Kosovo Women's Network

Gender Budget Watchdog Network Hosts International Forum “Going Glocal”

27.10.2023

The Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN), consisting of more than 100 civil society organizations in the Western Balkans and Moldova, hosted “Going Glocal” an international Forum on gender responsive budgeting (GRB) in Skopje, North Macedonia on 19-20 Oct.

The Forum aimed to connect global expertise and local experiences using GRB, bringing together diverse activists, academics and officials to discuss best practices, lessons learned and methodological ideas.

Nicole Farnsworth, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Program Director and Lead Researcher, presented initial findings from a working paper titled “Delving into the Details: Gender Responsive Budgeting: Delivering on Gender Equality Commitments in Multilaterals’ External Financing.”

This draft paper was discussed by experts from the region and around the world during the Forum, towards identifying ways to improve multilateral funders’ use of GRB in their own work and thus improve tracking of international funding towards gender equality. Participants also discussed ideas for improving gender markers. The paper will be finalized based on participants’ input.

Methodologies related to climate change financing from a gender perspective also were discussed.

Among the Forum conclusions were that we all need to work together to:

1. Build a larger global coalition to change the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) gender marker to better track spending towards gender equality;

2. Advocate together with the European Women’s Lobby to the EU to make gender budgeting obligatory in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, to set clearer targets linked to financing in the next Instrument for Pre-Accession and Gender Action Plan IV, and to improve internal financial management systems to better tie outputs and impacts to actual expenditures;

3. Establish a coalition together with United Nations (UN) agencies to advocate for further improving GRB in UN agencies’ systems as part of the upcoming 2024 Commission on the Status of Women on financing for gender equality;

4. Provide recommendations to inform the World Bank’s new Gender Strategy so that it includes institutionalizing gender budgeting in all of the work of the Bank; and

5. Collaborate to influence climate change financing from a gender perspective.

Panelists agreed that continuing to build coalitions and expanding the network are crucial for future actions.

Vesa Rezniqi Pallaska from UNDP Kosovo was part of the last panel that explored both gender participation and the integration of gender perspectives in resilience measures and budgeting within the Central European Initiative (CEI) region.

KWN’s member organizations Mitrovica Women Associaton for Human Rights, EkoKosWomen, Kosovo Women’s Initiative, and the Youth Association for Human Rights participated in the event as GBWN members.

This initiative was organized by GBWN with support from Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). It was also supported as part of an EU-funded Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) project focused on shaping policies and budgets to address the needs of women and men, especially during times of crisis.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo”

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

Difficult Access to Health Services in the Municipality of Rahovec

26.10.2023

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Gruaja Fermere organized an advocacy meeting to address the issue of improving women’s access to quality healthcare. During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding healthcare challenges, particularly for women and girls residing in rural areas, where accessing quality healthcare services remains a significant challenge.

Muradije Shehu, project coordinator, emphasized the scarcity of knowledge about healthcare among women and girls, highlighting that they are often unaware of essential healthcare information. According to a survey, it was revealed that many of them are unfamiliar even with the emergency contact number.

“The villages around Rahovec have limited access to information. As a result, it has been recommended to convene a meeting with the leaders of all villages to enhance healthcare awareness and services for women and girls. This recommendation was put forth by the participants at the meeting and is expected to improve access to services by addressing the specific needs of each village,” she said.

Meanwhile, Servete Kastrati, a resident of the village of Zatriq, pointed out the challenges they face in their village, emphasizing the absence of a Family Medicine Center and the resulting difficulties in accessing healthcare services.

“We have to travel to Rahovec for healthcare services, and transportation is also scarce. People with various medical conditions have to rely on individuals with vehicles to get them to Rahovec for medical care. The situation is quite dire. People in our village lack information, and even small-scale training sessions could have been instrumental in making them aware of their rights, which are currently poorly understood,” she explained.

Meanwhile, another participant, Fiknete Kasapi Iska, a lawyer by profession and a resident of Rahovec, expressed concerns about the persistent issue of limited access to gynecological health services.

“Access to gynecological health services has been a longstanding problem. This is why many girls avoid regular check-ups, which, in my opinion, is worrisome. Despite occasional reminders about the legal and human right to receive these services, there is still prejudice among the healthcare staff, causing hesitation among the girls to undergo these essential check-ups for their health,” she noted.

Elbunit Kryeziu, the Director of the Main Center of Family Medicine in Rahovec, stated that there are sufficient healthcare staff and services available. However, during the discussion, he recognized a lack of information in the surrounding villages regarding access to healthcare services.

“Projects that focus on informing people about access to healthcare services are essential. They help women and girls understand their legal rights to access healthcare services, as well as the range of services we offer. It’s important to note that Rahovec doesn’t have a hospital; we provide primary healthcare services, and cases that require further treatment are referred to the Gjakova hospital. There is a substantial need for information, as some services, like CT scans or specialized internal medicine, surgery, and more, are beyond our scope due to legal restrictions,” he added.

Habibe Haxhimustafa, the director of the organization “Gruaja Fermere,” highlighted the scarcity of information among women and girls regarding access to healthcare services, despite their significant interest.

“This has become evident through the training sessions we have conducted. There has been a strong demand for providing information in more villages through lectures on how to access healthcare. We have educated them on how to assert their rights as guaranteed by law. Thanks to these training sessions, they have written to the mayor of the municipality of Rahovec, requesting the construction of an ambulance facility in the village of Zatriq, as there is no Family Medicine Center there,” she shared during the meeting held as part of the “Promotion of healthcare” project primarily aimed at women in rural areas.

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

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo”

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

KWN Staff Holds Environmental Protection Training

25.10.2023

The Kosovo Women’s Network staff conducted workshops on environmental protection and addressing climate change during their daily tasks. During working group activities, KWN staff generated various ideas for initiating environmentally friendly practices in their daily operations, with the aim of sharing this knowledge with KWN member organizations.

The staff came up with numerous practical and easily achievable ideas for environmental protection, which included decisions to reduce paper usage, avoid disposable bowls and plastic bags, and conserve electricity and water. KWN intends to disseminate the knowledge acquired in the training to its 140 member organizations, promoting environmentally responsible practices in everyday life.

Participants unanimously agreed to actively implement these initiatives, recognizing the importance of taking small steps towards a greener future. This training was made possible with the support of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency(Sida).

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo”

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

KWN and Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers Discuss Gender-Responsive Budgeting

23.10.2023

On Monday, 23 October, the Executive Director of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, met with the Deputy Minister of Finance, Labor, and Transfers, Agon Dobruna, along with the Secretary General of the Ministry, Enis Spahiu.

During this meeting, they discussed KWN’s recommendations for institutionalizing gender-responsive budgeting, which had been previously submitted to the Ministry and other relevant institutions.

Additionally, specific recommendations for Kosovo’s 2024 budget were on the agenda, with the goal of advancing gender equality.

KWN expects that through their cooperation with the Ministry, they will address a variety of issues, with a specific focus on promoting gender equality in Kosovo.

The KWN and Institute GAP’s Policy Brief with recommendations for institutionalising gender-responsive budgeting in Kosovo in accordance with the Law on Gender Equality and with specific recommendations for the 2024 Kosovo Budget, which will contribute to furthering gender equality, can be found here.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo”

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

British MP Alicia Kearns visits KWN

21.10.2023

The British Parliament Member Alicia Kearns, visited Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) offices on Saturday, 21 October.

The executive director of KWN Igballe Rogova, together with representatives from organizations dedicated to the protection of women’s rights, discussed various topics, with a particular emphasis on advancing the policy framework known as “Women, Peace, and Security.”

The Ambassador of Kosovo to the United Kingdom, Ilir Kapiti, accompanied MP Kearns during her visit to the KWN. The meeting was attended by Zana Hoxha from Artpolis, Feride Rushiti from the Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT), Luljeta Demolli from the Kosovo Gender Studies Center (KGSC), Xhulieta Devolli from the Network of Woma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations (RrOGRAEK), and activist Jeta Krasniqi.

This collaborative effort highlights the importance of international partnerships in promoting gender equality and women’s rights.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo”

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

Canada’s Ambassador to Croatia visited KWN’s offices

20.10.2023

Ambassador of the Canadian Embassy in Croatia, Jessica Blitt, Officer for Political Relations, Public Relations, and Media at the Embassy of Canada in Croatia, Ida Mahecic Bajovic, and Project Coordinator at the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), Vlera Rexha, visited the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN)’s office on 20 October.

During the meeting, the Executive Director, Igballe Rogova, informed the representatives of the Canadian Embassy about the work of the Kosovo Women’s Network. Adelina Berisha, the Program Manager, spoke about activities related to addressing gender-based violence, particularly the project being implemented with CFLI’s support to enhance the capacities of local coordinating mechanisms against gender-based violence, specifically addressing sexual violence.

Ambassador Blitt emphasized the importance of KWN’s work and expressed her anticipation for collaborations and other initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality.

“Canada is proud to support our CFLI partner, KWN. Ambassador Blitt was very interested to hear about the progress of the funded project aimed at improving the institutional treatment of Gender-Based Violence cases through advocacy and capacity building,” tweeted the Canada’s Embassy in Croatia.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo”

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

KWN Completes Training Cycle on State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence

18.10.2023

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), in cooperation with the Center for the Protection of Women and Children in Pristina, the Center for the Inclusion of Women in Novobërda, the Center for the Protection of Women and Children “My Home” in Ferizaj, and the Center for the Welfare of Women in Peja, conducted a series of training sessions on the Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence. These training sessions took place during the months of September and October and involved collaboration with the Coordinating Mechanism Against Domestic Violence and local institutions in the municipalities of Novobërda, Kaçanik, Obiliq, Lipjan, Podujeva, and Deçan.

The purpose of these training sessions is to educate local institutions about their responsibilities regarding the management of cases of sexual violence and the necessary steps to be taken in such cases. Besarta Breznica, the official of the Program for Addressing Gender-Based Violence at KWN, noted that the training cycle for the State Protocol for handling cases of sexual violence has been highly effective, judging by the significant number of participants who have benefited from these sessions.

Meanwhile, Monika Kocaqi, the trainer, stated that the training sessions on the State Protocol for the Treatment of Cases of Sexual Violence in Kosovo, conducted in six municipalities of the country, successfully familiarized the participants with the existence and content of this essential state document, which is mandatory for implementation. She also emphasized a set of pressing needs that require immediate attention.

“First and foremost, there is an urgent need to conduct comprehensive training sessions with each group of professionals from the institutions responsible for implementing the Protocol, including members of the Coordination Mechanisms against Domestic Violence. These training sessions should focus on a detailed examination of this type of violence, its root causes and consequences, the appropriate approach to managing cases based on their specific characteristics, working in a coordinated fashion, and fulfilling the legal and institutional obligations outlined in the Protocol,” said Kocaqi.

According to Mrs. Kocaqi, the training programs should be standardized, with established and accredited modules, and should be ongoing, organized at various levels tailored to the preliminary assessment of each group of professionals’ needs. Furthermore, there was a clear and pressing requirement for immediate intervention to enhance institutional capacities through the allocation of human, financial, and infrastructural resources.

Meanwhile, Drita Cakiqi, a defender of the victims and one of the participants in the training, emphasized, “The State Protocol training is highly essential. This is a new document, and institutions require training.”

“Moreover, during these training sessions, we address specific cases of sexual violence, which greatly aids our work with victims,” she mentioned. It is worth noting that the State Protocol for the Treatment of Cases of Sexual Violence was officially introduced on December 5, 2022, through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Justice and the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

This initiative has received support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo”

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

Parashqevi Qiriazi, the “Morning Star” of Women’s Emancipation

17.10.2023

Few women have accomplished what Parashqevi Qiriazi undertook and achieved in her lifetime. Born on June 2, 1880, in Manastir, she devoted her life to the Albanian language’s alphabet and to learning the written Albanian language. She later became one of the central figures of the Albanian Enlightenment during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Following in the footsteps of her sister, Sevasti Qiriazi, Parashqevi continued her studies at the Istanbul college for girls, “Robert College,” focusing on literature, where she distinguished herself through her student activities. Subsequently, she became a teacher and, just a few months later, assumed the role of the head of the Albanian Girls’ School in Korçë, Albania.

As pioneers in the emancipation of Albanian women and girls, the Qiriazi sisters hold an esteemed position in the history of Albanian education and culture. They are particularly remarkable for establishing their girls’ school during a challenging period when the country faced significant backwardness, and women were oppressed, marginalized, and kept in ignorance and obscurity.

Parashqevi embraced the view and mission of Gjerasim Qiriazi, believing that only through education could the soul of a nation emerging from darkness be transformed and liberated. She understood that a nation would experience swifter progress during its renaissance if women and girls, as the core of the family, were educated. Parashqevi dedicated herself to the education of Albanian girls, striving for their upliftment and cultural enlightenment. She achieved this through her involvement with the “Morning Star” association and her contributions to the press of her time, as explained by the researcher of her life and work, Teuta Toska.

In 1908, Parashqevi served as the envoy of the Girls’ School at the significant Congress of Manastir, where she was appointed as the secretary of the eleven delegates tasked with addressing the issue of the Albanian alphabet. Subsequently, in 1909, she authored the Primer using the new Albanian alphabet and also composed the Albanian alphabet anthem. Parashqevi, alongside her sister, is renowned for her contributions to the emancipation of Albanian women and for her pivotal role in establishing the first women’s association, “Morning Star,” in the city of Korça in 1912.

In 1913, she successfully earned her master’s degree in education from Oberlin College in Ohio. Her master’s thesis was dedicated to designing a national education system for the recently liberated Albania. Parashqevi’s significant contributions to the emancipation of Albanian girls and women led UNESCO, on the 50th anniversary of her passing, to draw comparisons with prominent international figures. They noted, “Her pioneering role in the education and emancipation of women in the Ottoman Empire can only be compared with the achievements of Marianne Hainisch in Austria, Annestine Beyer in Denmark, or Maria Montessori in Italy.”

Parashqevi and Sevastia also made contributions to the periodical “Shqiptarja,” published by the organization “Gruaja Shqiptare”, which operated between 1928 and 1939. The magazine was known for featuring “provocative” articles aimed at challenging conservative ideologies that opposed the women’s movement and its demands.

In 1914, due to the Greek occupation of Korçë during World War I, Parashqevi, together with her sister, left Albania for Romania and later traveled to the United States, where she became a prominent figure in the Albanian-American community. She returned to Albania in 1921.

Parashqevi remained a steadfast anti-fascist during World War II, starting with the Italian invasion in 1939. Her anti-fascist stance led to her and her sister’s imprisonment and exile to the Anhalteleger Dedinje camp near Belgrade by pro-Nazi units. She survived and returned to Tirana after the war. Unfortunately, further persecution followed her and her sister’s family, this time from the communist regime, due to her brother-in-law Kristo Dako’s pro-monarchy stance.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo”

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

NGOs and Women’s Access to Training

09.10.2023

Women, mainly from rural areas, express the need for training that would enable them to acquire additional skills, enabling them to secure employment or even become self-employed for economic independence.

According to a study conducted by The Agency for Gender Equality, it underscores the necessity of providing training opportunities for women in the areas of management and leadership. It also emphasizes the importance of motivating and encouraging women to aspire to decision-making roles.

Sadije Dulahu serves as the director of the organization ‘Lulishtja,’ where numerous women seek training to initiate their own businesses. Dulahu also highlights a challenge encountered by women in rural areas who seek information regarding issues that pertain to their rights.

“Previously, we provided training on property inheritance, which we continue whenever the opportunity arises. Currently, we focus on supporting the establishment of new businesses because as women become economically self-sufficient, they gradually gain their rights,” she said.

“In 2018-2019, we encountered numerous challenges. Our organization focused on agricultural recovery. However, individuals within families, particularly those who held the land on their father’s property, took advantage of the situation to claim grants. This was due to a lack of trust that parents could allow their daughters to manage these activities on their property,” says Dulahu.

In Kosovo, according to data from the Department of NGOs within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, there are 12,433 active organizations, including associations, foundations, and institutes.

Among these NGOs is ‘Aureola,’ led by Sanije Grajçevci. The organization’s objectives encompass economic empowerment, education, gender equality, and human rights. To advance these goals, the NGO has conducted training sessions and courses for women in computer skills, the English language, tailoring, and hairdressing. Additionally, they maintain a division dedicated to greenhouse agriculture.

Grajçevci explains that these courses were offered free of charge, as they were funded by donors or successful project proposals.

The training and courses organized by an NGO, as explained by Grajçevci, should be designed to empower women to secure employment in the future or even become self-employed.

“I believe that there will always be a demand for training and courses because today there are private courses available, but not everyone has the means to afford them. Nevertheless, it’s important to bear in mind that if the knowledge gained from a course is not applied in one’s life, it represents a missed opportunity. For instance, if I were to offer a hairdressing course to women, I must consider how this course can genuinely benefit these women,” she states.

However, to conduct such training and courses, this NGO must secure funds, and Grajçevci asserts that this is not a straightforward task. “We’ve had periods with and without grants, and we constantly strive to secure income to sustain our work. We don’t have a consistent source of funding, but occasionally we collaborate on projects and make contributions,” Grajçevci states.

“In the past, when international NGOs were involved, we received substantial support and operated effectively. Now our opportunities are somewhat limited,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of increased state support for NGOs.

Another NGO is “Rikotta,” which has been offering training and supporting women’s education for approximately five years, with the aim of enhancing women’s skills and competence in the realm of business and entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, this NGO has established partnerships with organizations that provide training and education programs for women. Pranvera Bullaku, the director of Rikotta, notes that the NGO she oversees initiated these training programs, recognizing their significance.

“By providing information and training, they have enhanced the abilities of women and girls, empowering and motivating them to play an active role. The increased involvement of women in decision-making contributes to positive transformative processes within societies, leading to changes in laws, policies, services, institutions, and social norms,” states Bullaku.

The organization “Activism Roots,” headquartered in Gjakovë, primarily focuses on civic activism at the local level while also advocating for human rights. Ideal Zhaveli, the Executive Director of this association, acknowledges that any training offered to NGOs is greatly appreciated.

“Indeed, trainings that enhance the well-being of the organization are valuable, as they not only boost the capacities of each member but also promote the active functioning of the organization as a whole,” Zhaveli remarked.

“Training benefits every organization, but it should also be coordinated with us because sometimes time constraints prevent staff members from participating,” adds Shefkije Mehmeti from the Women’s Center for Rural Development. Mehmeti, in response to KALLXO.com, elaborated on the significance of training in the work of NGOs.

“Our activities are centered around rural development, heritage preservation, healthcare preservation, women’s awareness raising, as well as strategy development, legal compliance, and project preparation. We have undergone capacity-building trainings, which are essential for crafting project proposals and ensuring compliance with laws; they provide valuable guidance on how to approach these aspects,” stated Mehmeti.

On the other hand, women’s rights activist Nora Ahmetaj asserts that there has been progress in the realm of training and raising awareness among women and girls.

“We are actively engaged in training both young girls and teenagers, as well as women who are already well-established and of a more mature age. It’s heartening to see that we are investing in training because, when compared to where we started, it represents a significant step forward,” Ahmetaj told KALLXO.com.

However, she does acknowledge the challenges of providing training to women in rural areas, as there has been a predominant focus on the urban center while neglecting rural regions.

“Information is primarily disseminated in Pristina and not in rural areas. Most opportunities are concentrated in Pristina, with a few in larger centers. It is crucial that information is extended beyond Pristina to the outskirts. Many women in these areas are severely marginalized and lack access to both information and training,” she elaborates.

According to Ahmetaj, the impact of NGOs is limited.

“Some NGOs have been well-established and effective, but they are quite scarce. While they can often provide more support due to their access to information and financial resources, not all NGOs are in this position.”

The needs, preferences, and experiences of young people regarding NGO training

Advocating for human rights, addressing community issues, and demanding solutions and accountability remain integral aspects of the daily missions of municipal Youth Centers. One such example is the Youth Center in Obiliq, which has been actively addressing issues affecting the country’s youth since 2011.

Zelushe Kelmendi, a representative of this NGO, explains to KALLXO.com that trainings are among the factors that influence the improvement of an NGO’s work and knowledge.

“There are many trainings, and each one is valuable as it empowers and rejuvenates the work of the NGO,” says Kelmendi. According to her, NGO trainings are beneficial for enhancing capacity.

One beneficiary of the new experiences and lessons offered by NGO trainings is Diellza Krasniqi from the Municipality of Lipjan, who has been part of various organizations, forums, and conferences for five years.

“The trainings have been quite engaging, focusing on youth involvement in human rights initiatives, information technology approaches, career guidance, and various contemporary topics. The subjects I’ve delved into have been comprehensive, and in recent months, I’ve participated in trainings and practical experiences related to environmental studies,” she explains.

Krasniqi emphasizes that being part of the NGO network has expanded her social circle and allowed her to learn from a diverse group of individuals and organizations. “Participating has brought positive benefits, extending my knowledge beyond the university through informal education. I’ve developed new terminology, improved my writing, and communication skills,” she elaborates.

Another student who has found the solution in training to complement her studies is Ardiana Jashari from the municipality of Gjilan, who is studying journalism.

For Jashari, her passion for working in the media has deepened through training, which enabled her to closely observe ethical and reporting standards.

“As for the fields of training, most of them were in journalism. I’ve benefited significantly from these trainings, expanding my knowledge in journalism and gaining insights from experienced media professionals,” Jashari tells KALLXO.com.

NGO Relations with Public Institutions: What Does the Law Say?

Regarding NGO relations with public institutions, the law in Kosovo regulates these interactions through the Law on the Freedom of Association in Non-Governmental Organizations.

Article 13 of this law outlines the principles governing NGO relationships with public institutions. According to this article:

NGOs operate independently from public institutions; Public institutions support and encourage NGO activities; Public institutions treat NGOs with respect, equality, and without discrimination; Public institutions create a conducive environment and implement best practices to facilitate NGO work aligned with their objectives; Public institutions protect NGOs from third-party interference; Public institutions do not infringe on the rights and freedoms of NGOs and individuals exercising their right to freedom of association and Public institutions are required to make public all forms of cooperation and support provided to NGOs.

This publication was made possible with the financial support of the European Union Office in Kosovo through the initiative of the Kosovo Women’s Network, “Enhancing the Capacities and Resilience of CSO’s: Furthering Gender Equality Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Its content is the responsibility of Internews Kosova and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union Office in Kosovo.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo”

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

Sevasti Qiriazi – The First Woman Teacher of the Albanian Language

03.10.2023

“I am Albanian. This is the most important fact in my life, more important than family even, for the conscousness of it gave me my vivid sense of what I must do, furnishing the purpose of my life.”

These are the words of the initiator of the organization of Albanian education for girls, Sevasti Qiriazi Dako, written in her autobiographical book “My Life.”

The life of Sevastia, an extraordinary woman, is intertwined with the story of Albanian history. It is a tale of will, patriotism, and the significant challenges that the journey of nation-building has faced, particularly in the realm of education.

Born in 1871, Sevasti Qiriazi-Dako was the director and teacher of the first Albanian school for girls, a pioneer of national education, the education and emancipation of Albanian women and girls, a warrior, politician, and author of various texts. The poet and prominent national figure Naim Frashëri himself was the one who gave Sevastia the opportunity to study at “Robert College” in Istanbul and play an active role in women’s education. She was the first Albanian woman to study at this American institution, which she completed in June 1891.

“Sister, you cannot do a better job for poor Albania than what you have decided to do together with your brother, for the emancipation of the women of our poor country. Your tasks now begin, and if you are loyal, persistent, and willing, you will be able to accomplish great things for the nation,” Sevasti Qiriazi quoted Naim Frashëri in “Memories of Naim Beu.”

Upon returning to Albania, Sevastia, who knew 7-8 foreign languages, participated in the establishment of the girls’ school in Korça in 1891. This school also marked the beginning of secular education in the region.

This was a significant step for the era, and perhaps one of the most modern, considering it occurred during a period when the Ottomans had ruled for five hundred years, keeping the Albanian people, especially women, in subjugation. Establishing a school for girls marked a decisive turning point toward emancipation.

The esteemed benefactor of Albanians, the Englishwoman Edith Durham, also documented the Qiriazi sisters and the first school for girls.

“Korça is civilized. I received a very warm welcome at the Albanian School for Girls. The school was so ‘modern’ that I felt as if I had suddenly returned to Europe,” she wrote two years after the school opened.

Sevastia, along with her sister Parashqevi, also took part in the Congress of Elbasan and Manastir, primarily focused on the preparation of school textbooks.

Sevasti Qiriazi-Dako published a grammar for primary schools and edited a series of history texts. Sevasti and Parashqevi, known as the Qiriazi Sisters, were the pioneering teachers and educators of the girls’ school, yet their contributions extended far beyond education.

“Sevastia was the spiritual leader, while Parashqevia was an energetic person. Sevastia led, and Parashqevia executed. They set an example for what an Albanian woman should be, channeling their full potential for the benefit of their country,” notes Teuta Toska, a researcher of the Qiriazi sisters’ work.

“They accomplished tasks that are still challenging for women today. She even founded a political party in America to support the Albanian cause during that time. Sister Parashqevia served as a delegate at the Peace Conference in Paris,” says Toska.

In 1914, due to conflicts with Greek forces in Korça, Sevastia, her husband, and their two children were compelled to leave Albania, resulting in the closure of the Girls’ School. They spent nearly 12 months residing in Bucharest and Sofia before immigrating to the United States in 1915, where she would assist her husband in opening the first Albanian school in America.

Sevastia assisted her sister in publishing the biweekly magazine “Morning Star” (1917–1920), and in this period, she and her husband became more deeply involved in the Vatra association and the Albanian national issue.

At the end of 1921, Sevasti Qiriazi-Dako and her children returned to Albania, where her husband had already gone back to work with the Albanian government. In her memoirs, Sevastia described conditions in Albania as “primitive” and expressed her inspiration to dedicate the remainder of her life to helping rebuild her nation.

Due to her husband’s roles as a minister and biographer of King Zog, Dako’s name faded into obscurity during the communist regime after World War II. Her family endured persecution, including her sister Parashqevi, and her two sons were arrested and imprisoned. Exhausted by numerous hardships and the loss of her son, Sevastia passed away in August 1949.

Much later, in 1962, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Albania’s Independence, the communist regime recognized the patriotic contributions of the Qiriazi family. Four members of the Qiriazi family, Gjerasimi, Gjergji, Sevastia, and Parashqevia, were awarded the “Order of Freedom” and the order for “Patriotic Action.” Subsequently, Sevastia and Parashqevi were honored with the title “Teacher of the People,” the highest recognition for their educational achievements.

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