Volunteers Who Can Be Empowered by Working at KWN 

28.03.2025

The Kosovo Women’s Network calls on individuals from all groups and communities, regardless of age or background, to actively engage in strengthening the feminist movement in Kosovo. We know that when more people step forward, more voices are heard, and real change becomes possible. This is a moment to stand together, challenge inequality, and build a society where gender justice is not just a goal but a reality. 

Through our Volunteer Program, we offer a space for learning, advocacy, and action. Whether you are a researcher, an activist, a student, or simply someone who’s passionate about human rights, your involvement can make a difference. By joining the KWN, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, contribute to research, and deepen your understanding of the challenges women in Kosovo face, such as gender-based violence, economic inequality, and systemic discrimination. 

Over the years, the KWN has engaged at least 392 different volunteers from Kosovo and beyond, empowering them with the tools to become advocates for change. Now, the KWN is expanding this movement and needs you. Together, we can build a stronger and more inclusive feminist movement – a movement that amplifies voices, influences policies, and paves the way for a more just and equal future. 

The Volunteer Program also offers opportunities to develop or enhance skills in research and other areas related to women’s rights work. Moreover, the KWN covers expenses related to volunteering. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the KWN or would like to learn more about our Volunteer Program, please contact us at info@womensnetwork.org attaching your CV.  

25.04.25

The Foundation House celebrates a decade of Girls in ICT 

15.04.25

KWN Calls for Improved Attention to Gender Equality in European Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report 

12.04.25

A Tapestry of Resilience: KWN’s Annual Assembly Celebrates a Year of Unwavering Progress and Honors Courageous Voices 

04.04.25

Activists to Assess Costs of Supporting Women, Children Survivors of Violence  

28.03.25

Shaping Change: A Swedish Political Scientist Contributes at KWN 

28.03.25

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

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Marching for Each Other

28.03.2025

Under the slogan “We March for Each Other,” as every year, people marched through the streets of Pristina on March 8. In the wake of gender-based violence, including rape, physical abuse, and femicide, as well as ongoing gender inequality, the Collectivity “Marshojmë S’festojmë” organized the International Women’s Day March. The march began at Zahir Pajaziti Square and ended in front of the Government building, where a statement was read, outlining specific demands for institutions responsible for addressing gender-based violence.

As women activists, March 8 is always a moment of reflection on the events that have affected women’s lives over the past year. Only in 2024, Erona Cokli was murdered inside the Center for Social Work in Ferizaj, Gjyljeta Ukelli was killed by her husband in Peja, M. Zh. was murdered by her husband in Graçanica, and Sherife Tahiri was shot five times by her husband but survived. All these women were first victims of domestic violence and were killed simply because they were women. Furthermore, in 2024, the Kosovo Police registered 2,959 cases of domestic violence. Women’s lives in Kosovo remain at risk—they are not safe in their own homes or in spaces where they should feel secure.

March 8 reminds us that Kosovan society often normalizes violence, treating it as a private matter. It also highlights the failure of responsible institutions to protect women. This date is a stark reminder that the very institutions tasked with punishing abusers frequently let them go unpunished or impose only symbolic sentences, thus legitimizing violence and enabling repeat offenses. Above all, March 8 is a testament to the relentless efforts of countless activists—women and girls—who work daily to improve the lives of women in Kosovo. It is a day to remember the sacrifices of all the women activists worldwide who fought for the few rights we have today.

This year’s march also protested against the anti-gender movement, patriarchal institutions, and the systemic oppression of women and girls. The fight for gender equality and the right to a dignified life continues until women’s lives are safe in Kosovo, until they inherit property equally, until unpaid labor is recognized, until institutions take women’s concerns seriously, and until violence is adequately punished.

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) provides free legal advice and representation for all cases of gender-based violence. If you need support, call 048 105 800.

25.04.25

The Foundation House celebrates a decade of Girls in ICT 

15.04.25

KWN Calls for Improved Attention to Gender Equality in European Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report 

12.04.25

A Tapestry of Resilience: KWN’s Annual Assembly Celebrates a Year of Unwavering Progress and Honors Courageous Voices 

04.04.25

Activists to Assess Costs of Supporting Women, Children Survivors of Violence  

28.03.25

Shaping Change: A Swedish Political Scientist Contributes at KWN 

28.03.25

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

Austria Supports Women’s Rights in Kosovo

17.03.2025

The Presidency of Austria invited Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network, to provide a video message to mark 8 March 2024, International Women’s Day, during an event hosted by the Presidency in Vienna.  

In her requested 1.5-minute message, Rogova emphasised the importance of cooperation between decision-makers and grassroots organisations in making things happen and moving society forward. 

She shared how Kosovo President Jahjaga collaborated closely with women’s rights organisations assisting survivors of sexual violence during the war when she established the National Council for Survivors of Sexual Violence During the War in 2014. 

In the end, Rogova thanked Austrian taxpayers for their support, through the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), to KWN activists, which has contributed to this and other substantial impacts in Kosovo.  

KWN has cooperated with ADA since 2012, realising several achievements, including the following, among others: 

  • Since 2012, through the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), KWN has awarded more than 100 grants worth €346,607 to grassroots organisations, benefiting 13,204 people with better healthcare, education, economic wellbeing, and protection from violence. KWF has empowered more than 1,700 women to engage in decision-making and politics, some for the first time. 
  • KWF-supported initiatives involved 264 advocacy efforts that contributed to more than 15 policy changes, improving women’s lives in Kosovo. 
  • Since 2021, KWN members inspired 659 women to advocate and documented 73 abuses of women’s rights to health, holding institutions accountable to quality services, using a rights-based approach. 
  • Gender bias in eight schoolbooks was analysed, 22 teachers trained, and 65 courses observed to promote inclusive teaching, leading to eight reports recommending improvements to curricula. 
  • KWN’s advocacy shaped the National Strategy and Action Plan Against Domestic Violence (2016-2020), integrating 70% of KWN’s ADA-supported 2015 research recommendations. 
  • KWN used strategic litigation for gender-based violence cases, advocated Kosovo’s 2020 adoption of the Istanbul Convention, and supported the criminalisation of domestic violence and sexual harassment in the Criminal Code. 
  • Together with shelters, KWN’s advocacy contributed to securing sustained government funding for shelters and day centers for gender-based violence survivors. 
  • Since 2021, KWN provided free legal aid in 129 cases and monitored 186 cases of gender-based violence towards furthering justice. 
  • KWN has influenced 277 new laws and policies related to on gender-based violence, including related to social services. Among them, KWN co-led the drafting of Kosovo’s State Protocol for Treating Sexual Violence Cases (2022). 
  • At the Government’s request, KWN developed curricula for social workers to better treat gender-based violence cases and trained 15 social workers (2023). 
  • The “Ending Violence Behind Walls” exhibition educated 5,580 people across ten municipalities on how to report violence. 
  • KWN’s 1325 Facts & Fables report (2011, 2022) documented Kosovo’s implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace, and Security, informing the global Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, including NATO’s work related to UNSCR 1325. 

KWN looks forward to continuing collaboration with the Austrian people, through ADA, to further women’s rights in the future. 

25.04.25

The Foundation House celebrates a decade of Girls in ICT 

15.04.25

KWN Calls for Improved Attention to Gender Equality in European Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report 

12.04.25

A Tapestry of Resilience: KWN’s Annual Assembly Celebrates a Year of Unwavering Progress and Honors Courageous Voices 

04.04.25

Activists to Assess Costs of Supporting Women, Children Survivors of Violence  

28.03.25

Shaping Change: A Swedish Political Scientist Contributes at KWN 

28.03.25

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

The Kosovo Women’s Network calls for more attention to the needs of women and men

28.02.2025

The Kosovo Women’s Network adds a gender perspective to Kosovo’s path towards the European Union. In line with the European Commission’s 2024 report on Kosovo, KWN provided its comment on Kosovo’s European Integration Program for 2025-2029.

The National Program for European Integration (NPEI) is Kosovo’s main plan for reforms towards EU membership. It aims to align domestic laws with those of the EU and is the third program of this name and the tenth since the entry into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA).

KWN has observed that the program lacks clear indicators, measurable targets, and baselines, making it difficult to measure progress. Also, objectives on neighborly relations, regional cooperation, and Kosovo-Serbia normalization, as well as on the implementation of the EU Agenda on Women, Peace, and Security, are missing.

We suggest including these elements for better monitoring and greater accountability in the integration process.

DETAJE DHE INFOGRAFIKË

25.04.25

The Foundation House celebrates a decade of Girls in ICT 

15.04.25

KWN Calls for Improved Attention to Gender Equality in European Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report 

12.04.25

A Tapestry of Resilience: KWN’s Annual Assembly Celebrates a Year of Unwavering Progress and Honors Courageous Voices 

04.04.25

Activists to Assess Costs of Supporting Women, Children Survivors of Violence  

28.03.25

Shaping Change: A Swedish Political Scientist Contributes at KWN 

28.03.25

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

The first meeting of KWN members for 2025 is held, challenges and priorities are discussed 

28.02.2025

On February 10, 2025, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held its first regular meeting of the year, where the current situation in the country, the challenges faced by women and civil society organizations, and opportunities for cooperation and mutual support in the future were discussed. 

One of the topics opened during the discussion was the electoral process of February 9, 2025, with a special emphasis on the Civil Society Manifesto, which was delivered to all political parties before the elections. During the meeting, the importance of the new government considering all the points and common demands of the manifesto was emphasized, committing to policies that empower women and promote gender equality. It was emphasized that this manifesto represents a powerful voice of civil society and should be a point of reference for any political decision that affects women and their rights. 

At this meeting, the participants unanimously emphasized the need for solidarity and mutual support, especially at a time when right-wing extremism is gaining ground globally. The challenges posed by this phenomenon were discussed, and a greater mobilization was requested to prevent any form of discrimination and social exclusion. 

The opening of the meeting was made by Adelina Berisha, Gender-Based Violence Manager at KWN. She spoke about the current situation in the country and the challenges faced by women, asking for an open dialogue with all members to more accurately identify their needs and priorities. 

In her speech about the new parliamentary elections, she mentioned the importance of active participation of women in politics and decision-making processes. 

“We hope that in the next 4 years, we will make changes whenever we are dissatisfied. I hope that our vote, the vote of women, will be decisive. We can make changes in society only when we are together,” she said, among other things. 

Also, during the meeting, it was informed that the KWN Statute has now been updated, reflecting the new needs and objectives of the organization. 

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue the joint engagement for the empowerment of women and the advancement of gender equality. Members were invited to participate in the KWN Annual Assembly, which will be held on April 12, 2025. 

25.04.25

The Foundation House celebrates a decade of Girls in ICT 

15.04.25

KWN Calls for Improved Attention to Gender Equality in European Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report 

12.04.25

A Tapestry of Resilience: KWN’s Annual Assembly Celebrates a Year of Unwavering Progress and Honors Courageous Voices 

04.04.25

Activists to Assess Costs of Supporting Women, Children Survivors of Violence  

28.03.25

Shaping Change: A Swedish Political Scientist Contributes at KWN 

28.03.25

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

A Glimmer of Hope and Justice for Women Murdered in Kosovo 

28.02.2025

On February 19th, the Court of Appeals upheld the first-instance verdict of the Basic Court in Ferizaj, concerning the life imprisonment decision for Dardan Krivaqa, the murderer of M.O, who lost her life due to extremely severe injuries. She was only 18 years old when the murder occurred. The court based this sentence on Article 173 of the Penal Code of the Republic of Kosovo, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1.4, which states that a person who “deprives another person of life in a cruel or insidious manner” shall be punished with 10 years to life imprisonment. 

Similarly, months earlier, specifically on December 27, 2024, Edmond Lajçi was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife Gj.U. He was sentenced under Article 173 of the Penal Code, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1.3, which states that a person who “deprives a family member of life” shall be punished with 10 years to life imprisonment. 

Although these two cases demonstrate an improved approach to handling murders, the prosecution and the court still failed to emphasize the gender-based motive behind these killings, as stipulated by the Penal Code in Article 173, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1.10, where murder is considered aggravated when the motive is “nationality, language, religious belief or lack of religious belief, skin color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or due to proximity to persons with one of these protected characteristics.” 

The Kosovo Women’s Network, through its “A Life Free from Gender-Based Violence” Program, has advocated for a legal framework that addresses gender-based violence and violence against women. 

We remain committed to deepening cooperation with justice institutions to raise awareness that murder resulting from gender-based violence, or as it is internationally known, femicide, the killing of women simply because they are women, is reflected in court decisions and prosecutorial indictments. 

Throughout 2025, KWN will organize training for officials responsible for combating gender-based violence, including judges and prosecutors, to raise awareness about gender-based violence and a victim-centered approach, as required by our legislation, derived from the Istanbul Convention. 

Additionally, KWN will continue to provide legal counseling to all victims of domestic violence, violence against women, and gender-based violence. For more information on legal counseling, please contact us at: +39348105800.  

  

25.04.25

The Foundation House celebrates a decade of Girls in ICT 

15.04.25

KWN Calls for Improved Attention to Gender Equality in European Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report 

12.04.25

A Tapestry of Resilience: KWN’s Annual Assembly Celebrates a Year of Unwavering Progress and Honors Courageous Voices 

04.04.25

Activists to Assess Costs of Supporting Women, Children Survivors of Violence  

28.03.25

Shaping Change: A Swedish Political Scientist Contributes at KWN 

28.03.25

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

Defenders of Change: Why Do NGOs Matter More Than Ever? 

27.02.2025

For decades, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Kosovo have been at the forefront, furthering human rights, democracy, good governance and social justice. NGOs have filled the gaps where governments have failed, ensuring that justice, aid and support reach those who need it most. They have acted as watchdogs, ensuring that democratic processes are upheld and that the government remains accountable to the people it should serve. 

The achievements of Kosovo’s NGOs are undeniable. Thanks to the tireless efforts of organisations like the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and its 139 member organisations, vital laws protecting women from violence have been passed, and services such as psychological support, legal aid and shelter have been made available to women and children suffering violence. To name only a couple examples, KWN has provided legal advice and support to more than 117 women who have suffered violence, and, together with members, supported more than 335 women in claiming their rights to property and inheritance, helping women access justice. Meanwhile, NGOs have pushed for better labour rights, anti-discrimination laws and influenced more than 109 laws and policies to better meet diverse women and men’s needs, including supporting Kosovo’s path toward EU Accession. 

Why do NGOs matter more than ever? 

For those who doubt the importance of NGOs, consider this: Who steps in to provide services when government institutions fail to protect survivors of domestic or sexual violence? Who ensures that laws and policies are not just words on paper but are implemented and enforced? Who conducts research to inform these laws based on evidence of women and men’s needs? Who meets with diverse women in their communities to hear their needs and then raises these needs to the attention of the government? Who brings international attention to local injustices?  

NGOs do. 

They provide essential services—from emergency shelters for survivors of domestic violence to advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights and protections for people with disabilities. They mobilise humanitarian aid, educate the next generation on human rights and monitor government actions to ensure transparency and accountability. They build bridges of peace across physical and other borders.  

Perhaps most importantly, NGOs safeguard democracy. When civil society is weakened, so is the democratic fabric of a nation. A world without strong NGOs is a world where power goes unchecked, where marginalised voices are silenced and where human rights gains can be rolled back without resistance. 

Struggling to survive 

Recent cuts in financing for civil society, and particularly for women’s rights organisations, have hit several NGOs in Kosovo and the Western Balkans hard, putting many NGOs at risk. Behind the statistics on financial losses are real human consequences: women unable to access legal aid to escape their abusers, activists who are facing burnout amid an added workload and organisations unable to provide input on key legislative reforms that shape Kosovo’s future due to insufficient human resources and time. 

The challenges affiliated with the recent suspension of U.S. funding, and its impacts on NGOs in Kosovo, was among the topics discussed today, at an event organised by the European Union to Kosovo, in which Ambassador Aivo Orav took part. KWN’s Nicole Farnsworth, Deputy Director and Lead Researcher, participated in the panel discussion, which was held in honour of World NGO Day. . 

 “We will manage. We will survive,” Farnsworth said, reflecting on the decreased funding for women’s rights groups. “We are activists. It’s just that [sudden funding cuts] make our lives harder and reduces our time available to be watchdogs on the government, to monitor every law that they are passing, to see if someone is sneaking in any paragraphs that will remove women’s rights…” 

Farnsworth outlined KWN’s broader concerns over the cost of cuts on smaller organisations that lack other resources. “What worries us most about these cuts is the impact on our partners, organisations that were supposed to work alongside us,” emphasising the challenges faced by women’s NGOs working with Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, to provide legal aid to survivors of violence and to reach women with disabilities. 

Despite these challenges, Kosovo’s civil society is not giving up. Activists and organisations are rallying in solidarity to support each other, collaborating across borders to push back against regressive policies, and refusing to let years of progress be pushed backwards. 

On World NGO Day, it is crucial to recognise that supporting NGOs is not charity—it is an investment in democracy, justice, and a more equitable future.  

In response to a question about how the government and EU could support NGOs, Farnsworth emphasised the importance of creating transparent government support, independent of political influence and with NGO oversight.  

“With the EU Growth Plan, there should be a monitoring mechanism in place”, she added, to monitor programs and expenditures under this Plan with NGO involvement. She also recommended that the EU earmark funds in the next Multiannual Financial Framework and Civil Society Facility to support women’s rights organisations and LGBTIQ+ groups, and that such funding should involve flexible financing and core support. She said administrative barriers should be reduced, particularly for small, grassroots organisations so that they can focus limited resources on their activism, rather than administration. 

Farnsworth thanked the EU for its current support to KWN via a three-year action in partnership with the Organisation of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo and Ruka Ruci, which just started. The action aims to improve civil society capacities to enhance access to quality social protection for diverse women and men. Farnsworth stated that it will help diverse women and men better access social services, particularly after the confusion caused by closing the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. Related to improving social services, she added, “we are also committed to assisting institutions in improving their budgeting to ensure better budgeting for those in need.” 

The challenges faced by Kosovo’s civil society are significant, but the resilience and determination of activists and organisations remain unwavering. NGOs continue to play a crucial role in defending democracy, justice, good governance and human rights, and it is more important than ever to support their efforts. 

25.04.25

The Foundation House celebrates a decade of Girls in ICT 

15.04.25

KWN Calls for Improved Attention to Gender Equality in European Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report 

12.04.25

A Tapestry of Resilience: KWN’s Annual Assembly Celebrates a Year of Unwavering Progress and Honors Courageous Voices 

04.04.25

Activists to Assess Costs of Supporting Women, Children Survivors of Violence  

28.03.25

Shaping Change: A Swedish Political Scientist Contributes at KWN 

28.03.25

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

Dhurata, KWN’s New “Cathy Frischmann Intern”, Contributes to Peace 

26.02.2025

What happens when a passionate psychology student meets a powerhouse women’s rights organisation? Women’s needs and voices are amplified in Kosovo and beyond! 

Dhurata Alilaj was recently selected as the next recipient of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Cathy Frischmann Internship for Young Women’s Rights Activists. 

An enthusiastic young woman from the city of Ferizaj, she was thrilled to start her new journey as a researcher at KWN this February.   

As a psychology student, she always wanted to understand people with whom she did not agree. She believes this skill will help her better navigate feminist approaches, which include connecting with more, diverse people and creating space for everyone’s voice to be heard.  

At KWN, she will have plenty of space to practice, as she engages directly in KWN’s ongoing research to better understand various perspectives in Kosovo and beyond, towards furthering peace and security for diverse women and men. This includes looking at different people’s understanding of peace: the feeling of peace that comes with having a secure job; the peacefulness of being healthy; of moving peacefully across sidewalks in wheelchairs or with baby strollers; the peace to walk home without fear of harassment; and the peace to live at home without physical or emotional violence. 
 
“The research on which I am working has been very insightful as to the contributions of different women in Kosovo to peace-building, and the factors that hinder women’s ability to engage and contribute,” Dhurata said. “This leads to even more will [for me] to work and publish papers on how to address their problems and allow even more number girls and women across Kosovo to take part” in furthering peace, she added. 

 
Dhurata is excited to work at KWN because of the organisation’s mission and high ethical standards, carefully considered as part of KWN’s ongoing research. She also values the power of voice that KWN gives to diverse women and girls who are often not heard. This, she says, has had a significant impact, especially in recent years.  

“KWN has contributed through its advocacy for women’s participation in peace and security and  its never ending and ongoing efforts to acknowledge the women who already have been a huge part peace-building in Kosovo, spreading this information to the public to inspire even more women to believe that they can and should be part of the movement and that they have the power to make a difference.” She said that KWN has contributed “with reports, protests and other initiatives that support women and girls in Kosovo, [as well as] with very specific numbers and facts.” 

KWN is also excited to welcome Dhurata to our team. Amid recent substantial and unforeseen cuts to KWN’s funding, Dhurata through the Cathy Frischmann Internship, has become a vital member of KWN’s research team.   

Dhurata has a fiery spirit, illustrating her personal commitment to making positive change happen. Her contribution goes beyond resisting injustice towards peace; she also contributes to positive changes through her other engagements, such as serving as an assistant coach at the “Lubeteni” karate club in Ferizaj, where she works with children. In her free time, she enjoys reading. In stressful or busy times, she likes to paint, expressing her frustration through art.  
 

Dhurata’s involvement at KWN was made possible by the Cathy Frischmann Internship for Young Women’s Rights Activists. Cathy Frischmann (1952-2023) was an activist for women’s rights, a feminist, a human rights defender, a mobiliser for the involvement of women in politics, a botanist who protected native plants, and much more… Cathy loved life, which is why she dedicated hers to defending the rights and lives of others. She worked tirelessly to make the world a better place. Cathy’s love for Kosovo began in 2004 when she met KWN member organisations. Inspired by KWN members’ work, she collaborated with Altrusa – Corvallis Branch to raise funds for an annual scholarship to support young women activists’ engagement at KWN. Although Cathy passed away from cancer in 2023, Altrusa, her friends and family have continued to support an internship in her name. In Cathy’s honour, KWN proudly hosts at least one young woman intern every year, continuing to engage and inspire new generations of women’s rights activists.  

If you would like to empower other young women like Dhurata to gain experience and skills that will facilitate their future employment and strengthen their activism, or if you would like to support KWN’s work in general, please click here for more information. 

25.04.25

The Foundation House celebrates a decade of Girls in ICT 

15.04.25

KWN Calls for Improved Attention to Gender Equality in European Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report 

12.04.25

A Tapestry of Resilience: KWN’s Annual Assembly Celebrates a Year of Unwavering Progress and Honors Courageous Voices 

04.04.25

Activists to Assess Costs of Supporting Women, Children Survivors of Violence  

28.03.25

Shaping Change: A Swedish Political Scientist Contributes at KWN 

28.03.25

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

KWN’s Initiatives in 2025 for Addressing Gender-Based Violence 

03.02.2025

Gender-based violence continues to be one of the biggest problems faced by women and girls in Kosovo. A recent report by the Kosovo Police shows that, compared to decreases in many other criminal offenses, there was an increase in the reporting of domestic violence in the past year. This once again underscores the importance of addressing gender-based violence by the government and the entire Kosovar society. 

To promote initiatives to address gender-based violence, the Kosovo Women’s Network is implementing several activities this year aimed at improving services for victims of GBV, building the capacities of institutional representatives with a focus on social services, providing legal counseling for victims of GBV, monitoring cases in courts, etc. Thus, supported by the Austrian Development Agency, KWN is implementing a 3-year project, together with NGOs from the region as follows: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. 

More specifically, through the project “Institutionalization of Quality Rehabilitation and Reintegration Services for Survivors of Violence II”, the following will be done: 

  • Building the capacities of institutions to address gender-based violence, including training with the public sector to increase employment opportunities for survivors of violence; 
  • Providing direct services to victims by counseling and representing them legally; 
  • Training for shelter staff with a focus on addressing burnout, trauma, and other emotional burdens that result from working with victims of GBV; 
  • Conducting research to assess the needs of the aforementioned states for financial support for service providers; 
  • Conducting awareness campaigns and inter-regional networking and cooperation. 

KWN remains committed to combating gender-based violence, as envisioned in KWN’s strategic program for women and girls in Kosovo to live a life free from gender-based violence. 

25.04.25

The Foundation House celebrates a decade of Girls in ICT 

15.04.25

KWN Calls for Improved Attention to Gender Equality in European Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report 

12.04.25

A Tapestry of Resilience: KWN’s Annual Assembly Celebrates a Year of Unwavering Progress and Honors Courageous Voices 

04.04.25

Activists to Assess Costs of Supporting Women, Children Survivors of Violence  

28.03.25

Shaping Change: A Swedish Political Scientist Contributes at KWN 

28.03.25

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

 Students from Vienna Inspired by KWN’s Work 

03.02.2025

On 21 January, students from the Applied Human Rights Master’s Program from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, Austria met with Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) staff, as part of this University’s traditional annual visit to Kosovo.  

 
The students expressed their interest in knowing more about KWN’s work, latest initiatives and concerns amid several ongoing processes in Kosovo.  

Nicole Farnsworth, KWN Deputy Director and Lead Researcher and Krenare Buzhala, Public Relations Coordinator welcomed the students.  

They provided students with a deeper understanding of the inequalities among diverse women and men that KWN is working to address. Krenare shared about KWN’s Strategy and Programs. Then, Nicole answered students’ numerous questions, which related to gender-based violence in Kosovo and services available; LGBTQI+ rights; intersections between religious rights and gender equality; and support for young women, among other themes. The students also raised various questions regarding the dynamics of life, the pressure to change, politics, and the relations between Kosovo and its neighbouring countries, reflecting on the shifts and challenges that occur within and beyond Kosovo’s borders.  

This meeting served as a good opportunity for the students to gain a better understanding of the daily lives of people in Kosovo, particularly the challenges faced by women. It highlighted the ongoing struggles with legislative changes, the tireless work of KWN, and other NGOs striving to improve the lives of women and minorities in the country. 

The students expressed their gratitude for what they referred to as an “inspiring” session.  

25.04.25

The Foundation House celebrates a decade of Girls in ICT 

15.04.25

KWN Calls for Improved Attention to Gender Equality in European Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report 

12.04.25

A Tapestry of Resilience: KWN’s Annual Assembly Celebrates a Year of Unwavering Progress and Honors Courageous Voices 

04.04.25

Activists to Assess Costs of Supporting Women, Children Survivors of Violence  

28.03.25

Shaping Change: A Swedish Political Scientist Contributes at KWN 

28.03.25

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