KWN Supports Improved Access to Reproductive Healthcare for Women

21.01.2013

With funding from KWN, supported by UNFPA, Medica Kosova provided health services and breast cancer screening to women in rural areas. A KWN media campaign and discussions with citizens organized in each region created a forum for talking about breast cancer and other serious health issues confronting women. Also with funding from UNFPA, funds were made available to shelters to provide better healthcare services to women residing in shelters.

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

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 

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KGSC Launches Campaign against Gender-Based Violence

21.01.2013

“Bonu cool, mos bjer shpullë” (Be cool, don’t slap) is the slogan of the recently launched campaign against gender-based violence among adolescents. The campaign is part of an EU-funded project implemented by the Kosovo Gender Studies Centre (KGSC), Multimedia and the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR).

Rona Nishliu, well-known Kosovo singer, composed a new song for the campaign entitled “Se vetëm zemra flet saktë” (Only the heart speaks accurately). She performed the song at the KWN Annual Membership Meeting.

The EU-funded, KGSC-led campaign involves various other public relations materials and outreach efforts targeting youth.

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

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 

As part of the “Reforma 2004” Campaign, people in Prishtina protest Kosova’s current electoral law.

Coalition Campaigns for Electoral Law Reform in Kosovo

21.01.2013

In March and April 2004, KWN, the Coalition for Electoral Law Reform, Reforma 2004, KACI Network and Kosova Women’s Lobby participated in a Kosova-wide campaign to advocate for a new electoral system. It included writing letters to key local and international decision-makers, meetings, a media campaign, press conferences, TV debates, a public education campaign, as well as peaceful demonstrations in six regions in support of a new electoral system promoted by the Coalition for Electoral Law Reform in Kosova.

The recommended system would combine principles of open lists, geographic representation through multiple electoral districts, and balanced gender representation. The campaign was widely covered by electronic and print media. Although the United Nations Mission in Kosovo failed to change the electoral law for the fall 2004 elections, the campaign succeeded in raising public awareness about the issue and contributed to bringing the issue of electoral law reform to the forefront of political discussions in Kosova.

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

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 

Coalition Maintains Pressure for Electoral System Reform

21.01.2013

On 8 July, the new coalition to reform the election system organized a roundtable on the subject of election trends in Kosova and proposed changes to the current electoral system. KWN participated in the organizing committee, cooperating to prepare a broad coalition similar to the Reforma 2004 coalition, which sought to change the electoral system last year.

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

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 

Coalition Mobilizes to “Get Out the Vote”

21.01.2013

The “Get Out the Vote” Campaign in September and October 2004 encouraged greater voter participation in the October 23rd elections. The campaign was funded by the Kosovo NGO Advocacy Project (KNAP) in close cooperation with the National Democratic
Institute (NDI). The campaign increased voter participation and improved citizens’ knowledge of the importance of voting in the upcoming elections. The campaign utilized media, pamphlets, posters, e-announcements and canvassing.

KWN’s role was to actively involve local media so that the campaign would reach an even wider audience. KWN members invited community leaders to appear in television talk shows, news and other media events to encourage citizens to vote. Local media donated time and energy, which made this campaign a great success.

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

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 

KWN Educates Voters about Women Candidates, the New Electoral System

21.01.2013

In November, KWN cooperated with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and UNIFEM to educate voters about the new election system in Kosova and women candidates running for office. KWN member organizations arranged for meetings attended by more than a thousand citizens representing all ethnic groups throughout Kosova. During meetings, KWN members provided tips for using the new open list electoral system, as well as distributed a publication with information about women candidates, prepared by the Centre for Training and Gender Studies. KWN representatives also appeared on local media talks shows to explain the electoral system.

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

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 

Elmaze Gashi, KWN Board Chair; Nicole Farnsworth, Editor; and Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa from the Office of the President of the Republic of Kosovo present 1325 Facts & Fables on 10 December 2011.

KWN Launches 1325 Facts & Fables: A Collection of Stories with Policy Implications

21.01.2013

On 10 December 2011, KWN released its latest publication 1325 Facts & Fables: A collection of stories about the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in Kosovo.

KWN did not initially plan to conduct additional research on 1325. However, via voluntary efforts from committed interns and additional funding secured from Austrian Development and Cooperation for basic research costs and publishing, KWN was able to carry out extensive research on the issue and produce a book. The public release, attended by 110 people, served to launch 1325 Facts & Fables in hard copy and electronic versions.

The book is already serving as an effective advocacy tool, making women’s voices heard in politics and future decision-making. KWN has received extensive positive feedback about the book:

“I think it should be read in school. This book is exactly what anyone teaching gender rights needs in the classroom. It combines excellent fieldwork with reflections on the emergence and development of the norm of human security.”
– Anna Di Lellio, Ph.D., professor of International Relations at the New School and New York University

“The report/book on 1325 in Kosovo is wonderful! Seldom can you read such down-to-earth and frank analysis on these issues. I opened the file two hours ago and just could not stop reading.”
– Elisa Tarnaala, Gender, Peace & Security Working Group

“I wanted to say that I have found the 1325 book the most accessible and informative of all reports I’ve read since being in Kosovo. Well done to you and all involved.”
– Mary Packer, gynecologist and activist working in Kosovo

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

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 

KWN Launches New Mechanisms for Citizens to Voice Concerns to Politicians

21.01.2013

Through the “Voters’ Voice” project, launched on 16 September, voters contacted KWN to make complaints and suggestions about politicians or policies at the municipal or national level. Citizens could call anonymously a toll-free number every working day from 9:00 to 17:00, send an email or attend public meetings. The project received support from the British Embassy and the Post and Telecommunications of Kosova (PTK).

The Voters’ Voice initiative enabled citizens to make their priorities known to elected officials. When coupled with advocacy, the initiative forced politicians to acknowledge citizens’ needs as priorities rather than secondary obligations.

From 16 September to 31 October, 610 calls were made to the “Voters’ Voice” hotline. People’s main concerns were: corruption among politicians; electricity cuts; water reductions; the absence of water utility systems especially in villages where inhabitants drink water from untested wells; the lack of sewage systems in villages; and unpaved roads in rural areas. They also complained about nepotism, unemployment, poverty, pension and the political situation in North Mitrovica. Citizens expressed additional concerns during public meetings in eight municipalities: Gjakovë, Vushtrri, Kastriot, Viti, Prizren, Drenas, Mitrovicë and Fushë Kosovë.

KWN released its first report detailing citizens’ priorities on 10 November, and it received broad media coverage. The report was delivered to Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi and all parliament deputies.

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

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 

The KWN research team (clockwise from left corner), Elizabeth Carolan, Dafina Beqiri, Albana Lumi, Ali Misimi and Dr. Lynne Alice) discuss the methodology.

KWN Monitors UNSCR 1325 Implementation in Kosova

21.01.2013

Starting in June, a KWN research team interviewed key figures from Kosovar public life to document and assess the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in Kosova. Their research included interviews with local politicians, civil society activists, UNMIK staff, and other leading figures. The research attempted to determine if the resolution on women, peace and security, passed by the UN Security Council in 2000 and applicable to all states, has been implemented in Kosova over the past eight years. The resolution covers areas such as the inclusion of women in decision-making and peace-building, efforts to mainstream gender awareness into peace-keeping missions and the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence during and after conflict.

Dr. Lynne Alice of Deakin University in Australia coordinated the research. Since working at the University of Prishtina from 2001 to 2003, she has returned to Kosova many times to assist with various civil society and university initiatives. She spent two months overseeing the research carried out by the local research team: Dafina Beqiri, Albana Lumi and Ali Misimi. Elizabeth Carolan, an intern from Ireland, also assisted with the research. The research was supported by UNDEF and UNIFEM.

Zena Zenama undertook a similar research initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lynne Alice and members of the research team traveled to Sarajevo in September to assist with the final stages of data collection there. On the seventh anniversary of UNSCR 1325 on 31 October, the executive summary of the report was widely distributed via email. KWN released the final report on 5 December in Prishtina at the Grand Hotel.

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

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 

KWN Organizes, Participates in Debates on Kosova’s New Constitution

21.01.2013

KWN was very active in reviewing Kosova’s draft constitution from a gender perspective and making recommendations to the Commission for Drafting the Constitution. KWN involved its member organizations, activists and citizens to make recommendations to the Committee. Members of the Committee, legal experts, gender experts and EU representatives have attended the meetings, listening to citizens’ concerns.

On 25 Feb., KWN and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) organized a debate on the Constitution with Parliamentary women at the Parliament. One of the main issues raised was including in the Constitution a quota of 40 percent representation of both genders at all levels of government, including the Parliament and ministries.

On 26 Feb., the Prime Minister’s Office for Good Governance organized a debate in which a KWN representative spoke about the draft constitution from a gender perspective. She said that the draft Constitution was quite vague in regards to ensuring a gender balance at all levels of political decision-making, as well as ensuring human rights for women.

On 1 Mar., KWN members further discussed the Constitution with Commission representatives Minister of
Justice Nekibe Kelmendi, Lirije Osmani and Gjyljeta Mushkolaj and gender expert Vjosa Dobruna at Hani i
Roberteve Restaurant.

In addition to the quota, another issue debated was whether to include UNSCR 1325 in the Constitution. While a member of the Commission felt it was too ambitious to be implemented by Kosova’s institutions and should not be included, activists argued that it had to be included so Kosova would abide by international standards. Including UNSCR 1325 in the Constitution would give activists the legal framework for demanding that the government implement it.

At the end of the meeting, KWN presented an award to Minister Nekibe Kelmendi for her outstanding support of women’s rights.

On 2 March, KWN sent recommendations to the Commission that the Constitution should include:

  • The quota of 40 percent participation in all levels of government from the Law on Gender Equality;
  • UNSCR1325 in the list of international conventions and instruments;
  • Mechanisms guaranteeing that the Agency for Gender Equality will ensure implementation and monitoring of international and Kosovar legal acts toward gender equality;
  • Provisions that guarantee women’s and men’s right to own property;
  • Specific references to equality within marriage for property and personal relations for both spouses;
  • Provisions that ensure women and men employees receive equal pay for equal work, as well equal conditions and rights in the workplace; and
  • Provisions that ensure women will not lose citizenship following marriage with a foreigner.

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

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