KWN: An Address for International Students to Learn about Gender Equality in Kosovo

Within a few days, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has held two meetings with students from the Netherlands and the USA to inform them about the work of KWN for more than two decades.

In both meetings, Adelina Berisha, Manager of the Program for Addressing Gender-Based Violence at KWN, informed dozens of students from the University College of Amsterdam and several students from the USA studying humanitarian law in Copenhagen about the history of the women’s rights movement, starting from its early beginnings of women’s activism, as well as the history of KWN since its establishment as an informal network in 1996.

Furthermore, Berisha informed the participants that the Network collaboratively designs a four-year strategy with member organizations and implements programs based on it. During this period, KWN has four programs, which Berisha informed the participants about. These programs are:

  • Improving gender equality through the rule of law.
  • Life without gender-based violence.
  • Economic empowerment of women.
  • Education that transforms gender norms.

Berisha also informed the students about the ongoing advocacy efforts of KWN and its member organizations at both the local and central levels. Their advocacy aims to promote changes that advance gender equality in Kosovo and protect and improve the rights of girls and women, regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, etc.

The students were impressed with the work of KWN, which has become the primary point of contact for girls and women seeking help in cases where their rights are violated, whether it be to stop gender-based violence, address workplace discrimination, or other issues.

By organizing such meetings and exchanging valuable knowledge, KWN contributes to fostering a deeper understanding of gender-based violence and the importance of women’s rights among the various groups of students who regularly visit KWN.

Melihate Ajeti and Her Triumph on the Stage and in the Emancipation of Women

Melihate Ajeti, a 16-year-old actress, was conquering the theater scene in the 1950s. She embarked on her career alongside Katarina Josip, Leze Qena, Naxhije Deva, and other prominent figures of the time. Meli, as she was called by relatives and friends was one of the pioneering women who dared to pursue their dreams of becoming actresses during a challenging era. Despite facing prejudice, she managed to earn respect for her talent in acting and the performing arts.

She was one of the few actresses who received all the awards and honors bestowed during that time in the former Yugoslavia, thereby establishing and validating not only her presence on stage but also her exceptional national artistic prowess.

Meli was hailed as the queen of the Albanian stage, personified beauty, and exceptional acting talent, which she showcased in both theater and film throughout her remarkable 60-year career.

She received the highest award in Kosovo for her portrayal of Margaret Goties. Antigona Qena-Kaçaniku, a journalist and musician who is the daughter of the actress, emphasizes her mother’s extraordinary creativity and highlights that her artistic accomplishments were not only met with enthusiastic applause from the adoring public, but also with numerous accolades both domestically and internationally.

Qena-Kaçaniku expresses confidence that history and time will eventually recognize and honor the nation’s true artistic pioneers. Known as the prima donna of the Albanian stage, Meli is particularly renowned for her portrayal of heroic characters. Over her five-decade artistic career, she has left an indelible mark through her performances in theater, film, television dramas.

Meli completed her secondary education in Prishtina, and then continued her studies at the acting school in the same city. She later pursued specialization in Paris at the Comédie-Française.

She married the late director, singer and actor Muharrem Qena.

“On September 17, 1953, the sound of music filled our village as Meli became a bride, although her father, Shaban Ajeti, was absent to accompany his daughter,” writes Sanije Gashi in a book that also features the prima donna of Kosovo theater.

The couple’s only child is their daughter, Antigona Qena Kaçaniku. She describes her mother as a woman of dignity, sensitivity, and immense pride, who found solace in her solitude, often immersed in books and notebooks. She diligently filled her pages with writings, leaving behind over 160 pages with the belief that they would one day be published. Following her passing, her daughter published a monograph about Melihate Ajeti on the occasion of her 85th birth anniversary.

“The book unravels the story of a melancholic girl who, before her 16th birthday, entered the Kosovo Theater and played more than 180 roles, predominantly leading ones. Meli’s life was as beautiful as it was painful, and my childhood mirrored the same,” reflects Antigona Qena.

She shares personal recollections, reflecting on her life following her parents’ separation. In the memories of her colleagues, Meli remains irreplaceable even to this day. In the 1973’s newspaper “Rilindja,” the art critic Vehap Shita noted that “Ajeti was destined for tragic roles, which she portrayed with a combination of lyrical emotions, pride, and dignity. Her attitude and speech exuded clarity and a sharp vision, embracing both harsh expression and subtle, sensitive, and lyrical nuances.”

In her final interview with “Teuta” magazine in 2004, Meli imparted a valuable message, expressing hope for a brighter and more prosperous future for humanity in all fields. She yearned to witness the prosperity and joy of her people alongside her grandchildren.

On June 12, 2012, on the occasion of Freedom Day in the Republic of Kosovo, the President at the time, Atifete Jahjaga, decided to honor several national and international figures. Melihate Ajeti was awarded the prestigious “Presidential Medal of Merit” for her significant contributions to the field of art.

Melihate Ajeti, born in Pristina in 1935, left a profound legacy until her passing in 2005.

KWN Calls for Institutional Accountability in Failing to Protect Victims of Gender-Based Violence

Pristina, 17 June 2023

Yesterday, on June 16th, during the “Udhëve” program broadcasted on Radio Television of Kosovo, another case of institutional failure in addressing gender-based violence was brought to light. This particular incident involved an 11-year-old girl who was residing in a high-security shelter, the sole state shelter supervised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) expresses profound concern regarding this institutional failure to protect victims of gender-based violence within the shelter’s premises. The fact that an 11-year-old girl experienced a violation while being housed in a high-security shelter is a clear manifestation of institutional negligence and failure. Not only does this institution fail to provide adequate rehabilitation for victims of gender-based violence, but it also further burdens them with criminalization and retraumatization.

While the 11-year-old girl was raped by five different individuals in Arbëria Park, she was sent to the shelter for rehabilitation. However, during her stay at the shelter, when she was supposed to receive the necessary assistance and support to overcome the trauma of violence, she was subjected to yet another rape within the very institution that was meant to help her heal. Additionally, another girl who was also residing in the shelter for the purpose of rehabilitation is now facing charges for a violent crime. These distressing events vividly highlight the institutional failure to ensure the complete safety and security of gender-based violence victims.

KWN calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to immediately dismiss the individuals responsible for the high-security shelter and ensure that they face the consequences for the criminal act that occurred within their institution. Additionally, KWN calls on the Prosecutor’s Office to conduct a thorough investigation into the case and ensure that the victim receives the necessary services. It is crucial that justice is fully served, and all those responsible for this criminal act are held accountable under the law. KWN also emphasizes the need for a victim-centered approach in working with the minor, ensuring that she receives proper and essential assistance.

KWN remains committed to cooperation and providing assistance to victims of gender-based violence through free legal counseling and referrals to relevant institutions. If you require free legal assistance for cases of gender-based violence or know someone who does, please contact us at the following number: 038 245 850.

KWN Highlights the Significance of Integrating a Gender Perspective into the DG NEAR Baseline Assessment Report Guidelines

For two consecutive days (June 1-2), the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) participated in the EU Civil Society Forum for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2023. This event brought together over 150 participants, including representatives from civil society, EU officials, and government authorities, serving as a crucial platform for knowledge sharing and the development of strategies to promote civil society growth in the region.

One of the highlights of the 2023 Forum was the launch of the DG NEAR Guidelines for EU Support to Civil Society 2021-2027 Baseline Assessment Report. This vital document offers a detailed analysis of the state of civil society in the region, based on the 59 indicators outlined in the Guidelines.

Etleva Malushaj, a program officer at KWN, emphasized the importance of including a gender perspective in such reports while analyzing the findings of the baseline assessment report. She also requested that the methodology section should provide more demographic data for each country.

Furthermore, Malushaj highlighted the significance of breaking down the presented data by the type of participation of organizations in the assessment, as well as by gender, ethnicity, and ability. This breakdown would allow organizations working for women’s rights to further analyze the situation in the country.

The forum proceeded with thematic sessions, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange knowledge, practices, and ideas from their respective countries.

The exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence Behind Walls” continued its journey in Mitrovica and Lipjan

Cases of gender-based violence against girls and women in Kosovo are on the rise, with many perpetrators escaping deserved punishment. Violence within Kosovar families is a bitter daily occurrence, and victims often hesitate to report such violence to authorities.

To combat this issue, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has been actively raising awareness by organizing the exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence Behind Walls.” This year, KWN collaborated with the member organization Center for Community Education and Development – CECDS and Friends to open the exhibition in the Municipality of Mitrovica. They also partnered with the Lipjan Youth Center (LYC) to open the exhibition in Lipjan.

The exhibition ran for a single day in both locations. Its primary objective was to raise awareness among the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo about domestic violence and inform them about the responsibilities of governmental and non-governmental institutions in protecting them from family violence.

Besarta Breznica, KWN’s Officer of the Program for Addressing Gender-Based Violence emphasized the importance of organizing and displaying the exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence Behind Walls” in different cities each year. This approach ensures that the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo are informed about their rights and the institutional responsibility toward addressing violence. To reach more women and girls in different municipalities, the exhibition travels to various locations to educate citizens about their rights.

In addition to the exhibitions, KWN will continue to organize events in other cities throughout the year. They also plan to conduct online campaigns focused on gender-based violence, particularly family violence.

The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) provides support for the organization of these exhibitions.

KWN Very Concerned About the Sexual Assault on a Minor Girl at School

Download File

Pristina, 13 June 2023

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) strongly condemns the recent incident of sexual assault on a minor by her teacher at a school in Deçan. We are deeply concerned and outraged by such a serious breach of the trust and safety of our young girls.

This horrific act of sexual assault serves as a stark reminder that we must prioritize the protection of girls and minors within our society, even within schools.

It is high time that society and institutions take a stand against these crimes and ensure that the perpetrators receive the punishment they deserve, without any compromise.

It is disheartening to see these attacks on girls happening right before our eyes, while institutions often fail to provide justice and adequate preventive measures.

The event in the educational institution where students should feel safe and protected highlights an alarming situation. One cannot help but wonder how many other cases go unreported.

KWN calls on the responsible institutions to treat this case as a matter of high priority, as they should with any other case of sexual harassment and assault.

Schools, in particular, urgently need to establish strong mechanisms to deal with cases of violence, harassment, and sexual assault.

We remind you that in the report “From Laws to Actions: Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-Based Violence in Kosovo,” KWN has the following recommendations for the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation:

  • To hold trainings for educators and psychologists on forms of gender-based violence, how to identify the signs of gender-based violence, and how to help refer such cases.
  • To include teaching material on equality between women and men, mutual respect, non-stereotypical gender roles, gender-based violence, and how to report it in educational curricula appropriate for different age groups, as envisaged by the Istanbul Convention.
  • Allocate sufficient budget for increasing the number of psychologists in schools.

Finally, it is vital to note that as in other cases of gender-based violence, KWN will seek justice and will closely monitor this case and the measures taken. We demand that the perpetrator be dismissed from his job as a teacher and be sentenced according to the Criminal Code of Kosovo, which provides a sentence of 1 to up to 7 years.

Pride Parade with the Motto “I love You as You Are” was Welcomed in Pristina

For the seventh year in a row, the Pride Parade was held in Pristina by the LGBTIQ+ Community, activists, and supporters of the rights of this community. The parade was preceded by numerous activities within the framework of Pride Week, which took place from June 5-10.

Kosovo Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, also participated in the Parade, marking his first appearance in a Pride Parade.

“I participated in the Pride Parade because I believe in human rights. I believe that we should all be equal, and everyone should be guaranteed the protection of their dignity and integrity,” Kurti stated.

The parade was joined by foreign ambassadors in Kosovo, such as Oliver Guerot from France and Tomas Szunyog, the head of the EU Office, who marched under a banner that read ‘Diplomats for Equality.’

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) once again supported the Pride Parade.

It is worth mentioning that in March of last year, the Parliament of Kosovo did not approve the Civil Code in principle due to strict objections and debates regarding a part of the Code that aimed to regulate marriages between persons of the same sex. However, Prime Minister Kurti expressed his commitment to passing the Civil Code successfully in the Assembly in the future.

“We will do our best to pass the Civil Code successfully in the Assembly next time. Even in terms of the government’s will and program, and also in terms of work, we do not spare ourselves,” he said.

Pride Week addressed the current situation of LGBTIQ+ people in Kosovar society, as well as the injustices they face, with the aim of improving their position.

Absence of Standards for NGOs and Overcoming Challenges in Legal Aid Funding

From the beginning of the year, victims of domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, and sexual violence have been direct beneficiaries of free legal aid. Additionally, there are other marginalized categories that are entitled to free assistance and legal support. As per the law, civil society organizations or representative organizations of the affected communities can contribute to providing free legal aid. This collaborative effort would be facilitated in partnership with the Free Legal Aid Agency.

Research data indicates that the Free Legal Aid Agency has not yet established a licensing process for organizations providing free legal aid. Consequently, the Agency lacks planned financial or other forms of support for NGOs engaged in offering free legal aid. Nationwide, there are fewer than 10 organizations providing free legal aid, and their capacity building is hindered by various factors. A research study conducted by Internews Kosova reveals that NGOs’ capacities to provide aid have not improved in recent years.

The research findings point out that the issues stem from the Agency itself. The institution has received funding from the German Government to finance mobile legal aid offices. However, this has resulted in an unequal distribution of services across municipalities in the country. Presently, the mobile offices of six municipalities are funded by GIZ on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany. However, this support is provided through short- and medium-term projects, raising concerns about the sustainability of the mobile centers once the projects are completed.

Flutura Zena, the executive director of the Agency for Free Legal Aid, has highlighted that the financial support from GIZ is set to end on June 30, 2023, as per their agreement.

During the past three years, the Free Legal Aid Agency has received an annual allocation of approximately 440,000 euros from the state budget. In addition to the public funds, the Agency has also benefited from other donations, exceeding 200,000 euros in total over the same period. Despite this financial support, the Agency has faced challenges in fulfilling its obligations, such as maintaining mobile offices, securing sufficient human resources, and conducting awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the services offered by the Agency. Unfortunately, their requests for additional public funds to address these needs have not received a response from the relevant institutions.

In terms of accessibility, the Agency faces difficulties. When questioned about the accessibility of their facilities for people with disabilities, including the presence of ramps, elevators, and appropriate signage for the deaf, the staff acknowledged that out of the 27 municipalities where the Agency operates, only 10 have limited access for people with disabilities, while the remaining 17 have good accessibility.

The Agency has expressed its commitment to improving accessibility for people with disabilities. They strive to secure office spaces that cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities by highlighting the characteristics and requirements of the Agency’s visitors.

Financing of NGOs

Regarding the provision of free legal services and promotion of this service, less than 10 non-governmental organizations are currently engaged in these activities across the country.

The data reveals that organizations providing free legal aid services in Kosovo heavily rely on donor funds due to the absence of a stable financing scheme from the country itself.

One such organization is CEL Kosova, which offers free legal aid services aligned with its mission of fostering a progressive, diverse, and tolerant society for the LGBT community in Kosovo. This community faces targeted attacks, particularly violent acts. According to the organization’s representatives, their entire funding, which does not exceed 6,500 euros, relies on international organizations’ funds.

Another organization, CLARD Kosovo, operates with an annual budget of 160,000 euros for providing legal aid. This funding is provided by the US Embassy, the British Embassy, and the European Commission, without any involvement of the state budget since the organization’s establishment. However, both organizations primarily rely on short-term projects, which do not ensure long-term sustainability.

CEL Kosova acknowledges that they are still working towards achieving stable support from any donor, and they are currently in the process of developing a long-term strategy to address this issue. On the other hand, CLARD Kosovo mentions that their most reliable support comes from the US Embassy in Kosovo, although they also recognize that even this support is not fully dependable in terms of long-term stability.

In addition to financial challenges, both organizations face difficulties in securing suitable workspaces for their activities. CEL Kosova has been engaged in continuous efforts and negotiations with the Municipality of Pristina to obtain the use of a public space as a Drop-In Center, where they can provide free legal aid and other necessary services. However, despite promises, they have not yet gained access to such a space. Similarly, CLARD Kosovo does not possess its own facility, and they rely on utilizing spaces provided by the Centers for Social Work based on agreements for legal clinics in various municipalities.

Another challenge organizations providing legal aid face is the absence of a regulated legal standard, as per the legislation. The Agency responsible for legal aid, including NGOs, has struggled for many years to draft regulations to standardize this work. According to data from the Agency, the regulation for establishing criteria for the provision of free legal aid by non-governmental organizations in partnership with the Free Legal Aid Agency is currently in the draft stage and has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice.

The purpose of the regulation mentioned is to establish a partnership between the Free Legal Aid Agency and NGOs by defining general and special criteria. Additionally, there are several other acts pending, including the Regulation for the establishment of the Complaints Commission, Administrative instruction on fees and compensation for services performed by lawyers in authorized free legal aid, Administrative guidance on procedures for engaging lawyers in authorized free legal aid services, and Administrative instruction for the content of the form for submitting a request for free legal aid.

CEL Kosovo operates in accordance with positive laws that regulate the statute of NGOs, and they have a regulation on confidentiality. CLARD Kosovo has announced that they have regulations for administration and finance, as well as regulations for free legal services, in addition to their statute and work regulations.

Regarding the staff of these institutions providing free legal aid, CEL Kosovo has qualified lawyers and psychologists available for their services, and their recruitment follows a public tendering process. CLARD Kosovo currently has seven lawyers with 7 to 12 years of work experience, two with a bar exam, and 15 external associate lawyers who provide pro bono services. Their recruitment policy adheres to labor regulations and the Labor Law.

In terms of staff capacity building, the Free Legal Aid Agency has taken steps for the professional development of its staff through various trainings, and the staff has been certified by the specialized institution, the Institute of Public Administration of Kosovo (IKAP). However, they note that due to the specific nature of the Agency service, training opportunities for their staff have been limited. They emphasize the need for continuous training for the staff providing legal services to ensure their alignment with the demands and needs of the citizens they serve.

The purpose of the mentioned regulation is to establish a partnership between the Free Legal Aid Agency and NGOs by defining general and special criteria. Additionally, there are several other acts pending, including the Regulation for the establishment of the Complaints Commission, Administrative instruction on fees and compensation for services performed by lawyers in authorized free legal aid, Administrative guidance on procedures for engaging lawyers in authorized free legal aid services, and Administrative instruction for the content of the form for submitting a request for free legal aid.

CEL Kosovo operates in accordance with positive laws that regulate the statute of NGOs, and they have a regulation specifically addressing confidentiality. On the other hand, CLARD Kosovo has announced that in addition to their statute and work regulations, they have regulations in place for administration and finance, as well as regulations specifically related to free legal services.

The research aimed to highlight both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the staff working in these institutions that provide free legal aid. CEL Kosovo has demonstrated that they have qualified lawyers and psychologists available for their services, and their recruitment process follows public tendering procedures.

CLARD Kosovo currently employs seven lawyers with work experience ranging from 7 to 12 years, two of whom have passed the bar exam. Additionally, they have 15 external associate lawyers who offer pro bono services. The recruitment policy of CLARD Kosovo is based on labor regulations and the Labor Law.

In relation to efforts to increase the capacities of staff with professionals from inside or outside the organization, Agency for Free Legal Aid has shown that the personnel office has taken steps for the professional development of staff through various trainings. The staff has been certified by the specialized institution, the Institute of Public Administration of Kosovo (IKAP). However, they indicate that due to the specificity of the Agency service, training for Agency staff has been limited. They emphasize that staff providing legal services need continuous training to meet the demands and needs of citizens. Additionally, the agency, with the support of USAID-JAK, has trained internal staff as trainers, which, according to evaluations, provides on-the-job training for officials. The NGOs have not mentioned any other trainings apart from personal training for their staff.

Regarding the commitment of students and volunteers to contribute to the provision of free legal aid and establish mutually beneficial collaborations, Agency mentioned the commitment of students to carry out practice and contribute to the service. The agency promotes the opportunity for students to engage in this service annually through the Free Legal Aid Week. On the other hand, CEL Kosovo states that there are no engaged volunteers. CLARD Kosovo has shown that supporting young lawyers within the internship program, including local and foreign students, is one of the pillars of their organization’s mission. They have also counted professional volunteers such as lawyers, professors, judges, and prosecutors, as well as volunteers from international partner organizations.

Considering the volume of cases combined with the socio-economic situation in the country, the research aimed to uncover whether the respective providers had a certain policy on how they handle cases, specifically if a certain nature or specificity gives priority to certain cases or if the work is carried out based on the “first in time, first in right” principle. ANJF, with the support of USAID, has drafted guidelines for processing cases of free legal aid, giving priority to cases of victims of violence and marginalized groups. They also have a Manual of legal aid practitioners in Kosovo for civil, family, and property-legal matters, and are in the process of drafting a manual for administrative issues. CEL Kosovo has shown that priority is given to cases with higher risk.

In contrast, at CLARD Kosovo, the policy for the treatment and management of cases is regulated by labor regulations and the regulation of free legal services.

Regarding the challenges identified by the entities themselves, all three organizations mentioned the financial sustainability component as the most difficult. Agency enumerated the consequences of financial limits, including the inability to extend free legal aid fairly and equally to all municipalities of the Republic of Kosovo, the need for advancement towards unifying free legal aid throughout the country, insufficient staffing, the need to raise awareness among the public and interest groups about Agency’s services, the provision of budget funds for staff training, the implementation and completion of amendments to the Law on free legal aid, as well as the provision of work spaces for Agency in public facilities in Pristina. CEL Kosovo also identified the lack of self-space as a problem.

Considering that Kosovo is a relatively new country and has benefited from the experiences of other countries, part of the research aimed to explore homologous models used elsewhere. Officials of ANJF claim that they provide free legal aid to various international countries and have observed that the per capita budget model is achievable. They believe that compared to neighboring countries, the Republic of Kosovo has the best system of free legal aid. CEL Kosovo indicated that they combine and adapt models from homologous organizations within the context of their country. However, CLARD Kosovo, with its long experience in providing this service, mentioned that when the organization started its activities, there was no local organization or institution offering free legal services. They adopted a working model from organizations in European Union countries and the USA. Despite being offered free of charge, the quality of the service is not questioned in countries with advanced legal systems.

According to Agency, the satisfaction rate based on feedback from parties involved in the last 2 years is over 96%.

Free legal aid refers to the international obligation of states to ensure access to justice for individuals who cannot afford legal services. The law specifies the categories of people eligible for this aid, primarily focusing on those in need of state assistance. However, in cases where the interest of justice demands it, assistance may be provided to individuals outside these categories as well.

Within the European Union, the importance and function of free legal aid are widely acknowledged, and all member countries offer such services. However, there are no standardized criteria or uniform standards among EU countries, making it challenging to measure and evaluate the quality of service provision across different jurisdictions.

In Kosovo, the legal framework for free legal aid is based on the European Convention on Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The main regulatory act governing free legal aid in Kosovo is the Law on free legal aid, which is derived from the country’s highest legal act, the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. Additionally, other laws, such as the Law on Civil Procedure and the Code of Criminal Procedure, contain provisions related to free legal aid. However, the lack of harmonization among these provisions poses challenges in legal practice.

The structure of providing free legal aid in Kosovo involves multiple entities. As per the Law on free legal aid, assistance is provided by the Agency for Free Legal Aid through its regional and mobile offices, as well as by lawyers and non-governmental organizations partnering with the Agency. However, the primary providers of free legal aid in practice are the Chamber of Advocates of Kosovo and the Institution of the People’s Advocate. The European Commission has identified two types of schemes for providing free legal aid in Kosovo: one involving lawyers appointed by the court (mainly in criminal cases) and the other involving the Free Legal Aid Agency, which handles cases other than certain criminal cases.

With recent amendments to the law, additional categories of individuals are eligible for free legal aid, including victims of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo in 1998-1999, witnesses dependent on victims of domestic violence, minor victims, children living in social care institutions, and children under guardianship seeking to initiate a legal process without the approval of their legal guardian or against their legal guardian.

KWN Participates in the Fifth Capital-Level Meeting of Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network in Washington

From June 6-8, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) actively participated in the fifth meeting of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network, which took place in Washington, United States, at the invitation of the U.S. Department of State’s Global Office for Gender Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense’s Gender Management Office, Romania.From KWN, the participants in these meetings were Valmira Rashiti, Program Officer for Rule of Law; Feride Rushiti, Director of the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors (KRCT) and a member of the board of KWN; and Kadire Tahiraj from the Center for the Promotion of Women’s Rights.

In meetings with ambassadors, activists, and representatives of delegations from different countries, including one with Geeta Rao Gupta, newly appointed as Ambassador General for Women’s Affairs at the Department of State, the KWN emphasized the need for stricter implementation of Resolution 1325 for Women in Peace and Security processes. This highlighted the need for sustainable funding for women’s organizations engaged in long-term peace and reconciliation processes, particularly at the local level, as well as the inclusion of their consultation in negotiation structures.

KWN also raised the importance of institutional accountability for respective states and international actors regarding the implementation of Resolution 1325, urging for the use of stronger language in its implementation.

Within the working groups, where discussions on creating national-level action plans for women in the peace and security process took place, Valmira Rashiti from KWN emphasized the need to redefine the concepts of peace and security, as well as “national threats,” ensuring that the latter includes the danger posed to women and girls due to high levels of gender-based violence.

Feride Rushiti from KRCT, a board member of KWN, and Kadire Tahiraj from the Women’s Rights Promotion Center ensured that the focus of the conversations also encompassed the victims of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo. They stressed the importance of recognizing their status, creating suitable conditions for their rehabilitation, and raising social, national, and international awareness to show solidarity with victims of sexual violence. Feride Rushiti emphasized that gender equality and a multi-sectoral approach are crucial components of sustainable peace and security.

In addition to concrete discussions and recommendations, KWN shared the successful practices of its member organizations’ years of work in the peace and security process. They presented joint advocacy letters addressed to international representatives, urging for the inclusion and consultation of women. KWN also shared practical research and publications in this field, with findings that contributed to shaping the priorities that women would emphasize if they were included in peace and security processes and negotiation structures, as required by Resolution 1325.

Please note that in 2021, KWN published the research report titled “A Seat at the Table,” and in 2022, the second edition of the book “1325 Facts and Fables” was released.

Katarina Josipi: The Woman Who Owned the Theater Stage, Broke Taboos, and Paved the Way for Many Other Women

“My life was theater, and my life is theater.”

These were the words of the great actress Katarina Josipi, who used her acting skills to convey women’s aspirations for more freedom in life and family. In an era when education was but a dream for countless girls and women, Katarina made history by becoming the first woman actress to join the Kosovo Theater in Pristina in 1948. Her groundbreaking achievement sent a powerful message advocating for the education and emancipation of Kosovar girls and women.

Katarina, despite not having attended any art school, was a natural-born actress who rose to prominence in the late 1950s and became the queen of the stage. As the first Albanian woman actress in the Kosovo Theater, she captivated audiences with her exceptional performances, leaving an unforgettable impression.

As a professional, she portrayed Morica for the first time in the play “Suspicious Person.” This performance marked the beginning of her career, which saw her taking on around 80 roles and establishing herself as a legendary actress.

Always brimming with energy, Katarina’s life revolved around art, beginning the moment the theater hall darkened and the stage lights illuminated. She fearlessly defied the taboo against women performers, becoming a beacon of inspiration for countless women of her time. For twenty-one consecutive years, throughout her entire life, Katarina, fondly known as “Kati” by her colleagues, graced the theater stage as a champion, tackling the most complex roles and showcasing a diverse repertoire.

The media described her as possessing a spiritual beauty that came alive only when the lights in the hall dimmed and the stage lights shimmered. It was then that her artistic temperament mesmerized and transported viewers to another realm of existence, as noted by the media.

Katarina was born in Zym of Has. At the age of five, her parents relocated to Nis, Serbia, where Kati completed her elementary education. However, when the Second World War erupted in 1941, the family returned to Kosovo and settled in Ferizaj.

It was in Ferizaj that Katarina’s career took a significant leap forward. Despite the prevailing conservative circumstances and prejudices that prevented many girls from being accepted into the theater, she received an invitation to perform. This opportunity served as a testament to her exceptional skills and talent. Katarina had an easy time since her brother was a teacher and had supported and protected her on her journey. She performed about 80 main roles in the Theater and over 100 roles in radio dramas.

One of Katarina’s notable roles was that of the suffering mother Vahideja in the play “Besa” by Sami Frashëri, performed in 1953. This role held particular significance for her due to her Hasi heritage and the gratitude she felt towards the mountain mothers who fought tirelessly to safeguard family honor. Katarina approached the role with unwavering dedication, drawing upon her personal connection to the experiences of mothers.

After portraying Vahideja, Katarina felt a profound bond with her fellow mothers, and this love resonated in her performances. She drew inspiration from her own life’s challenges and emotions, infusing her acting with authenticity. Her difficult life experiences found expression both in her relationships off-stage and in her portrayal of complex characters.

Katarina’s influence was widely recognized, as she had the ability to bring depth to her roles, even when the author or director hadn’t fully fleshed them out. With naturalness and conviction, she imbued her performances with the essence of the times, the environment, and the conditions that shaped her. This is highlighted by Frrok Kristaj, the author of the biography “Kati – Icon of the Albanian Theater.”

Actress Safete Rogova aptly remarked that few names in the theater world have left such a profound and enduring impact, both in life and in death, as Kati’s.

While Katarina’s career achieved great success, her personal life was marked by hardship. During that time, the Yugoslav government expelled her husband, Pjetër Hila. Moreover, she faced the devastating loss of both her children, who tragically passed away at a young age due to serious illnesses—one at the age of 2 and the other at 4.

Left alone, Katarina made a conscious decision to transform her pain into strength and radiate love to those around her. She regarded her life as a theater, always striving to be remembered as someone who smiled, loved, and embraced happiness. Despite grappling with her own profound sadness, stemming from the loss of her husband, the forced emigration, and the heartbreaking deaths of her children, she endeavored to maintain a joyful spirit.

Katarina Josipi’s contribution to the arts was recognized through the highest artistic accolade bestowed in Kosovo, the “Reward of the Decade,” awarded to her in 1958 and 1968. Additionally, in 1971, the original Albanian drama “Katerina Josipi” performed by the National Theater of Prishtina was named in her honor.

Katerina Josipi was born on November 9, 1923, in Zym te Hasit, and she passed away on April 29, 1969, in Pristina, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.