Kosovo Women's Network

Kosovo Young Feminists to Join International Caravan

03.09.2014

After a slight summer hiatus, the Kosovo Young Women’s Empowerment Initiative is renewing its activism, re-launched with an informal discussion that engaged a broader coalition of young feminists on Aug. 26 in Prishtina. Young feminists seek to broaden their coalition in advocating for issues of importance to Kosovo feminists in coming months.

The casual kick-off meeting had a special guest: Milena Abrahamyan from the Young Feminists of Europe Network shared information about the international "Feminist Caravan", which will take place from 8 Mar. through 17 Oct. 2015. In solidarity with the World March of Women, the Caravan will cross European (and perhaps other) borders. Its main theme is "Globalization of Solidarity", as Milena put it. The Caravan will seek to unite diverse feminists and feminist groups in different areas. It will bring to the forefront the different struggles that women in different areas face, identify similarities and encourage collaboration on combating issues of inequality.

The journey will be documented via a radio show, in collaboration with radio shows in each country, and as part a documentary film. The route of the Caravan is not entirely set yet. It will begin in either England or Turkey, and then will visit diverse countries in support of feminist events planned in those countries. The Caravan will definitely end at a larger event in Portugal. Feminists can join the Caravan for any part of the trip, or for the entire time.

A heated debate among the potential Kosovo participants surrounded the question whether men, and people who identify with other genders, can take part in the Caravan. The debate ended with the question whether this is "A feminist, or a women’s Caravan?" Milena will bring this and the other issues discussed to the attention of the Caravan’s organizers and a definitive answer will be provided on their website and/or Facebook page, where interested persons can also gather additional information about the Caravan as it becomes available.

Kosovo participants were eager to learn more about the Young Feminists of Europe Network and future plans for the Kosovo Young Women’s Empowerment Initiative. In the next informal and fun meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, 2 Sep. at “Si n’ Bahçe” in Prishtina, young feminists will discuss specific ideas, actions and goals for advocacy initiatives and empowering young feminists in Kosovo. Come join us!

P.S. Discussions will continue in other regions of Kosovo in the weeks to come – so if you can’t make it to Prishtina, no worries – we’ll visit your area soon!

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Inspired Filmmakers “Tell their Stories” at Dokufest

22.08.2014

During the vibrant international and multicultural film festival Dokufest in Prizren, one of many workshops organized was “Stories We Tell.” It encouraged young filmmakers to share story ideas and to learn how to make documentaries related to human rights. Among them was KWN’s Public Relations Coordinator, Donjeta Berisha. The workshop was led by director and cinematographer, Richard Pearce who directed “Hearts and Minds” and “Road to Memphis” among other films.

The intensive three-day workshop involved participants in group work, filming in different parts of the city.

“It was a wonderful experience,” a participant said. “Sometimes when we couldn’t go through with what we had planned and we had to improvise, it was amazing how dedicated we all became.”

Participants explored the city, trying to find particular locations that they needed to film in order ot finish their tasks. After filming during the day, they returned to discuss their work with each other and with Richard Pearce. He was touched by the creativity and great ideas that participants had. He promised that the cooperation would not end when Dokufest finished. He would continue to provide support.

During the festival, participants also had the opportunity to enjoy several films and develop their own ideas, which they presented to a jury. Jury members offered participants advice and strategies for overcoming challenges. Participants have one month to prepare their ideas and send them to the jury, which will select and fund eight films to be screened next year at Dokufest.

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KWN Executive Director Participates in UN Advisory Group on 1325

07.08.2014

Igballe (Igo) Rogova, KWN Executive Director, was recently invited by UN Women, New York to become a member of the High Level Expert Advisory Group for the Global Study on the 15-year implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. The study is in line with Security Council Resolution 2122, which calls for the UN Secretary-General to undertake a high-level review of women, peace and security to be conducted in October 2015. The study will examine the substantive impact of the work achieved in this area during the past 15 years, including successes, challenges, and recommendations for the future to continue towards full implementation of UNSCR 1325. Radhika Coomaraswamy, the former Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, will be the primary author.
     Adopted in 2000, UNSCR 1325 was the first UN resolution to specifically address the unique and often disproportionate impact armed conflict has on women. In particular, it calls for holding a gender-based perspective in all post-conflict processes, UN programming, and Security Council missions, as well as having gender-based training in UN peace support operations. Additionally, it requires equal participation of women in all efforts to further peace and security.
     Rogova has been an international and domestic advocate for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 since its adoption in 2000. She used the Resolution to demand more meetings between UN officials, international decision-makers and women in Kosovo immediately after the war in Kosovo. Rogova also was instrumental in establishing the Women’s Peace Coalition that united women from Kosovo and Serbia in demanding a role in the negotiations between their countries as per Resolution 1325, as well as the Regional Women’s Lobby for Peace, Security and Justice in South East Europe.
     Although Kosovo is not fully recognized by all UN members and thus Kosovo could not formally adopt the Resolution, Rogova has advocated for more than a decade for the enforcement of this important Resolution within the country. In 2014, the Assembly of Kosovo officially adopted a National Action Plan for implementing UNSCR 1325. The action plan obliges the Agency for Gender Equality in the Office of the Prime Minister to create and lead an Inter-institutional Secretariat to ensure the Resolution’s implementation.
     Under Rogova’s leadership, KWN has published several reports on UNSCR 1325. In 2007, KWN released a report entitled Monitoring Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in Kosovo, followed by a second edition in 2009. In 2011, KWN released a comprehensive publication called 1325: Facts and Fables, a collection of stories and facts on the implementation of the Resolution in Kosovo. The innovative publication has been used by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and specifically the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR), among other local and international actors in raising awareness about Resolution 1325. KWN also was involved in the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office’s monitoring of UNSCR 1325 implementation in Europe.
     The upcoming Global Study will build on earlier high-level reviews, including the tenth anniversary review of UNSCR 1325 in 2010 and the 2002 Secretary-General’s Study on Women, Peace and Security. The focus of the upcoming study will be on identifying and filling knowledge and data gaps, and building the evidence base on women, peace and security. The study aims to synergize with other major UN initiatives, including the 20-year review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action from the Fourth World Conference on Women, as well as the formulation of the Post-2015 Development Agenda. This presents the opportunity for the studies and their recommendations to inform each other and ensure a coherent, comprehensive agenda for women’s rights and equality.
     As a member of the Advisory Group, Rogova will draw from her extensive experience to provide guidance to the lead author.
The other prestigious members of the High-level Advisory Group for Global Study include Ms. Madeleine Rees (United Kingdom); Ms. Elisabeth Rehn (Finland); Major General Patrick Cammaert (Netherlands); Ms. Luz Mendez (Guatemala); Ms. Liliana Andrea Silva Bello (Colombia); Ms. Sharon Bhaghwan Rolls (Fiji); Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury (Bangladesh); Ms. Leymah Gbowee (Liberia); Ms. Ruth Ochieng (Uganda); Ms. Yasmin Sooka (South Africa); Ms. Alaa Murabit (Canada/Libya); Ms. Maha Abu Dayyeh (Palestine/Israel); Mr. Youssef Mahmoud (Tunisia); Ms. Julia Kharashvili (Georgia); Ms. Pramila Patten (Mauritius); and Ms. Bandana Rana (Nepal).

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Feminist Summer School 2014 Unites Girls from Kosova and Serbia

01.08.2014

The Feminist Summer School brought together approximately 20 girls from Kosova and Serbia in Ohrid, Macedonia from 15 to 21 July.
The six-day Summer School addressed the history of the feminist movement both in the world and in South East Europe during a lecture by Nadja Bobicic.

The next day Ana Vilenica talked about Feminism and Nationalism in an emotional session, during which participants reflected on the intersections between nation-states, gender and women’s bodies, particularly concerning sexual violence perpetrated against women during the war.

The third day participants learned about feminist research methodologies from Nicole Farnsworth. Another lecture, by Sibel Halimi, focused on Everyday Feminism and Women in Media. Their workshops involved a variety of non-formal interactive learning methods, including oral history interviewing.
     “I liked the short films about women’s stories,” said one participant. “But mostly [I liked] the exercises we did with each other because it is interesting to talk about their childhood, the war and other things with someone else that you didn’t know before.”

Indeed, feminists have long realized the importance of consciousness-raising and building understanding across borders as an important foundation in order to build a diverse, strong feminist movement.
“This was the first time that I had the chance to sit and actually have a long conversation with an Albanian girl,” another participant from Serbia said.

Several participants found oral history interviewing important for learning more about the politics of what had happened in each other’s countries, including stories that their media had not told them.

Participants also discussed human and women’s rights, the definition of grassroots activism and academic activism, among other topics.

Outside more formal discussions, young women also had free time to socialize with each other and spend time on the beautiful beaches of Ohrid. They organized yoga sessions at the lake and went salsa dancing.

The Feminist Summer School provided participants with the necessary tools, ideas and contacts to join feminist organizations and defend women’s rights in their countries. On the last day they reflected on what they had learned during the summer school and made concrete plans for continuing this initiative. The organizers supported them in dividing responsibilities for future steps.
     “I’m surprised by their ideas and readiness to make them into concrete actions,” said Mimoza Pachuku from KWN, an organizer. “It’s fascinating how much positive energy they have and that they are ready to work on a voluntary basis, if needed. This shows that the initiative for this kind of school is very much needed. I am so happy that we made it happen even though it wasn’t easy. I cannot wait for the participants to continue developing their ideas and to make this school a tradition.”

This Feminist Summer School was organized by KWN, the Alternative Girl’s Center from Krushevac, Serbia and Association Dea Dia from Kovacica, Serbia as a feminist peace-building initiative for young women. It was supported by Kvinna till Kvinna.

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U.S. Ambassador Visits NGO Liria

01.08.2014

The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Tracey Ann Jacobson, visited theCentre for Protection and Rehabilitation of Women and Children “Liria” in Gjilan on 1 July. Zyhdi Haziri, Head of Basic Court; Elmina Mahmuti, Head of the Regional Police; and Labinota Demi, Head of the Directorate for Health and Social Welfare also took part in the visit.

Nazife Jonuzi, Director of Liria, said that domestic violence remains one of the biggest human rights abuses in Kosovo.
“Violence happened during the conflict and it is happening also now, during peacetime,” she said.

Part of the discussion focused on important institutional and legal mechanisms that exist on paper, but are not being implemented in practice.
     “For this reason, our center continues to advocate at the local and central level for the creation of a long-term system for handling all aspects of domestic violence and gender-based violence. This includes having law enforcement for protection from domestic violence and long-term financial sustainability,” added Jonuzi.

Ambassador Jacobson congratulated Jonuzi and the staff of Liria for their work and commitment towards women’s empowerment, particularly in domestic violence cases. The Ambassador pledged strong support in terms of treating victims of domestic violence. She said that she would push processes at both the local and central level in law enforcement for protection from domestic violence and implementation of the Kosovo Program against Domestic Violence and Action Plan 2011-2014.

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NGO Dora Dores

21.07.2014

The Municipality of Prizren has an Action Plan on Achieving Gender equality 2012-2014, compiled by NGO "Dora Dores" and approved by the Municipality of Prizren.

Now, Dora Dores’ initiative “Development of Gender Policies in the Municipality of Prizren” aims to ensure the equal participation of women and men in health, social, economic and political affairs . Also, it aims to create an equal opportunities for them to enjoy all their rights and to put into service their individual potential, to the benefit of society.

The initiative will ensure the continuation of Gender Policies through planning new targets for the next period 2015-2017 and drafting and approval of the Action Plan for achieving gender equality for 2015-2017 in the Municipality of Prizren. In addition, within the Action Plan, this time other areas will be added, that have not been included in the old plan, such as media, culture and sports.

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Public Call for Applications for Capacity Building and Sub-Granting in Gender and Climate Change Financing

19.12.18

Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK)

19.12.18

Women’s Association “Aureola”

19.12.18

The Midwives Association of Kosovo

19.12.18

Handikos Mitrovica

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Women’s Initiative Association

21.07.2014

Low economic development is one of the factors that directly affects the gender perspective, so that the interest of women’s activism in civil society, political participation through different forums is very small or is completely lacking. The number of women employed in Dragash is very small and it is far from reference to the Law on Gender Equality, and none of them is in the decision making position.

Women’s Initiative Association considers there is a great need on organizing, networking and cooperation between young women and GEO, advocating group, formal group and other local and international mechanisms in order to help with activities in gender issues.

Therefore they will undertake the initiative "Women of Sharr aims to integrate in social and political life" and plan to achieve this integration through organizing activities such as roundtables, workshops, radio debates, meetings for exchanging experiences and also to create the groups of active women whom will participate in the meetings of the municipal assembly and other debates where decisions that indicate women directly are taken.

21.06.24

Public Call for Applications for Capacity Building and Sub-Granting in Gender and Climate Change Financing

19.12.18

Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK)

19.12.18

Women’s Association “Aureola”

19.12.18

The Midwives Association of Kosovo

19.12.18

Handikos Mitrovica

19.12.18

Psychotherapists in Action

The Inter-municipal Organization of the Blind and Partly Sighted

21.07.2014

The primary rights for blind people which are guaranteed by law for blind persons are: the protection of blind persons from discrimination, exploitation, abuse, employment, exemption from taxes, health care, education, access to information, rehabilitation, travel, electricity and telephone expenses and other benefits and rights. The NGO considers that all these rights and benefits have not been realized until now. Therefore they will undertake the initiative "Implementation of the Law for Blind People" aiming to advocate to certain directories, and to try together to accomplish these rights and benefits that the law provides for the blind, such as free urban and interurban travel with 50% discount on tickets for the blind person and companion; to release them from paying property tax in the municipality, access to information; and to give discounts in electricity consumption.

21.06.24

Public Call for Applications for Capacity Building and Sub-Granting in Gender and Climate Change Financing

19.12.18

Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK)

19.12.18

Women’s Association “Aureola”

19.12.18

The Midwives Association of Kosovo

19.12.18

Handikos Mitrovica

19.12.18

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NGO Top Radio

21.07.2014

Despite the numerous difficulties that women face, they have initiatives and ideas for new businesses, which with a concrete support from institutions can be a source of job generation and economic empowerment, which in an obvious measure would be a key factor to alleviating high unemployment rate in our community.

NGO Top Radio through its initiative "Release women and girls from municipal taxes for new businesse" aims for all women and girls who seek to open business and don’t have financial support but have the ambition for a new business, to have facilities and be released from taxes up to a year and will not be obligated to pay for the business plan. This a concrete support to women’s entrepreneurship.

21.06.24

Public Call for Applications for Capacity Building and Sub-Granting in Gender and Climate Change Financing

19.12.18

Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK)

19.12.18

Women’s Association “Aureola”

19.12.18

The Midwives Association of Kosovo

19.12.18

Handikos Mitrovica

19.12.18

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Women’s Center ATO

21.07.2014

People in the villages of Vushtria, because of their economic conditions, are unable to offer transport for their children, therefore there are a lot of cases where students (better said girls) are obliged to drop out from school.Having on mind that women and men in rural areas, namely parents are not aware that there is a law. 04/L-32, article 15 section 5 for pre-university education in the Republic of Kosovo that provides students with free transport in the distance of 5 km from school for obligatory education, Women’s Center ATO is going to undertake an initiative involving women (and men) in the community to advocate for the issue.

The activities will include visits to 10 villages of the municipality in order to discus on the topic; distribution of brochures’ with information’s; preparation of Petition demanding free transport; organizing a round table where councils of parents from 10 villages will advocate directly with representatives to the Department of Education and any other additional meetings nessecary.

21.06.24