Kosovo Women's Network

MWAHR Advocates for Gender Responsive Budgeting in the Municipality of Mitrovica

15.09.2023

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), the Mitrovica Women’s Association for Human Rights (MWAHR), has advocated for gender-responsive budgeting in the municipality of South Mitrovica. During the public consultations on the 2024 budget and the forecasts for 2025/2026, women invited by MWAHR addressed the issues that directly affect women and girls.

Women’s demands for healthcare institutions include setting up a menopause counseling center, operationalizing mammography services, and contracting radiologists for early cancer detection.

Women entrepreneurs have requested tax reductions for small businesses, such as tailoring, hairdressing, agriculture, beekeeping, traditional food production, etc. They also advocated for lower interest rates for business loans and the creation of a dedicated fund to support women entrepreneurs through municipal cooperation with banks.

Additional demands include harmonizing inheritance laws and subsidy criteria for women who do not own property, planning specific subsidies for women-owned businesses, establishing a cooperative for the employment of victims of domestic violence, and providing training for municipal officials to prevent violence. In this context, the need for cooperation with NGOs to provide training for municipal officials regarding local and international mechanisms for protection from violence was emphasized.

It was also requested that the allocation of the budget for grants for civil society women’s groups be increased along with the increase in the amount of grants.

The request also included the needs of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities for the opening of a clothing business in the Roma neighborhood to employ Roma women and provide winter clothing for underprivileged children.

A few days ago, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has signed a contract with MWAHR for a new initiative which aims to engage men, women, girls and boys as full and equal partners in government planning, programming and budgeting. The project is titled “Gender budgeting, a transformative budget tool for municipal institutions”.

This initiative is part of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network’s action, supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

03.09.25

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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

KWN Participates in the Regional Forum on Gender Equality in the EU Accession

12.09.2023

KWN’s Gender Mainstreaming Officer has shared her remarks the “CSOs Engagement in SAA Structures: Experiences and Opportunities” panel, as part of the regional forum on gender equality in the EU Accession.

She is sharing the experience of KWN and its members into providing inputs to inform SAA structures meetings between the EU and the Kosovar government, providing a timeline of WCSOs engaged in this matter ever since Kosovo signed the first Stabilisation Association Agreement in 2016.

“We as KWN have tried listening to diverse women, and ask what their priorities are in relation to the EU Accession. For a long time now, the EU Accession has been presented as a distant political concept, creating the illusion that it is separate from its citizens and it belongs to decision-makers solely. KWN helped debunk this concept, and increase the gender perspective of the EU Accession Process.”

Jeton Karaqica, head of the Department for Economic Criteria in the Prime Minister’s Office in Kosovo also emphasized the role of WCSOs in the EU Accession process, noting that consultations with WCSOs provide a platform for better-preparing input for the SAA Subcommittees, information exchange and complementarity of expertise. He added that they can facilitate the policy discussions to guide the overall direction of EU Accession reforms.

The Gender Equality Forum is organized by the Coalition for Gender Equality in the EU Accession Process (EQUAPRO), in Skopje, North Macedonia, through the action funded by the EU and SIDA, called “Furthering Gender Equality through the EU Accession Process”, in a regional partnership between Kosovo Women’s Network, Reactor – Research in Action, Women’s Rights Center and Rights for All.

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

Moravski Biser Raises Women’s Awareness of Access to Health Services

08.09.2023

Therefore, the member organization of Kosovo Women’s Network, Moravski Biser, is striving to raise women’s awareness of their right to access health services in their homes or in the nearest cities through training sessions.

On Friday, September 1, this organization convened a meeting with 12 women from the Serb community to address these issues in the framework of their initiative “Equal health care for all”, supported by KWN.

Many women from the municipality of Partes do not have the right information about access to health services in public institutions.

Dragana Petrović, the deputy director of the Moravski Biser organization, stated that 15 women who are members of this organization, along with other volunteers, consistently organize meetings to provide further information about obtaining health services and how to address potential violations of their rights.

“As for participation, it is equally important because it allows us to engage with new topics, contributing to the education and empowerment of women. New knowledge is always a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, very few women are aware of their rights regarding health access, particularly due to the existence of two healthcare systems in our country, which often leaves them disoriented. In the Municipality of Partesh, there is no primary healthcare system, making it challenging for women to determine the exact location to seek medical care,” she explained.

According to Moravski Biser, many women in the municipality of Partesh have rarely visited a gynecologist. However, after being informed that regular visits to a gynecologist should occur every six months, they began doing so.

Sevdije Musliu emphasized the crucial need for such training because Serb women are often unaware of healthcare laws. In her role as a trainer, she educates them about their rights within the healthcare system. Initially, when she started as a coach, these women lacked essential information. Over time, they have become more knowledgeable about their legal rights. “Now, Serb women visit the hospital in Gjilan, and the information they receive during these training sessions also guides them on where to report if their rights are violated,” she explained.

These training sessions have made a significant difference in Verica’s life. She mentioned that before becoming a member of this organization, she used to rely on private healthcare services. However, now she prefers the public healthcare system and knows exactly where to seek medical assistance. Verica has learned from the training that regular check-ups are essential. Additionally, she mentioned that she underwent a mammogram through a mobile mammogram service, which has been highly beneficial for her.

Moravski Biser carried out this activity as a beneficiary of the grant from the 18th Round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, through the initiative of the KWN “Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo II,” which is financed the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), with co-financing from 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

Marte Tunaj, the Woman Who Dared to Report Sexual Assault

05.09.2023

Marte Tunaj, the woman who provided hope for the raped women during the Kosovo war, bravely stepped forward as the first to testify before the court. Her testimony shed light on the horrors of violence, suffering, abuse, and mistreatment that she and others had endured during the war.

She aimed to seek justice for the crime perpetrated against her body and bring the epilogue to light, demonstrating how sexual violence as a weapon of war had brutally assaulted her in the most barbaric ways imaginable.

“The world must know what happened to us, and we must confess,” was the message that Marte Tunaj conveyed to the other victims while she was still alive.

The violence against Marta occurred in May 1999. Her powerful statement led to the immediate arrest of the perpetrator, Milosh Jokic, by KFOR forces. However, her story did not conclude there. It was exceedingly challenging for her to disclose everything that transpired to her family and husband after the war.

“I summoned the courage and took it upon myself to report Jokic to the police. I did this not only for my own sake but also for the countless mothers and pregnant women who had suffered at the hands of Jokic. My husband only learned of this after the trial, and I am immensely grateful to him for standing by me until the end,” she confessed.

Tunaj reveals that her determination to testify as an Albanian woman from Kosovo was also motivated by her son Sherif, who was a member of the KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army) and was the sole minor in the entire Vitia region.

Sherif himself had issued an appeal to all other women and girls in Kosovo who had suffered sexual and physical violence at the hands of Serbian forces, urging them not to remain silent but to report the crimes against them. He emphasized that this crime must be punished and not ignored by the institutions.

Feride Rushiti, the director of the Kosovar Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT) expressed that Marte Tunaj’s courage to testify publicly and expose these crimes has been “immensely inspiring.”

“To publicly disclose such trauma entails not only confronting personal anguish but also grappling with stigma, prejudice, and injustice. Despite these challenges, Martja exhibited remarkable courage and heroism,” she remarked.

Even the director of the Civic Initiatives Forum, Dajana Berisha, acknowledged, “Marte Tunaj should be honored for her courageous testimony against the crimes committed against women and girls in Kosovo. She broke the taboo surrounding this crime in Kosovar society.”

Following their harrowing experiences, not only Marte Tunaj but all survivors of sexual violence during the last war had to contend with recognition of their status by the Government of Kosovo. Martja herself spoke out on this matter, stating, “I have the courage to speak on behalf of all victims of sexual violence so that the state will consider and do everything possible to provide them with a more dignified life. It is a tragedy that survivors of sexual violence are left to rely on charity. They require proper care and various medical treatments.”

Marte Tunaj passed away in 2016, never witnessing the decision of the Kosovo institutions, which, for the first time, officially recognized April 14 as the Day of Survivors of Sexual Violence during the last war. This day, as declared by the authorities, was established to “acknowledge the pain” of all survivors of sexual violence during the war and contribute to the collective memory.

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

At the Membership Meeting, Members Approved the Updated Statute of KWN

04.09.2023

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held today the second meeting of its membership this year.

The meeting was started by the Executive Director of KWN, Igballe Rogova, who highlighted the fact that Kosovo is an example in the region of the movement for gender equality, and how what women should do today is to increase solidarity with each other. This campaign for promoting solidarity, known as #RedShoesTuesday, was initiated by the KWN in March. Every Tuesday, messages of support for each other are shared through posts, and the members are also invited to participate.

“They are telling me that there is no chance for women to show solidarity with each other. You know how hard we fought to break the stigma for survivors of sexual violence. We did years of lobbying, and the stigma slowly began to disappear and solidarity began. Even with the Red Tuesday campaign. We started this year, but you should do it too, together with us. All these positive changes are useless if we don’t have solidarity among ourselves,” said Rogova.

Further, Rogova presented the updated KWN statute to the membership, which had been approved through a membership vote. According to legal guidelines, membership organizations are not typically advised to establish a Management Board. Nevertheless, the members reached a consensus that the KWN Board, nominated and elected by the Assembly, should persist in its role, providing ongoing approvals and support for the KWN staff. Additionally, a proposal to communicate through alternative channels, such as the joint Viber platform group for information exchange, was suggested and approved.

Rogova congratulated the members for increasing their capacities, which has also been observed in the implementation of projects financed within the 18th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF). Next, she presented to the members the findings of the Members’ Evaluation Report.

“This evaluation helps us both as a KWN and as a KWF to see the capacities and know where we are. It is a great strength for the Network that there are 140 active organizations that have the capacity to continue working with both small and larger grants,” she said.

The Manager of the Program for Addressing Gender-Based Violence, Adelina Berisha, has spoken about the tireless advocacy that has been done by KWN and its members who provide services to victims of gender-based violence, towards the creation of a budget line Basic Services for Shelters in Kosovo’s annual budget for supporting the work of shelters. From this advocacy, this year the shelters have been supported throughout the year, offering services and safety to women and girls who have experienced violence.

Meanwhile, Program Director and Lead Researcher Nicole Farnsworth, while talking about gender-responsive budgeting, asked the members if they have suggestions for writing advocacy letters at the time when the budget is reviewed in the municipalities, they should contact the coordinator for gender-responsive budgeting.

In the end, the members discussed the problems and challenges that organizations face while doing their work.

Today’s meeting was made possible by Kvinna till Kvinna.

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

Kosovo Women’s Fund announces 19th-round, €90,000 will be allocated

25.08.2023

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) through Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) announced the 19th round of grants, totaling 90,000 Euros, made possible through the generous contributions of donors such as the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swedish Agency for Development and International Cooperation (Sida).

Igballe Rogova, the executive director of KWN, has informed the KWN members that, in this round, nine grants worth 10,000 euros each will be allocated, thanks to the trust and unwavering support of donors ADA and Sida.

Rogova, during an informative meeting held with KWN members via the Zoom platform, emphasized:

“While we have together formulated the four-year strategy of KWN, we continue to implement this strategy through grants together.”

She also commended KWN members for the successful implementation of the 18th-round projects and expressed hope for continued success in the 19th round.

In the meantime, Donjeta Berisha, the manager of KWF, provided comprehensive information about the projects supported in this round and detailed instructions on how to apply.

KWN member organizations can submit applications that will contribute to furthering women’s rights and gender equality. Applications should demonstrate how organizations propose to contribute to implementing the strategic goals identified by KWN members in the KWN Strategy for 2023-2026, towards supporting, protecting, and promoting the rights and interests of women and girls; involve a rights-based approach; and support sustainable changes. KWN strongly encourages initiatives that involve advocacy on local and/or national levels.

KWN members are eligible to apply until September 20th, with further application details available here.

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

WAI Raises Awareness Among Girls and Women in Lipjan Regarding Mental and Sexual Health

23.08.2023

More than 20 Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian women and girls gathered at the primary school in Gadime, Lipjan, to discuss mental and sexual health, as well as to be informed about the numerous rights they have and can enjoy.

The driving force behind this initiative is the KWN member organization, Women Alliance for Integration (WAI), which conducts these lectures as part of the ‘Mobilization of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian women and girls for mental and sexual health rights’ initiative, supported by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN).

Adelina Qorraj Emini, the director of WAI, emphasizes the significant progress they have achieved in empowering women in the municipality of Lipjan.

“Our primary goal is to make them aware of the need to protect their rights and not remain silent. The more they overcome their fear, the more they mobilize to demand their rights. This is our primary objective,” she says.

Many participants from the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities have limited formal education, and in some cases, individuals among them may not even possess basic literacy skills. Consequently, addressing sensitive topics like mental and sexual health can present a challenge for the psychologists working with them. Nevertheless, during the lecture in Gadime and in numerous other sessions conducted by WAI, Fjolla Ibrahimi Starabaja strives to adapt her approach to meet the needs of women and girls, ensuring that the information is as accessible and understandable as possible.”

“The topics covered included stress, anxiety, and depression, both before and after childbirth. Given the limited or sometimes nonexistent formal education of these groups, I also conduct discussion sessions based on recommendations from the working groups, addressing the topics that interest them,” says Fjolla. She emphasizes that in each lecture, she endeavors to inform women about their rights.

“Very few women are aware of what they can demand from institutions, their rights, or how to report cases of violence. I can confidently state, not just as a psychologist but also as a social worker, that as a result of these meetings, a significant number of women have taken steps to report domestic violence,” she adds.

Both Fjolla and Adelina have engaged in discussions with women and girls from these communities regarding early marriages, exploring their legal and psychological implications. During these lectures, the significance of education was emphasized as a means to break the cycle of poverty and foster well-informed and empowered families.

WAI is the grant recipient of the 18th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, under the auspices of the KWN initiative “Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo II” funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-financed by the Swedish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AIDS).

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

“Have Hope” Unites Support Group for Women Affected by Breast Cancer

21.08.2023

Sitting in a circle, over 15 women, cancer survivors, exchange their experiences in the battle against breast cancer with each other.

Thanks to the initiative “Protecting the health of women and girls – raising awareness about cancer in women,” by Have Hope, a member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), these women and girls come together every Thursday to share their journeys in the collective fight against cancer.

Arnisa Osmani, the director of Have Hope, emphasizes the importance of these gatherings. She believes that these courageous women not only exchange their experiences but also gain valuable knowledge to aid them in their medical treatments. This underscores the profound significance of uplifting one another, showcasing the strong bond these women have found within this support group.

“During these meetings, we offer each other support, both emotionally and by sharing information that doctors might not have covered. Listening to each other’s experiences helps us better handle our own challenges,” she clarified.

Elhame Krasniqi, who is battling breast cancer, stressed the importance of connecting with fellow women and sharing their experiences. She pointed out that hospitals often fall short in providing thorough explanations due to the large number of patients, which can result in patients feeling neglected.

“Meetings are vital and essential. Having access to a psychologist during hospital treatment is greatly needed, but regrettably, this service is currently absent. Although it’s been mentioned that a psychologist is employed, none of us in this group have had the chance to meet with them or receive the guidance that is crucial for our progress. Personally, I find the support I need within this organization,” explained Krasniqi.

Meanwhile, Lindita Cimili, who has been living with a breast cancer diagnosis for four years, expressed how uplifting it is to have organizations like this and willingly participate. She emphasized that sharing their experiences with the disease motivates them to keep moving forward.

“Giving each other morale and strength fills us with hope and helps us navigate our shared illness as smoothly as possible.”

Have Hope carried out this activity as a beneficiary of the grant from the 18th Round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, through the initiative of the KWN “Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo II,” which is financed the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), with co-financing from 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

CECD Friends Advocates for Health Services for Women with Cancer in Mitrovica

16.08.2023

Women’s affected by cancer in Mitrovica for a basic oncologist service, and to receive intravenous (IV) therapies, must travel to Pristina, since these services are not offered in the public health institutions in their city.

Therefore, the member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), the Center for Community Education and Development – CECD Friends, is advocating to municipal officials for the provision of these essential services within their municipality in the framework of its initiative “Cancer Survivors Advocating for Improved Health/Oncology Services in the Municipality of Mitrovica.”

Valbona Sadiku, the director of CECD Friends, emphasizes the importance of raising women’s awareness about their healthcare rights. To achieve this goal, the organization she leads conducted a workshop with women and girls affected by cancer as part of the “Cancer Survivors Advocate for Improved Health/Oncology Services in the Municipality of Mitrovica” initiative.

“This is the first workshop aimed at raising awareness of women’s rights regarding access to healthcare within the framework of this project. Fifteen participants are currently engaged in this meeting, gaining insights into the healthcare services that are lacking in public health institutions,” said Sadiku.

She emphasized the shortage of oncologists in the municipality of Mitrovica and the absence of IV therapy services in the Family Medicine Centers (FMC) and the Regional Hospital of Mitrovica. Consequently, women affected by cancer are compelled to seek this service in Pristina or resort to private institutions, incurring significant costs for their therapy.

“The purpose of this meeting is to advocate and draft complaints and then forward them to the relevant institutions so that this municipality has basic services”, Sadiku siad.

Meanwhile, trainer Egzona Rexha Shala emphasized that training is vital to make the community aware of the rights of women with cancer in healthcare.

She pointed out that most of these women lack awareness of their legal rights, resulting in a deficiency in advocacy and their ability to speak up about the challenges they encounter during their healthcare.

“The aim of this meeting is to advocate for and draft complaints, with the intention of subsequently forwarding them to the relevant institutions to establish essential services in this municipality,” said Sadiku.

Trainer Rexha Shala emphasized the critical importance of training in increasing community awareness regarding the rights of women affected by cancer in healthcare. She highlighted that a significant number of these women lack knowledge about their legally entitled rights, leading to a deficit in advocacy and their capacity to articulate the challenges they face during healthcare treatments.

“In the municipality of Mitrovica, unfortunately, this group lacks access to even the most fundamental health services, such as receiving IV therapy or low-cost therapies,” she said.

Mahije Ibrahimi, a participant in this meeting who is also affected by cancer, has expressed her concern that the city of Mitrovica and the entire surrounding area lack any oncology healthcare services.

“In the municipality of Mitrovica, unfortunately, this group lacks access to even the most basic health services, such as receiving IV therapy or affordable therapies,” she said.

“We, as cancer survivors, call upon state institutions like the Ministry of Health to take our concerns seriously. We request the approval of our petition to ensure that women in Mitrovica have access to an oncologist and a radiologist at least twice a month. Currently, we are forced to travel to Pristina and endure long wait times for these services and check-ups,” she explained.

CECD Friend carried out this activity as a beneficiary of the grant from the 18th Round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, through the initiative of the KWN “Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo II,” which is financed the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), with co-financing from 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

Musine Kokalari: The Dissident Who Never Gave Up

15.08.2023

The stories of brave women are abundant among us, and without a doubt, Musine Kokalari is one of them.

Musine Kokalari was the first Albanian woman writer, a feminist, a dissident of the communist regime, and a political activist during one of the most critical periods of political developments in Albania and the Western Balkans – before, during, and after the Second World War.

“Musine Kokalari was one of the most brilliant women that Albania had. In her young age, she was one of the most emancipated girls in Albania, a writer with immense charm. She was someone whom, when she emerged, was seen as the sun that would illuminate Albanian society. However, communism arrested her, and she was thrown into prison,” states publicist Blendi Fevziu. In his book about Enver Hoxha, he dedicates a significant portion to Musine Kokalari and her family.

VARRIM PA LAMTUMIRË / MUSINE KOKALARI - YouTube

She vehemently rejected and combated totalitarianism, boldly standing against the monopoly and hegemony of the one-party state. This party insisted on uniform thinking and a one-dimensional approach to political activism, all in line with the directives of the ruling party.

When she was arrested on January 23, 1946, by Enver Hoxha’s regime and subsequently convicted as a “saboteur and enemy of the people” by the Military Court of Tirana, with a 30-year prison sentence that was later reduced to 20, Musine Kokalari steadfastly maintained her position:

“I don’t need to be a communist to love my country! I love my country even though I am not a communist. I support its progress. Even though you won the war, even though you won the election, you cannot persecute those who hold different political opinions from yours. I think differently than you, but I love my country. You are condemning me for my ideas. I do not ask for forgiveness because I have not done anything wrong!”

With her unwavering self-defense and resolute stance, she staunchly opposed communism, standing up against violence, the absence of freedom, and injustice, steadfastly saying no throughout her life.

Born on February 10, 1917, in Adana, Turkey, Musine Kokalari and her family returned to Gjirokastër, their ancestral city, in 1921. From a young age, Musine displayed a profound passion for literature and folklore.

Initially educated in Tirana, she later pursued her studies at the Faculty of Modern Literature at “La Sapienza” University in Rome, Italy. In 1941, Musine Kokalari published her literary work titled “As the Old Woman Tells Me,” addressing issues related to women and patriarchal society.

In addition to her own literary endeavors, Musine Kokalari undertook significant initiatives in the field of publishing. By 1942, her name had earned recognition in the Italian Encyclopedia as a talented writer with immense literary potential. As part of the anti-fascist movement in Albania, she played a vital role in the publication of the magazine “Gruaja Shqiptare” in June 1943, using the pseudonym “Tacitta.”

In 1944, Musine published two works titled “Rreth Vatrës” and “Sa u tunt Jeta.”

Starting from early 1942, Musine Kokalari actively engaged in anti-fascist and anti-communist movements in Rome. In 1943, she emerged as one of the founders and main inspirers of the Social-Democratic Party. As part of this political initiative, on January 1, 1944, she launched the inaugural issue of the newspaper “Voice of Freedom,” serving as the official newspaper of the Social-Democratic Party.

In 1946, Musine Kokalari was arrested once again, this time subjected to brutal torture by the regime and detained for an extended period. In 1964, after enduring 16 years of imprisonment in the notorious Burrel prison, where she was isolated and closely monitored by security agents, Musine Kokalari spent the remaining 19 years of her life in exile in Rrëshen. During this time, she lived on a reduced pension, working as a sweeper for a period and later for 11 years in a construction company.

Despite enduring constant persecution and working under challenging conditions, Musine Kokalari managed to complete her book in secret, titled “How the Social-Democratic Party Was Born,” wherein she outlined her progressive and democratic vision as an alternative.

In recognition of her plight and literary contributions, Musine Kokalari was among the initial 30 imprisoned writers documented in 1960 by the Committee of Three, a precursor to the PEN Club.

In 1980, Musine Kokalari received a diagnosis of breast cancer. Tragically, she was denied treatment at the state oncology hospital. Her illness, coupled with the numerous pains and sufferings she endured throughout years of persecution, led to her passing in complete isolation in August 1983. She was later reburied in 1991 in Shish – Tufina.

In 1993, Musine Kokalari was posthumously proclaimed a “Martyr of Democracy” by the President of the Republic of Albania, a recognition of her unwavering dedication to democratic ideals and her sacrifices in the pursuit of freedom and justice.

03.09.25