KGSC Reports to UN on Violence against Women in Kosova

21.01.2013

In October, six KWN members contributed to a report written by the Kosovar Gender Studies Center (KGSC) and submitted directly to the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women in New York that includes information about some factors contributing to violence against women in Kosova; data from and good practices on behalf of NGOs working on this issue; and recommendations for future steps to be taken by the UN, UNMIK, local government and NGOs.

10.12.18

Media’s Role in Reporting Domestic Violence

12.02.14

ONE BILLION RISING

21.01.14

“Know Your Rights” Campaign Uses Culture to Education Citizens about Rights

04.03.13

Kosovo Joins One Billion Rising

04.03.13

Municipality of Dragash Establishes Mechanism against Domestic Violence

21.01.13

Citizens March, Condemning Domestic Violence

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KWN Contributes to Kosova National Action Plan against Trafficking

21.01.2013

KWN representatives attended a strategic planning session in Durres, Albania toward drafting the Kosova National Action Plan against Trafficking. The Ministry for Internal Affairs took the lead in drafting the Plan with support from the UNDP Women’s Safety and Security Initiative. The Ministry officially thanked KWN for its involvement and has included some KWN recommendations in the Plan.

10.12.18

Media’s Role in Reporting Domestic Violence

12.02.14

ONE BILLION RISING

21.01.14

“Know Your Rights” Campaign Uses Culture to Education Citizens about Rights

04.03.13

Kosovo Joins One Billion Rising

04.03.13

Municipality of Dragash Establishes Mechanism against Domestic Violence

21.01.13

Citizens March, Condemning Domestic Violence

KWN Releases Findings from First Kosova-wide Household Survey on Domestic Violence

21.01.2013

The first in-depth inquiry into domestic violence in Kosova, entitled Security Begins at Home was released on 27 Nov. at the Grand Hotel in Prishtina. The Agency for Gender Equality in the Prime Minister’s Office of Kosova with support from the UNDP Women’s Safety and Security Initiative contracted KWN to write the report. The findings and recommendations will serve as a basis for the first Kosova National Action Plan and Strategy against Domestic Violence.

KWN employed a mixed method methodology that involved collecting statistics from relevant institutions;
reviewing relevant law, legislation and social services available; surveying 1,256 women and men of all ages and ethnic groups across Kosova; and surveying representatives of Kosovar institutions, relevant organizations and experts. The report chapters include:

  1. Citizens’ Perceptions about Domestic Violence: What is Abusive and in What Circumstances
  2. The Pervasiveness and Main Forms of Domestic Violence in Kosova
  3. The Consequences of Domestic Violence
  4. Citizens’ Response: The Methods Citizens Use and Propose for Ending Violence or Reducing Its Circumstances
  5. Social Constraints that Deprive Particular Demographic Groups in the Private and Public Spheres, Potentially Increasing Domestic Violence
  6. Legal and Institutional Gaps in Addressing Domestic Violence

The report includes recommendations for legal and legislative reform; the Kosova Police Service; Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and Centres for Social Work; Ministry of Justice; Kosova Judicial Council; Ministry of Economy and Finance; Ministry of Health; and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

10.12.18

Media’s Role in Reporting Domestic Violence

12.02.14

ONE BILLION RISING

21.01.14

“Know Your Rights” Campaign Uses Culture to Education Citizens about Rights

04.03.13

Kosovo Joins One Billion Rising

04.03.13

Municipality of Dragash Establishes Mechanism against Domestic Violence

21.01.13

Citizens March, Condemning Domestic Violence

KWN Releases Report on the Response of Justice Providers to Domestic Violence

21.01.2013

From June to September 2009, KWN researched the response of justice providers to domestic violence in Kosova, contracted by the UNDP’s Women’s Safety and Security Initiative (WSSI) and supported by the Agency for Gender Equality in the Prime Minister’s Office (AGE). The research sought to support the Government of Kosova and lawmakers in drafting and later enforcing the National Action Plan against Domestic Violence and the new Law on Protection against Domestic Violence. The research focused on the justice system in Kosova with special attention to the implementation of legislation on domestic violence.

On September 22, more than 70 people participated in a workshop entitled “Access to Justice for Domestic Violence Victims” held at Villa Gërmia in Prishtina. Among the participants were officials from the centers for social work, shelters, municipal courts, regional courts, Kosova Police, Victims’ Advocacy and Assistance Division and Ministry of Internal Affairs, among others. In three working groups based on expertise, participants discussed the report’s draft recommendations. Groups focused on three sections of the report: protection against domestic violence; the Kosova Police; and safeguarding victims’ rights and access to justice. Recommendations made by the working groups were included in the final report.

On November 23, the final report entitled More than “Words on Paper”? The Response of Justice Providers to Domestic Violence in Kosova was publicly released at the Government of Kosova.

The report drew from existing data, interviews with more than 60 representatives of institutions and in-depth interviews with 96 domestic violence victims about their experiences accessing justice. The report makes recommendations to inform the drafting of the new Law on Protection against Domestic Violence, National Strategy and Action Plan against Domestic Violence, other legislation governing the prosecution of crimes committed in family relationships, operational procedures and the work of institutions responsible for ensuring access to justice.

The report assesses the performance of judges in delivering protection against domestic violence through mechanisms such as protection orders and penal prosecution of acts of domestic violence. It examines the work of the Kosova Police in investigating acts of domestic violence and protecting victims from further violence. The report assesses the work of institutions and organizations responsible for protecting the rights of victims while they seek justice. Finally, it discusses citizens’ perceptions of the justice system, which may impact decisions to seek justice or remain silent. The report concludes with recommendations for policymakers and individual institutions towards improving access to justice for domestic violence victims.

The report is available on KWN’s website.

10.12.18

Media’s Role in Reporting Domestic Violence

12.02.14

ONE BILLION RISING

21.01.14

“Know Your Rights” Campaign Uses Culture to Education Citizens about Rights

04.03.13

Kosovo Joins One Billion Rising

04.03.13

Municipality of Dragash Establishes Mechanism against Domestic Violence

21.01.13

Citizens March, Condemning Domestic Violence

KWN Supports Shelters, Efforts against Gender-based Violence

21.01.2013

Kosova lacks the necessary infrastructure to support women and children suffering from gender-based violence. The existing shelters that protect victims of violence lack sufficient financial support for providing adequate healthcare to victims, adequately protecting them and assisting with their reintegration into society. In addition, there is a lack of consistent coordination among all actors dealing with gender-based violence.

Thus, in 2007 KWN engaged in a project entitled “Providing Security, Promoting Health: Combating Gender-Based Violence in Kosovo,” supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). KWN became involved to help increase financial support for shelters as well as to support the establishment of specific systems of cooperation among shelters, so as to better protect and assist persons suffering from violence. Through this six-month project, KWN provided direct support to four shelters in Kosova. KWN partners for this project held regular coordination meetings, during which they worked to establish specific procedures and standards of operation for shelters, as well as to troubleshoot and discuss key issues affecting shelters.

KWN in cooperation with its partners also conducted exploratory research on the extent of gender-based violence in Kosova and its potential relation to women’s reproductive health. The research, the first of its kind in Kosova, aimed to provide the most up-to-date information available on this issue, as well as to pose policy recommendations for KWN’s media/advocacy campaign. KWN used the research recommendations to advocate to the relevant institutions for regular support for shelters, as well as other policy recommendations identified through the research. The report is available online.

KWN also organized a media campaign to raise awareness about the problem of violence against women in Kosova. KWN and its member organizations worked to reach women and men in rural and urban areas with information about gender-based violence and its impact on reproductive health. KWN member organizations played an important role in making this project successful by participating in the coordination meetings, establishing standards for shelters, participating in the research, and/or organizing aspects of the public information campaign.

10.12.18

Media’s Role in Reporting Domestic Violence

12.02.14

ONE BILLION RISING

21.01.14

“Know Your Rights” Campaign Uses Culture to Education Citizens about Rights

04.03.13

Kosovo Joins One Billion Rising

04.03.13

Municipality of Dragash Establishes Mechanism against Domestic Violence

21.01.13

Citizens March, Condemning Domestic Violence

Anisa Ismaili and Ilire Vinca-Çelaj perform debut of “Every Monday” at KWN Annual Meeting 2006.

Play “Every Monday” Brings Attention to Violence against Women

21.01.2013

On 8 March, at ODA Theatre the campaign against violence against women was launched with a play by Italian playwright Sara Bogatti entitled “Every Monday at 1:30 pm” sponsored by MAMACASH. KWN helped raise funds for this bestselling play, also among the most produced shows in Italy on women’s issues and their attitudes toward their role in society.

The one-act play portrays three intellectual women who met each week to discuss what it is like to be a woman in modern society. All successful career women, they still faced various professional and personal problems while working with male colleagues.

A light comedy, the play communicated its message easily and universally, beyond cultural or national boundaries. In Kosova, the play was completely produced by women: Director Burbuqe Berisha, Assistant Director Shota Bukoshi, Stage Designer Rozafa Basha, Costume Designer Iliriana Loxha-Basha, Make up Labinote Geci, and cast members: Ilire Vinca-Çelaj, Anisa Ismaili and Arberesha Grabovci-Nixha.

10.12.18

Media’s Role in Reporting Domestic Violence

12.02.14

ONE BILLION RISING

21.01.14

“Know Your Rights” Campaign Uses Culture to Education Citizens about Rights

04.03.13

Kosovo Joins One Billion Rising

04.03.13

Municipality of Dragash Establishes Mechanism against Domestic Violence

21.01.13

Citizens March, Condemning Domestic Violence

KWN members meet with the Minister of Labor and Social Services, Minister Selmanaj, to discuss safe houses and gender-based violence.

Shelters Meet Minister of Labor and Social Services

21.01.2013

On 15 July, KWN members met with the Minister of Labor and Social Services, Minister Selmanaj, to bring his attention to the absence of appropriate legislation addressing gender-based violence.

KWN members noted that the Law on Social Services was not being fully implemented, and shelters were not included in the Kosova consolidated budget. They also informed the Minister that the United Nations Mission in Kosovo’s (UNMIK) Department of Justice is obliged by law to help and support persons who have suffered violence in reaching shelters. This means that the Provisional Institutions of Self Governance (PISG) and UNMIK use the services of the shelters without supporting them financially.

Minister Selmanaj said that the institutions are willing to support and help them, but the issue requires a commitment from both sides. He proposed and agreed to arrange a meeting with the parliamentarian group on Health and Social Welfare to address this problem in the highest lawmaking body.

10.12.18

Media’s Role in Reporting Domestic Violence

12.02.14

ONE BILLION RISING

21.01.14

“Know Your Rights” Campaign Uses Culture to Education Citizens about Rights

04.03.13

Kosovo Joins One Billion Rising

04.03.13

Municipality of Dragash Establishes Mechanism against Domestic Violence

21.01.13

Citizens March, Condemning Domestic Violence

Kosova Coalition against Family and Sexual Violence Solidifies Strategy

21.01.2013

The Kosova Coalition against Family and Sexual Violence convened in Durres, Albania from 11–14 Nov. to discuss the Coalition’s strategy for 2009 and future structure. Seven organizations participated including the Center for Protection of Women and Children (Prishtina and Mitrovica), Medica Kosova (Gjakova), Liria (Gjilan), Women’s Wellness Center (Peja), Hope and Homes for Children (Prishtina) and Safe House Gjakova. The meeting was moderated by Delina Fico with assistance from Eli Krasniqi. Members cooperated to formulate the Coalition’s vision, mission, principles, strategy for 2009, structure, decision-making process and representation and communication both within the Coalition and with the general public. Coalition members agreed that the mission of the Coalition is to prevent family and sexual violence, as well as support, help and empower survivors of violence.

The strategic goals for 2009 are:

  • Reducing the causes of family and sexual violence by supporting programs for gender equality and gender mainstreaming;
  • Increasing awareness;
  • Completing the legal framework;
  • Increasing capacities; and
  • Empowering the Coalition.

Planned activities include an initiative for decreasing poverty in Kosova; a campaign during the 16 days of activities against violence against women; advocacy in regards to the law against domestic violence and National Action Plan against Domestic Violence; monitoring; cooperation on the regulation for licensing shelters; and securing budgets for shelters.

The Coalition’s organizational structure involves the Leading Committee comprised of executive directors from the shelters as the highest decision-making organ; the Coalition Representative, which will represent the Coalition; and the Coalition Coordinator, an outside person working part-time to organize meetings, take meeting minutes, prepare project proposals and develop public relations materials. Coalition members decided that the group will remain informal, functioning within KWN. The Coalition will meet at least every two months.

On Nov. 20, the group met again to discuss a Memorandum of Understanding between the Coalition and KWN, election of the Coalition Representative and who will fundraise for the Coalition’s 2009 activities. The Coalition received financial support from UNFPA and technical assistance from KWN.

10.12.18

Media’s Role in Reporting Domestic Violence

12.02.14

ONE BILLION RISING

21.01.14

“Know Your Rights” Campaign Uses Culture to Education Citizens about Rights

04.03.13

Kosovo Joins One Billion Rising

04.03.13

Municipality of Dragash Establishes Mechanism against Domestic Violence

21.01.13

Citizens March, Condemning Domestic Violence

Jeta Vita Marches against Breast Cancer 2

21.01.2013

In October, the Kosovar Center for Fighting Breast Cancer (KCFBC) Jeta Vita in partnership with the Balkan Breast Cancer Initiative (BBCI) and U.S. Embassy organized a campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer during the International Month of Fighting Breast Cancer. KWN supported its efforts by distributing information about the march.

19.03.26

Applying a Gender Lens: Erkenda Begins Her Internship at KWN

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

“Jeta Vita” Marches against Breast Cancer

21.01.2013

In October, the Kosovar Center for Fighting Breast Cancer Jeta Vita, in partnership with other organizations in Kosova, organized a campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer during International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. KWN supported this member organization by distributing information about the march against breast cancer held on 24 October and a play with seven monologues about women who suffered from breast cancer.

19.03.26

Applying a Gender Lens: Erkenda Begins Her Internship at KWN

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe