Krenare Ajdini interprets in sign language at the KWN Annual Meeting in 2012.

New Association Empowers Deaf Women in Prizren

02.09.2013

Krenare Ajdini found her beginnings as a women’s rights activist while working as a sign language interpreter during KWN meetings. She attended her first KWN meeting in 2012 as an interpreter for the Association of Deaf People (ADP).

“During this meeting I learnt a lot of new information about NGOs and their work,” she said. “When I saw the possibilities that the network offers for women, I decided to start a new NGO for deaf women. I want them to have more space, since this space wasn’t provided in the other NGO so far.”
In July 2013, Krenare formed the Association of Deaf Women in Prizren, an NGO aiming to empower deaf women. She is aware of the many issues deaf women face, including insufficient interpreters. For example, if a woman would like to receive a medical check-up, without an interpreter it is very hard for her to explain her needs to the doctor. Nor can she understand the doctor’s diagnosis or treatment. The Association for Deaf Women seeks to help women resolve these issues.
Krenare admits that creating a new organization is no easy task: compiling a statute, forming a board and other administrative issues. However, “KWN staff were always there to help me with documents, procedures and any other issue,” she said.

“So far, I am really satisfied with the interest and cooperation shown by our NGO members,” Krenare said. “Together we’re working on finding ways to fund our ideas. In this way we will be able to empower deaf women in our municipality.”

08.04.14

KWN Releases 2013 Annual Report

07.04.14

KWN Organizes Workshop: “Women Advocate Locally”

03.03.14

Members Gather for Bimonthly Meeting

05.02.14

Individual Member Innovative in Supporting KWN

04.02.14

Members, Stakeholders Evaluate Positively KWN’s Work

07.01.14

KWN Exchanges Experiences with Activists in Austria

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Women in Skenderaj Municipality attend lectures organized by NGO Prehja regarding breast cancer.

“Prehja” Encourages Check-ups to Prevent Breast Cancer

02.09.2013

Regular medical check-ups are crucial for identifying signs of cancer early on so that it can be treated in time. This was among the points emphasized by Dr. Mejreme Maloku-Krasniqi, an oncologist at the Public Health Centre of Kosova (PHCK) during lectures that she delivered in four villages of Skenderaj.

Women’s Centre “Prehja” organized lectures to raise awareness about breast cancer in four Skenderaj villages, where around 200 women participated.
“It’s of vital importance that you have regular medical check-ups,” Dr. Maloku-Krasniqi said. “Only in this way can we take preventive steps and fight breast cancer.”
Dr. Maloku-Krasniqi inspired 30 women of Skenderaj Municipality to receive check-ups at PHCK’s Oncological Institute. Women who have participated in lectures can receive check-ups from Dr. Maloku-Krasniqi the very same day, and NGO “Mundesia” from Mitrovica is providing transportation for women from their villages to Prishtina.
“Just last year we lost six women in our municipality to breast cancer,” said Jeton Rushit, Project Coordinator at NGO Prehja. “They didn’t have good economic conditions to carry out regular medical examinations. Our project aims to raise awareness among women to prevent breast cancer. We think that such initiatives have a vital role in making women aware of breast cancer, as well as enabling them to receive medical examinations free of charge.”
This initiative has received support from the KWN Kosovo Women’s Fund since April 2013.
In the past, Women’s Centre “Prehja” has assisted women suffering from breast cancer by organizing self-support discussions, where women could speak with psychologists and receive advice on how to cope with cancer emotionally.

 

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty 

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

Agim Gashi, Head of the Public Services Department of the Municipality of Prishtina, cuts a cake made by members of NGO Rikotta, officially opening the “Women’s Piazza”.

New “Piazza” Raises Awareness about Women’s Rights

02.09.2013

The new “Women’s Piazza” on Prishtina’s Mother Teresa Boulevard innovatively sells women’s products while simultaneously organizing street events to raise awareness about women’s rights.

The Women’s Piazza, run by NGO Rikotta, sells baked goods everyday on this busy pedestrian square. In addition to helping their women members earn some extra income, they plan to use this public space to organize four street campaigns on topics including women’s right to education; participation in decision-making; breast cancer; and people who suffered domestic violence and trafficking. NGO Rikotta opened the Piazza because they were concerned by the lack of citizen initiatives to further women’s rights and participation in public life.
“Citizen initiatives are very good tools for promoting solidarity among women’s organizations, as well as gender equality,” said Pranvera Bullaku, Rikotta’s Executive Director. She hopes that the Piazza will raise by-passers’ awareness about issues that women face in everyday life.
The Women’s Piazza is a collaborative initiative undertaken with the Municipality of Prishtina, which provided the venue. Agim Gashi, the Head of the Public Services Department at the Municipality of Prishtina, officially opened “Women’s Piazza” on Aug. 12, 2013.
“We intend to support all positive initiatives of Prishtina citizens, particularly those focusing on supporting women’s rights and women’s hard work,” said Agim Gashi, Head of the Public Services Department.
This initiative also received support from the KWN Kosovo Women’s Fund, from which Rikotta received a grant for €2,990 in July 2013.

You can drop by any day to learn more about this initiative and/or purchase some products made by women: the Piazza is located on Mother Teresa Boulevard in Prishtina, next to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty 

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

Women’s Choir “Lira” Sings at International Festival

02.09.2013

 

For the first time, 16 members of “Lira” Women’s Choir attended the International Choir Festival, held in Nikoileka, Greece on Aug. 3-5.
Their program involved ten songs, including primarily traditional Albanian songs, adapted for the women’s choir by the composer Tomor Berisha.
 
The festival, held for the tenth time since 2003, welcomed choirs from several countries, including Lithuania, Italy, Turkey, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Greece, among others.
    
Representing Kosovo abroad is very important, said Valira Spahija-Buza who leads Lira. “It gives us the opportunity to create friendships, identify possibilities for cooperation and have the extraordinary experience of getting to know other nations and cultures,” she said.

 

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty 

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

Transparent Financial Management: Putting It to Practice

02.09.2013

With few exceptions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kosovo tend not to be very transparent with how they manage their finances. This is problematic for several reasons.

First, NGOs work towards the public good. Since we serve the public, we have a responsibility to be transparent about what we do, how we are funded and how we spend our funds.

Second, our financial resources often come originally from taxpayers (in Kosovo or abroad), or from individuals who give money to support us. We have a responsibility to report how their money was spent and what was achieved with their money. Otherwise, they may not feel like funding our work again.

Third, for organizations seeking to hold the government accountable, their own house must first be in order.

Fourth, our latest research on “Where’s the Money for Women’s Rights?” suggests that several donors in Kosovo are becoming hesitant to fund NGOs because organizations have not shown clearly where the money went in the past and what they have achieved with that money.

This does not mean that organizations have not achieved important results, but perhaps organizations could do a better job of showing how money was spent and what results were achieved.  NGOs’ future funding depends on how transparent they are with their finances and how well they show their results to donors and community members (as potential future supporters).

“Wait a minute. I’m transparent. I’m not one of those organizations,” you’re thinking. Okay, here are a few important questions for you:
 
o   Do you make an annual report with information about your activities, results, income and expenditures available to the public (not only to your donors)?
o   Are two people in your organization responsible for reviewing and approving how money is spent?
o   Do you have your organization’s finances audited every year?
o   Does your board meet every three months to review and approve your organization’s income and expenditures?
 
If you answered “no” to any of these, you could improve your organization’s financial management and transparency. Here are a few things that you can and should do. They cost little to nothing and can help you improve the image of your organization and, in doing so, the image of NGOs and civil society more broadly:
 
1.   Prepare an annual report with information about your activities, results, income and expenditures. Make it available to the public. You can put it on your free Facebook page; make inexpensive black and white copies; and/or provide the information at a press conference. Annual reporting is crucial for showing your partners, members, media, donors and citizens how you use your funds and the results you achieve. (For an example of an annual report, see KWN’s website).
2.  Make sure that two different people review and approve your financial expenditures. This is important towards accountable and transparent financial management.
3.   Ensure that you have an active board, board rotation policy (so members change every few years according to clear guidelines) and regular meetings every three months with board members. During meetings, board members can review and approve your organization’s activities and finances.
4.  If you receive funding, especially more than €100,000 per year, undergo an annual external audit. Report results to the public, tax administration and NGO registration office. In your budget proposals, ask donors to fund audits of project expenses. Most donors will. If not, or if you lack funds for an audit, involve (non-staff) members, beneficiaries and partners in voluntarily auditing your finances. They can review your budget, receipts and activities, writing a letter with their conclusions. Make the letter available to the public.
5.    Start a log, recording 1) the date; 2) voluntary time, in-kind contributions and donations provided to your organization; and 3) from whom it was received. Based on market prices, estimate the worth of these contributions. Then, you will be able to show with evidence the in-kind contributions you receive.
6.   Attend KWN workshops in financial management. Usually such training costs €250-300 per person, but KWN offers them free of charge to our members.
 
If you still have questions or want advice, email us at info@womensnetwork.org or call for an appointment.

 

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty 

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

KWN Recognizes, Congratulates Majlinda Kelmendi, Judo World Champion

02.09.2013

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Yesterday on September 2, 2013, during the Kosova Women’s Network bimonthly regular meeting, it was decided to give letter of recognition for merit to the world champion in judo who represented us and brought the gold medal, Majlinda Kelmendi and also Nora Gjakova, who won the eighth place at the World Championship in judo.  A delegation from KWN will visit them to congratulate for winning the golden medal and to give the recognitions, on Thursday September 2, 2013. As a world champion in Judo, Majlinda Kelmendi, is the first national heroine of the State of Kosova. Kosova Women’s Network members, congratulate both of them for winning and hope that both will become a good example for young women in Kosova, to realize their dreams, as Majlinda gave her message at the airport: “It does not matter where you start but what you aim. With dedication, work and willingness, everyone succeeds to achieve their goals”. The Kosova Women’s Network (KWN) supports, protects and promotes the rights and the interests of women and girls throughout Kosova, regardless of their political beliefs, religion, age, level of education, sexual orientation and ability. KWN fulfills its mission through the exchange of experience and information, partnership and networking, research, advocacy and service. As a network of 105 women’s organizations of all ethnic groups from throughout Kosova, KWN advocates on behalf of Kosovar women, at the national, regional and international levels.

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

Men Join KWN as Individual Members

12.08.2013

Last week KWN launched its new Individual Membership Program. We’re pleased that three men already have joined KWN as individual members! We want to take a moment to recognize individually each of these men who also have been great supporters of KWN’s work in the past!

The first man to join KWN, Arber Sylejmani, developed our website, including creating our new membership form virtually overnight. He’s always around when we need him, responding quickly to our needs and supporting our work.
Second, Hajrullahu Ceku has collaborated closely with KWN in several actions, from street performances to protests to petitions. We feel his solidarity as an activist.
Then there’s Krenar Basha from Night Design who has played a vital role in developing KWN’s public relations materials. He too is always accessible, assisting with whatever we need, often under severe time restraints. An activist at heart, he promotes several causes through his talents as a designer and publisher. This includes printing on recycled paper with recycled ink and offering discounts to women’s organizations.
We welcome other men and women to join KWN as individual members. As a KWN admirer, friend or supporter, no longer do you need to have your own organisation to become a member. You only need to feel a desire to become part of our work. Please join us by writing to info@womensnetwork.org or filling out the application on our website.
KWN members can feel proud that they are part of a worldwide network of people committed to supporting, protecting and promoting the rights and interests of women and girls in Kosovo.

08.04.14

KWN Releases 2013 Annual Report

07.04.14

KWN Organizes Workshop: “Women Advocate Locally”

03.03.14

Members Gather for Bimonthly Meeting

05.02.14

Individual Member Innovative in Supporting KWN

04.02.14

Members, Stakeholders Evaluate Positively KWN’s Work

07.01.14

KWN Exchanges Experiences with Activists in Austria

KWN members hone narrative and financial reporting skills at a training organized by KWN on Jul. 29, in Prishtina.

Reporting Important for Securing Future Support

12.08.2013

Despite the summer heat that made travel difficult, 37 representatives of KWN member organizations filled the room at Hotel Prishtina on Jul. 29 for a training on narrative and financial reporting.

Writing strong reports is important for demonstrating to beneficiaries, community members and donors the results members have achieved through their projects. Financial reporting also is important for accountability and transparently showing how funds have been spent. Strong and interesting reports can encourage donors and community members to provide further support to organizations in the future.

Therefore, KWN staff provided KWN members with useful report-writing techniques during this one-day training.
“The topic of the training is very good, especially for our NGO which was recently formed,” a participant said.

Indeed KWN offered the training in response to members’ requests for support in this area, as part of KWN’s capacity development program for members.

Participants showed great interest in differentiating between activities, results, outcomes and impact, Nicole Farnsworth, KWN Program Manager and Mimoza Pachuku, KWN Kosovo Women’s Fund Coordinator, also explained how to collect data for monitoring and evaluation indicators. They also emphasized the importance of using qualitative and quantitative indicators, as well as making reports interesting to read (e.g., by including quotations, short stories about beneficiaries, and specific examples of achievements).

In the afternoon, Besa Shehu, KWN Administrative and Finance Manager, shared and explained templates for financial reporting. She provided advice on how organizations can strengthen their financial management systems, as well as submit accurate financial reports.

“This training is very useful for our NGO,” another participant said. “When it comes time for reporting on the grant we won, we will know better how to write the report.”

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty 

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

On 30 July, KWN welcomed our first individual member, long-time supporter of furthering women’s rights in Kosovo, Elizabeth Kaestli.

KWN Welcomes Individual Members!

05.08.2013

Are you an admirer, friend or supporter of the Kosova Women’s Network (KWN)? Perhaps you do not have your own organization or you do not live in Kosovo, but you feel connected to our work and want to support us? We have a new program for you! KWN is proud to announce our Individual Membership Program. The program offers individuals the opportunity to become part of our network!

To become a KWN member, we kindly request a donation of €50 per year (that’s less than €5 per month). Of course we appreciate any additional donation that you are willing to make! For people residing in the U.S., your donation is tax deductible. All proceeds will go to the KWN Sustainability Fund, covering crucial costs and supporting important programs. As a member, you will receive updates about KWN’s work and how we have put our members’ funds to good use. This includes our monthly E-newsletter and annual report with audited financial statements. We’ll also publish your name on our list of members (unless you prefer we do not).

As a KWN member, you can feel proud that you part of a worldwide network of people committed to supporting, protecting and promoting the rights and interests of women and girls in Kosovo. To become a member, please write to info@womensnetwork.org or visit our website. P.S. You don’t have to be a woman to be a member. We welcome men who support our cause!

08.04.14

KWN Releases 2013 Annual Report

07.04.14

KWN Organizes Workshop: “Women Advocate Locally”

03.03.14

Members Gather for Bimonthly Meeting

05.02.14

Individual Member Innovative in Supporting KWN

04.02.14

Members, Stakeholders Evaluate Positively KWN’s Work

07.01.14

KWN Exchanges Experiences with Activists in Austria

KWF Supports 7 Members’ Initiatives

05.08.2013

KWN awarded seven Kosova Women’s Fund (KWF) grants to member organizations in July. In this round, 29 organizations applied, and KWF’s Grant Review Committee (GRC), elected by KWN members, selected the following:

1) Venera will help women in Peja prepare legal documents and offer advice for completing procedures to open their own businesses;

2) Bliri will raise awareness about reproductive health among girls in Drenas;

3) The Committee of Blind Women of Kosovawill work on integrating blind children into public schools in Prishtina;

4) Rikotta will launch its “Women’s Piazza” on Nena Tereze in Prishtina, selling women’s products and organizing street events to raise awareness about women’s rights;

5) Foleja will educate Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women and girls in Prizren, Landovic, Piran, South Serbica and Mamushe about their health and rights;

6) Rona will economically empower women, supporting their participation in tourism by producing handcrafts and promoting cultural heritage in Gora and Opoja; and

7) The Centre for Promotion of Women’s Rights will identify cases of sexual violence committed during the war in 17 villages of Drenas Municipality.

Kvinna till Kvinna provided financial support, making these grants possible. The next grant round will open 15 August and close 15 September 2013. KWF Coordinator Mimoza Paçuku remains available to provide mentoring to KWN members regarding their proposals.

08.04.14

KWN Releases 2013 Annual Report

07.04.14

KWN Organizes Workshop: “Women Advocate Locally”

03.03.14

Members Gather for Bimonthly Meeting

05.02.14

Individual Member Innovative in Supporting KWN

04.02.14

Members, Stakeholders Evaluate Positively KWN’s Work

07.01.14

KWN Exchanges Experiences with Activists in Austria