The Buçincas’ lifetime contribution to furthering girls’ access to education is recognized by President of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga and through the new Foundation for Education of Girls “Çifti Buçinca.”

“Çifti Buçinca” Foundation Recognizes Couple’s Lifetime Contribution to Girls’ Education

05.06.2013

A Gala Event marked the establishment of The Foundation for Education of Girls “Çifti Buçinca” on May 23. For more than 60 years, Naxhie and Fahri Buçinca have worked in formal and informal education with girls. Now in their 80s, the “Çifti Buçinca” Foundation was established to recognize the Buçincas’ contribution and continue their initiative to enable girls’ access to education for years to come.

The Gala Event raised an initial €23,969 for the “Çifti Buçinca” Foundation, primarily from local businesses, organizations and individuals. KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova served on the organizing committee.
During the event, President of the Republic of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga awarded the Buçinca couple with the Presidential Award of Merits for their work.
     
The Buçincas have contributed to social change in Ulqin, Montenegro and throughout Kosovo, especially in Vushtrri Municipality where they focused their work. Naxhie Alibegaj Buçinca worked house to house in villages of Kraja in the Municipality of Ulqin for five years and in the municipality of Vushtrri for more than 60 years. Fahri Buçinca began working as a teacher at age 15, establishing the first primary school there in 1954. From 1981 to 1989, when Serb-controlled schools closed their doors to Albanian students, he constructed new schools in villages of Vushtrri, Skenderaj and Lipjan. They also worked to keep Albanian culture alive during the nineties’ decade of oppression via their Veterans of Education Group. Their fundraising efforts have secured funds from individuals, donors and businesses that enabled thousands of girls to continue their education to higher levels.
     
“I knew the Buçinca couple had carried out extraordinary work for the education of girls during their lives, but only today I heard the real story and was even more amazed by their achievements,” said Emine Berisha who attended the Gala Event.

KWN also recognized the Buçinca’s contribution with a Certificate of Appreciation, expressing gratitude for the couple contribution to girls’ education. KWN also provided a €1,000 donation for the Çifti Buçinca Foundation.
 

06.05.26

Loud Enough: Film Screening Sparks Dialogue on Justice and Sexual Violence Survivors’ Rights

05.05.26

Investing in Gender Equality in the EU Budget through Research Funding

30.04.26

Kosovo Hosts RESPONDER Partnership’s First Meeting, Co-Planning Research on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by Aid Workers and Peacekeepers

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

Participants collaborate, drafting a press release during the KWN PR workshop.

KWN Members Develop Public Relations Skills

05.06.2013

On Apr. 19, KWN held a one-day workshop on public relations in Prishtina, following members’ requests. Members discussed the challenges they face in Public Relations, their needs and possible strategies for promoting their work. Then they learned techniques for writing effective press releases.

“All members should attend this kind of workshop, even those who have a lot of experience,” said a workshop participant. “There is always something new to learn.”

KWN members put their new knowledge to practice, writing press releases that later received constructive criticism from other workshop participants.

“I liked this workshop a lot,” another participant said. “It is very necessary to learn about public relations.”
Later in 2013 KWN will hold a more advanced workshop in public relations, based on members’ requests. Members will have the opportunity to learn techniques for promoting their work at little to no cost.

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

Artpolis Organizes Festival: “Femmes Fatales”

05.06.2013

On 27-30 May, NGO Artpolis organized Kosovo’s first festival for human rights to showcase women artists from the region. “Femmes Fatales” took place at Oda Theatre in Prishtina.

The festival provided a platform for celebrating women’s creativity through art, said Zana Hoxha-Krasniqi, the Executive Director of Artpolis. It “built a forum for women artists in Kosova and provided them with the opportunity to display their work, encouraging women to share their ideas and linking them with women’s’ organizations.”

The four days involved theatre plays, films, exhibitions, concerts, discussions, book promotions and performances by womeon artists from Kosova and the region.
     
“It’s a very good thing that this initiative has been taken in Kosova and that it is regional,” a member of the audience said. “We have a lot of women artists and activists who have a lot to share.”
     
Artpolis is a KWN member organization that aims to impact cultural development through social dialogue, especially among youth, women and children. It uses theatre as a tool for empowerment and raising public awareness about women’s rights.
 

06.05.26

Loud Enough: Film Screening Sparks Dialogue on Justice and Sexual Violence Survivors’ Rights

05.05.26

Investing in Gender Equality in the EU Budget through Research Funding

30.04.26

Kosovo Hosts RESPONDER Partnership’s First Meeting, Co-Planning Research on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by Aid Workers and Peacekeepers

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

Women participate in Prehja’s workshop on breast cancer prevention.

NGO Prehja Provides Info about Breast Cancer

05.06.2013

“Most women hide… They think it’s a shame [to complain about illnesses] and that they must withstand pain instead. They feel bad telling their husbands that they are sick because they know that medical care will cost money, and their families do not have enough money.”

Women’s inability to request or pay for healthcare, let alone preventative screenings, was among the reasons why Women’s Centre “Prehja” decided to provide participants with information about methods for conducting self-exams for breast cancer within their own homes.

“The socioeconomic situation has put us in this condition. We have to think of every cent: how we are going to spend [the money] and how to get through the month,” said Naza, a participant.

On May 24, Prehja organized a lecture, entitled “Let’s Protect Our Health” at primary school Shotë Galica in Syriganë village of Skenderaj Municipality. Dr. Mejreme Maloku was on site, showing participants how to conduct self-exams. Women of all ages attended, from teenagers interested in being proactive to older women potentially at risk. Participants received information about operations and the chances of recurrence.

Afterward, women decided to go in groups to receive ultrasounds to test for breast cancer. They utilized information from Prehja and KWN to find funding for transportation to the hospital.

Prehja, located in Skenderaj, has organized various workshops and discussions for women suffering from breast cancer. The organization’s initiatives have received support from the KWN Kosovo Women’s Fund.

06.05.26

Loud Enough: Film Screening Sparks Dialogue on Justice and Sexual Violence Survivors’ Rights

05.05.26

Investing in Gender Equality in the EU Budget through Research Funding

30.04.26

Kosovo Hosts RESPONDER Partnership’s First Meeting, Co-Planning Research on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by Aid Workers and Peacekeepers

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network

Medica Kosova’s Clients, Staff Visit Istanbul

05.06.2013

Twenty-eight clients and staff members from KWN’s member organization Medica Kosova visited Istanbul, Turkey on 16-20 April 2013. The visit aimed to facilitate the rehabilitation process for women who suffered losses during the war, as well as various forms of violence. This visit received support from the Ministry for Family and Social Policy (MFSP) in Turkey through the Turkish Embassy in Kosovo.

“I really appreciate MFSPs’ help for this visit. Visiting Turkey is already a part of our healing process,” said one of Medica Kosova’s clients, a survivor of the war in Kosovo.

During their visit, the group met Mrs. Fatma Åžahin, Minister for Family and Social Policy; Sebahate Spahiu, the wife of the Ambassador of Kosovo in Turkey; and Rrahmi Morina, a General Consul.

Prishtina’s Association (PA) in Istanbul kindly and warmly welcomed the visitors. “We are happy to be able to meet our ‘sisters’ from Kosova,” a representative from PA said.

The visit to Istanbul also included visits to various organizations and training centres. These provided a good opportunity to exchange information, experiences and ideas.

08.04.14

KWN Releases 2013 Annual Report

07.04.14

KWN Organizes Workshop: “Women Advocate Locally”

03.03.14

Members Gather for Bimonthly Meeting

05.02.14

Individual Member Innovative in Supporting KWN

04.02.14

Members, Stakeholders Evaluate Positively KWN’s Work

07.01.14

KWN Exchanges Experiences with Activists in Austria

KWN Launches Fundraising Initiative: Support Us!

KWN Launches Fundraising Initiative: Support Us!

03.06.2013

Donor financing for civil society seems set to decrease over the next decade. We at the Kosova Women’s Network (KWN) do not want shifts in foreign funding to jeopardize our work in serving, protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls in Kosovo and beyond. Therefore, we’ve launched a fundraising imitative. KWN’s new Sustainability Fund supports crucial costs that KWN cannot cover with funding from traditional donors, as well as KWN’s long-term fundraising vision (available here). Consider supporting us today (info here)!

08.04.14

KWN Releases 2013 Annual Report

07.04.14

KWN Organizes Workshop: “Women Advocate Locally”

03.03.14

Members Gather for Bimonthly Meeting

05.02.14

Individual Member Innovative in Supporting KWN

04.02.14

Members, Stakeholders Evaluate Positively KWN’s Work

07.01.14

KWN Exchanges Experiences with Activists in Austria

KWN Reacts Against Hate Speech and Discrimination

31.05.2013

Download File

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons 

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament  

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

17.10.24

Letter to the Chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

KWN, New School Screen First Oral History Initiative Short Film: Safete Rogova, Actress, Activist

30.05.2013

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons 

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament  

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

17.10.24

Letter to the Chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

Kosova Women’s Fund Awards Eight Grants

08.05.2013

The Kosova Women’s Network (KWN) awarded grants to eight member organizations through the Kosova Women’s Fund in April. Altogether, 29 organizations applied for grants. Funding decisions were made by the Kosova Women’s Fund Grant Review Committee, elected by KWN members last year.

The organizations awarded grants include:

1. The Association of the Deaf in Prizren, which will organize systematic gynaecological visits and health training for deaf women.

2. Women’s Centre “Prehja” will organize trainings, meetings and public discussions for women suffering from breast cancer in   Skenderaj.

3. The Centre for Economic Development of Women in Shtrpce “Ikebana” will involve women in processing and producing medicinal herbs.

4. The Foundation for Education and Development will seek to economically empower women in Novo Brdo Municipality by building their
business skills and providing equipment for drying and processing fruits, pastries and sweets.

5. Gruaja Hyjnore (Divine Women) will empower women in Gjilan through workshops on gender equality, women’s rights to property
inheritance and advanced techniques in the art of handmade crafts.

6. Parajsa Jonë (Our Paradise) will train women in rural areas of Lipjan Municipality in horticulture and entrepreneurship.

7. The Association of Women Farmers “Krusha e Vogel” will economically empower women in rural areas in villages of Krusha e Vogel and Has through seminars in business management, marketing and milk hygiene, including sharing experiences with farmers from other
NGOs.

8. Lulebora will provide counselling and support gynaecological visits for women and girls living in the Roma neighbourhood of Mitrovica.

This second grant round received funding from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and additional support from Kvinna till Kvinna (KtK).

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

Vjosa Dobruna, a Human Right Activist and member of KWN’s Advisory Board discusses strategies for increasing women’s participation in politics.

Women Strategize for Municipal Elections

08.05.2013

KWN organized a discussion on 29 Mar., during which 27 women from seven municipal assemblies and KWN member organizations strategized for women’s greater participation in the upcoming municipal elections. Vjosa Dobruna, a Human Rights Activist and member of KWN’s Advisory Board led the discussion.

Participants sought to generate ideas for increasing the number of women in municipal assemblies and in leadership positions at the municipal level.
“This meeting opened discussions about empowering women, an obligation and mandate for KWN,” said Vjosa Dobruna.

The meeting also served to encourage more women to run for mayor. Participants discussed which qualities women candidates should have: they should be feminists, have a different approach than men, be active in society and have the political will to promote gender equality.
“I appreciate this bold initiative, and I think we can all contribute continuously in this area,” said Violeta Dema, a representative from the Gjakova Municipal Assembly.
     
The discussion also encouraged cooperation among diverse women and emphasized the important role that civil society can play.
“This meeting provided us with the opportunity to talk about what we as civil society can do to help,” said Drita Vukshinaj from NGO    
Women for Women with Disabilities in Prizren.
     
Some conclusions that resulted from the meeting included:

       o Work with women candidates and political parties so that parties winning seats in municipal assemblies ensure that women r 
           receive decision-making positions.

       o Create an enabling environment for more women to enter politics by going door-to-door to advocate for citizens to vote for women 
          candidates.

       o Encourage political parties to nominate unanimously a woman candidate for the position of mayor in upcoming elections and 
          create a suitable environment for her campaign.

       o Organize media campaigns to present accurately women’s campaign platforms.

       o Create a new section on KWN’s website and/or a Facebook forum where women can share ideas and discuss strategies for        
          furthering women’s participation in municipal governance.
      
       o Encourage continued involvement of women in municipal assemblies even after retirement so that they can share their experience
          and knowledge.
     
“There was fear among women due to their previous experiences because women lacked support,” Vjosa Dobruna concluded. “But from their fear and prior obstacles we will learn and know better how to address these issues in the future.”
 

06.05.26

Loud Enough: Film Screening Sparks Dialogue on Justice and Sexual Violence Survivors’ Rights

05.05.26

Investing in Gender Equality in the EU Budget through Research Funding

30.04.26

Kosovo Hosts RESPONDER Partnership’s First Meeting, Co-Planning Research on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by Aid Workers and Peacekeepers

30.04.26

From Struggle to Confidence: Supporting Girls in Their Teenage Years

30.04.26

New Paper Monitors Gender Equality in Kosovo’s Public Spending

29.04.26

Justice for survivors of gender-based violence: A success story from the Kosovo Women’s Network