

On 22 Nov. the Feminist Forum FemACT initiated a debate in social media as part of the campaign #TakeBackTheNight (#NataËshtëEJona), and this debate will continue until 29 Nov., when the march will take place.

Through this campaign, the Feminist Forum FemACT has achieved to trigger different reactions: positive and negative. The unification and mobilizing of women and girls, men and boys, regardless of their age and profession, is very inspiring for everyone who supported #TakeBackTheNight by posting different quotations about sexual harassment on their Facebook statuses each day.

We invite you to join us in the march that will be held on 29 Nov. at 20:00 in front of the National Theatre.

The Strategy of KWN includes a program for empowering young women and girls to participate more in the women’s movement. As part of this program, the group “femACT – we go beyond talking” was founded. It consists of many young feminists and activists from different regions of Kosovo. FemACT is open for everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion.

FemACT is a platform where young women feminists and men feminists can share information and organize public actions towards gender equality. Also, it offers a space for discussions related to feminism, societal issues in Kosovo related to gender, as well as mobilizing for different causes of great importance. FemACT is a combination of a discussion group and action group. Its main mission is to raise awareness of the population and institutions about issues relating to gender equality present in Kosovo’s society.

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About Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality

27.11.2014

Since 2010, the Kosova Women’s Network (KWN) has supported the activities of Gender Equality Advocacy Groups (GEAG) in different municipalities of Kosova. The third GEAGs’ meeting marked the establishment of Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality, with a declaration signed by all participants.

The etablishment of the Lobby provides space for men and boys of Kosovo who support equal rights between women and men, to join the group.

Members of this Lobby can be women and men, boys and girls, from throughout Kosovo who share this vision, regardless of political party affiliation, gender, age, ethnicity, ability, religion, geographic location, level of education, or socioeconomic status.

Lobby groups continue to operate at the municipal level and have selected issues on which they will advocate in 2015 towards gender equality. They will also collaborate for national level advocacy initiatives.

For further details, please contact info@womensnetwork.org

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CSOs Learn Techniques on “How to Approach Media”

25.11.2014

During the workshop “How to Approach Media?”, led by Xheraldina Buçinca Vula, Deputy Director of RTV21, paricipants learned techniques regarding when and how to approach media. Also, attention was paid to methods of expression, modes of creation, management, promotion and dissemination of information, as well as the code of conduct in media appearances. Participants also learned about skills, types, dynamics and styles of communication.
“Today when the media plays such a big role in society, where 90% of the information comes precisely from them, communication skills have a great importance,” said Xheraldina Buçinca Vula during the workshop. “Whether you develop a simple or short interview, if you receive a statement or do a stand-up, or read on microphone or camera a message for journalists, you must be a person with whom the audience feels good and believes in.”
Given the dynamics of technology development and the place of social networks, participants also discussed how these networks operate, why should they be used to promote organizations’ work and how to use them well.
“Media presentation and the forwarding of information to the public through the media is very important for promoting the work of organizations,” said one participant. “This workshop offered us the opportunity to learn many new things in this area. We will undoubtedly use it in our everyday work.”

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Artpolis, KWN Members Discuss Art, Advocacy

25.11.2014

During the KWN retreat in Durres, member organizations had the opportunity to learn new methods for using art in advocacy. The workshop began creatively with deep meditation. As members held each other’s hands with their eyes closed, they discovered parts of themselves for which they were unaware before.
“I felt good, but it was a bit of a problem for me to keep my eyes closed,” said Drita Citaku from Down Syndrome Kosova.
The trainer, Zana Hoxha – Krasniqi, Director of Artpolis, said that “This happens to us because we do not face ourselves as women (individual beings), but mostly as women and girls who surrender to their family, their work and to the norms established by society. We need to learn how to communicate with ourselves.”
Zana briefly presented Artpolis as an organization and the work they have done since 2004 when the organization was established. They mentioned the Femme Fatale festival, which was the first feminist festival organized in the region. One participant expressed her will to participate in the next festival as a performer.
“I have always wanted to be an actor. When I was little, I once performed in a play so therefore I would like to try it again,” she said.
After this, participants divided in groups. Each group chose a social issue that they would like to advocate for through art. They chose different ways of using art to present problems to the public. The first group chose to advocate for the issue of sexual harassment in workplaces through a skit. The second group chose poverty as an issue they would present through an art exhibition. They planned to organize this for 1June, a day celebrating Children’s Day. The third group chose to advocate for the issue of violence against women by organizing a protest with banners.
In the end of the session, participants shared their impressions about the workshop.
“Advocacy through art is the best way to understand our work as activists. Participating in this training made me realize that we can all give our own contribution through art. I think that your performances are very useful and important and that is why we should work following your example,” said Zuhra Kani from MWAHR organization.

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Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality Established

22.11.2014

On 21 November 2014, 64 women from politics and civil society from 17 municipalities established the Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality.
The Lobby for Gender Equality was established during the third meeting of Gender Equality Advocacy Groups, which currently is taking place in Struga, Macedonia.

Since 2010, the Kosova Women’s Network (KWN) has supported the activities of Gender Equality Advocacy Groups (GEAG) in different municipalities of Kosova. During this meeting in Struga, GEAG members decided that men and boys who support equal rights for women and men may also have the opportunity to join this group.

“The Declaration establishing the Lobby for Gender Equality” stated:

We, the undersigned, from politics and civil society, on 21 November 2014 establish the Lobby for Gender Equality. As members of this Lobby, we commit to working together towards achieving gender equality in Kosovo, regardless of our political party affiliation, gender, age, ethnicity, ability, religion, geographic location, level of education, or socioeconomic status. We collaborate towards realizing our shared vision of gender equality through exchanging experiences and information, partnerships, networking, advocacy, and serving the needs of all citizens of Kosovo.

Members of this Lobby can be women and men, boys and girls, from throughout Kosovo who share this vision.

The meeting in Struga was supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

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KWN Launches New Strategy for 2015-2018, Documentary for Kosovo Women’s Fund

20.11.2014

Today the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) launched its new Strategy for 2015-2018. The audience included KWN members, police, officials from the judiciary, officers for gender equality, international partners and representatives from the KWN Board of Directors, among others.
“The Kosovo Women’s Network is a reflection of emancipated women in our society, an example and an inspiration for future generations,” said the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga in her video message.
While mentioning KWN’s current work, Edona Hajrullahu, Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Gender Equality in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo expressed her readiness to continue cooperation in the future.
“From their very cooperative and inclusive approach, KWN is one of the most powerful networks in the region,”
said Hajrullahu. “With KWN we have worked very closely and will continue in the future, towards addressing issues that are a priority for women and girls.”
During this event, Christian Geosits from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) also announced officially that ADA will continue its support for KWN for the next three years. Further, for the first time KWN will receive financial support from the European Union Office in Kosovo, for two years. Support from ADA and the EU will be crucial for KWN in implementing its new strategy.
“Strategies are not written to stay on paper; only we together are able to transform strategies into working agendas so that we can really shake the world and make it a better place,” said Gaby Hagmuller, Team Leader, Social Development, European Union Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative. “We will support KWN and its member organizations to effectively raise capacities and involve women in decision-making.”
A further topic of discussion was KWN’s cooperation with other actors and interest groups.
“It is important to understand the role of civil society because what they do is create a channel to transform these ideas and commitments into action,” said Andrew Russell, UN Development Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative.
Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa, Chair of the KWN Board of Directors presented KWN’s new Strategy for 2015-2018. KWN members, its Board of Directors, partners and other stakeholders compiled KWN’s new Strategy, identifying five priorities for KWN:

Building the Capacities of KWN;
Women in Politics and Decision-making;
Women’s Right to Quality Healthcare;
Against Gender-based Violence; and
Women’s Economic Empowerment.

Also during this event KWN screened for the first time its documentary film about the Kosovo Women’s Fund, which began in 2012 to support the activities of KWN’s member organizations.

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FemACT Raises Awareness about Breast Cancer in Gjilan

18.11.2014

On 9 Nov., young women in femACT Gjilan organized an awareness-raising event on breast cancer. Their goal was to raise awareness among their fellow citizens on preventive methods and dangers of breast cancer.
They positioned themselves in the city center, in front of the theater. Their strategy was to stop citizens passing by and offer them brochures with all necessary information regarding breast cancer. They brought cakes and sweets, so as to gain the attention of as many people as possible.
“We were afraid that people would just throw away our brochures immediately, without reading them. So we prepared cakes and sweets so that people will stop and talk to us,” said one young woman.
In general, the organizers were very happy with how the event went.
“We had a great time today,” said Klementina Kastrati, one of the young women who organized the event. “Most citizens were very happy to stop and talk to us, and they were thankful that we had organized this activity.”
Unfortunately, the organizers soon learned that many of their fellow citizens were not informed at all about this topic and lacked basic knowledge about breast cancer.
“Some citizens were not interested in hearing us out at all. The men would tell us that it is not their business, while many women just turned their head away,” said Majla Salihu. “We even experienced one woman who thought that breast cancer is caused by poor hygiene and “love”.”
Qendresa Hjdari, a representative from the local organization Gruaja Hyjnore came to show her support for femACT’s initiative. “I am very happy to see young women organizing such activities in our city,” she said.
This was the first public initiative organized by young women involved in FemAct. They said that this is only their first activity and that there will be many more to come in the near future.

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Coalition Calls on Kosovars to Register Property, “For Our Common Good”

05.11.2014

On 30 Oct. in Prishtina, a broad coalition of local and international actors launched the national campaign “For Our Common Good,” which seeks to improve gender equality in property registration.
     Approximately 14% of property in Kosovo is registered under women’s names or as property jointly owned by women and men, according to the Cadastral Agency of Kosovo. According to the Kosovo Country Gender Profile, only approximately 7.9% of property is owned solely by women. Women’s unequal ownership of property hampers their access to loans for opening or expanding businesses because they lack collateral. It also places women in a precarious position economically as they must rely on family members’ good will and support.
     “Property and inheritance rights offer an opportunity for women to escape from poverty,” the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, said during the launching ceremony.
     In her remarks, U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo Tracy Ann Jacobson emphasized the importance of “fair and efficient property procedures,” lest women be disempowered economically, lack economic security and lack access to credit. The U.S. is investing in improving court procedures in Kosovo. However, in addition to these, Ambassador Jacobson emphasized that ensuring women’s access to property requires “an attitude adjustment” within the society as well.
     Several other speakers similarly emphasized the importance of shifting current cultural norms according to which women rarely inherit or register property in Kosovo.
     “We are not Harry Potter and things will not change with the wave of a magic wand,” said GIZ Country Director James Macbeth. “But we can continue to work towards it.”
     The campaign involves a catchy video spot available here and website with information about property registration web. KWN and its member organizations are part of the campaign and plan to support awareness-raising at the local level in the near future.
     Following the official launching of the campaign, two panel discussions examined gender equality, property and inheritance in further detail. In general, panelists in both sessions agreed that there are two primary, interrelated challenges facing Kosovar society when it comes to property and inheritance rights: the non-implementation of legislation and the conflict between traditional laws and current legislation.
     During the second panel, Mr. Gunther Fehlinger from GIZ noted that a key problem is the lack of coordination between cadasters and courts regarding property registration. Baki Gimolli, Head of the Legal Department in the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kosovo added that now that the Notary System is functioning, it should also be harmonized with the courts and cadaster offices.
     According to the non-contentious procedure, there should be coordination between municipalities and courts. After someone’s death, the first step should be taken by municipalities, who compile a list of the assets of the deceased person and forward it to the court. The court then has to invite all inheritors and discuss the matter with them. Now, the notary law has been added to this procedure, to aid the courts. However, this procedure is almost never implemented in this exact manner. “The interests of inheritors are completely ignored,” said Ardian Alidema, National Civil Legal Officer, OSCE, which has monitored the implementation of these procedures. “Especially the rights of women and girls are ignored because of the non-implementation of the procedure. We need to act to have it implemented.”
     Luljeta Demolli from the Kosovo Center for Gender Studies added that different women face different issues: “We need to analyze the specific situation of young women, married women, divorced women and widows,” she said. All of these women face different challenges when it comes to property and inheritance rights.”
     Valbona Salihu, Executive Director of NORMA said that another problem is the overly complicated procedure, which is difficult to follow. Moreover, the laws and the procedures are not fully understood by the institutions themselves. “We had one case where a woman was denied by the cadastral office in Prizren and was told that property registration is now the competence of the Notary, not the Cadastral office. They had misunderstood that it is now a joint competence.”
     Finally, Haxhi Gashi, Professor of Law at the University of Prishtina, strongly recommended that the right to renounce property should be prohibited, as it leads to disadvantages for women regarding property and inheritance rights.
     The “For Our Common Good” campaign is under the patronage of the Office of the President of Kosovo and supported by GIZ, USAID, Women for Women International, KWN, the Norma Women Lawyers’ Association, OSCE, She-Era, G7 and SHPRK, Kosovo Banking Association, Kosovo Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and the Kosovo Association for Geodesy.
     Furthering women’s access to property and inheritance is an important aspect of the KWN Strategic Plan, under our broader aim of women’s economic empowerment. KWN remains committed to supporting additional awareness-raising efforts on this issue in the future.
     Several other actors are working towards similar aims. The Agency for Gender Equality in the Office of the Prime Minister is forming a working group to draft an administrative instruction that would lesson and/or remove tariffs and taxes for a short period of time, towards easing the costs affiliated with the joint registration of property. KWN has emphasized that such an instruction should not discriminate against single women and women heads of households who also face challenges with property registration.
     The Cadastral Office and World Bank are collaborating in financing the surveying process of 50 cadastral zones, simplifying the free registration of property. USAID is supporting TetraTech in. The European Union is supporting a GIZ-led consortium in the Support to Civil Code and Property Rights Project, which seeks to support the drafting of a new Civil Code for Kosovo in line with European standards. The Code would harmonize inheritance and property laws, among others.
     The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning is collaborating with USAID/Chemonics to support the registration of illegal properties as per the Law on Legalization and the Law of the Legalization of Unpermitted Construction
     OSCE is supporting training of trainers, including from civil society, women’s caucus members and other officials to assist women in pursuing their property rights. They are also developing a manual to facilitate this process.
For more information how to register a property please click here.

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Former EU Parliamentarians Hear about Role of Women in Kosovo

03.11.2014

Representatives from the Former Members Association of the European Parliament (FMA) discussed the position of women in Kosovo with a Kosova Women’s Network (KWN) representative on 14 Oct. at the EU office in Kosovo.

KWN’s representative provided a summary of the main challenges that women face in Kosovo and how KWN is working to address those challenges: women’s unequal participation in politics and decision-making at all levels; violations of women’s right to quality healthcare; gender-based violence; and women’s unequal participation in the labour market and gender-discrimination in hiring.

Former parliamentarians then asked a series of questions to which KWN responded, some of which are summarized in the table below:

Question	KWN Response
Is the Kanun still applied in Kosovo?	As a law or public policy, no. Laws replaced these cultural “rules” long ago. However, the remnants of the Kanun (not its direct implementation) can be seen in a few remaining social practices, such property ownership that often, albeit not always, passes along patrilineal lines. This is not true of the entire population, but only a few people and moreso in rural areas.
Does Kosovo have a quota for women’s participation in politics?	Yes, political party lists used in elections should include at least one woman and one man in every three positions. E.g. at least one-third of any political party’s list must be comprised of women and men, respectively. Thus, women comprise approximately 30% of the parliament and municipal assemblies. However, this notably fails to achieve the 40% participation at all levels foreseen by the Law on Gender Equality.
Do women’s shelters have sufficient funding from the state?	While shelters receive some funding from the state, it is not sufficient to cover all of their costs. Also some key costs will not be financed by the state, such as staff positions. For more information, see KWN’s research: At What Cost?KWN continues to advocate for shelters’ costs to be fully covered by the state.
Do women and men have an equal right to inheritance and property?	Yes. According to the Law on Inheritance, they should inherit equal shares.
Can women buy property without the signature of their husbands?	Yes.
With regard to gender discrimination in hiring, is it only against women of child-bearing years; would older women with extensive experience and expertise get positions?	It is difficult to know for sure because there has not been any study on this, and this is an area in need of research. We have heard some reports of ageism in hiring, such as employers wanting younger people who are thought to be more knowledgeable in computers and technology, but no known research has been conducted in this regard. Among women in their post-childbearing years, a limited percentage have extensive experience. Yugoslav statistics suggest that women’s labour force participation reached 23% at the highest in 1988. Regional Employment Centres state that lack of qualification is among the reasons why they struggle to find employment particularly for older women.
Does KWN work with different ethnic groups and target them through its programs?	Yes, KWN as a network has member organizations led by Serbian, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian, Albanian, and Bosnian women. These and other members target diverse ethnic groups through their work. KWN also collaborates with women’s groups in South East Europe of diverse ethnicities.
Do boys’ and girls’ level of education and enrolment differ?	The gap has decreased substantially. Gross Primary Enrolment 96% female, 95% male. Gross Upper Secondary Enrolment 88% female, 96% male.. Now more women tend to enrol in university than men. However, clear differences exist in the types of programs girls and boys tend to enrol in. Gross Tertiary Enrolment (women dominate education, philosophy, philology; men dominate construction, architecture, mechanical engineering; gender balance in law, economics, and medicine) 45% female and 55% male.
Does the society respect women and do women respect and support each other?	It depends. It is difficult to homogenize people. Some women in society are very much respected by some people. Other people do not respect women. Within the family there are still particular roles within some (not all) families whereby mother’s and mothers-in-laws have much greater power within the family than young women. While some women support each other, others try to undermine each other.

Established in 2001, the FMA gathers approximately 700 former members of the European Parliament to share their experiences and expertise via seminars, conferences, and democracy-building activities. Every year they organize a study visit that involves both sightseeing and political dialogue. During their visit to Kosovo from 11 to 19 Oct. they have met with political leaders and representatives of various civil society groups, among other actors.

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