Kosovo Women's Network

KWN completed the training cycle on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

06.03.2024

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) completed the training cycle with representatives from four different municipalities on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence in February. Participants in these training sessions included representatives of the Coordinating Mechanisms Against Domestic Violence from the municipalities of Drenas, Skenderaj, Istog and Klina.

During these training sessions, relevant institutions had the opportunity to become familiar with the protocol as a new document in Kosovo’s legislation, to gain knowledge about the proper implementation of this protocol, and the role of each institution in handing the sexual violence. Participants also had the opportunity to discuss the daily challenges encountered in their work in handling cases of sexual violence. Additionally, discussions were held about social norms that contribute to the prevalence of sexual violence and ways to change this mindset that still tends to blame the victims.

“I am concerned about the fact that in cases of sexual violence, the blame is still being placed on the victims”, said one of the participants from the Municipality of Drenas in the workshop.

Furthermore, participants raised their concerns about the reporting by the media on cases of sexual violence.

“The media is often doing harm because they focus on completely irrelevant details, and can often lead to the disclosure of the victims’ identities”, said another participant from the Municipality of Klina.

It is worth noting that the State Protocol for the Treatment of Cases of Sexual Violence was launched on 5 December 2022 by the Ministry of Justice in cooperation with the Institute of Forensic Medicine, while KWN was responsible for drafting the protocol.

This training is supported by the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, in the course of the project “Improving the treatment of sexual violence through advocacy to enhance the legal framework and capacity-building for municipal coordinating mechanisms”, which is being implemented by KWN.

06.03.24

KWN reacts to the retrial of the case of Dardan Krivaça for the murder of Marigona Osmani

06.03.24

KWN completed the training cycle on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

06.03.24

Dragashi is an example of gender equality and equal opportunities

06.03.24

The organization Follow Up analyses the curriculum and educational forms on sexual consent in secondary schools

06.03.24

“Ura Sociale’s” Initiative aims to strengthen education and transform gender norms in Vushtrri

06.03.24

KFOR, KWN Discuss Further Collaboration

Dragashi is an example of gender equality and equal opportunities

06.03.2024

On 22 February, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) visited the Municipality of Dragash to congratulate Mrs. Arijeta Skeraj for her new position as the Chairperson of the Municipal Assembly.

The KWN Executive Director, Igballe Rogova congratulated Mrs. Skeraj for her position, stating among other things that “Dragash has become an example of gender equality and equal opportunities between women and men, and this brings us great joy”.

On the other hand, Mrs. Skeraj recalled the invaluable support she has received from KWN through the Gender Equality Lobby meetings, a KWN initiative to unite women in politics and activists to push forward local initiatives towards gender equality.

Furthermore, Mrs. Skeraj recalled that it was precisely the encouraging words of Ms. Rogova that motivated her to continue her political journey. The Gender Equality Officer in the Municipality of Dragash, Mrs. Lindita Piraj, was also present in the meeting, who also thanked Ms. Rogova for the work and contribution she has given to the Municipality of Dragash, adding “The meetings you have held have helped us, the women of Dragash, to become part of the changes in society, to learn from women and increase solidarity among us women, regardless of which political party we belong to”.

For this support, the Chairperson of the Assembly and the female assembly members of the Municipal Assembly of Dragash shared a gift as a token of appreciation for KWN.

After the meeting with the Chairperson of the Municipal Assembly and the female assembly members, the KWN representatives were welcomed by the Mayor, Mr. Bexhet Xheladini, in his office, who also thanked KWN and specifically Ms. Rogova for the contribution she has made over the years to advance the position of women in Dragash.

Mayor Xheladini presented an Appreciation to Ms. Rogova for her contribution. “We are grateful for the contribution you have made in advancing the position of women in Dragash and for the contribution you have made to the female assembly members. Therefore,

06.03.24

KWN reacts to the retrial of the case of Dardan Krivaça for the murder of Marigona Osmani

06.03.24

KWN completed the training cycle on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

06.03.24

Dragashi is an example of gender equality and equal opportunities

06.03.24

The organization Follow Up analyses the curriculum and educational forms on sexual consent in secondary schools

06.03.24

“Ura Sociale’s” Initiative aims to strengthen education and transform gender norms in Vushtrri

06.03.24

KFOR, KWN Discuss Further Collaboration

The organization Follow Up analyses the curriculum and educational forms on sexual consent in secondary schools

06.03.2024

As a member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Follow Up completed the initiative “Analysis of the school curriculum and educational formats on sexual consent in high schools”, owing to a grant provided by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) of KWN.

Throughout the six-month initiative, the organization managed to collect data on a rarely addressed topic, such as analyzing the textbooks of the civic education subject in secondary school and looking at them from the perspective of sexual education and sexual consent.

Representatives of the organization consider that during the initiative, teachers who were the subject of interviewing and observation managed to reflect more on the importance of addressing topics of sexual education, sexual consent and gender sensitivity during teaching.

They have also had the opportunity to express their thoughts, attitudes and concerns regarding the challenges in dealing with such topics, and their concerns will be conveyed to relevant stakeholders.

Moreover, Follow Up as a beneficiary of this project has enhanced its capacities by collecting concrete data on a topic that will serve for the further conduct of its activities.

Organization Follow Up implemented this activity as a beneficiary of the 18^th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, through the initiative of KWN “Advancing the women’s rights initiative”, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

06.03.24

KWN reacts to the retrial of the case of Dardan Krivaça for the murder of Marigona Osmani

06.03.24

KWN completed the training cycle on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

06.03.24

Dragashi is an example of gender equality and equal opportunities

06.03.24

The organization Follow Up analyses the curriculum and educational forms on sexual consent in secondary schools

06.03.24

“Ura Sociale’s” Initiative aims to strengthen education and transform gender norms in Vushtrri

06.03.24

KFOR, KWN Discuss Further Collaboration

“Ura Sociale’s” Initiative aims to strengthen education and transform gender norms in Vushtrri

06.03.2024

In an attempt to change traditional gender norms through education, the member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network, Ura Sociale (Social Bridge) in Vushtrri completed an initiative which aims at these changes, initially analyzing the situation in schools.

“During the activity, we met about 300 students from two vocational secondary schools in Vushtrri, meeting them during class hours who were pre-targeted for observation. It was seen whether there is inclusiveness, whether gender equality is promoted, stereotypes about gender-based violence in schools, family planning, and reproductive health. In most cases, there has been inclusiveness, but there has been a percentage where teachers have not been quite informed of such topics to explain them to the students. I believe this happened due to lack of sufficient training,” explains the Executive Director of Ura Sociale, Mërgime Jashari.

Ura Sociale has implemented the “Promotion of quality education and transformation of traditional gender norms” initiative in the period from June to November 2023.

The organization, in cooperation with the Directorate of Education in Vushtrri, engaged key stakeholders including school directors, educators and students. A Memorandum of Cooperation was also signed with this Directorate, strengthening the partnership and encouraging mutual support and commitment to improve educational practices.

At the centre of the project methodology was the precise observation of 15 teaching hours in various subjects at “Bahri Haxha” VSC and “Lutfi Musiqi” TSS. Through these observations, valuable insights into teaching methodologies and learning processes emerged, establishing the basis of a comprehensive policy brief.

This organization disseminated the findings in a policy brief to relevant parties.

Ura Sociale implemented this initiative as a beneficiary of the 18^th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, through the KWN initiative “Advancing the Women’s Rights Initiative II”, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

06.03.24

KWN reacts to the retrial of the case of Dardan Krivaça for the murder of Marigona Osmani

06.03.24

KWN completed the training cycle on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

06.03.24

Dragashi is an example of gender equality and equal opportunities

06.03.24

The organization Follow Up analyses the curriculum and educational forms on sexual consent in secondary schools

06.03.24

“Ura Sociale’s” Initiative aims to strengthen education and transform gender norms in Vushtrri

06.03.24

KFOR, KWN Discuss Further Collaboration

KFOR, KWN Discuss Further Collaboration

06.03.2024

On 16 Feb. the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) welcomed a delegation of gender advisors from North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Kosovo Force (KFOR) headquarters at KWN’s office. They discussed how KFOR and KWN can organise introductory presentations from women’s rights activists to peacekeeping troops arriving in Kosovo every six months. Building on a similar positive practice in the past, this would provide the opportunity for incoming troops to hear directly from women’s rights activists about the situation in Kosovo and key gender equality issues. In line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security this could build relations between troops and activists as well as ensure that women’s voices are heard in peacekeeping operations. KWN also suggested that KFOR gender advisors meet with diverse people outside Prishtina to better understand the situation and their security needs. Additionally, they discussed KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova’s reflections from the international NATO Civil Society Advisory Panel where she is a member.

06.03.24

KWN reacts to the retrial of the case of Dardan Krivaça for the murder of Marigona Osmani

06.03.24

KWN completed the training cycle on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

06.03.24

Dragashi is an example of gender equality and equal opportunities

06.03.24

The organization Follow Up analyses the curriculum and educational forms on sexual consent in secondary schools

06.03.24

“Ura Sociale’s” Initiative aims to strengthen education and transform gender norms in Vushtrri

06.03.24

KFOR, KWN Discuss Further Collaboration

Solidarity among Women Politicians Furthers Gender Equality, Peace and Security

06.03.2024

On 23-24 Feb., the Group of Women Deputies in Kosovo organised a regional conference entitled “Parliaments and Resolution 1325: Perspectives from the Western Balkans” in Prishtina. The conference brought together parliamentarians from different countries in the region to discuss their experiences with implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

In the second panel, Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network, spoke about civil society’s role in implementing Resolution 1325. She provided examples as to how activists have collaborated with women parliamentarians in using Resolution 1325 to push for women’s participation in the negotiations and later dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. She emphasised the importance of solidarity among women, including women parliamentarians and civil society activists. “We can only change and move the agenda forward if we are together,” she said.

In this regard, she also spoke about wearing red shoes on Tuesdays as part of the Red Shoe Movement that KWN continues to endorse. Red shoes symbolise the solidarity among women and the commitment not to speak negatively about other women, but rather to seek to empower. Wearing red shoes on Tuesdays is a visual sign of one’s commitment to solidarity and encourages others to join this movement. She encouraged women parliamentarians to join the movement and to demonstrate their support for solidarity among women, building each other up and bringing about changes together.

06.03.24

KWN reacts to the retrial of the case of Dardan Krivaça for the murder of Marigona Osmani

06.03.24

KWN completed the training cycle on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

06.03.24

Dragashi is an example of gender equality and equal opportunities

06.03.24

The organization Follow Up analyses the curriculum and educational forms on sexual consent in secondary schools

06.03.24

“Ura Sociale’s” Initiative aims to strengthen education and transform gender norms in Vushtrri

06.03.24

KFOR, KWN Discuss Further Collaboration

Gender Policy Strategic Network, WEF Express Concerns about Delays in Approving Labour Law

06.03.2024

On 27 Feb., the Gender Policy Strategic Network met in Pristina. Among other issues, participants discussed concerns that the Law on Labour had been removed from the legislative calendar for 2024. They agreed to unite to push for urgently amending and proceeding the Law, which holds several implications for women’s labour force participation and gender equality.

This Network is an ongoing initiative, holding regular meetings, which unites women parliamentarians, the Agency for Gender Equality in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the President of Kosovo, the National Democratic Institute, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and other organisations in furthering gender equality in Kosovo. The Network aims to identify ways to strengthen the participation of diverse women in politics and decision-making.

During the last meeting, KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova also shared information about KWN’s latest gender analysis on the informal economy.

The Women’s Economic Forum (WEF) also has sent an advocacy letter expressing its concerns that the Law on Labour was removed from the legislative agenda. KWN joined dozens of other CSOs in signing this letter, calling for the law to move forward and include civil society inputs based on the EU Work-Life Balance Directive.

06.03.24

KWN reacts to the retrial of the case of Dardan Krivaça for the murder of Marigona Osmani

06.03.24

KWN completed the training cycle on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

06.03.24

Dragashi is an example of gender equality and equal opportunities

06.03.24

The organization Follow Up analyses the curriculum and educational forms on sexual consent in secondary schools

06.03.24

“Ura Sociale’s” Initiative aims to strengthen education and transform gender norms in Vushtrri

06.03.24

KFOR, KWN Discuss Further Collaboration

Women’s Economic Forum Meets Kosovo President Osmani on Gender Budgeting

06.03.2024

The Women’s Economic Forum (WEF)* met President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani on 20 Feb. Two key agenda items were calling for urgent progress on the Law on Labour, which continues to contribute directly to discrimination against women in hiring, but which was removed from the legislative calendar for 2024 despite government promises to the contrary; and the importance of institutionalising and implementing gender-responsive budgeting. WEF activists requested the President’s support in addressing these issues.

President Osmani declared her support for urgent adoption of the Law on Labour.

*WEF is a coalition of civil society organizations including the Riinvest Institute, Kosovo Women’s Network, Democracy for Development, the Kosovo Center for Gender Studies, the Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organisations in Kosovo, Kosovo Women 4 Women, the GAP Institute, QIKA and Kosovar Stability Initiative.

06.03.24

KWN reacts to the retrial of the case of Dardan Krivaça for the murder of Marigona Osmani

06.03.24

KWN completed the training cycle on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

06.03.24

Dragashi is an example of gender equality and equal opportunities

06.03.24

The organization Follow Up analyses the curriculum and educational forms on sexual consent in secondary schools

06.03.24

“Ura Sociale’s” Initiative aims to strengthen education and transform gender norms in Vushtrri

06.03.24

KFOR, KWN Discuss Further Collaboration

Paper on Donors’ Gender Budgeting Discussed with Experts in Cyprus

06.03.2024

The Gender Budget Watchdog Network presented their Working Paper, Illuminating the Issues: To What Extent Are Big Funders Walking the Gender Budgeting Talk?, in Nicosia at the European Conference for Gender Budgeting organised by the Cyprus Gender Budgeting Platform on 21-23 March. On behalf of the Network, KWN Programme Director and Lead Researcher Nicole Farnsworth presented the paper and received feedback from experts and academics engaged in gender-responsive budgeting throughout Europe and beyond. Drawing from their advice, the Network will revise the paper and present it at the forthcoming United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York in March.

During the conference, the three Gender Budget Watchdog Network members attending also had the opportunity to hear presentations and learn from prominent experts including Diane Elson, Angela O’Hagan, Elizabeth Klatzer and many more.

A key take away from the Conference for KWN was the importance of ensuring Kosovo’s tax system’s aims are aligned with the government’s broader aims for citizen wellbeing. Achieving wellbeing should not be dependent only on social transfers and assistance; the tax system holds opportunities for furthering wellbeing, too. For example, the government could remove income taxes for persons at the lowest tax brackets, such as minimum wage and below, while increasing income taxes for those with larger salaries. Additionally, the government could remove Value Added Taxes (VAT) on basic products (e.g., food, medicine, hygiene supplies) on which women depend and because such taxes affect women more than men given their comparatively lower salaries. Instead, VAT could be increased on luxury products. Such lessons learned from feminist economists, presented at the conference, have been used to inform KWN’s recent report on the informal economy.

Gender Budget Watchdog Network members also utilised the Conference to expand the network and its cooperation, discussing opportunities for future advocacy with other gender budget networks in Europe. For example, opportunities for future joint advocacy related to the European Union’s Multi-annual Financial Framework towards integrating improved attention to gender-responsive budgeting were discussed.

This trip was supported by the Austrian Development Agency and Sweden as part of their support to the Gender Budget Watchdog Network.

06.03.24

KWN reacts to the retrial of the case of Dardan Krivaça for the murder of Marigona Osmani

06.03.24

KWN completed the training cycle on the State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

06.03.24

Dragashi is an example of gender equality and equal opportunities

06.03.24

The organization Follow Up analyses the curriculum and educational forms on sexual consent in secondary schools

06.03.24

“Ura Sociale’s” Initiative aims to strengthen education and transform gender norms in Vushtrri

06.03.24

KFOR, KWN Discuss Further Collaboration

KWN Launches Report “Gender Equality: At the Centre of IT… and Beyond”

06.03.2024

On 12 Feb., the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) launched its research report: Gender Equality: At the Centre of IT… and Beyond: A Gender Analysis of Digitalisation in Kosovo. The gender analysis holds significant policy importance as it aims to support the Government of Kosovo in integrating a gender perspective in public policies related to digital reforms, offering evidence-based recommendations. Additionally, the analysis aims to support the European Union (EU) with gender analysis to inform programming related to the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) III and policy dialogues. Further, it seeks to provide civil society with findings and recommendations that can inform advocacy a more gender-responsive EU Accession process.

In his speech, the Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Tomas Szunyog, said: “Kosovo is undergoing an important digital transformation in which no one should be left behind. This EU-funded Gender Analysis provides a detailed description of the current situation and can be a useful resource for the Kosovo Government to make the planned digitalisation-related reforms more inclusive. I am proud that the EU, the largest provider of financial assistance to Kosovo, is actively supporting this process.”

KWN invited representatives from several key institutions to participate in the launch, during which they updated the audience on the latest developments in digital reforms and reflected on the key findings and recommendations presented by KWN.

Agon Dobruna, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Finance, Labour, and Transfers (MFLT), emphasised that MFLT is highly committed to achieving gender balance, including in platforms it is designing regarding employment, such as Superjob. Further, he stated that he will advocate for the recommendations arising from this gender analysis to inform future labour legislation.

Agim Kukaj from the Ministry of Economy (ME) stated that Kosovo has made significant progress towards digitalisation and that the progress in this sector should be used to advance women and girls’ positions in digital employment, access to healthcare, and further skills development. He also emphasised that the Ministry of Economy will aim to integrate a gender perspective, in line with the findings and recommendations from KWN’s gender analysis, into the strategy that ME plans to draft in the ICT sector for 2024.

Shkëndije Shala, from the Agency for Informative Society (AIS), emphasised that AIS is in the process of launching the Open Data Kosovo platform, which will ensure data processing disaggregated by gender, among other categories. Processing data disaggregated by gender has been one of the key recommendations of this report, towards analysing the real situation of women and men regarding digital transformation.

Nazlije Balaj from the Ministry of Justice said, “This report by KWN is a reflection of institutional achievements in relation to digitalisation.” She stated that the work of KWN is highly important and praised the accurate findings. Balaj pledged that the Ministry of Justice will consider the findings in improving legal definitions to combat cyberviolence and gender-based violence, focusing on girls and women.

Meanwhile, Albert Aliu, a consultant from the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), congratulated KWN’s work in identifying gender gaps towards digitalisation, emphasising that MESTI will soon functionalise a department on digitalisation and technology, as well as an online platform called “Learning Passport”, where both teachers and children will have the opportunity to enhance their digital capacities.

KWN’s comprehensive gender analysis discusses the gender-responsiveness of digitalisation processes related to several relevant sectors for Kosovo’s development and EU Accession, including the work of the Assembly, the Government, public administration, gender-responsive budgeting, law enforcement, social services, education, employment, labour, business, trade, agriculture, environmental protection, climate change response, energy, healthcare and media. KWN hopes that this analysis will serve as a basis for all interested parties involved in digital reforms. KWN also encourages the use of its methodology and innovative conceptual model elsewhere in the world for gender analyses of digitalisation.

The report is on KWN’s website. The gender analysis was co-funded by the European Union and Sweden, as part of the Coalition for Gender Equality in the EU Accession Process (EQUAPRO) Action “Advancing gender equality through the EU Accession process”.

06.03.24