CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE KOSOVO WOMEN’S FUND

21.08.2023

Issued: 21 August 2023                            Application Deadline: 20 September 2023

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is pleased to announce the Kosovo Women’s Fund’s (KWF’s) nineteenth grant round. We invite member organizations to submit applications that will contribute to furthering women’s rights and gender equality. Applications should demonstrate how organizations propose to contribute to realizing 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. Advocacy can include meetings with officials, raising awareness about women’s rights, policy-oriented research, proposing policy changes, and involving citizens in claiming their rights. Initiatives must aim to contribute to produce tangible and visible results (e.g., new legislation, new services, document violations of women’s rights to healthcare, etc.). Please be aware that activities alone cannot be considered results of initiatives.

The types of activities eligible for financial support include: organize meetings with women and decision-makers, organize campaigns for advocacy and awareness raising, building the capacities of women and girls to advocate for their priorities, support women in meetings with policy-makers to influence changes in existing laws and regulations that concern them, policy-oriented research including reviewing curricula and learning materials and/or documentation of abuses of rights, proposing policy changes, public outreach on advocacy issues, networking/experience exchange related to furthering women’s participation and human rights, trainings, roundtables/discussions, and other advocacy strategies.

The types of action that are ineligible include: actions concerned only or mainly with individual sponsorships for participation in workshops, seminars, conferences and congresses; actions concerned only or mainly with individual scholarships for studies or training courses; purchasing of buildings or offices; purchasing of vehicles; purchasing of equipment (unless necessary for the successful execution of the project); and actions supporting political parties, groups and movements.

In accordance with the KWN Strategy for 2023-2026 and currently available funds, only initiatives which contribute and are related to the following KWN Programs, objectives, and expected results will be selected for funding:

Improve Gender Equality through enhancing the Rule of Law

  • Objective: Women have improved access to healthcare.
  • Expected results: More public officials, women, girls and men informed of women’s right to healthcare and violations of their rights; More women advocate for their right to quality healthcare.
  • Indicators: 1) # Meetings between KWN or its members and public officials where women’s rights are discussed; 2) # Diverse women and men inspired to take action to advocate for their right to quality healthcare because they have increased knowledge of that right; 3) # abuses of rights documented by women’s rights groups.
  • Examples of activities:
  • Involving women in advocating for improved access to quality healthcare, including taking actions to demand quality, affordable healthcare be provided and/or to report violations of women’s right to healthcare;
  • Collaborate with women to officially report abuses of their right to healthcare to the appropriate authorities (especially reproductive and maternal health), after raising their awareness about their rights, with expert’s support contracted by KWN;
  • Utilize KWN’s research Access to Healthcare in Kosovo and other data available on women’s access to quality healthcare to inform advocacy and awareness raising to inform advocacy efforts.

Education that Transforms Gender Norms

  • Objective: KWN and its members more engaged in advocating access to education that transforms traditional gender roles.
  • Expected results: KWN and its members more engaged in advocating access to education that transforms traditional gender roles.
  • Indicators: 1) # new initiative undertaken to advocate for more pre-school and childcare centres; 2) # Reports with recommendations for improvement of curricula submitted to relevant actors; 3) # courses monitored to ensure appropriate teaching.
  • Examples of activities:
    • Using KWN’s established methodology to observe teaching in the classroom from a gender perspective, with expert’s support contracted by KWN;
    • Advocating at municipal and national levels to raise the awareness of more officials about the need for more pre-schools and childcare centres;
    • Advocating for the improvement of sexual education in schools, and/or in cooperation with the Ministry of Education Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI);
    • Monitoring pre-school institutions and childcare centres’ quality of education provided in accordance with pre-school education legislation and advocating inclusion of teaching towards transforming traditional gender norms;
    • Collaborating with municipalities and/or MESTI to support teachers in improving their teaching techniques towards gender-transformative teaching methods and content;
    • Collaborating with MESTI to revise and improve school curricula at different levels from a gender perspective to transform gender norms.

Only proposals related to these objectives will be supported. Other proposals will not be considered at this time. KWN reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted, as well as to discuss with applicants their applications in line with the aforementioned categories.

GRANT AWARDS, SIZE, TYPE AND DURATION

Funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through the Embassy of Sweden in Prishtina, as part of the initiative “Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo II”, KWN anticipates to distribute approximately nine grants in maximum amounts of €10,000 per grant, totalling €90,000.

Initiatives are expected to begin on 1 January 2024 and can last up to a maximum of twelve (12) months from the date of contract signature.

ELIGIBILITY

In order to apply, organizations must fulfil the following minimum criteria:

  1. Plan and implement activities in accordance with their own organizational strategy;
  2. Undertake activities that contribute to the implementation of the KWN Strategy for 2023-2026, including programs on:
    1. Advancing gender equality through rule of law; and
    1. Transforming gender norms through education.
  3. Be able to provide at least 10% of the budget total amount from another donor and/or self-contribution (e.g., documented volunteer work). This 10% contribution should be reflected in the budget proposal;
  4. Have no staff members currently part of KWN’s Board or part of the Grants Review Committee (GRC).
  5. Plan to implement initiatives that involve advocacy, towards bringing about sustainable changes in supporting, protecting, or promoting women’s rights and gender equality at municipal and/or national levels.
  6. Plan initiatives that aim to contribute to produce tangible and visible results (e.g., new legislation, new services, reports about cases of violation of women’s rights to healthcare, monitored court cases, gender-transformative curricula, etc.).
  7. Have not been involved in corruption, misuse of funds, or mismanagement of projects or project funds; and have not received any official notice from KWN regarding such mismanagement of prior KWF-funded projects, prohibiting the organization from applying at this time.

All final applications must meet these minimum criteria during the KWF administrative check, prior to be being proceeded to the GRC. Applications not meeting these minimum criteria will be disqualified from the process.

This Call for Proposals and thus the GRC will prioritize funding for:

  • Initiatives that engage persons with different abilities, minority ethnic groups and marginalized persons.
  • Organizations lacking other funding opportunities from different donors.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

Applications may be submitted in Albanian, Serbian or English languages. The full application must be submitted electronically to the following email: grants@womensnetwork.org.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  1. Application, using the KWN Application Form (Word format, attached and available here, and
  2. Budget Proposal, using the KWN Form (Excel format, attached and available here.

Please note: all budgets must represent an allocation of costs (which means co-financing by another institution) and / or a non-financial contribution (meaning volunteer work, donations from businesses, community involvement) in the amount of 10% of the total budget proposal. This should be stated in the budget proposal. KWF will consider wage coverage and operating expenses in cases where the applicant has explained clearly how this will enable them to advance women’s rights and / or gender equality.

Proposals submitted to KWN must be the original and sole work of the applicant organization. Plagiarism will result in disqualification of the application. 

KWN will retain all materials and documents submitted by applicants. KWN will not use information presented by applicants for purposes other than review and will not provide this information to other persons or institutions, except when required either by Kosovo law or requested by donors.

Upon delivery of their application, applicants will receive a Confirmation of Receipt with an application number, signed by KWN staff.

ANTICIPATED TIMELINE

CONTACT INFORMATION

Request for Clarifications / Further Information: Applicants should submit their requests for clarifications by 15 September 2023 at 17:00, via email to grants@womensnetwork.org.

You can find the open call here, too.

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“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).

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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).

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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.

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KWN Supports MWAHR’s Transformative Budgeting Initiative

10.08.2023

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has signed a contract with its member organisation Mitrovica Women Association for Human Rights (MWAHR) for a new initiative. This initiative 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”.

According to MWAHR, well-planned gender budgeting considers the needs and demands of men, women, girls and boys, enabling the development, growth and economic prosperity of a country.

During their initiative, MWAHR will work closely with government institutions, including the Municipality Assembly of South Mitrovica, NGOs, men, women, girls, boys, and the media. They will conduct numerous meetings involving these interest groups ensuring the participation of individuals from minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities residing in South Mitrovica. Furthermore, MWAHR will monitor the work of government institutions and the Assembly of the Municipality of South Mitrovica. They will actively engage in meetings related to the municipal budget, conveying information about citizens’ needs, demands, and budgetary recommendations.

Vetone Veliu, the executive director of MWAHR emphasized the importance of gender responsive budget.

“Through the support from KWN, which consistently stands by women and women’s organizations, we will engage in raising women’s awareness of the importance of women’s participation in decision-making processes and in the meetings that the municipality organizes. We will advocate municipal officials for the importance of implementing gender-responsive budgeting and taking into consideration the demands and needs of women during the drafting of the annual budget, always taking into account the priorities. The relevant municipal directorates which will be monitored during the information sessions will have the opportunity to show transparency about the expenditure of public funds, but also the implementation of gender equality”.

MWAHR’s objectives include:

  • Increasing the participation of women in public hearings that the municipality organizes to receive recommendations for the annual budget; and
  • Increasing the opportunity to make the municipal government feel responsible for its commitments to gender equality, as well as increasing the transparency of municipal institutions regarding municipal budgets, which must address diverse women’s and men’s needs.

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).

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KWN Congratulates and Supports the Anibar and Dokufest Festivals

09.08.2023

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The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) congratulates and supports the two festivals, Anibar and Dokufest, for their focus on the topics of Queer and Transgender issues, as well as their support for LGBTIQ+ individuals. The themes addressed by these festivals this year represent significant strides towards promoting awareness and acceptance of human rights, gender diversity, and the expression of Queer and Transgender identities. What Anibar and Dokufest have brought to Kosovo this year is a cultural and artistic initiative that fosters open dialogue, cultivates an open and equitable society, and raises awareness about the rights and needs of LGBTIQ+ community.

For the first time in Kosovo, Anibar and Dokufest initiated a public dialogue about the rights of Queer and Transgender individuals at the local level. Without a doubt, the theme chosen by these two festivals this year has sparked numerous reactions, to the extent that it even resulted in the removal of the mural of the Anibar Festival in “Kosharka”. Nevertheless, KWN expresses gratitude to and stands by Anibar and Dokufest for their presentation of “Love” and the performance at Dokunight, events that sparked local-level discussions in public spaces, showcasing their determination to challenge patriarchal norms.

In a patriarchal society where, traditional norms are resistant to change, festivals and civil society attempts to bring about change. However, Members of Parliament (MPs) exacerbate this situation by expressing disapproval of the Civil Code and employing hate speech during parliamentary sessions. This kind of language, when utilized in such contexts, becomes normalized and is unfortunately deemed acceptable by the public. This acceptance is evident through the presence of graffiti and other actions expressing hate speech targeting the LGBTIQ+ Community. KWN remains committed to advocating for the revision of the Civil Code as a step towards constructing a society that embodies equality and tolerance.

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Meet Hana, the KWN Intern Who Aims to Strengthen the Role of Women in Society Through Designs

07.08.2023

Hana Murati, 20 years old from Prishtina, reflects enthusiasm and determination as she balances her studies in design and political science. While Hana’s love for design began as a child exploring combinations of colors, shapes, and textures to create something beautiful, today she has decided to advance an important cause through design – empowering women and promoting their rights.

Hana, the new intern at the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), has decided to join us using design as a tool to reach a wide audience in raising awareness for the protection of women’s rights. She cites three reasons why she made this decision.

“First, the Kosovo Women’s Network is a powerful organization dedicated to promoting women’s rights and values. Working in such an organization, while combining it with design, is a perfect match for me. Second, this practice is a great opportunity to create projects and visually communicate important messages. Thirdly, I feel inspired by the aim and mission of the organization because it has a direct impact on my society and community,” says Hana.

Hana began her studies in political science, with a sense of responsibility to influence positive changes in society. However, not seeing herself involved in traditional politics, she believes that the interweaving of design and work at the KWN will enable her to have a more concrete impact on society.

“Design is a powerful tool to raise the voice and raise awareness about these issues because it is a language that everyone speaks. There are no linguistic or cultural limitations to communicating through design. Through images, colors, and graphic elements, we can reach a wide audience and encourage them to participate in the feminist cause and protect the rights of women and girls,” she says.

Hana was selected among other candidates for her ideas, energy, motivation, and desire to work in the Network.

“Everyone who becomes part of the Network for practical work is involved in concrete tasks. This, in addition to valuing their involvement, at the same time creates space to raise their capacities and develop further in the fields that interest them. Many of the girls who were initially involved through practical work continue to be part of the Network’s staff in various positions,” says Zana Rudi, Program Manager at KWN.

Hana hopes that her engagement in KWN will help her grow in the professional field and expand her horizons, as the organization has a very powerful role and can initiate significant changes that benefit girls and women.

“During this internship, I will learn and grow, being inspired by the awareness and efforts of women who fight for their rights every day. I will meet new people, dedicated and motivated professionals who share the same goal, creating a network that will empower us all to make big changes. For me, this internship is an important journey to discover my potential and understand what role and impact I can have in this field,” Hana emphasizes.

We wish Hana a great journey at KWN as we believe that with her creativity, determination, and alignment with a meaningful cause, she is well on her way to making a significant impact in advocating for women’s rights and promoting gender equality in Kosovo and beyond.

Hana’s commitment to KWN was made possible by the international non-profit organization focused on community service, especially for women, Altrusa. This organization aims to empower young women in fields where they are underrepresented.

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KWN Welcomes the Life Sentence Against Dardan Krivaqa; Expresses Concern Over the Light Sentence for Arbër Sejdiu

04.08.2023

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Pristina, August 4, 2023

KWN applauds the verdict of the Basic Court in Ferizaj, sentencing Dardan Krivaqa to life imprisonment for the murder of Marigona Osmani.

However, KWN believes that the 15-year prison sentence imposed on Arbër Sejdiu is insufficient given the gravity of the offense and its consequences. KWN contends that, in accordance with the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo, a more appropriate sentence would have been 25 years of imprisonment.

KWN will review the decision of acquittal in the rape indictment and will closely monitor the case in subsequent proceedings to ensure that the verdict of the Basic Court against Dardan Krivaqa remains unchanged.

KWN continues to offer its support and cooperation to victims of gender-based violence, providing free legal counseling and facilitating referrals to relevant institutions. If you require free legal assistance in cases of gender-based violence or know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the following number: 048 105 800.

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KWN Celebrates Life of Feminist Activist Cathy Frischmann

03.08.2023

Cathy Frischmann first visited Kosovo in 2004, together with her daughter Julie and close friend Sue Farnsworth, whose daughter (Nicole) was working with KWN. Cathy toured Kosovo, met KWN member organizations, and danced with us. She visited again in 2019. Cathy clearly loved Kosovo, its women, its activists, and our work.

Upon returning to her then hometown of Pocatello, Idaho, USA, she organized a guest lecture by KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova at the local Idaho State University, providing a unique opportunity for Idahoans to learn about Kosovo, its history, struggles. independence and present-day situation.  Cathy built unique bridges by creating spaces for sharing knowledge.

Cathy later moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where she was involved in Altrusa, an international non-profit organization focused on community service, particularly for women. In her life and work, she was exemplary to the organisation’s mission, ever “confident, inspiring, and caring”. Together with the Corvallis Altrusa Branch, she led local community fundraising efforts for KWN since 2017, raising thousands of euros to support women’s rights activists in Kosovo.

“She believed in young women’s empowerment and invested in KWN to empower more women in various fields, ranging from law to public relations to addressing gender-based violence,” said Rogova.

With Cathy’s leadership, Altrusa purposefully supported four young Kosovar women with paid internships at KWN. She was well aware that, still in 2021, more young women were unemployed (47%) than young men (35%), and only 7% of young Kosovar women were officially employed, due in part to gender-based discrimination in hiring, as KWN’s research has shown. Indeed, the fields that Altrusa has supported have been areas where few women are involved, like law. Cathy knew that young women needed extra support in these areas, affirmative measures, to enter the workforce and contribute to a more gender balanced labour force in areas where women historically have been underrepresented.

For these young women, Altrusa’s support enabled them to gain experience, enter the labour force and secure long-term employment. Meanwhile, Altrusa supported KWN with extra human resources and expanding the feminist movement in Kosovo.

“We will be forever grateful to her,” Rogova said. “We will remember her positive feminist approach, her solidarity and her leadership. She strongly believed in supporting the women’s movement through the involvement of younger generations.” Cathy saw youth as essential to the women’s movement and its future, and she actively supported this.

A feminist, human rights defender, supporter of women in politics through the League of Women Voters, chef, botanist, gardener, hiker, biker, and so much more…. Cathy loved life and committed her life to defending the rights and lives of others.

Yesterday, 2 August 2023, Cathy passed away following a ferocious fight against cancer. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and all of us at KWN. Her spirit, persistent resolve, empowerment of others and continuous giving remain an inspiration to all of us and live on in our work.

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“Breaking Barriers on Stage and Beyond: Meribane Shala’s Impact on Theater and Women’s Emancipation”

01.08.2023

Meribane Shala stands out as one of the rare actresses who, right after the Second World War, entered the theater scene, leaving an ineradicable mark as an exceptional actress. She played a pivotal role in shaping the history of theater in Kosovo, alongside the limited number of fellow female performers, all of whom contributed significantly to its establishment and growth.

At the time when the Theater was founded in Pristina, she was a student, but she was invited to join the theater troupe. Although patriarchal mentality prevailed, it was her brother, the well-known actor Abdurrahman Shala, who encouraged her to become a woman who makes her own life decisions, without being influenced by what others say.

Meribane, driven by her innate talent, wholeheartedly embraced the stage. Despite her young age, she remained unfazed by the cold stage, the challenging rehearsal conditions, or the tours across Kosovo, where the actors traveled alongside the stage props for their performances, all thanks to her unwavering commitment.

Because there were very few actresses at that time, Meri, as she was called by her colleagues, got to play male roles in both Albanian and international plays. She even helped set up a ‘small stage’.”

Many actors came and went, seeking the warmth of a family, as most of them were not from Pristina. Meri played diverse roles, from a 70-year-old woman to a bride, a mother-in-law, a shoemaker’s shopkeeper, a student before a shooting, and a woman suffering domestic abuse. Through these roles, she acquired her first wrinkles, which reflected her inner experiences, as she was always destined to be the best.

“Shani Pallaska, one of the early actors at the Provincial People’s Theater in Pristina, praised Meribane Shala, saying, ‘From her second or third performance, beyond playing young girls, she embraced every role, even that of elderly women. Nobody could tell she was just a 16-17-year-old girl; she handled every role, whether small or leading, with remarkable success.'”

Meanwhile, actress Leze Qena remarked, ‘Anyone who witnessed Meribane’s performances knows she acted with her whole heart. Those who missed it missed out on something special.’ Meribane was also a highly talented cyclist, winning numerous competitions in Kosovo. After migrating with her family and others who were persecuted by the Serbian regime in the challenging post-war years, she briefly lived with a family in Durrës, Albania. Later, she settled in Pristina until her passing in 1956. Despite her short life, she left an indelible mark on the theater scene, living only 24 years, having been born in 1932 and passing away in 1956.

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