KWN Welcomes 100th Member Organization: “Prehja”

20.01.2013

KWN welcomed its 100th member organization, “Prehja” from Skenderaj, in October 2012. Since its establishment in 2000, KWN has grown from its initial 36 members. KWN marked this momentous event by donating a computer to its newest member.

Prehja actively works to raise awareness and empower women. Founded in 2003, the organization focuses especially on providing support to women who suffer from breast cancer. They plan to use their new computer to facilitate this important work.

KWN is a leader among civil society organizations in Kosovo and the region, representing the interests of women’s organizations of all ethnic groups from throughout Kosovo. Since its inception, KWN has held regular members’ meetings, workshops and activities involving its members. They are informed about KWN activities, opportunities to develop their capacities and funding possibilities. Our 100 member organizations have the opportunity to meet many times during the year, share ideas, learn new strategies and initiate cooperative efforts.

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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Members Start Implementing KWN Ethical and Accountability Code

20.01.2013

In 2006, KWN members adopted the KWN Ethical and Accountability Code. The document sets standards of accountability and transparency for KWN members. The code includes six basic principles: Mission and Program, Good Governance, Human Resources, Financial Transparency and Accountability, Civic Responsibility and Partnerships, and Networking. Most importantly, the code is meant to assist members with building their capacity as organizations towards a sustainable future. KWN members signed an agreement to implement the code and began work toward incorporating the principles within the code into their work.

In November 2007, KWN representatives began visiting KWN member organizations with an application to help members evaluate progress made toward implementing the code this year. Many members have filled out applications and prepared the accompanying documentation, as stipulated within the code. In early 2008 an evaluation committee comprised of five stakeholders elected by KWN member organizations at the annual meeting will evaluate if members have met at least 30 percent of the code in 2007, a pre-requisite to remaining a KWN member in 2008. KWN prepared the Ethical and Accountability Code in Albanian, Serbian, and English, in order to further explain the code to members, future potential members, partners, and potential donors (supported by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation).

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

Women Activists from Israel and Palestine Visit Kosova

20.01.2013

From October 11 to 16, with support from the Swedish organization Kvinna till Kvinna, KWN hosted a delegation of women’s organizations from Israel and Palestine. After spending some time in Serbia, they came to Kosova together with representatives of the Women in Black Network. The purpose of the visit was to share experiences with women’s organizations in South East Europe. The delegation visited women’s organizations in Prishtina, such as: Dera e Hapur (Open Door) and the Kosova Gender Studies Center. In Gjilan they visited Liria, and in Gjakova Medica Kosova hosted the delegation. They also visited Community Building Mitrovica (CBM) and took part in some activities. In Ugljare they heard about activities organized by the Serbian Women’s Network of Kosova.

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

Women in Black Network Serbia, KWN Form Women’s Peace Coalition

20.01.2013

The Kosova Women’s Network cooperated with Women in Black Network Serbia to form the Women’s Peace Coalition on 7 May. The coalition, comprised of activists from Kosova and Serbia, seeks to make women’s perspectives more visible in the political affairs of Serbia and Kosova. Striving toward just and sustainable peace, the Women’s Peace Coalition works for the inclusion of women in peace-building processes as equal partners. Founded on women’s solidarity, it is an independent citizens’ initiative that crosses national, ethnic, and religious borders, barriers, and divisions. The coalition received support from the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

In its first major action, the Coalition issued a statement to inform Kosova’s final status negotiations on the preservation and protection of cultural heritage sites in Serbia and Kosova. In a letter to the negotiation teams, the coalition stressed the need to identify and preserve cultural sites like churches, mosques, and cathedrals from physical degradation and political exploitation. “Cultural sites are linked to the cultural heritage, history and communities of all ethnic groups, and thus all ethnic groups have the right to share, preserve and protect these heritage sites,” the statement said. Throughout 2006, the Women’s Peace Coalition wrote letters to and met with key decision-makers, namely UN Secretary General Envoy in Charge of the Negotiations on the Future Status of Kosova President Martti Ahtisaari. The Coalition contributed to the implementation of UNSCR 1325 by making women’s voices heard in peace processes.

September marked a historical moment for sustainable peace in Kosova, Serbia, and the region. The Women’s Peace Coalition held a three day conference on “Women, Peace and Security” in Struga, Macedonia to bring visibility to the work of women peace activists in creating stable and just peace in the region. The conference occurred parallel to the official negotiations on the final status of Kosova. In a joint statement, sixty Kosovar and Serbian women’s peace activists concluded that peace in the region is not possible without the active participation of women. Further, they supported the independence and territorial integrity of Kosova as a civil state with a functional legal system. They also demanded that the needs of all citizens, women and men, form the basis for peace and security in Kosova; that the relevant institutions adopt a concept of human security, especially from a gender perspective, according to UNSCR 1325; and that women be included in all decision-making processes at all levels.

During the conference, the coalition created a one-year action plan. The plan called for increased dialogue between women of all ethnic groups from Serbia and Kosova through encounters and discussions about security for vulnerable groups, Kosova’s final political status, and women’s involvement in decision-making. Women-led organizations with similar missions in Serbia and Kosova made plans to hold more networking and joint activities. Organizations also planned to further support women’s human rights, especially reproductive rights.

The numerous agreements reached among the Serb and Kosovar participants during the conference demonstrated how negotiation processes surrounding Kosova’s final status missed opportunities for peace by failing to involve women.

In a historic moment, Women in Black Network Serbia representatives apologized for the crimes and terror committed in their name by the Serbian regime against Kosovar Albanians. Their apology was broadcast on Radio Television Kosova, marking the first public apology made for crimes committed against Albanians during the war. Activists noted the importance of official apologies in the healing process as a necessary prerequisite for sustainable peace.
 

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  

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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 

A committee counts KWN member organizations’ votes for the first KWN Board of Directors.

Women’s Organizations Build a Network

20.01.2013

On 9 December 2003, KWN held its First Annual Membership Meeting in Prishtina. More than 50 network members and supporters discussed ways to build the network and its membership. Network members also elected the first seven-member KWN Board of Directors. During their first meeting, the Board elected Naxhije Buçinca to serve as the Chair of the Board.

In January 2004, KWN opened its first office in Prishtina with support from STAR Network of World Leaning, the Kosova Foundation for Open Society and the Canadian Kosova Local Initiative Program. The network later changed offices in September 2004.

In 2004, KWN engaged members and partners in a strategic planning process that resulted in the KWN Strategic Plan for 2005 – 2008.

KWN held its Second Annual Membership Meeting on 4 December 2004 in Prishtina. KWN presented its draft annual report and the KWN Strategic Plan. The 90 KWN members and supporters who attended the meeting provided feedback on KWN’s work so far and discussed projects for 2005. Two new Board others were reelected

By the end of 2004, KWN had increased its membership from 42 to 70 organizations.

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 

New Groups Encourage Breastfeeding among Mothers

19.01.2013

The “Women to Women Support Group for breastfeeding mothers” project started in October 2004 and ended in March 2005. The project was conducted in cooperation with UNICEF, the Kosova Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) Working Group, and local NGOs. The UNICEF-funded project aimed to increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate by establishing functional and sustainable “women to women” support groups in six locations. The support groups primarily supported, protected, and promoted breastfeeding at the community level. The groups emphasized the importance of breastfeeding during the first six months.

KWN created and maintained close communication with maternity wards in order to collect information on new mothers, and, if necessary, pay them a home visit. The support groups consulted with mothers, women, and family members about the importance of breastfeeding and lactation management.

Discussions took place in NGO centers and offices, as well as through telephone consultations or home visits. KWN offered information and consultancy on breastfeeding without discrimination and with special attention to women from the Roma, Ashkalia and Egyptian communities, as well as women living in rural areas.

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 

Lina Andeer from KtK and Elmaze Gashi, KWN Board Chair listen as Christian Geosits from ADA announces support for KWN, members.

KWN Members Convene, Celebrate 10th Annual Membership Meeting

19.01.2013

Approximately 160 people took part in the Kosovo Women’s Network’s (KWN) 10th Annual Membership Meeting on December 15 in Prishtina, making it the best attended membership meeting ever held by KWN. Participants included representatives of KWN member organizations, partners, donors and media.

The meeting began with beautiful music by Lira Women’s Choir, a KWN member, and a poem written and performed by actress and activist Safete Rogova. Then Elmaze Gashi, KWN Chair of the Board opened the meeting. She read her letter, published in KWN’s Annual Report, which reflected on KWN’s progress in 2012. She emphasized that since the personal is political, the struggle for achieving women’s rights is and has always been political; therefore KWN’s work is and must be political, as well.

“The reason why we are here is to help organizations become more stable and stronger in the communities in which they operate,” said
Lina Andeer, a representative of KWN’s partner and supporter Kvinna till Kvinna (KtK). KtK supported the establishment of the KWN Kosovo Women’s Fund for this purpose. It enables organizations to access small grants, supporting their hard work to strengthen the position of women in society.

In addition to KtK’s continued support of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, KWN was pleased to welcome Christian Geosits, a representative of Austrian Development Agency (ADA), who announced the official start of their two-year support to KWN.
“I am very pleased to be working to raise funds for women in Kosovo,” he said. ADA will fund €80,000 in grants to KWN members in 2013-2014, as well as KWN-supported Gender Equality Advocacy Groups in 13 municipalities.

Executive Director Igballe Rogova then reported on KWN’s work in 2012 and priorities for 2013. KWN members had the opportunity to speak about KWN’s work and to exchange information about their activities in 2012.

“I would like to thank KWN staff for the support they have provided in different areas for us,” said Bajramshahe Jetullahu from the Blind Women’s Committee, “including the recent workshop for writing project proposals and other assistance that KWN and Igballe Rogova as its leader have given to us in order to improve the situation and position of blind women in Kosovo.” She then awarded Igballe Rogova with a certificate of recognition.

After lunch, famous Kosovar singer Rona Nishliu performed her new song, “Only the heart speaks accurately.” She composed the song for the ”Be cool, do not slap” campaign against violence, organized by the Kosovar Gender Studies Centre, Multimedia and Youth Initiative for Human Rights.

After her performance, Rona was the first to select a number for the KWN lottery, during which KWN awarded prizes to its members.

The following members won prizes:

  • Sadije Dulahu from NGO Lulishtja: a desktop computer
  • Gjylfidane Morina from We are Part of the World: a laptop
  • Advije Gashi from Norma: a smart phone
  • Valire Buza from Lira: two CDs
  • Hasime Tahiri from Opportunity: a PC mouse
  • Ola Syla from Light of Krusha: a USB won
  • Mimoza Paçuku from the Network of Women’s Organizations of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians in Kosovo: a USB
  • Atifete Aziri from Legjenda: other items

KWN then recognized three outstanding activists from the region: Delina Fico from Albania as an inspiration to and continuous supporter of the network; Lepa Mladenovic from Serbia as a feminist sister across borders; and Dr. Zylfie Gjoni Duraku, Head of Anima from Ulqin, Montenegro for her work as an activist for women’s and girls’ rights.

Finally, KWN members elected four new Board members: Elmaze Gashi, Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa, Nermin Mahmutaj and Ola Syla. At the end of the day, KWN members also submitted their evaluations of KWN and its work in 2012, along with two surveys about their organizations and next steps after the Millennium Development Goals, respectively.

The meeting concluded with a large cake decorated with fireworks, celebrating KWN’s 10th Annual Membership Meeting. Members had the opportunity to network, share energies and discuss experiences.

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

Kosovar Women Peace and Security Delegation Visits Brussels

19.01.2013

Women Peace and Security Delegation experts from Kosovo visited Brussels in the end of November 2012. The delegation involved Suzana Novoberdaliu, Member of the Parliament of Republic of Kosovo and Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, Gender Equality, Missing Persons and Petitions; Edona Hajrullahu, Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Gender Equality in the Office of the Prime Minister; Elmina Mahmuti, Regional Commander of the Kosovo Police in Gjilan; and Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director.

The advocacy visit was organized by UN Women, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The visit involved meetings with various European institutions.

During a meeting with a delegation from the Directorate-General for Enlargement at the European Commission, Kosovar women raised the following issues: including a separate section focused on gender equality within Kosovo’s annual progress report; including women’s concerns related to transitional justice in the Prishtina – Belgrade political dialogue; visa liberalization; more accessible funding for women’s groups, such as through a micro-grants scheme; and capacity building for civil society and government officials, so that they can apply for IPA funds.

In a meeting with Member of European Parliament Marije Cornelissen, Kosovar experts discussed her report, including the Role of EOU related to gender equality; the role of civil society and its cooperation with the government; and challenges to implementing Kosovo’s existing laws. They also presented key challenges facing women, such as: property ownership; low participation in decision-making; and the unresolved status of survivors of conflict, including of sexual violence.

Kosovar experts also met with the European External Action Service (EEAS), where they emphasized the need include women and women’s concerns in the political dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade and to tackle the issue of missing persons during the dialogue.

The Kosovo delegation also called for the establishment of an instrument that obliges the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) to Kosovo to regularly consult with gender advocates. Suggestions for the European Union Rule of Law Mission to Kosovo (EULEX) were also made during this meeting, including that EULEX have a more comprehensible and transparent approach and deal more with criminal cases related to survivors of sexual violence.

Kosovar experts then met with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) representatives, including Mari Skåre, the Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security. In addition to hearing experiences with mainstreaming gender within NATO, Kosovar experts addressed their concerns regarding security in North Mitrovica, where KFOR still has a relatively wide mandate. They requested continued support in fighting human trafficking, since KFOR has a mandate across borders.

Finally, during a meeting with the European Peace-building Liaison Office (EPLO), Kosovar experts discussed the Action Plan for United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 that is being drafted in Kosovo; the possibility of EPLO’s enlargement and the involvement of more Kosovo organizations; exchanging experiences with EPLO member organizations; and potentially organizing a brown bag lunch event at EPLO related to the political dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade and/or women’s leadership 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 members take part in an interactive two-day workshop in project proposal writing.

KWN Members Hone Skills in Proposal Writing

19.01.2013

Since KWN began, members have requested a workshop on Project Proposal Writing. In response to members’ demands, KWN organized two such workshops in Prishtina on 6-7 and 10-11 December, respectively.
“We really need workshops like the one on Project Proposal Writing,” said Bahrie Deva from the Association for the Education and Care of the Family in Gjakova, a KWN member organization.

The two-day interactive workshops covered project proposal writing basics, including project proposal content, results-based management, stakeholder analysis, problem analysis and problem trees and the hierarchy of objectives within a logical framework. The more than 50 participants took home concrete skills in project proposal writing.
“Even though I have quite a lot of experience in the NGO sector, when writing project proposals I used to mix goals with objectives. After this workshop, I can differentiate them and tell which is which,” said Ola Syla from Women’s Association Light of Krusha, another KWN member.

The workshop was led by KWN staff members who possess experience and expertise in proposal writing: Nicole Farnsworth, Albertina Binaku and Zana Rudi.
“This workshop has helped me and my colleagues a lot and has been the first of its kind for us,” said Kadrije Tahiraj from the Centre for Protection of Women and Children in Drenas. “We appreciate it and the fact that KWN organized it for free for us. We know that in other places in the world, you must pay to participate in such workshops.”

In addition to offering free of charge follow-up mentoring to members when they write future project proposals, KWN staff plan to offer follow-up workshops in risk analysis, monitoring and evaluation in 2013.

Based on members’ requests, KWN also organized a one-day workshop on Budgeting and Financial Management on 20 December. KWN Finance Manager Besa Shehu led the workshop, which included budget planning for projects, financial management, controls, reporting, Excel formulas, and calculating salaries, including tax and pension contributions.

KWN will offer additional capacity-building opportunities for its members in 2013, based on members’ requests. These services are provided to KWN members as part of the KWN Capacity Building Program, funded by Kvinna till Kvinna.

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

Catalogue Honors Women on Albania’s 100th Anniversary of Independence

19.01.2013

On Albania’s 100th Anniversary of Independence, authors Gjylshen Berisha, Hanëmshahe Ilazi and Sanie Zeqiraj published a catalogue titled Nderim Gruas (Honour for Women).

“To the brave women of the nation who were not mentioned by a chronicler’s pencil or rhapsody strings, nor the caress of fairy tales,” wrote Hanëmshahe Ilazi in the introduction. “Many Albanian women who acted for national issues over the centuries along with men have remained anonymous,” Ilazi added.
     
Their book aims to bring women into Albanian history by cataloguing women from different periods of time, starting from the beginning of the 20th century. Women in the book come from various spheres of life, including Albanian speaking schools, humanitarians, politics, civil society, art, theatre, music and film.
     
“Let this catalogue be Benefactor’s offering on this special anniversary to all those women who worked and contributed directly or indirectly to freedom, independence, democracy and state-building,” said Gjylshen Berisha, one of the authors.

Benefactor, a nongovernmental organization established in 2007, published the catalogue. Benefactor aims to improve the lives of all people through art and culture, particularly older generations.
 

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