Kosovo Women's Network

Ajshe Nuhiu: A Woman Who Lit the Way for Retired Women

04.04.2023

“I am very satisfied with the work and success I have had in helping retired women.”

These were the words of Ajshe Nuhiu, an unstoppable woman always ready to work to offer other women opportunities and space for their rights.

Mrs. Ajshe is known as the woman who paved the way for retired women, a category almost completely forgotten by the state.

This humanist woman who never got tired founded the association Vita-Jeta, whose mission was the empowerment and emancipation of women pensioners, offering them psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and health protection.

Over the years, Mrs. Ajshe, with her tireless work, managed to increase the number of members of the association initially by hundreds, while over the years it reached thousands of women members.

She enriched their lives with various activities, lectures, and important topics for retired women, especially in the field of justice and human rights.

Thanks to the commitment and advocacy of Mrs. Ajshe, together with the staff of the organization, many women won free medical visits for the disease of osteoporosis, being supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN). She considers this disease a silent killer, which attacks many women, especially in the third age.

Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens the bones, leading to pain and breakage. Therefore, she has gathered women several times, making them aware of this and other diseases so that retired women can enjoy full health and active life.

“Hundreds of women, hundreds of times have congratulated our mother for her socio-psychological contribution that she gave to them,” said Arbër Nuhiu, Mrs Ajshe’s son.

Today some of her friends, and members of the organization, remember Mrs. Ajshe always with kind words.

Binaze Visoka, one of the members of the Vita-Life organization, said: “Ajshe made it possible for us, together as members, to walk and visit beautiful places so that we feel happy. She set medical appointments for us and gave us medical advice to take care of and ensure good health.”

Meanwhile, Sabrije Nimani said about Mrs. Ajshe that: “Writing about a person like Mrs. Ajshe is quite difficult because she still lives with us in our everyday life. My membership in the association where she was president made me overcome many difficulties and helped me to make friends who I now consider a very precious part of my life.”

The work started by Mrs. Ajshe through the organization Vita-Jeta continues today, where retired women are active and continue to benefit from various activities. Vita-Jeta continues to be a member of the Kosovo Women’s Network, while the staff of KWN had the honor and pleasure of having a member like Ajshe Nuhiu, and they are happy that her work continues to shine.

Ajshe Nuhiu was born in 1945 and passed away in 2015.

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 Concerned About Changes in Governmental Responsibilities in the Provision of Social Services

03.04.2023

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03 April 2023

Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Albin Kurti,

Honorable Minister of Finance, Labor and Transfers, Mr. Hekuran Murati,

Honorable Minister of Justice, Mrs. Albulena Haxhiu,

Honorable Minister of Health, Mr. Arben Vitia,

I am writing on behalf of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), as a network of 139 diverse women’s rights organisations committed to protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls, to express our concern regarding the recent changes to the responsibilities of ministries related to social services and the lack of consultation with key stakeholders prior to making such drastic changes, including insufficient consultations with women’s rights organisations (WCSOs), including KWN, as experts on these issues.

In 2020, Lëvizja Vetvendsoje! and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) coalition government decided, without appropriate public consultation or consultation with experts like KWN, to merge the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare into the Ministry of Finance, Labour, and Transfers (MFLT). In 2021, Lëvizja Vetvendsoje! came to power as a central-left political party amid promises that social security would be a priority, as stated in several sections of its party program 2021.¹ KWN hoped that these commitments would benefit and improve the lives of citizens on the margins, particularly women, by strengthening social services. Unfortunately, the current Government of Kosovo continued to administer social services under MFLT, and there has been little to no progress on any of the key laws awaiting adoption towards improving social services, while systemic under-funding of social services has continued.

In the conference organized by the Council of Europe, on March 29, 2023, it was emphasized that from this year the Department for Social and Family Policy has moved to the Ministry of Justice. Other sources have informed us that the structure has changed where this Department has become the Division for Policy and Social Services. According to this source, based on the 2023 Budget Law, Social Services, Child Protection, the General Council, and the Inspection have moved to the Ministry of Justice. Furthermore, we have understood that social services for persons with disabilities have been transferred to the Ministry of Justice, while the management of residential institutions has been transferred to the Ministry of Health. This entire change was made without any public consultation, while the regulation that defines the government’s areas of responsibility has not yet been approved. Therefore, we consider that such a decision, without a secondary legislation that clearly divides these responsibilities, without consultation or prior warning, is disturbing.

We are very concerned by these changes, which affect our diverse members and the women they serve, including people with disabilities, victims/survivors of gender-based violence, and other vulnerable categories. We are deeply concerned that these changes may further delay the finalisation and adoption of crucial still outstanding legislation related to social services, the quality of social services, and the allocation of sufficient budget for these services. Our concerns derive from our extensive expertise, research, and evidence collected over the last two decades. More precisely, we are concerned that:

Social services were not initially part of the Ministry of Justice’s mandate.² Given the existing workload of the Ministry of Justice, we are concerned if it will have sufficient human resources to take on the extensive responsibilities that come with oversight of social services. Social services for persons suffering from gender-based violence require a professional approach by trained, certified psychologists and social workers. We are concerned whether the Ministry of Justice possesses the relevant expertise to monitor and ensure quality service provision, as this is outside its mandate. We have proposed several requirements for responsibilities and minimum criteria for competencies in our comments on both the draft-law on Social Services (Annex 1) and the draft-law governing gender-based violence (Annex 2) in line with the Istanbul Convention, and any Ministry providing oversight must have the qualifications necessary for adequate monitoring of these services.

2. The transferring of these competencies to the Ministry of Justice likely contributes to further delaying the adoption of these key laws, which are already delayed and are essential for improving essential services in line with the Istanbul Convention. Now, the aforementioned draft-laws will need to be revised to clarify the new roles and responsibilities. Related, we remain concerned as to whether the government and parliament will ensure that our previously submitted recommendations on these key draft laws will be addressed, ensuring the provision, financing, monitoring, and coordination of key services for persons who have suffered gender-based violence as per the requirements of the Istanbul Convention, particularly as the last draft-law on gender-based violence in the parliament did not address our suggestions and therefore is not in line with the Istanbul Convention.

3. Treating disability as a health issue is discriminatory and not in line with the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), an international human rights treaty ratified by the UN in 2008. The Convention recognises disability as “an evolving concept and that disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”, which marks a paradigm shift from an understanding of disability as a medical condition to one that sees disability as the effect of the interaction between an individual’s impairment and the barriers society creates.³ It is the state’s responsibility to ensure that social, economic, and physical conditions exist to enable persons with disabilities the opportunities to participate equally in the society. Further, Article 19 explains the importance of personal assistants for independent living and it obliges states, “to ensure access to a range of in-home, residential, and other community support services, including personal assistance necessary to support living and inclusion in the community and to prevent isolation or segregation from the community”. Article 6 recognises the unique multiple inequalities and barriers that women with disabilities may face and calls on states to provide additional protective services: “1. States Parties recognize that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and in this regard shall take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure the full development, advancement and empowerment of women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the present Convention.”⁴ Although Kosovo has not ratified the Convention, these best practices and approach should be considered and implemented by Kosovo moving forward. Additionally, the European Commission recently adopted the European Disability Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to empower individuals with disabilities and eliminate barriers.⁵ Kosovo also should strive to move in this direction as part of its ambitions to join the EU. In conclusion, disabilities should not be treated by the Ministry of Health, but rather as a social service, or a human rights issue.

To protect women and girls, among others, in accordance with international and government commitments, KWN recommends that the Government of Kosovo:

Reopen the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and return responsibilities as they were previously. Moving the responsibilities to another ministry has not and will not sustainably address the fundamental issues and challenges that exist. Rather than moving the responsibilities, the Government needs to focus its energies on clarifying responsibilities within the legal framework, adequately budgeting for them, and actively monitoring their implementation. For this KWN has provided very clear suggestions in the two aforementioned draft laws that would clarify these roles and responsibilities, enabling the Government to hold actors accountable to their legal obligations. Establishing responsibilities clearly in the aforementioned laws, coupled with adequate budget allocations, will address most of the shortcomings and issues that exist, without needing to move responsibilities again. In moving these responsibilities, the entire legal framework will need to be reviewed and revised. Further, we are concerned about whether these changes also will be sustainable in the future in case of government changes, and whether future ministers of justice may be as committed to pushing forward reforms, which could place these processes at risk.

2. Actively consult WCSOs that are knowledgeable in social services, including KWN, to make evidence-based reforms.

3. Upon clarifying roles and responsibilities, work with the parliament and corresponding Assembly committees to finalize these key laws: Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, Violence Against Women and Gender Based Violence (recommended by KWN to be rephrased as the Law on Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation from Gender-Based Violence); Law on Family and Social Services; and Law on Social Housing). The government and parliament must actively consult knowledgeable WCSOs in this process, including KWN, drawing from their recommendations and expertise.

4. Ensure that the monitoring of comprehensive services for victims/survivors of gender-based violence remains within the Department for Family and Social Policy, as it is important that survivors are treated and supported properly by qualified professionals and that rehabilitation and reintegration is ensured. Adequate budget needs to be allocated and municipalities encouraged to request resources for more social service officers to meet the evidence-based need for more human resources for treating cases. The financing formula for municipalities and requirements for them to allocate sufficient financing needs to be clarified in the legal framework, particularly in the draft Law on Local Government Finance, currently being amended. This includes ensuring gender- and child-responsive budgeting as part of the financing formula for municipalities and requiring municipalities to budget adequately for social services.

5. Treat disability not as a health issue, but rather focus on establishing infrastructure that respects the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, as well as supports their active inclusion and engagement in society. These services should be under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, and if this is not possible, then, as a human rights issue, with the Ministry of Justice among other social services if the Government insists on proceeding with this decision.

KWN and our members are committed to prioritising attention to women who suffer from poverty, violence, and discrimination, such as based their disabilities. KWN has conducted extensive research pertaining to gender-responsive budgeting for social services,⁶ gender-based violence,⁷ gender-based discrimination,⁸ gender and disability in EU law,⁹ and gender-responsive financing of personal assistants for persons with disability in Kosovo.¹⁰ KWN’s research and expertise can and should be used to inform the important processes of such ministerial reforms as well as of drafting and finalising of laws, policies and governmental programs. Using such gender analyses is essential for protecting and promoting the rights of diverse women and girls in Kosovo. We remain committed to supporting the government throughout these reform processes through our expertise.

We welcome a meeting to discuss solutions to the current crisis and these recommendations further.

Igballe Rogova

Executive Director

Kosovo Women’s Network

28.03.25

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

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

31.10.24

The Irresolute Resolution? After 24 Years, Resolution 1325 Remains Valid but Under-implemented

17.10.24

Letter to the Chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca

Për 11 muaj OJQ “Raba Voca” ndërgjegjësoi qindra persona për dhunën ndaj grave

03.04.2023

Qendra për Mbrojtjen e Gruas dhe Fëmijës “Raba Voca” që nga prilli i 2022-tës e deri në shkurt të 2023-tës ka ndërgjegjësuar qindra persona për dhunën ndaj grave.

Kjo Qendër si përfituese e grantit nga raundi i 17-të i Rrjetit të Grave të Kosovës (RRGK) në kuadër të projektit “Rritja e ndërgjegjësimit kundër dhunës ndaj grave” ka mundësuar që gratë dhe vajzat të kenë qasje dhe informacion rreth mekanizmave ligjorë shtetërorë nëpërmjet tele-këshillimit, si dhe të ndikojë në përmirësimin e zbatimit të kuadrit ligjor për dhunën në familje, duke përfshirë përgjegjësinë institucionale për të ndihmuar personat që kanë pësuar dhunë.

Kësisoj, gjithsej 106 gra dhe vajza kanë pasur qasje në një sërë shërbimesh online dhe fizike në strehimore, ndërsa 50 të tjera janë referuar në mënyrë efektive në institucionet përkatëse, duke përfshirë Qendrat për Punë Sociale në dhe komunat e Mitrovicës, Vushtrrisë dhe Skenderajt.

Për më tepër, pas përpjekjeve të synuara të avokimit, tri gra kanë siguruar me sukses mbështetjen e strehimit social nga Departamenti i Mirëqenies Sociale në rajonin e Mitrovicës, Vushtrrisë dhe Skenderajt.

këto arritje reflektojnë një përmirësim të dukshëm në ndërgjegjësimin dhe llogaridhënien institucionale në trajtimin e dhunës me bazë gjinore. Ky transformim është realizuar nëpërmjet shpërndarjes së përmbledhjeve të politikave tek entet kyçe si policia, QPS-ja dhe zyrat bashkiake.

Ky projekt përkrahet nga Fondi i Grave të Kosovës me mbështetjen e Zyrës së Bashkimit Evropian në Kosovë përmes nismës së RrGK-së “Ngritja e kapaciteteve dhe qëndrueshmërisë së OShC-ve: Avancimi i barazisë gjinore në mes të pandemisë COVID-19”.

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 Justice Strengthen Their Cooperation

31.03.2023

On Friday, March 31^st, Minister of Justice Albulena Haxhiu and Political Advisor Nazlije Bala visited the offices of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN).

During their meeting with the Program Director and Lead Research Nicole Farnsworth, the Manager of the Gender-Based Violence Addressing Program, Adelina Berisha and the Officer of the Program, Besarta Breznica, they discussed the importance of continuous cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and KWN, particularly regarding the fight against gender-based violence, as well as possibilities for future cooperation.

“We appreciate today’s reception and the continued cooperation. This cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and the Kosovo Women’s Network should be further strengthened and we should consider cooperating on things that we should address together in the future. We thank you for your continued cooperation”, Minister Haxhiu said.

KWN is committed to improving legislation related to gender-based violence and to ensure gender responsive budgeting, in cooperation with institutions. This commitment demonstrates KWN’s dedication to promoting gender justice and building an equal and just society.

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

UP Students Informed About the KWN’s Gender-Based Violence Addressing Program

31.03.2023

On Friday, March 31^st, Besarta Breznica, Gender-Based Violence Program Officer at the Kosovo Women’s Network, delivered a lecture to the students of the Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Social Work, at the University of Prishtina. During the lecture on “Gender-based violence in Kosovo”, Breznica presented KWN’s efforts in addressing gender-based violence, contribution to the amendment of numerous laws, and research and monitoring in this field.

Specifically, she explained to the students the legislation of Kosovo related to the protection of gender-based violence cases.

Responding to the interest of the students about the procedures that must be followed from reporting a case of violence up to the solving of the problem, Breznica also highlighted practical cases addressed by the institutions of Kosovo.

In this context, she did not leave without mentioning the sensitive gender approach.

One aspect that generated interest among the students was need for social workers who provide services to care for themselves, in order to avoid “occupational burnout” or as it is otherwise known, “professional burnout”.

Since last year, KWN has provided continuous trainings to workers of Shelter Centers in the regions of Kosovo, providing them with information on how to avoid aggravated emotional, physical and mental condition caused by excessive and prolonged stress at workplace.

KWN continuously treats and helps victims of domestic and gender-based violence.

KWN remains open to cooperation and assistance for gender-based violence victims through free legal counseling and referral to relevant institutions. If you need free legal assistance for gender-based violence cases, or know someone who does, contact us at: 038 245 850.

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 Holds Meetings with Its Partners to Coordinate the Institutionalization of Gender-Responsive Budgeting

30.03.2023

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has worked intensively towards coordinating with various relevant actors to promote gender equality and women’s rights in Kosovo. During February and March, KWN met with local and international partners to present the key pillars of KWN’s four-year new strategy, as well as to discuss partners’ progress and future plans in promoting gender-responsive budgeting in Kosovo.

KWN had the honor to talk with representatives of the Agency for Gender Equality in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Environment in Kosovo, the European Union in Kosovo, the Embassy of the United States in Kosovo, the GAP Institute, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), UN Women in Kosovo, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Kosovo.

The discussions were focused on responsible budgeting in Kosovo, important legal reforms, consultation with civil society, and opportunities for further institutionalization of responsible budgeting in the country.

More specifically, KWN discussed the importance of gender-responsive budgeting in relation to climate change, environmental protection, and the need for research in the country. KWN is taking steps to start research in Kosovo, in cooperation with relevant actors, using a methodology that is being developed this year with KWN’s partners in the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBRW). This initiative is part of a joint action supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (Sida).

KWN expresses its commitment to continuous dialogue and cooperation with relevant actors and partners to create a more inclusive and fairer society for all. Stakeholders and partners highly appreciated the efforts and dedication of the KWN for gender equality in Kosovo, expressing their readiness for coordination and continuous cooperation on the promotion of responsible gender budgeting, the field of the environment, as well as the promotion of gender equality in Kosovo.

KWN is happy to have the support of these relevant actors and will continue the coordination meetings working for further cooperation to ensure that women’s rights are protected and gender equality is achieved 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

Drita Vukshinaj – A Powerful Voice for Women and Persons with Disabilities

28.03.2023

“My father said ‘No, I don’t want my daughter to undergo surgery, and I don’t want anything bad to happen to her just because of the leg operation. However, I insisted, I was convinced that I had to stay in Belgrade, at the hospital, and have my leg operated on, four times in a row. That is exactly what happened, of course, with my insistence. I stayed alone in the hospital for 1 year and succeeded.

  These were the words of Drita Vukshinaj, and everything had happened after many struggles that she had encountered in a patriarchal mentality that did not allow her to treat her leg. She had fallen from a tree at the age of six. The injury and leg problems plagued her throughout her life. Initially, doctors in Kosovo had told her that the leg needed to be amputated.

Nevertheless, Drita Vukshinaj, at the age of 10, as a strong and spirited girl activist, took the initiative to undergo surgery in Belgrade, although her father opposed it, while her mother, who had supported her at that age, had left her on her own as she had passed away.

Moreover, today, on Tuesday, we will remember Drita, an indefatigable woman, a long-standing activist for women’s and human rights, who became a powerful voice particularly for people with disabilities. She set herself the goal of empowering and advancing the rights of people with disabilities and succeeded. All this came about because Drita herself had a disability. The challenges she faced pushed her to devote her life to fighting for the rights of other women with disabilities.

People with disabilities were excluded from society, but particularly in the period from 1989 to 2000, during which Drita never stopped organizing a series of activities, including courses against illiteracy, sewing courses, and many other activities, always carrying them out voluntarily. She was part of the team for registering people with disabilities in 78 villages in Prizren, a city where she also came from. This happened when Drita realized that there was an association called “Hendikos” that dealt with protection of PWDs’ rights.

Drita was always there for people with disabilities. She made door-to-door visits to women with disabilities who had been confined to their neighborhoods for their entire lives and enabled them to see Kosovo.

“I remember the year 2000 when I had a one-day trip all over Kosovo. I met a woman in her 50s and when we arrived in Prizren, after we had visited Pristina, Peja, Deçan, Prekaz and finally arrived in Prizren, her words were: ‘Even if I die now, I don’t want anything else, because I have never seen anything in my life except my neighborhood.”

In the course of her ongoing activism, Drita a woman who was tireless in her efforts felt that the voice of women with disabilities was not being heard enough. Thus, in 2012, she founded the organization “Shpresa dhe Ndërtesa”, a non-governmental organization that helped people with disabilities to integrate into society.

She has also been involved in initiatives aimed at promoting interethnic dialogue and reconciliation in the Balkans, through her work with the Balkan Network for Local Democracy and the European Women’s Lobby.

As recognition for her contributions to promoting human rights and social justice, Vukshinaj has received many awards and honors, including the US International Women of Courage Award in 2019. Drita Vukshinaj was known for her work in promoting human rights, women’s rights and social justice not only in Kosovo but also in the Balkan region.

Through her organization, she was a member of the Kosovo Women’s Network, and the KWN staff had the honor and pleasure of having a member like Drita Vukshinaj.

She enabled many women with disabilities to engage in activism through the Network. Those who knew Drita will always remember her as a courageous and determined woman who worked tirelessly to create space and opportunities for other women for their rights, including her own.

Drita Vukshinaj was born on March 10, 1954 and passed away on March 9, 2016 in Prizren, her hometown.

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

Elisabeth Kaestli, Swiss Women’s Rights Activist, Marks 25th Anniversary with Kosovo

25.03.2023

She came to Kosovo 25 years ago, and since then, Kosovo has occupied a special place in her heart. Elisabeth Kaestli, author, and women’s rights activist, is a powerful woman who, through her pen, brought stories that focus on women, the importance of advancing their rights, and the great role that a powerful woman plays in society.

She is visiting Kosovo these days to mark the 25th anniversary of her arrival in Kosovo, together with the women activists she met in 1998, but also with other friends she has made during the different periods in which she has stayed in Kosovo.

“For the first time, I came to Kosovo in November 1998 when I was working as a journalist for a Swiss press office specialised in dealing with refugees. At that time, I had been in Bosnia, Croatia, and then came to Kosovo. The war had just begun here. It was very impressive for me to be in such a situation. I was traveling in Kosovo with the convoy (of the Humanitarian Association) “Mother Teresa”, and at that time, I met Igballe [Igo] Rogova, Latife Neziri, and other women who helped refugees.”

In addition to the aggravated situation due to the war, Elisabeth was also interested in the lives of women in Kosovo, particularly those whose husbands, fathers and brothers were in exile and who themselves took care of supporting the family.

“I realised that there are many women in Kosovo whose husbands worked in Switzerland. I wanted to analyse the lives of these women,” explained the former journalist, who decided to write the book Women in Kosovo.”

As we spoke about her experiences and efforts to advance the rights of women and girls in Switzerland and Kosovo, she told an interesting story.

“In 1998, I met a Swiss colleague in Kosovo, who told me “this patriarchy in Kosovo will never change”. I told him it will change even faster than in Switzerland. And indeed, [it] was proven, and he was wrong. I understood that the fight for women’’s rights in Kosovo was the same as what we had done in Switzerland when I was young. But, I think that the rights were achieved here faster than there,” said Elisabeth.

In her accounts of her time spent in Kosovo decades ago, Elisabeth recalled the first visit she made to Has region of Kosovo together with the Association for Women and Girls’ Education “Motrat Qiriazi”.

“I remember when I came for the first time after the war in 1999, a women’’s center was opened in the region of Has. I went there with Igo, and we saw that the hillside was full not only of women but also of men. We in Switzerland had not invited men. It seemed funny to me, but Igo told me, ‘’If the men support us, then we will work freely with the women’.’ I realised that this was a very wise step and a very good strategy,” she said.

While we were drinking coffee in one of Pristina, the capital’’s, restaurants, I asked her if the red clothes she was wearing were related to the Kosovo Women’’s Network (KWN) campaign, to wear red shoes, or something red, every Tuesday to show solidarity among women and girls.

“Yes, exactly. Yesterday I was at KWN and found out about this initiative; that’’s why I wore red because I think that solidarity among women is very important. We should support each other, not criticize, because in this way, we strengthen the role of women in society. If we don’t support each other, men won’t either. So, we have to start,” said Elisabeth, who was among the first people to become an individual supporter of KWN. Moreover, she has promoted KWN widely and raised funds for KWN’s work.

Elisabeth also has written other books about Kosovo: “Seven brothers, seven sisters – a Kosovar family around the world” and “Ditches and Bridges: Friendships in the Balkans Before and After the Wars – Sixteen Portraits.” She wrote the latter after hearing a moving story about two friends of two different ethnicities. When the war broke out, they were forced to take different sides, becoming sworn enemies. However, years later, when the conflict was over, one of their mutual friends suggested they meet again. They hesitated at first, but in the end, they agreed. When they met, they realised they had more in common than they thought and rekindled their friendship.

Elisabeth heard countless stories like this and realised that the reality of life is much more complex than the black and white model often portrayed in the media. Through her storytelling, Elisabeth was able to connect people across ethnic lines and bring them together. She showed that despite conflicts and disagreements, there is still hope for peace and reconciliation.

KWN expresses our deep gratitude for Elisabeth Kaestli’s many years of support to women in Kosovo, and to KWN.

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

NGO Vita Jeta Informed Over 700 People About Health Care and Diabetes Prevention

24.03.2023

“Between April 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023, over 700 individuals became aware of their health conditions and women’s rights to healthcare, thanks to the initiative of Vita-Jeta, a member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN). The project, called “Covid-19 and Diabetes in the Elderly,” has also impacted the understanding of public officials on this topic.

As a result, 3-5 public officials, 500 women and girls, and 200 men have been informed about women’s rights to healthcare, reporting mechanisms, and documentation of violations of women’s rights in healthcare. Additionally, the campaign has raised awareness through social networks, reaching 20,000 women, girls, boys, and men about their rights in healthcare.”

Furthermore, on March 10, a training session was held on the impact of the pandemic and diabetes on the elderly, as well as women’s rights in healthcare. During this training, the women were taught about various topics related to diabetes, including its types and impacts on human health.

They also learned about the features, symptoms, and signs of diabetes in the elderly, as well as sugar levels in the elderly, women, and men and the reasons for their increase. Additionally, the participants received information about the diagnosis and complications of diabetes.

After lecturing on these topics, internist Valbona Bajraktari emphasized the importance of raising awareness about diabetes among people and their family members.

“With this contribution, I try to be as close as possible to women and the population, given that diabetes is the most widespread disease in the world… Every day, I see that people are becoming more knowledgeable, and family members are also becoming more informed through phone and social networks,” she said.

During the training, social medicine specialist Pranvera Krasniqi spoke to the participating women about the health and social challenges of aging, including the differences in health due to gender and the risk factors for mass non-contagious diseases. She stressed that a healthy lifestyle should be adopted from a young age to ensure healthy aging and to stay active for longer.

“However, it is necessary to focus on modifiable health factors such as lifestyle, physical activity, stress management, and so on to improve health,” advised Krasniqi. The importance of this training was also emphasized by Mimoza Nuhiu Ajeti, executive director of the Vita Jeta association. “This is how awareness is slowly raised,” said Nuhiu Ajeti.

NGO Vita-Life carried out this activity as a beneficiary of the grant from the 17th Round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, through the initiative of the KWN “Enhancing the Capacities and Resilience of CSO’s: Furthering Gender Equality Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic,” which is financed by the Office of the European Union in Kosovo.

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Have Hope – A Second Home for Those Affected by Breast Cancer

23.03.2023

“Love life as I have loved it and I love it. To surrender is the easiest thing, but the battle is difficult.” These are the words of Arnisa Osmani, a breast cancer survivor.

On March 22, she inaugurated the offices of her organization called Have Hope, through which she aims to inspire and support cancer survivors in Kosovo.

“As a cancer survivor, I have experienced firsthand the emotional and physical toll of this devastating disease. However, along my journey, I have also discovered the incredible power of hope and perseverance. I founded Have Hope with the goal of sharing my story and providing a support system for others who are fighting similar battles,” Osmani says of Have Hope, which is a KWN member organization.

Through the organization, Osmani aims to provide resources and guidance to cancer patients and their families, as well as inspire and uplift those who may be struggling with their own battles.

In an interview with KWN, Arnisa Osmani said that the Have Hope center will be a meeting place where women affected by cancer can come together, talk, and consult with doctors, psychologists, and other women who can serve as motivating examples for them. Their goal is to show how to love life and how to fight for it.

“We all wanted to avoid being attacked by cancer, but the number of cases is increasing day by day. There are women who have nowhere to turn, so this center serves as a door and a second home where all women affected by breast cancer can come. There will be doctors and psychologists available, and they can also talk to me as a survivor of this disease,” she said.

The organization already has about 80 members, and the doors of the office are open to other women as well. Osmani says membership is free.

The reason for the Have Hope organization, as Osmani explains, is not only to spread awareness because most women already receive ample information about the disease, especially during the month of October, but also to focus on providing medical and psychological advice that those affected by cancer need.

There is also a Facebook and Instagram page for the Have Hope organization, where there will be constant information about the organization and the work being done.

KWN constantly supports member organizations in increasing their capacities, fighting gender stereotypes, and achieving gender equality in education, economy, politics, decision-making, and access to healthcare.

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