Kosovo Women's Network

Inadequate Access to Gynecological Services for Women and Girls in Skenderaj

22.11.2023

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) member organization, NGO Drugëza, had a meeting centered around the theme “Reproductive Health, Gynecological Services, Research Findings, and Future Steps.” This culminated the research conducted under the project “Increasing Women’s Access to Quality Health Care.”

Marking the sixth and final meeting of the “The Right to Quality Health Care” project, approximately 200 women participated, gaining valuable insights into reproductive health and general gynecological issues.

Gentiana Zeqiri, the Project Coordinator, stated that almost all girls and women who participated in the six conducted training sessions lacked sufficient information regarding their reproductive health and general gynecological issues.

Zeqiri remarked, “Women and girls have virtually no information at all. This was evident even during the project’s initial meeting and has been corroborated by our research on the topic, revealing a very low level of information and health checks conducted by women and girls. Consequently, we proceeded with information sessions where women readily absorbed any information provided by gynecologists. There has been a keen interest and high level of curiosity among women, especially girls, prompting them to ask questions. I believe that the information level has been elevated, and women and girls have gained awareness of the importance of gynecological reproductive health.”

In the municipality of Skenderaj, there is no gynecologist available at all three levels of the health system. Women seek medical attention at Mitrovica hospital and private clinics. Currently, there are approximately six gynecologists in Skenderaj, all of whom operate within private practices. Consequently, this situation has heightened concerns among women and girls, as the availability of services is notably limited. Hana Zabeli, director of the Drugëza organization, said that they have tried to include as many women and girls as possible in every meeting held.

“We have invited different women and girls to various meetings, a total of six that we have conducted, to disseminate information regarding reproductive and gynecological health in general. Five women who had not previously undergone check-ups visited the gynecologist and identified and addressed issues that are now being treated.

Throughout the six meetings within the project, we have provided information to approximately 200 women and girls. They were informed by the gynecologist about various aspects they were interested in and were previously unaware of. Today, the project is completed, and I believe it was one of the most successful projects,” said Mrs. Zabeli.

Ermira Veseli, a participant in the training, expressed that whenever she has attended such meetings, they have been fruitful and highly informative.

“Every time I attended the training, we received valuable information from the gynecologist who served as our trainer. In our early years, due to our mindset, we, as girls, hesitated to visit the gynecologist. There has always been a prevailing prejudice that it is not advisable for young girls to see a gynecologist. However, through these sessions, we have come to understand that even at a young age, it is essential for girls to have gynecological check-ups, receive information about reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, and various other topics. Therefore, I believe that these meetings are crucial for girls and women in general,” she said.

Drugëza conducted this activity as a beneficiary of the 18th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, supported by the KWN’s Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo II,” financed by the Austrian Agency for Development (ADA) and co-financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

03.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Internal Affairs

01.09.25

Kosovars Becoming More Aware of Gender-Based Violence and Reporting Mechanisms

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KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Justice

30.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Prosecution Council

29.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers

29.08.25

From Health Education to Lasting Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence

V Empowers Activists to Dream beyond Patriarchy, Unite against Violence

22.11.2023

On Tuesday night (21 November) feminist activists in Prishtina were inspired by V (formerly known as Eve Ensler), the award-winning, globally renowned artist, activist and writer. She spoke about how her art has inspired her activism.

“What motivated me is rage and love,” she said, discussing how both empower her work.

She reflected on how patriarchy through power, domination and money enable continued violence against women, the expansion of fascism, growing conflict globally and regression in women’s rights.

In this atmosphere, it is easy to lose hope and succumb to loneliness and depression. 

What motivates V to continue, amid the pessimists who say that violence against women will never end?

She refuses to accept such lack of imagination that a future without patriarchy and violence is indeed possible. She invited the audience to imagine what such a world would look like and to work together towards co-creating it.

“No-one has ever talked us out of our dream”, she said.

The global One Billion Rising movement, initiated by V in cooperation with activists around the world, recognizes the fact that one in three women have suffered violence, totalling more than one billion women. If all women who have suffered violence rise up together, we can realize our dream of ending violence against women.

“This energy of one million women, men supporters and their allies all dancing together could end patriarchy”, V said. The whole earth would move. “We have power. We just need courage and organization.”

When asked about the role of social media in the movement, she was conflicted between the misinformation and loneliness it causes and its power to spread information.

“Social media is an add-on, but it’s not it. … You have to feel and touch [the movement] with your body.” She emphasized the importance of networking, physical contact, and dance in motivating and expanding the global feminist movement.

V encouraged and empowered activists to join the struggle, to unite in ending patriarchy and violence against women, and to dream of and work towards the new world we can build together.

The event was co-organized by KWN and Artpolis with support from the National Library.

03.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Internal Affairs

01.09.25

Kosovars Becoming More Aware of Gender-Based Violence and Reporting Mechanisms

01.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Justice

30.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Prosecution Council

29.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers

29.08.25

From Health Education to Lasting Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence

RrOGRAEK Holds Training on Gender-Based Violence

20.11.2023

The member organization of KWN, the Network of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian Women’s Organisations of Kosovo (RrOGRAEK), has held training on gender-based violence, with an emphasis on domestic violence and early marriages. The purpose of this activity is to enhance the capacities of the activists/volunteers of RrOGRAEK in the field of gender-based violence, in accordance with the relevant legislation applicable in Kosovo and the Istanbul Convention.

There were 16 participants in the training, comprising 10 women and 6 men from the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in the municipalities of Fushë Kosova, Mitrovica, and Prizren. Trainer Donjeta Morina emphasized that providing information on how to identify forms of gender-based violence facilitates the distribution of information for reporting.

“As for reporting gender-based violence, there is insufficient information among citizens, and, in general, instances of gender-based violence often go unreported. What continues to be concerning is the tendency to blame the victim for gender-based violence, both by institutions and society itself,” she said.

Xhulieta Devolli, the project manager, spoke about the training, mentioning that this is the fourth session conducted with 15 individuals who have undergone previous training on gender-based violence as part of this grant over the past months.

“Today, we have included information about the various forms of gender-based violence, the relevant institutions responsible for addressing these forms, and the procedures for reporting cases. Our aim was to provide more specific explanations and general information about gender-based violence. Most importantly, the participants in the training, who are activists of RrOGRAEK, disseminate the information they receive in various forms within their communities. Additionally, they play a crucial role in assisting victims of different forms of gender-based violence, particularly those affected by domestic violence and early/compulsory marriages, in reporting these cases,” said Devolli.

She added that they are consistently in the field, and information about gender-based violence often doesn’t reach isolated neighborhoods, especially those inhabited by Roma. Women in these areas face challenges such as low levels of education and various barriers that prevent them from accessing information to escape various forms of violence. This lack of opportunity hinders them from realizing their rights.

Gynesh Veshall, a civil society activist in Prizren and participant in the training, emphasized the importance of every meeting, stating that they actively convey messages to the community.

“The Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities are becoming informed about their rights, and the importance of reporting violence, especially in Prizren, where I work and operate. In comparison to previous years, there was limited information, but through our activities, we’ve raised awareness. It’s crucial to note that violence against women is a global issue, not limited to specific communities. We shouldn’t label ourselves. All women are susceptible to sexual, psychological, and physical violence,” she said.

Mrs. Veshall further added that the Roma theater in Prizren, “Nexhip Menekshe,” has been using performances to raise awareness, conveying messages about early marriages and violence. This awareness is being disseminated through the stage and the theater, reaching a wide audience.

This activity was made possible through the grant obtained in the 18th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund by the KWN for core support, funded by the Sigrid Rausing Foundation.

03.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Internal Affairs

01.09.25

Kosovars Becoming More Aware of Gender-Based Violence and Reporting Mechanisms

01.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Justice

30.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Prosecution Council

29.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers

29.08.25

From Health Education to Lasting Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Humanus Vita Challenges Stereotypes by Advocating for the Inclusion of Sex Education in Schools

17.11.2023

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network, Humanus Vita, hosted the closing session for the project ‘Inclusion of Sexual Education and Challenging Stereotypes Towards the Transformation of Gender Norms Through Education.’ This initiative was implemented in four primary schools within the Municipality of Drenas, focusing on the subject of Biology.

Through this project, the aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the taboos surrounding sex education. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness among young people regarding their bodies, sexual orientation, and the importance of reducing instances of sexual harassment, sexual assaults, sexually transmitted diseases, and unwanted pregnancies.

Valentina Bejtullahu, a researcher, presented the findings of a four-month study. She stated that teachers agree on the inclusion of sexual education as a separate subject in the school curriculum. According to her, the least addressed topics are sexual violence and sexual harassment.

“The municipality of Drenas is renowned for the quality of education, particularly in comparison to other municipalities in Kosovo. In addition to teachers, students actively engage in biology lessons where topics related to sexual education are addressed. Debates with officials, whether with teachers or even school directors, are important to highlight the significance of explaining sexual education without social prejudices, using appropriate means of concretization, and giving more space to the treatment of these topics that impact a healthy life in young people,” she said, adding that ‘a challenge in dealing with these topics is the lack of specialized biological laboratories in the municipality of Drenas.

Doruntina Gashi, the project coordinator at Humanus Vita, stated that the project aims to illuminate the path toward a more conscious and equal society by raising the level of knowledge and awareness about the importance of sexual education. Gashi further added that sexual education in the country does not exist as a separate subject in the core curriculum but is instead included within the biology subject.

Meanwhile, the director of the ‘Ali Gashi’ school in Drenas, Antigona Gashi, reiterated that meetings like these, where research is presented regarding the inclusion of sexual education and challenging stereotypes towards the transformation of gender norms through education, are extremely important.

“Problems vary from school to school, so in groups, we can identify and share ideas on how to best support the students. Students are knowledgeable about sex education, but the best source of information is the school. It is not always possible to obtain accurate information from social networks. Today, we learned from the individuals present at this table that the website of the Ministry of Education contains materials that can be used during the explanation of a biology lesson on sex education,” she said.

Municipal officials, school principals, teachers, pedagogues, psychologists, members of civil society, and the media were part of the discussion.

Humanus Vita conducted this activity as a beneficiary of the 18th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, supported by the KWN’s Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo II,” financed by the Austrian Agency for Development (ADA) and co-financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

03.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Internal Affairs

01.09.25

Kosovars Becoming More Aware of Gender-Based Violence and Reporting Mechanisms

01.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Justice

30.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Prosecution Council

29.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers

29.08.25

From Health Education to Lasting Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Shelters’ Staff Wrap Up Three-Day Workshop

17.11.2023

In a dynamic conclusion on November 17, representatives from shelters gathered for a workshop organized by Kosovo Women’s Network.

The event brought together participants from shelters and dedicated centers, focused on delivering impactful services for victims of gender-based violence.

Throughout the vibrant workshop held from November 15 to 17, participants delved into discussions on well-being, safety, and the challenges inherent in their work. Given their daily interaction with victims, the dedicated staff recognized the risk of professional burnout in their crucial roles.

Reflecting on the workshop’s significance, Ardita Thaqi, a representative from a Kosovo shelter said:

“The workshop made me realize how busy I have been,” said while underscored the imperative need for such gatherings to sustain the quality and effectiveness of services provided to women, girls, and children who have survived violence.

This initiative has been supported by Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

03.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Internal Affairs

01.09.25

Kosovars Becoming More Aware of Gender-Based Violence and Reporting Mechanisms

01.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Justice

30.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Prosecution Council

29.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers

29.08.25

From Health Education to Lasting Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Gender Perspective Analysis of the European Commission’s Report on Kosovo by KWN

15.11.2023

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has conducted a detailed analysis of this year’s European Commission (EC) Report on Kosovo, focusing on issues related to gender integration.

The commentary highlights both positive developments and areas that require further attention to enhance gender equality in Kosovo.

“Overall, the Report addressed approximately 70% of the recommendations made by KWN and its members. The Commentary states that four pledges that directly address gender equality have been included based on the data sent by KWN and other civil society organizations.”

Specifically, concerning the advancement of gender equality, the 2023 Report states that Kosovo should make improvements in the following areas:

Rule of law: Improving the capacities of judges and prosecutors to handle cases of gender-based violence in accordance with the laws, the 2022-2026 Strategy against domestic violence and violence against women, and the new State Protocol for handling cases of sexual violence.
Fundamental rights: Strengthening the protection of civil and fundamental rights of women by adopting the Civil Code, implementing the Law on prevention and protection from domestic violence, and strengthening the implementation of the Law on gender equality and the Strategy on gender-based violence.
Social policy and employment: Adoption of changes to the Labor Law to harmonize with the latest EU acquis, especially regarding non-discrimination in employment and parental leave; Continuation of deep reforms in the field of social assistance schemes to ensure better targeting and impact and to improve access to social services.

Highlighting areas requiring improvement, KWN emphasizes the ongoing absence of gender analysis within the security context, particularly in regions affected by increased violence.

The neglect of women’s roles in peace processes persists, impacting inclusiveness in the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue. The full treatment of gender-based violence under the rule of law chapter remains incomplete, and there is a lack of sufficient gender-disaggregated data in various sectors, impeding a comprehensive understanding of societal needs.

KWN recommends several actions to enhance the comprehensiveness and representativeness of future reports. KWN urges the EU to maintain its commitment to advancing gender equality in Kosovo, underlining the importance of continuous efforts to address remaining gaps. The full commentary is available here.

28.03.25

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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

31.10.24

The Irresolute Resolution? After 24 Years, Resolution 1325 Remains Valid but Under-implemented

17.10.24

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

Liliana Çavolli – The Albanian Music Diva who Generously Shared her Song and Soul with the Public

14.11.2023

Liliana Çavolli has left a permanent mark in the history of Kosovar music, leaving behind more than 300 immortal songs. She is among the first singers in Kosovo to have completed music school, at a time when realizing such a dream was a challenge. Liliana not only became beloved for the music she offered but also paved the way for many young women who followed her path.

She graced the music scene for more than five decades. Known as Lili to her friends, she also contributed to the music editorial office at Radio Prishtina. Before the war, she served as the author and moderator of the show ‘Evergreen’ on Radio Kosova. Her 70th birthday and five decades of a career on stage were celebrated in a mega-concert organized by Grupi Koha at the National Theater of Kosovo in February 2013.

“For five decades in a row, she gave her song and soul to the public. She never asked for anything in return. But time brought her reward. The evening of Sunday, February 3, for many may have been ordinary. But not for the diva of Albanian music, Liliana Çavolli,” Koha Ditore wrote about the concert. “It is the most beautiful evening of my life,” was the description given by Çavolli for the gala concert entitled “Song and Soul, for Lili with Heart.”

Liliana Çavolli was born in Prizren, while her family came to Kosovo from Korça. She grew up in Skopje, North Macedonia. Liliana’s mother was a singer, and one morning she took her as a companion to a radio appearance, where her career in music began. Fate again brought her back to Prizren where Liliana took her first steps as a singer. At the same time, she attended solo singing lessons at a high school of music and joined the Artistic Cultural Society ‘Agimi.’ Talent, voice, and work in Prizren made Liliana quickly stand out as a promising name.”

The singer from Prizren was known as the lily of this city, and the song ‘Lily of Prizren’ best symbolizes the artist. Liliana Çavolli stood out as a rare artist who conquered the heights of pop music but also excelled in other genres. She radiated positivity and warmth with those who gravitated close to her. Liliana, with her personality and creativity, has enriched cultural life, remaining forever a precious cultural treasure. For Lili, her friend and famous singer Nexhmije Pagarusha said:

“Liliana Çavolli is an excellent singer, both in the past and today. She has sung with equal success in both pop and the folk song genres. Liliana is a wonderful soprano who can still perform live today. She would never agree to sing ‘playback.”

Sami Piraj, composer, and music journalist, described Liliana by saying, “she has a characteristic, clear timbre, warm vocation, shaped color, clear diction that are the basis of the value of the caliber of affirmed singers.”

“Liliana’s name remains in our song thanks to these characteristics. She does not want to remain ordinary in every interpretation of the songs. On the contrary, the experience of the notes with the text remains a preoccupation to sculpt to the maximum what they were and remain synonymous with our great singers such as Nexhmije Pagarusha, Vace Zela, Hafsa Zyberi, Naile Hoxha, Fitnete Rexha, Shpresa Gashi, Shahindere Bërlajolli, etc.”

Liliana’s childhood was not easy, as her father was constantly persecuted by the then regime.

“We had harmony when we were together—mother, father, and two brothers—but our comfort was ruined by the persecutions and imprisonment of my father,” Liliana confessed in interviews with Kosovo media.

“My career has made me happy, but when my daughter was born in 1972, it seemed to me that the whole world was mine,” Lili confessed about the time when she gave birth to Irena.

Irena, who lives in London, thinks that her mother Liliana has not fully developed her potential.

“I think he could have done more, and it hurts my heart that she hasn’t been singing for a long time. Now he has an even better voice, but he can’t make songs. Unfortunately, I did not become rich in exile so that I could help them achieve even more,” said Irena.

But, did a song or something else really remain hostage to Liliana?

“I really wanted to do classical music. I had all the predispositions to become an opera singer, but that’s not how it happened. I came to Kosovo, I started singing… I was drawn to entertainment, fun, pop music, I got a job… So I didn’t commit myself to fulfilling this desire, but I wish this to young talents. There are many of them who can really achieve. I would have told them not to go and sing in cafes but to save their voices, to get educated, that one day this segment will definitely work properly,” said Liliana Çavolli in an interview for Radio Kosovo.

Liliana Çavolli was born in 1942 and passed away in 2015.

03.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Internal Affairs

01.09.25

Kosovars Becoming More Aware of Gender-Based Violence and Reporting Mechanisms

01.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Justice

30.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Prosecution Council

29.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers

29.08.25

From Health Education to Lasting Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Having Internal Documents Helps NGOs in Winning Projects

09.11.2023

Among the challenges they constantly face in their efforts to support women, Non-Governmental Organizations need to be legally compliant, possess appropriate documentation, and demonstrate their commitment. Adherence to the law and possession of such documents facilitate NGOs in applying for and winning grants and various projects. Organizations dedicated to advancing gender equality in Kosovo must register with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the current legislation, making their work more efficient.

NGOs often find themselves in situations where they must provide data that attests to the credibility of their organization when applying for projects with various institutions. This may include documents such as the organization’s establishment act, the NGO’s statute, financial management regulations, and more. Those advocating for women’s rights consider it essential for each organization to have its own internal regulations.

Dhurata Prokshi, with experience in writing and coordinating NGO projects, concurs that organizations’ internal regulations enhance their perceived credibility. She notes that the search for the aforementioned data has also become a criterion for organization donors. “Organizations and donor agencies don’t always demand a standalone internal regulations document, but they evaluate the seriousness of an organization’s activities, and its profile, by requesting these documents,” she explains.

The Perspective of the Kosovo Women’s Network on NGO Management

There are over 12,000 active NGO’s in Kosovo Out of this total, 141 organizations are members of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), operating across the entire country.

In accordance with the Regulation and Code of Conduct for KWN Membership, every NGO seeking to join the network must accept the KWN Statute and Mission, pledge to support KWN’s objectives, complete and submit the KWN membership application, and commit to adhering to the Regulations and Code of Conduct for Membership.

Over the past year, the KWN has released a report evaluating its members. This assessment encompasses the aspect of whether NGOs possess internal documents and regulations. In a separate statistical analysis, KWN also addressed work regulations. According to KWN, out of 141 organizations, 58 members, or 48 percent, have established written regulations for work and behavioral standards that govern their operations.

While Prokshi, who in her career also worked as a project coordinator, said that possessing regulations is, in any case, an indicator of the organization’s seriousness. It can help the organization stand out in the competition compared to others. However, she adds that if such a document was not requested in the call, it may not carry decisive weight.

“Although I have not conducted research in this direction, from what I have come across, I have noticed that large organizations with a wide geographic scope, especially those engaged in policy design, implementation, and monitoring supported by large donors, tend to develop such regulations, but not all,” she said.

Medium and small organizations do not appear to adopt this practice.

According to the Department of NGOs in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, there are a total of 12,433 active organizations in their database. This number includes three possible categories of organizations as NGOs, which are associations, foundations, and institutes.

KWN, with a mission to support, protect, and promote the rights and interests of women and girls throughout Kosovo, maintains ongoing collaborations with NGOs across the region. This network demonstrates that its members represent diverse ethnic groups, various age groups, different abilities, and come from various geographic areas. They collectively address important issues affecting the people, particularly women and girls, within their respective communities.

To further support NGOs, KWN has established the Kosovo Women’s Fund. This fund offers small grants to women’s organizations that lack access to alternative sources of funding and are dedicated to advancing women’s rights, particularly among groups in rural areas and marginalized communities.

According to publicly available data, since the establishment of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, the Network has awarded a total of 289 grants, for 153 organizations. The total value of of these grants so far is 1,771,249.96 Euro.

While the organizations also have support from the Ministry of Justice, NGOs continuously complain that this institutional support is insufficient for their activities.

Afërdita Zeneli, from the NGO “Dita” operating in Pristina, informed KALLXO.com that they haven’t received any support from either the central or local government throughout this year. She mentioned that they have internal regulations and possess the necessary documents typically required, which have been beneficial in many cases. However, this year, the primary challenge they face is financial constraints.

“We have the documents, but there are still many financial challenges. We don’t receive support from the government,” she stated.

The Ministry of Justice, in its structure, includes the Department for Social Services Policy, which operated under the Ministry of Finance until December 2022.

In early 2023, the Ministry of Justice, in alignment with its responsibilities, initiated a call for subsidizing NGOs that offer social and family services to citizens in need of social support.

In 2023, as per the Ministry of Justice, the Government of Kosovo has provided support to legal entities, specifically NGOs, amounting to 500 thousand euros for the period of January to April 2023.

The Ministry of Justice has announced that they are currently in the process of allocating financial support totaling 1 million and 500 thousand euros for the period from May to December 2023, extending to February 2024.

The Ministry of Justice’s responses indicated that in 2022, the Ministry of Finance provided financial support to organizations, totaling 1 million euros. Out of this amount, 400,000 euros were designated for shelters, while 600,000 euros were allocated to other NGOs offering social and family services. In 2022, this financial support benefited a total of 44 legal entities, including 10 shelters and 34 other NGOs operating across the country.

Applying for Projects: Supporting Documents that help NGOs

The Kosovo Foundation for Civil Society (KCSF) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the development of civil society and initiatives that promote a democratic culture while addressing the socio-economic needs of Kosovo. The organization places special emphasis on contributing to the process of Kosovo’s integration into the European Union, recognizing that compliance with human rights and gender equality is a fundamental requirement for EU membership. KCSF consistently provides various grants and support to NGOs in their endeavors. On their official website, they offer a detailed list of required documents for NGOs, underscoring the significance of each document.

You can find this list by clicking HERE.

Even Dhurata Prokshi, drawing from her experience, has compiled a list of documents that organizations commonly utilize to “impress donors” and demonstrate the commitment and seriousness of the applying NGO’s work.

“Auditor’s annual report, narrative work report, certificate from the Tax Administration of Kosovo, certification from the Commercial Court, CVs of the staff responsible for executing the proposed project, and a portfolio of projects, with a particular focus on those closely related to the grant application in question,” are among the documents she includes in her list.

She emphasizes that these documents serve as indicators of an organization’s development, stability, and commitment in adhering to the laws relevant to its field of operation. Furthermore, she points out that these data have become criteria used by donor organizations for the technical evaluation of applicants, often taking precedence over the evaluation of the content of project proposals.

Prokshi suggests that non-governmental organizations should view the formulation of internal regulations as an essential mechanism for assessing and monitoring the organization’s progress in alignment with its vision and objectives. Additionally, she proposes that the initiative to establish such regulations within NGOs should be driven by the community of institutional donors to better align with international donor requirements.

“One more aspect that needs clarification is that merely having regulations in place as a declaration does not guarantee their implementation within the organization. Therefore, these regulations should be incorporated into contracts to fortify the commitment and the quality of the employee-employer relationship, ultimately advancing the organization’s vision, work integrity, and other essential aspects,” she stated.

In her view, for such a document to carry significant weight, it should be developed following a standard applicable to a group of organizations, such as the NGO consortiums for children’s rights, environmental causes, or security, and it should be included as a distinct section in reporting. Moreover, legislative requirements mandate the formulation of internal regulations. The law governing freedom of association in non-governmental organizations also stipulates that NGOs must have internal documentation in place.

This law grants NGOs the right to solicit, accept, and utilize financial, material, and human resources, whether they are local, foreign, or international, to achieve their objectives and conduct their activities.

However, the law also outlines the necessary documents for NGOs, beginning with the founding act. This act should contain the organization’s full name and abbreviation, its organizational form (e.g., association, foundation, institute), address, purpose, field of activity, and other pertinent details. Each founder must sign the founding act, while for legal entities, the authorized representative of the legal entity signs it.

Additionally, NGOs are required to have their own statute, which serves as a detailed framework governing the organization’s structure, operations, and activities. You can access the complete law and additional information HERE.

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.

03.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Internal Affairs

01.09.25

Kosovars Becoming More Aware of Gender-Based Violence and Reporting Mechanisms

01.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Justice

30.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Prosecution Council

29.08.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers

29.08.25

From Health Education to Lasting Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Join the Red Shoe Movement

07.11.2023

Writer Mariela Dabbah initiated the Red Shoe Movement, nicknamed “Red Shoe Tuesday” in 2012 as a day when women wear red shoes and men sport red ties, signalling their support for women’s leadership and gender equality at work.

Since then, red shoes have been used in several exhibitions to recall women who have suffered gender-based violence, especially those who have lost their lives to violence.

At FemFest artistic feminist festival in Albania in March 2023, the public call was made for all women to wear red shoes every Tuesday, as a sign of solidarity.

First, red shoes symbolize violence against women, and the women who have lost their lives as a result of violence against women. We wear red to remember them, to never forget and to remind ourselves for whom we fight to end violence, the social norms that allow for violence against women and all impunity for such violence.

Second, red is a colour of power and is illustrative of women’s strength. It also serves as a sign of solidarity among women. When we wear red, we commit to support other women and not to speak negatively about them, towards strengthening solidarity among women, and strengthening the movement.

Red is a sign that we show, visibly, that we are together as part of a movement.

03.09.25

KWN sends Budget Recommendations to the Ministry of Internal Affairs

01.09.25

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KWN Held Final Membership Meeting for 2023

06.11.2023

On November 6, the regular meeting of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was held, marking the last gathering for this year. During the meeting, members, along with the KWN staff, collectively reflected on the shared successes throughout the year.

Due to updates in the Statute of the KWN, in accordance with the revised Law on Freedom of Association in Non-Governmental Organizations, the Annual Assembly of members, typically scheduled for December, will be postponed to the first months of the next year. This adjustment is made for practical reasons, ensuring that the reporting set, encompassing financial and audit reports for the entire year, including December, is prepared and ready for approval by the members of the Assembly. This responsibility is crucial to the highest governing body overseeing and evaluating the work of KWN.

“This marks our final physical meeting for this year. Due to the recent update in the law, we are now required to incorporate December and the audit report into the reporting for the Annual Assembly. As a result, we need to present our reports at the beginning of the next year when the auditing report is finalized. Consequently, the Annual Assembly is scheduled to be organized next year,” said KWN’s Executive Director Igballe Rogova.

Furthermore, she expressed that it is encouraging news that the Kosovo Women’s Fund continues to allocate grants, thanks to the donors who facilitate this program.

This is particularly noteworthy considering that while the Fund initially started with the distribution of 500-euro grants, today it has successfully disbursed grants amounting to 10,000 euros for an organization.

In this context, she highlighted that the professionalism of member organizations in implementing larger grants is on the rise every day.

She encouraged organizations that are not selected in a round to continue and reapply, viewing this as a valuable opportunity to enhance overall capacities—an effort that the KWN staff consistently supports.

Rogova also told members that, on November 21, at 20:00, KWN, in collaboration with Artpolis, will host an artistic evening at the National Library to honor Eve Ensler, now known as V. Ensler is the founder of “One Billion Rising” and the author of “The Vagina Monologues.” This marks the second occasion that V visits Kosovo.

During the meeting, the KWN staff reported on the achievements in implementing the KWN Strategy for the years 2023-2026, each within their respective programs. Additionally, Premtime Preniqi, the official for Gender Equality in the Municipality of Pristina, presented two paintings created by students from the capital’s schools. These artworks were produced as part of the municipality’s one-month campaign against human trafficking, serving as a gesture of gratitude from the Office to KWN for their assistance in cases of gender-based violence.

“[KWN] is a network of many organizations, so I wanted to bring one of those children’s paintings here to raise awareness because the work in the network and your efforts have shown positive results,” said Premtime Preniqi.

Also, the members of the KWN, expressing gratitude for the KWN that continuously supports its members, discussed various topics. The primary focus this time was on the inheritance of property for girls and women, as well as the right to the legalization of property by women.

Correctional Service Officer Rrezarta Gashi Berisha has invited organizations to make any contributions to the organization of activities for imprisoned women.

This meeting was supported by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation.

03.09.25