KWN and Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers Discuss Gender-Responsive Budgeting

23.10.2023

On Monday, 23 October, the Executive Director of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, met with the Deputy Minister of Finance, Labor, and Transfers, Agon Dobruna, along with the Secretary General of the Ministry, Enis Spahiu.

During this meeting, they discussed KWN’s recommendations for institutionalizing gender-responsive budgeting, which had been previously submitted to the Ministry and other relevant institutions.

Additionally, specific recommendations for Kosovo’s 2024 budget were on the agenda, with the goal of advancing gender equality.

KWN expects that through their cooperation with the Ministry, they will address a variety of issues, with a specific focus on promoting gender equality in Kosovo.

The KWN and Institute GAP’s Policy Brief with recommendations for institutionalising gender-responsive budgeting in Kosovo in accordance with the Law on Gender Equality and with specific recommendations for the 2024 Kosovo Budget, which will contribute to furthering gender equality, can be found here.

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 

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British MP Alicia Kearns visits KWN

21.10.2023

The British Parliament Member Alicia Kearns, visited Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) offices on Saturday, 21 October.

The executive director of KWN Igballe Rogova, together with representatives from organizations dedicated to the protection of women’s rights, discussed various topics, with a particular emphasis on advancing the policy framework known as “Women, Peace, and Security.”

The Ambassador of Kosovo to the United Kingdom, Ilir Kapiti, accompanied MP Kearns during her visit to the KWN. The meeting was attended by Zana Hoxha from Artpolis, Feride Rushiti from the Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT), Luljeta Demolli from the Kosovo Gender Studies Center (KGSC), Xhulieta Devolli from the Network of Woma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations (RrOGRAEK), and activist Jeta Krasniqi.

This collaborative effort highlights the importance of international partnerships in promoting gender equality and women’s rights.

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 

Canada’s Ambassador to Croatia visited KWN’s offices

20.10.2023

Ambassador of the Canadian Embassy in Croatia, Jessica Blitt, Officer for Political Relations, Public Relations, and Media at the Embassy of Canada in Croatia, Ida Mahecic Bajovic, and Project Coordinator at the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), Vlera Rexha, visited the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN)’s office on 20 October.

During the meeting, the Executive Director, Igballe Rogova, informed the representatives of the Canadian Embassy about the work of the Kosovo Women’s Network. Adelina Berisha, the Program Manager, spoke about activities related to addressing gender-based violence, particularly the project being implemented with CFLI’s support to enhance the capacities of local coordinating mechanisms against gender-based violence, specifically addressing sexual violence.

Ambassador Blitt emphasized the importance of KWN’s work and expressed her anticipation for collaborations and other initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality.

“Canada is proud to support our CFLI partner, KWN. Ambassador Blitt was very interested to hear about the progress of the funded project aimed at improving the institutional treatment of Gender-Based Violence cases through advocacy and capacity building,” tweeted the Canada’s Embassy in Croatia.

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 Completes Training Cycle on State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

18.10.2023

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), in cooperation with the Center for the Protection of Women and Children in Pristina, the Center for the Inclusion of Women in Novobërda, the Center for the Protection of Women and Children “My Home” in Ferizaj, and the Center for the Welfare of Women in Peja, conducted a series of training sessions on the Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence. These training sessions took place during the months of September and October and involved collaboration with the Coordinating Mechanism Against Domestic Violence and local institutions in the municipalities of Novobërda, Kaçanik, Obiliq, Lipjan, Podujeva, and Deçan.

The purpose of these training sessions is to educate local institutions about their responsibilities regarding the management of cases of sexual violence and the necessary steps to be taken in such cases. Besarta Breznica, the official of the Program for Addressing Gender-Based Violence at KWN, noted that the training cycle for the State Protocol for handling cases of sexual violence has been highly effective, judging by the significant number of participants who have benefited from these sessions.

Meanwhile, Monika Kocaqi, the trainer, stated that the training sessions on the State Protocol for the Treatment of Cases of Sexual Violence in Kosovo, conducted in six municipalities of the country, successfully familiarized the participants with the existence and content of this essential state document, which is mandatory for implementation. She also emphasized a set of pressing needs that require immediate attention.

“First and foremost, there is an urgent need to conduct comprehensive training sessions with each group of professionals from the institutions responsible for implementing the Protocol, including members of the Coordination Mechanisms against Domestic Violence. These training sessions should focus on a detailed examination of this type of violence, its root causes and consequences, the appropriate approach to managing cases based on their specific characteristics, working in a coordinated fashion, and fulfilling the legal and institutional obligations outlined in the Protocol,” said Kocaqi.

According to Mrs. Kocaqi, the training programs should be standardized, with established and accredited modules, and should be ongoing, organized at various levels tailored to the preliminary assessment of each group of professionals’ needs. Furthermore, there was a clear and pressing requirement for immediate intervention to enhance institutional capacities through the allocation of human, financial, and infrastructural resources.

Meanwhile, Drita Cakiqi, a defender of the victims and one of the participants in the training, emphasized, “The State Protocol training is highly essential. This is a new document, and institutions require training.”

“Moreover, during these training sessions, we address specific cases of sexual violence, which greatly aids our work with victims,” she mentioned. It is worth noting that the State Protocol for the Treatment of Cases of Sexual Violence was officially introduced on December 5, 2022, through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Justice and the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

This initiative has received support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

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 

Parashqevi Qiriazi, the “Morning Star” of Women’s Emancipation

17.10.2023

Few women have accomplished what Parashqevi Qiriazi undertook and achieved in her lifetime. Born on June 2, 1880, in Manastir, she devoted her life to the Albanian language’s alphabet and to learning the written Albanian language. She later became one of the central figures of the Albanian Enlightenment during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Following in the footsteps of her sister, Sevasti Qiriazi, Parashqevi continued her studies at the Istanbul college for girls, “Robert College,” focusing on literature, where she distinguished herself through her student activities. Subsequently, she became a teacher and, just a few months later, assumed the role of the head of the Albanian Girls’ School in Korçë, Albania.

As pioneers in the emancipation of Albanian women and girls, the Qiriazi sisters hold an esteemed position in the history of Albanian education and culture. They are particularly remarkable for establishing their girls’ school during a challenging period when the country faced significant backwardness, and women were oppressed, marginalized, and kept in ignorance and obscurity.

Parashqevi embraced the view and mission of Gjerasim Qiriazi, believing that only through education could the soul of a nation emerging from darkness be transformed and liberated. She understood that a nation would experience swifter progress during its renaissance if women and girls, as the core of the family, were educated. Parashqevi dedicated herself to the education of Albanian girls, striving for their upliftment and cultural enlightenment. She achieved this through her involvement with the “Morning Star” association and her contributions to the press of her time, as explained by the researcher of her life and work, Teuta Toska.

In 1908, Parashqevi served as the envoy of the Girls’ School at the significant Congress of Manastir, where she was appointed as the secretary of the eleven delegates tasked with addressing the issue of the Albanian alphabet. Subsequently, in 1909, she authored the Primer using the new Albanian alphabet and also composed the Albanian alphabet anthem. Parashqevi, alongside her sister, is renowned for her contributions to the emancipation of Albanian women and for her pivotal role in establishing the first women’s association, “Morning Star,” in the city of Korça in 1912.

In 1913, she successfully earned her master’s degree in education from Oberlin College in Ohio. Her master’s thesis was dedicated to designing a national education system for the recently liberated Albania. Parashqevi’s significant contributions to the emancipation of Albanian girls and women led UNESCO, on the 50th anniversary of her passing, to draw comparisons with prominent international figures. They noted, “Her pioneering role in the education and emancipation of women in the Ottoman Empire can only be compared with the achievements of Marianne Hainisch in Austria, Annestine Beyer in Denmark, or Maria Montessori in Italy.”

Parashqevi and Sevastia also made contributions to the periodical “Shqiptarja,” published by the organization “Gruaja Shqiptare”, which operated between 1928 and 1939. The magazine was known for featuring “provocative” articles aimed at challenging conservative ideologies that opposed the women’s movement and its demands.

In 1914, due to the Greek occupation of Korçë during World War I, Parashqevi, together with her sister, left Albania for Romania and later traveled to the United States, where she became a prominent figure in the Albanian-American community. She returned to Albania in 1921.

Parashqevi remained a steadfast anti-fascist during World War II, starting with the Italian invasion in 1939. Her anti-fascist stance led to her and her sister’s imprisonment and exile to the Anhalteleger Dedinje camp near Belgrade by pro-Nazi units. She survived and returned to Tirana after the war. Unfortunately, further persecution followed her and her sister’s family, this time from the communist regime, due to her brother-in-law Kristo Dako’s pro-monarchy stance.

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 

NGOs and Women’s Access to Training

09.10.2023

Women, mainly from rural areas, express the need for training that would enable them to acquire additional skills, enabling them to secure employment or even become self-employed for economic independence.

According to a study conducted by The Agency for Gender Equality, it underscores the necessity of providing training opportunities for women in the areas of management and leadership. It also emphasizes the importance of motivating and encouraging women to aspire to decision-making roles.

Sadije Dulahu serves as the director of the organization ‘Lulishtja,’ where numerous women seek training to initiate their own businesses. Dulahu also highlights a challenge encountered by women in rural areas who seek information regarding issues that pertain to their rights.

“Previously, we provided training on property inheritance, which we continue whenever the opportunity arises. Currently, we focus on supporting the establishment of new businesses because as women become economically self-sufficient, they gradually gain their rights,” she said.

“In 2018-2019, we encountered numerous challenges. Our organization focused on agricultural recovery. However, individuals within families, particularly those who held the land on their father’s property, took advantage of the situation to claim grants. This was due to a lack of trust that parents could allow their daughters to manage these activities on their property,” says Dulahu.

In Kosovo, according to data from the Department of NGOs within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, there are 12,433 active organizations, including associations, foundations, and institutes.

Among these NGOs is ‘Aureola,’ led by Sanije Grajçevci. The organization’s objectives encompass economic empowerment, education, gender equality, and human rights. To advance these goals, the NGO has conducted training sessions and courses for women in computer skills, the English language, tailoring, and hairdressing. Additionally, they maintain a division dedicated to greenhouse agriculture.

Grajçevci explains that these courses were offered free of charge, as they were funded by donors or successful project proposals.

The training and courses organized by an NGO, as explained by Grajçevci, should be designed to empower women to secure employment in the future or even become self-employed.

“I believe that there will always be a demand for training and courses because today there are private courses available, but not everyone has the means to afford them. Nevertheless, it’s important to bear in mind that if the knowledge gained from a course is not applied in one’s life, it represents a missed opportunity. For instance, if I were to offer a hairdressing course to women, I must consider how this course can genuinely benefit these women,” she states.

However, to conduct such training and courses, this NGO must secure funds, and Grajçevci asserts that this is not a straightforward task. “We’ve had periods with and without grants, and we constantly strive to secure income to sustain our work. We don’t have a consistent source of funding, but occasionally we collaborate on projects and make contributions,” Grajçevci states.

“In the past, when international NGOs were involved, we received substantial support and operated effectively. Now our opportunities are somewhat limited,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of increased state support for NGOs.

Another NGO is “Rikotta,” which has been offering training and supporting women’s education for approximately five years, with the aim of enhancing women’s skills and competence in the realm of business and entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, this NGO has established partnerships with organizations that provide training and education programs for women. Pranvera Bullaku, the director of Rikotta, notes that the NGO she oversees initiated these training programs, recognizing their significance.

“By providing information and training, they have enhanced the abilities of women and girls, empowering and motivating them to play an active role. The increased involvement of women in decision-making contributes to positive transformative processes within societies, leading to changes in laws, policies, services, institutions, and social norms,” states Bullaku.

The organization “Activism Roots,” headquartered in Gjakovë, primarily focuses on civic activism at the local level while also advocating for human rights. Ideal Zhaveli, the Executive Director of this association, acknowledges that any training offered to NGOs is greatly appreciated.

“Indeed, trainings that enhance the well-being of the organization are valuable, as they not only boost the capacities of each member but also promote the active functioning of the organization as a whole,” Zhaveli remarked.

“Training benefits every organization, but it should also be coordinated with us because sometimes time constraints prevent staff members from participating,” adds Shefkije Mehmeti from the Women’s Center for Rural Development. Mehmeti, in response to KALLXO.com, elaborated on the significance of training in the work of NGOs.

“Our activities are centered around rural development, heritage preservation, healthcare preservation, women’s awareness raising, as well as strategy development, legal compliance, and project preparation. We have undergone capacity-building trainings, which are essential for crafting project proposals and ensuring compliance with laws; they provide valuable guidance on how to approach these aspects,” stated Mehmeti.

On the other hand, women’s rights activist Nora Ahmetaj asserts that there has been progress in the realm of training and raising awareness among women and girls.

“We are actively engaged in training both young girls and teenagers, as well as women who are already well-established and of a more mature age. It’s heartening to see that we are investing in training because, when compared to where we started, it represents a significant step forward,” Ahmetaj told KALLXO.com.

However, she does acknowledge the challenges of providing training to women in rural areas, as there has been a predominant focus on the urban center while neglecting rural regions.

“Information is primarily disseminated in Pristina and not in rural areas. Most opportunities are concentrated in Pristina, with a few in larger centers. It is crucial that information is extended beyond Pristina to the outskirts. Many women in these areas are severely marginalized and lack access to both information and training,” she elaborates.

According to Ahmetaj, the impact of NGOs is limited.

“Some NGOs have been well-established and effective, but they are quite scarce. While they can often provide more support due to their access to information and financial resources, not all NGOs are in this position.”

The needs, preferences, and experiences of young people regarding NGO training

Advocating for human rights, addressing community issues, and demanding solutions and accountability remain integral aspects of the daily missions of municipal Youth Centers. One such example is the Youth Center in Obiliq, which has been actively addressing issues affecting the country’s youth since 2011.

Zelushe Kelmendi, a representative of this NGO, explains to KALLXO.com that trainings are among the factors that influence the improvement of an NGO’s work and knowledge.

“There are many trainings, and each one is valuable as it empowers and rejuvenates the work of the NGO,” says Kelmendi. According to her, NGO trainings are beneficial for enhancing capacity.

One beneficiary of the new experiences and lessons offered by NGO trainings is Diellza Krasniqi from the Municipality of Lipjan, who has been part of various organizations, forums, and conferences for five years.

“The trainings have been quite engaging, focusing on youth involvement in human rights initiatives, information technology approaches, career guidance, and various contemporary topics. The subjects I’ve delved into have been comprehensive, and in recent months, I’ve participated in trainings and practical experiences related to environmental studies,” she explains.

Krasniqi emphasizes that being part of the NGO network has expanded her social circle and allowed her to learn from a diverse group of individuals and organizations. “Participating has brought positive benefits, extending my knowledge beyond the university through informal education. I’ve developed new terminology, improved my writing, and communication skills,” she elaborates.

Another student who has found the solution in training to complement her studies is Ardiana Jashari from the municipality of Gjilan, who is studying journalism.

For Jashari, her passion for working in the media has deepened through training, which enabled her to closely observe ethical and reporting standards.

“As for the fields of training, most of them were in journalism. I’ve benefited significantly from these trainings, expanding my knowledge in journalism and gaining insights from experienced media professionals,” Jashari tells KALLXO.com.

NGO Relations with Public Institutions: What Does the Law Say?

Regarding NGO relations with public institutions, the law in Kosovo regulates these interactions through the Law on the Freedom of Association in Non-Governmental Organizations.

Article 13 of this law outlines the principles governing NGO relationships with public institutions. According to this article:

NGOs operate independently from public institutions; Public institutions support and encourage NGO activities; Public institutions treat NGOs with respect, equality, and without discrimination; Public institutions create a conducive environment and implement best practices to facilitate NGO work aligned with their objectives; Public institutions protect NGOs from third-party interference; Public institutions do not infringe on the rights and freedoms of NGOs and individuals exercising their right to freedom of association and Public institutions are required to make public all forms of cooperation and support provided to NGOs.

This publication was made possible with the financial support of the European Union Office in Kosovo through the initiative of the Kosovo Women’s Network, “Enhancing the Capacities and Resilience of CSO’s: Furthering Gender Equality Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Its content is the responsibility of Internews Kosova and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union Office in Kosovo.

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 

Sevasti Qiriazi – The First Woman Teacher of the Albanian Language

03.10.2023

“I am Albanian. This is the most important fact in my life, more important than family even, for the conscousness of it gave me my vivid sense of what I must do, furnishing the purpose of my life.”

These are the words of the initiator of the organization of Albanian education for girls, Sevasti Qiriazi Dako, written in her autobiographical book “My Life.”

The life of Sevastia, an extraordinary woman, is intertwined with the story of Albanian history. It is a tale of will, patriotism, and the significant challenges that the journey of nation-building has faced, particularly in the realm of education.

Born in 1871, Sevasti Qiriazi-Dako was the director and teacher of the first Albanian school for girls, a pioneer of national education, the education and emancipation of Albanian women and girls, a warrior, politician, and author of various texts. The poet and prominent national figure Naim Frashëri himself was the one who gave Sevastia the opportunity to study at “Robert College” in Istanbul and play an active role in women’s education. She was the first Albanian woman to study at this American institution, which she completed in June 1891.

“Sister, you cannot do a better job for poor Albania than what you have decided to do together with your brother, for the emancipation of the women of our poor country. Your tasks now begin, and if you are loyal, persistent, and willing, you will be able to accomplish great things for the nation,” Sevasti Qiriazi quoted Naim Frashëri in “Memories of Naim Beu.”

Upon returning to Albania, Sevastia, who knew 7-8 foreign languages, participated in the establishment of the girls’ school in Korça in 1891. This school also marked the beginning of secular education in the region.

This was a significant step for the era, and perhaps one of the most modern, considering it occurred during a period when the Ottomans had ruled for five hundred years, keeping the Albanian people, especially women, in subjugation. Establishing a school for girls marked a decisive turning point toward emancipation.

The esteemed benefactor of Albanians, the Englishwoman Edith Durham, also documented the Qiriazi sisters and the first school for girls.

“Korça is civilized. I received a very warm welcome at the Albanian School for Girls. The school was so ‘modern’ that I felt as if I had suddenly returned to Europe,” she wrote two years after the school opened.

Sevastia, along with her sister Parashqevi, also took part in the Congress of Elbasan and Manastir, primarily focused on the preparation of school textbooks.

Sevasti Qiriazi-Dako published a grammar for primary schools and edited a series of history texts. Sevasti and Parashqevi, known as the Qiriazi Sisters, were the pioneering teachers and educators of the girls’ school, yet their contributions extended far beyond education.

“Sevastia was the spiritual leader, while Parashqevia was an energetic person. Sevastia led, and Parashqevia executed. They set an example for what an Albanian woman should be, channeling their full potential for the benefit of their country,” notes Teuta Toska, a researcher of the Qiriazi sisters’ work.

“They accomplished tasks that are still challenging for women today. She even founded a political party in America to support the Albanian cause during that time. Sister Parashqevia served as a delegate at the Peace Conference in Paris,” says Toska.

In 1914, due to conflicts with Greek forces in Korça, Sevastia, her husband, and their two children were compelled to leave Albania, resulting in the closure of the Girls’ School. They spent nearly 12 months residing in Bucharest and Sofia before immigrating to the United States in 1915, where she would assist her husband in opening the first Albanian school in America.

Sevastia assisted her sister in publishing the biweekly magazine “Morning Star” (1917–1920), and in this period, she and her husband became more deeply involved in the Vatra association and the Albanian national issue.

At the end of 1921, Sevasti Qiriazi-Dako and her children returned to Albania, where her husband had already gone back to work with the Albanian government. In her memoirs, Sevastia described conditions in Albania as “primitive” and expressed her inspiration to dedicate the remainder of her life to helping rebuild her nation.

Due to her husband’s roles as a minister and biographer of King Zog, Dako’s name faded into obscurity during the communist regime after World War II. Her family endured persecution, including her sister Parashqevi, and her two sons were arrested and imprisoned. Exhausted by numerous hardships and the loss of her son, Sevastia passed away in August 1949.

Much later, in 1962, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Albania’s Independence, the communist regime recognized the patriotic contributions of the Qiriazi family. Four members of the Qiriazi family, Gjerasimi, Gjergji, Sevastia, and Parashqevia, were awarded the “Order of Freedom” and the order for “Patriotic Action.” Subsequently, Sevastia and Parashqevi were honored with the title “Teacher of the People,” the highest recognition for their educational achievements.

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 

Discrimination Against NGOs Advancing Women’s Rights in Rural Areas

02.10.2023

Approximately 90 kilometers away from Prishtina lies Krusha e Madhe, a village that evokes memories of the last war in Kosovo and the embodiment of resistance, Fahrije Hoti.

Fahrije’s narrative encapsulates the experiences of countless other women in Kosovo, and her present endeavors serve as a global testament to success. Her resilience has not only inspired many other women but has also fostered a sense of empowerment. The determination she displayed during those challenging times to assert her rights, starting with the fundamental right to work, has become a driving force for women worldwide, urging them never to relent in their pursuit of their rights.

Despite being located far from the center of Kosovo, Fahrija managed to provide crucial support not only for herself but also for numerous girls and women who faced discrimination within society. Through their collective efforts, they were able to attain the rights they rightfully deserved.

Even today, not many women and girls in Kosovo have a fate like Fahria’s.

The non-governmental organizations that deal with women’s rights and their promotion are assessing that the distance from the city centers and the capital of Kosovo is causing women’s work not to be recognized and appreciated as much as it should be.

These NGOs are assessing that the biggest focus of donors is on organizations that are bigger, and usually, these are in urban areas with very little support for rural ones.

From Has of Prizren – with women and for women

It is Marte Prekpalaj from the non-governmental organization “Gratë Vizionare të Shekullit XXI” who, like a few of her colleagues, had the courage to work with women and not center their operations in an urban area. The difficulties are compounded as her work mainly focuses on women in the villages, while the NGO’s center is located in Has of Prizren.

“We are in Has in Prizren. In general, NGOs have their centers in cities. I am one of the rare ones who have their center here in Has, far from the city,” says Prekpalaj.

She, like many of her colleagues, thinks that organizations located in the city, closer to the center, have the easiest job.

However, Prekpalaj still maintains that thanks to her desire to work for the benefit of women, she remains motivated to continue her work and ultimately emerge victorious.

“Even when I applied for projects, I didn’t find it difficult that technology now provides us with opportunities, but the fact that NGOs in urban centers also have resources,” she says.

She also emphasizes that the most significant commitment and work for women are being carried out in cities.

In rural areas, less is being done for women’s rights. Women have knowledge, and they are aware of their rights in most cases due to the numerous information tools currently available. However, the approach to these cases is crucial, and work must be done in this aspect,” Prekpalaj says.

She adds that they engage more with the local government and have a very productive cooperation with them. She also mentions that they are a part of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), and Prekpalaj herself is an active member who collaborates closely with this network.

“We constantly have meetings and collaborate with the members of the KWN,” she adds.

Prekpalaj mentions that such a network has existed for some time among municipalities and other NGOs.

“We cooperated quite well,” recalls Prekpalaj, while also acknowledging that this network has declined. “But now it has deteriorated; the cooperation and networking that we had in the past have also weakened,” she says.

Women’s rights are also a concern in Peja. The non-governmental organization “Alma” told KALLXO.com that among the various challenges leading to the organization’s closure is the concentration of funds in the city, favoring larger NGOs.

“The big NGOs are suffocating us; it’s very straightforward. I’m making an appeal, and I won’t cease until the major NGOs stop absorbing all the funding, leaving the organizations that have been collaborating with them for years on the brink of closure. They are depleting our capacity, taking away our work, and even our volunteers,” says Shemsie Seferi, the head of the Association for the Emancipation of Women “Alma.”

Seferi mentions that she volunteers for large NGOs that primarily focus on urban areas, and in her view, these organizations ultimately reap the benefits of funding.

“This isn’t normal; let’s discuss the reality,” she says.

According to Neri Ferizi, an activist for gender equality, many organizations in small towns are comprised of women who have consistently been dedicated to women’s issues.

“These women continue to be part of these organizations without bringing in new faces to refresh the team. I believe that new women would bring fresh ideas,” says Ferizi.

She adds that if young activists from different areas exhibit diverse behavior, there would be broader representation of women, making the cause more inclusive.

The status of other women’s rights volunteers

The geographical location has an impact on women’s education, their participation in the workforce, and their emancipation. Responses from organizations indicate that this geographical aspect also affects women’s ability to be informed about and advocate for their rights.

Even in Kosovo’s 2020-2024 program for gender equality, it is stated that NGO assessments demonstrate that women from rural areas and those with less formal education have weaker connections with service providers compared to women from urban areas.

In addition to NGOs with women’s rights as their primary focus, there are also several other organizations continuously striving to address this topic.

Research conducted by KALLXO.com revealed that even in the plans of the majority of Local Youth Action Councils and Youth Centers operating in various municipalities throughout Kosovo, both near and far from the capital, there has been a lack of educational activities promoting gender equality in recent years.

One illustrative case that sheds light on the situation in Kosovo is the Local Youth Action Council (KVRL) in Mitrovica. They stated that they have not organized any activities for gender equality in the last three years.

“KVRL Mitrovica is currently in the midst of an election phase. We would like to inform you that we have not conducted such activities in the past three years,” they briefly conveyed to KALLXO.com.

This situation underscores that, despite Mitrovica not being categorized as a small city, given its expansive area exceeding 300 km², its distance from the capital still results in fewer activities related to women’s rights and a reduced presence of NGOs addressing these issues.

KALLXO.com reached out to Neri Ferizi, a women’s rights activist in this city. She emphasizes that in Kosovo, there is still a significant class division based on geographical origin.

“Discrimination based on geographic location is very evident in Kosovo; in Pristina, one can sense a form of superiority,” she states, while also noting that geographic location continues to influence progress and awareness in Kosovo.

According to Ferizi, the efforts of NGOs working on women’s rights in rural areas are recognized to a certain extent.

“This is evident in the support that organizations in Pristina receive and the influence they wield due to their broader reach. Additionally, the historical context of each city varies, and sometimes the challenges and ideas differ. Ideas that can freely develop in Pristina may not be relevant in other cities,” says the activist from Mitrovica.

She suggests that the focus on working for women will now need to shift to other cities in Kosovo.

Support from NGOs operating in rural areas

In 2012, the Kosovo Women’s Network established the Kosovo Women’s Fund. According to the Network, this fund provides small grants to women’s organizations that lack access to other sources of funding and aim to work for women’s rights.

Within this fund, there is a specific allocation for NGOs operating in rural areas, as well as for organizations that focus on marginalized groups. The creation of this fund came in response to changing aid priorities and reduced budgets, which led many donors in Kosovo to either terminate their grant programs or reduce funding for non-governmental organizations.

Smaller NGOs, typically located in cities far from Kosovo’s main centers, and focused on women’s rights, claim they face discrimination. KALLXO.com has reached out to such organizations.

When KALLXO.com inquired with the Ministry of Justice about whether there is discrimination among organizations based on their size, as smaller NGOs have alleged, the Ministry denied any such distinctions.

“The Ministry of Justice does not make such distinctions. Any NGO licensed in the field of social protection and the provision of social services, and that meets the requirements stipulated by the current legislation, will receive support through subsidies from the Ministry of Justice,” stated the Ministry.

On the other hand, concerning the support provided by both the central and local government for women’s NGOs, activist Neri Ferizi notes that there has been a recent increase in support. However, in her view, the need for support is greater in regions outside the capital.

She believes this underscores the inequality in the distribution of funds for NGOs.

Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that the Ministry of Justice includes the Department for Social Services Policy, which was formerly a part of the Ministry of Finance until December 2022.

In early 2023, the Ministry of Justice, in line with its responsibilities, issued a call for subsidies for NGOs offering social and family services to citizens in need.

For the year 2023, the Government of Kosovo, as stated by the Ministry of Justice, has allocated support to legal entities, specifically NGOs, totaling 500 thousand euros for the period from January to April 2023.

The Ministry of Justice also mentioned that they are currently in the process of securing financial support amounting to 1 million and 500 thousand euros for the period from May to December 2023, extending to February 2024.

Responses from the Ministry of Finance revealed that in 2022, the Ministry of Finance provided financial assistance to organizations amounting to 1 million euros. Out of this sum, 400,000 euros were designated for shelters, while 600,000 euros went to other NGOs offering social and family services.

In 2022, a total of 44 legal entities were supported with this monetary value, including 10 shelters and 34 other NGOs across the country.

Kallxo.com

18.06.25

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KWN Was Part of the Kvinna till Kvinna Delegation in Advocacy Meetings in Germany

30.09.2023

Integration of the Gender Perspective in the Security Sector Is Recommended

For the second time in a row, the Kosovo Women’s Network, represented by Valmira Rashiti, has been part of the delegation of Western Balkan countries on an advocacy visit to Germany organized by the Kvinna Till Kvinna Foundation, along with partner organizations from the Western Balkans.

KWN, along with organizations from the region, assessed this week as crucial in highlighting the priorities of women and girls amidst the challenging political and social contexts in Western Balkan countries.

Valmira Rashiti specifically emphasized to the representatives of Germany the need to redefine the notion of security, one that takes into account the diverse needs and concerns of both men and women and incorporates them into strategic documents. She also called for increased funding for women’s organizations, whose presence in the region is diminishing. Additionally, she stressed the importance of greater consultation and inclusion of women and civil society organizations in decision-making structures, with a particular focus on the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.

Among the most important meetings, KWN emphasizes the meeting with the Special Representative of the German Government for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, and the meeting with the German Ministry for Economy and Development.

Since the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an important ally of the Western Balkan countries in the EU accession process, the delegation of WCSO and Kvinna till Kvinna met in Berlin with Dr. Frédéric Jörgens, Deputy Head of the Division for Western Balkans at the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A meeting was also held with Simon Rapp, the assistant to the member of the German Bundestag, Adis Ahmetovic, to discuss women’s rights in the Western Balkans and to reflect on the situation in the region.

The weekly visit concluded with a meeting with Linn Selle, Head of the Department of European Affairs in the State Representation of Rhineland-Westphalia in the German Federal Government, which is dedicated to promoting civil society engagement and a gender-focused approach in the Western Balkans’ EU membership process.

These meetings focused on the role and potential of women and civil society in the Western Balkans’ EU membership process, in alignment with the principles of Germany’s recently approved Feminist Foreign Policy Strategy.

KWN and its partner organizations were recognized as key contributors to the implementation of this strategy, leveraging their extensive expertise in gender equality and the integration of the gender perspective into EU membership documents.

These meetings were part of the annual advocacy visit to Berlin, supported by Kvinna Till Kvinna.

The photos shared here are courtesy of Kvinna Till Kvinna.

18.06.25

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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?  

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According to the NGO “Norma,” in Kosovo, Only 23 Percent of Women and Girls Inherit Property

29.09.2023

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) member organization, “Norma,” convened its latest meeting with the goal of enhancing access to justice for the inheritance rights of women and girls. According to the research conducted by this organization, it has been revealed that only 23 percent of women inherit property, in contrast to the 77 percent of men.

Valbona Salihu, the director of the Association of Lawyers “Norma,” emphasized the crucial importance of discussing property rights for women and girls in Kosovo. She pointed out that the statistics reveal a concerning situation, as only about 18 percent of women and girls in Kosovo have property in their name, while 23 percent of them inherit property.

The Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, was present at the meeting and commented on the issue. She pointed out that according to the findings of the Kosovo Statistics Agency, there is a lack of data on property rights for women. She also noted that if only 18 percent of women and girls inherit property, this represents a very small percentage. Furthermore, she highlighted that these circumstances are often related to situations where women are forced to relinquish their property against their will.


She also mentioned the Kosovo Women’s Network, highlighting that they have raised this issue as a topic of discussion multiple times in the Assembly of Kosovo. She stated, “In the Assembly, KWN initiated discussions, and a significant amount of advocacy work was carried out on this issue, particularly by the Executive Director of KWN, Igballe Rogova.” The proposal being considered is to establish a law that would prevent women and girls from refusing to inherit property. Minister Haxhiu further explained that one of the factors hindering property inheritance is the obligation to pay taxes. Additionally, she pointed out that many women are economically dependent on men, which presents another obstacle to inheriting property.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of KWN, Igballe Rogova, acknowledged that the issue of property inheritance by women and girls was once a taboo subject, making it challenging to discuss openly. She noted an improved situation and emphasized the importance of the Civil Code in addressing this matter. She expressed hope for the Civil Code to be voted on in the Assembly, facilitating progress. Rogova stated, “Our members have started to discuss this topic, and we have supported it. It has been a taboo topic, and today there is movement, although perhaps not as extensive as we desire, but there is positive momentum.”

Rogova stressed the importance of engaging citizens in discussions about property inheritance and raising awareness on the topic. She mentioned “ARTPOLIS” as an example where the issue of property inheritance was discussed in collaboration with the public, highlighting its significance. She also credited the member organization “Norma” for initiating work on this topic.

Legal expert Vlora Azemi mentioned that they conducted research on access to justice in inheritance rights for women and girls. She shared that their data-gathering efforts included visits to the Chamber of Notaries of Kosovo and the Statistics Agency of Kosovo, but unfortunately, they were unable to obtain the required data on how many women and girls inherit property. Additionally, she noted that Article 133 of the law on non-contestation procedure was not being implemented at the Municipality of Prishtina in the Civil Status sector.

This initiative is part of the core support which is made possible through the backing of the Kosovo Women’s Fund and is financed by the Sigrid Rausing Trust.

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

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