Partners Kosova Establishes the Women’s Advocates Group in Dragash

02.02.2022

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Partners Kosova Center for Conflict Management (Partners K), on January 28 held an advocacy meeting with the Mayor of Dragash and other institutional representatives.

This meeting carries a special weight as the Dragash Women’s Advocacy Group was introduced.

Shukrije Gashi, Executive Director, Partners K, and Hilmije Ramabaja, Project Manager, Partners K, presented the demands of women towards increasing their participation in politics and decision-making processes in this municipality.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Mayor of this municipality, Behxhet Xheladini, pledged to use all opportunities for the realization of these needs.

“I encourage women and girls to apply for decision-making positions in various departments of the municipality, knowing that many of them have the necessary experience and education for senior decision-making positions,” said she.

Whereas, Lindita Kozmaqi Piraj, Gender Equality Officer in the Municipality of Dragash praised the establishment of this advocacy group.

“The establishment of this advocacy group of women, as well as its empowerment needs the building of various professional capacities and with continuous support from Partners Kosovo for the implementation of relevant activities,” she said.

She also went on to say:

“We are fortunate to have you and KWN. Together we made possible the establishment of the Women’s Advocacy Group and we wish to gave your support in our further activities to advance gender equality.”

The activities of this initiative are funded by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo, through the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund.

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“Gruaja Fermere” Raises Awareness of Rahovec Pupils About the Importance of Sex Education

28.01.2022

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), “Gruaja Fermere” has continued lectures on sex education with primary school students within the initiative “Sexual education for youth”.

During January, a total of three lectures in Rahovec and one in Krusha e Madhe were held. 104 students aged 12-17 (52 girls and 52 boys), had the opportunity to attend the lecture of Dr. Florije Kafexhiu about reproductive health, family planning, unwanted pregnancies, and adolescent health.

After conversations with students, the subject of sex education in primary schools was considered more than necessary. The students also expressed the need for a center within the school that serves for counseling and providing the necessary information.

This initiative, benefiting from the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, is funded by the Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency, through the Swedish Embassy in Pristina, within the KWN initiative “Advancing Further on Women’s Rights in Kosovo II”.

In addition to this organization, KWN’s other member organization “Gruaja Hyjnore” is working toward raising awareness of students about sexual harassment and early reporting. HERE you can read about one of her recent activities.

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KWN and EWLA Co-host Workshop with KWN Members on Disability Rights and Gender in Kosovo

27.01.2022

On January 27, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and the European Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) co-hosted the workshop “Disability Rights and Gender in Kosovo”. 

On this occasion, the practical and legal aspects of implementing the rights of women with disabilities as well as opportunities to improve this situation were discussed with KWN member organizations that focus on the rights of women with disabilities. 

EWLA experts Katharina Miller, president, and Sylvia Cleff Le Divellec discussed discrimination in their countries as well as conferred about what needs to be done to combat multiple forms of gender inequalities present in Kosovo. 

As this collaboration enters its fourth year, Miller has again highly appreciated the opportunity to share their experience with KWN members, not leaving aside the lessons they learn from these fruitful discussions.  

“As in the past, it is a pleasure for us to hear from KWN and member organizations. Today we will share many important things together, and we will certainly learn from you, your experiences, challenges and successes”, she said, among other things. 

During 2020, KWN and EWLA hosted a four-day workshop on “Equal Rights and Gender Equality for Women and Men in Kosovo”. Here, KWN member organizations, members of the Lobby for Gender Equality and the Coalition for Equality along with KWN staff, discussed how to advocate for change and the EU accession process, especially from a gender perspective. 

HERE you can read more about this workshop. 

This activity was held as a part of the “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics” four-year long initiative, supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo. 

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“Okarina e Runikut” Advocates for Women’s Empowerment in Politics in the Local Level

25.01.2022

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) “Okarina e Runikut” during January has continued the activities undertaken within the four-month initiative “Women’s Empowerment in Politics and Decision Making”, supported by the 15th round of the Fund of Kosovo Women (FGK). 

In the meeting held on January 8 in the Municipality of Mitrovica, the representative of this organization, Luljeta Peci met with representatives of the Municipal Assembly, as well as activists and local organizations that work to strengthen women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes. 

The Chairperson of the Municipal Assembly, Vesa Broja, said that the women and girls of this municipality need institutional support. 

Also, during the meeting, the parties agreed on the drafting of a concept paper through which the issue of equal participation of women in local level politics will be further addressed. 

An important part of this discussion were also the representatives of political parties, who unanimously pledged to promote Gender Responsive Budgeting, starting from the municipal instances. 

Whereas, on January 14, “Okarina e Runikut” sent recommendations to the Municipal Assembly of Mitrovica, regarding the importance of gender equality at the local level. 

Some of the recommendations are as follows: 

  • Women and men to be equally represented (50/50) in the local government elections; 
  • The Gender Equality Committee should be transformed into a Gender Equality Advisory Committee, in order for civil society to participate; 
  • The Municipality should draft a Strategy for Gender Equality in general terms, and / or draft a Strategy for Women in the Committee on Economy and Development; 
  • Make a document-analysis of gender responsive budgeting of all directorates in the Municipality of Mitrovica; and 
  • Allocate sufficient budget for the Office for Gender Equality, in cooperation with local organizations for women’s rights. 

This initiative was made possible thanks to the support received from the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo, through the KWN initiative “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics”. 

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30 Grants Awarded as Part of the Regional Action “Furthering Gender Equality through the EU Accession Process”

24.01.2022

As part of the regional Action “Furthering Gender Equality through the EU Accession Process”, Reactor – Research in Action and implementing partners, including here the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), have awarded a total of 30 grants to civil society organizations (CSOs) from 6 countries (North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina), amounting to € 409.744.  

The awarded projects, amounting up to 15.000 euros per grant, that will be implemented in the following 18 months, will tackle issues regarding gender equality, advancing the position of women in all segments of life. 

CSOs in the region that will receive grants include: 

Albania: 

  • Together for life 
  • ALTRI – Albanian Legal and Territorial Research Institite  
  • “Qendra e Gruas “”Hapa te Lehte”” / Women Center “”Light Steps”””  
  • “Ne Dobi Te Komunitetit / Useful to women, communities and people in need SH.D.F.K.SH.P” 
  • Albanian Women in Audiovisual – AWA  
  • Gender Alliance for Development Centre 

Bosnia and Herzegovina: 

  • Center to Support Organizations “Censor”  
  • United Women Foundation Banja Luka  
  • CURE Fondation   
  • Roma women Association “Bolja buducnost” city of Tuzla  

Kosovo: 

  • Gruaja Hyjnore  
  • Minority communities center  
  • EcoKosWomen – EKW  
  • Committee of Blind Women of Kosovo  
  • Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture – ACDC  

North Macedonia 

  • Helsinki Committee for Human Rights  
  • Glasen Tekstilec 
  • Finance Think  
  • Rural Coalition  
  • Humanitarno Zdruzenie “Majka” 
  • Women’s Organization of Strumica 

Montenegro 

  • “Savez slijepih Crne Gore / Union of the blind of Montenegro”  
  • Montenegrin LGBTIQ Association – Queer Montenegro 
  • Institute Alternative (IA)  
  • “Zenska Alijansa za Razvoj / Women’s Alliance for Development”  
  • Association Spectra  
  • Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro  

Serbia 

  • “Fondacija ARKA / Foundation ARKA”  
  • “Drustvo za Razvoj Kreativnosti / Association for Development of Creativity”  
  • A 11 – Initiative for Economic and Social Rights  

The financial support to local (W)CSOs through this sub-granting initiative aims at: (1) enhancing the capacities of CSOs to engage more effectively with governments, EUD/EUO and other CSOs in the region, while making these actors more aware of the gender dimensions of the EU Accession process and of their importance and agency; (2) improving accountability of governments and EUD/EUO in implementing their commitments to gender equality and women’s rights during these processes. 

The grant recipients were selected from a total of 96 applicants, based on an established criteria. The Grant Review Committee was comprised of member representatives of implementing partner organizations in the Action, including: Reactor – Research in Action from North Macedonia,  Kosovo Women’s Network from Kosovo, AWEN – Albanian Women Empowerment Network from Albania, Rights for All from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Women’s Rights Center from Montenegro and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation from Sweden through its North Macedonia office.  

The Action “Furthering Gender Equality through the EU Accession Process” centers around enhancing regional cooperation of women’s civil society organizations (WCSOs), research and gender analyses for informing policies, evidence-based advocacy and monitoring reforms related to EU Accession aimed at furthering gender equality in the Western Balkans region through the EU Accession Process. This project is funded by the European Union and co-funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). 

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Humanus Vita Continues Awareness-raising of Youth on Sexual Harassment and Importance of Reporting

13.01.2022

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has continued the activities undertaken within the initiative benefiting from the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) “Raising awareness among youth about sexual harassment and assaults and the importance of early reporting”.

During December 2021, Humanus Vita held information sessions with women, as well as door-to-door meetings to raise awareness and knowledge of young people about recognizing sexual harassment and fighting them uncompromisingly.

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Moreover, during January, Humanus Vita held information sessions with the youth of the Gymnasium “Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu” in Drenas. On this occasion, in addition to the students’ interest in participating in these sessions was high, they valued this as an opportunity to learn more about this very important issue for their well-being.

In particular, students appreciated that these sessions helped them recognize the ways to report sexual harassment and helplines for this.

During the first sessions of this initiative, Humanus Vita held awareness lectures at the Technical High School “Fehmi Lladrovci” in Drenas, where it was discussed with students about their perception of harassment and sexual harassment.

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HERE you can read more about this lecture.

This initiative of “Humanus Vita” is supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), through KWN’s “Further Advancement of Women’s Rights in Kosovo II” initiative, co-financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), through the Swedish Embassy in Prishtina.

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Handikos Mitrovica Successfully Completes Their Initiative On Reproductive Health Of Women With Disabilities

11.01.2022

During the three months of implementation of the initiative “Reproductive health and sexual education of women and girls with disabilities in the municipality of Mitrovica“, Handikos Mitrovica held trainings, film screenings and various debates in order to improve the knowledge and capacities of girls and women with disabilities over their rights to health care.

During October and November 2021, Handikos Mitrovica held two trainings with members of the organization for the awareness of young women and women with disabilities on reproductive health, sex education, as well as on the differences between gender and sex.

“Sexually Transmitted Infections and their Prevention”, “Prevention of Early Pregnancy” and “Access to Health Institutions and Sexual Health Information” were some of the topics covered during the five-day training with young women.

“These trainings are a good opportunity to get a lot of knowledge about our health”, said one of the participants in this training.

In December 2021, as part of this initiative, Handikos Mitrovica held screenings of two films with over 40 participants. After the screening, a debate was held with relevant institutions on access to health services for people with disabilities in this municipality.

Myrvete Hasani, Director of Handikos Mitrovica, Dr. Luljeta Zhubi Director of Mitrovica Hospital and Dr. Sanije Klinaku-Nimoni from the Main Family Medicine Center in Mitrovica were panelists during this debate.

Awareness raising was considered as one of the key pillars for guaranteeing social and institutional support for people with disabilities.

Klinaku-Nimoni pledged that MFMC will work to improve conditions for people with disabilities.

“The Main Family Medicine Center in Mitrovica has engaged mobile teams for care and health checks for people who do not have the opportunity to go to the relevant institutions to perform them,” she said, among other things.

This initiative is supported by the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with co-financing from the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (Sida), through the Swedish Embassy in Pristina, as part of the KWN’s “Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo II” initiative.

READ ALSO: “Handikos Mitrovica” Holds Training On Reproductive Health

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KWN Demands Maximum Sentence for the Murder of the Woman by her Husband in Llausha

05.01.2022

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The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) with deep concern has followed the report made today by the media regarding the murder of a 48 years old woman with the initials L.Q., by her husband S.Q, .51 years old, in Llausha of Skenderaj.

Seeing that murder cases of women by their husbands are on the rise, KWN urges institutions to take such cases with increasing seriousness by all justice bodies such as the Police, Prosecution, and Courts.

This case only reveals and reminds us once again of the institutional shortcomings in the proper treatment of murders of women and femicide. One more woman got murdered in the country; murders of women are being accompanied with institutional silence, procrastination and low sentences.

Therefore, KWN requests an investigation of this case until the last trial and requests a maximum sentence against the murderer.

The successive murders of so many show that the actions and decisions of the judiciary are not effective in preventing the murder of women and these actions and decisions are only motivating the perpetrators even more, while demotivating women and girls to seek justice and to report cases of violence.

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KVGK Trains Blind People on Spatial Skills

05.01.2022

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) member organizations are continuing their commitment to empowering the community of people with disabilities. In the wake of this effort, Blind Women of Kosova Committee (KGVK) held spatial learning and mobility training for 30 blind and visually impaired people.

Through these trainings, the participants were trained to perform their daily activities such as: using the white stick indoors and outdoors, overcoming obstacles, climbing stairs, opening the door, and others.

Trainer Shasime Xhaferi, thanking KWN for supporting these activities, said that the participants were very interested.

“I noticed love and willingness to learn how to use the white stick in both the theoretical and practical part of the training. Therefore, I tried to transmit my knowledge as best as possible to the participants “, she said.

Participant Betim Bregovina appreciates the knowledge gained in these trainings, and raises the need for more such activities.

“I did very well in training, but due to the ongoing challenges, I would like to have several months of training for us,” he said.

Even for the participant Mevlyde Emini the training was very useful.

“I am very pleased because our coach did her best to convey her knowledge as well as possible. Using the white stick is vital knowledge for us, and for our community it is an essential skill,” she said.

In addition to these trainings, the KGVK is working on audio-recording of the literature for the Psychology department at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Prishtina, and will advocate for these recordings to be included as official documents of this faculty.

KGVK is carrying out these activities thanks to the organizational support received from the 16th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, funded by the Sigrid Rausing Trust.

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Activist Shukrije Gashi: Despite the Difficulties, KWN Supported Women’s Empowerment in Various Fields

31.12.2021

Shukrije Gashi, Executive Director of Partners Kosova Center for Conflict Management (Partners K) concludes the list of activists that the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has brought to readers this year.

Shukrije Gashi [or Shuki as her friends warmly call her] started her activism in difficult political circumstances, when Kosovo was not yet an independent state and human rights were subject to violation, whilst lately, during the 19th Annual Membership Meeting of KWN, she was honoured with the “Sevdije Ahmeti” Award, an award that KWN has been awarding for four years now in honour of the late activist Sevdije Ahmeti (1944-2016).

In this article, she talks about her activism, the cooperation she has had over the years with KWN, and the feminist movement over the decades.

Beginnings of Gashi’s Activism and her Challenges

At the beginning of our conversation, by describing the early period of activism, she reminds us that she grew up in a family known for its national activities and a will for gender equality.

“I have been known as a rebel since the elementary school benches, by writing essays against the regime of the time. The teacher of Albanian language, Ms. Gjylije Ibrani, on the occasion of handling my essay wherein instead of writing about the liberation day of Yugoslavia, I chose to write about the National Flag Day, and the way how Albanian women and girls were proudly celebrating it on the streets of Pristina. Since Ms. Ibrani was a great patriot, she did not report me to the Director; instead at the end of the class she kept me in classroom and proposed that I bring my father to have a talk with her. In my presence, they talked about the need for me not to take such actions so as not to harm either the teacher or the family.”

Gashi further states that at that time the opportunities to act or demonstrate a different opinion were very limited.

As a student at the Faculty of Law, she has been engaged in the Movement for the Republic of Kosovo within the Yugoslav Federation. Even then, Gashi often clashed with her peers and professors on the women’s rights.

“On April 26, 1983, I was imprisoned and sentenced to two years of imprisonment. Even while I was in prison, I never neglected my efforts for gender equality. On the contrary, I have strongly advocated that we girls and women prisoners should not waste our time, but prepare to make efforts to achieve the gender equality within the struggle for national equality, by becoming part of the Movements of the time.”, she recalls this event dating four decades ago.

She recalls a moment that she will never forget during the time in prison.

“When I was imprisoned, I wore a military shirt, in which I painted the portrait of singer Janis Joplin, an American rock star, performer and songwriter of rock and blues songs. She has been the symbol of my ideal. And when I was questioned by UDB (Serbian Secret Service) inspectors, they did not understand, in particular, the sarcasm of the message of her song “Mercedes Benz”? So, my activism has been profound and moulded with cultural and artistic knowledge. In addition to the national knowledge”

Gashi recalls that there are also many other similar situations. However, as shown in this article, Gashi, even after being imprisoned and facing challenges, did not give up, instead she continued decades of work and activism, by always carrying on her shoulders the features of a rebellious feminist.

Gender Equality Then and Today

Compared to today, she recalls, the movement for gender equality as a need, feeling and encouragement was much stronger then.

“There were women and girls as well as boys and men who supported the movement by finding forms such as the involvement of girls and women in the national movements of that time. I can freely say that the boys of that time “the comrades of the illegal movement” have been very careful and considerably involved in advocating for our engagement in the Movement, especially for creating equal space for women and girls in society.”

She assesses that unfortunately today, even though the circumstances and laws have changed and are in favour of the realization of women’s rights, “the approach is sometimes nuanced and retrograde and disadvantages women, which is reflected with severe gender-based violence and murder.”

The Value of Cooperation with KWN

During her journey for women’s rights, Gashi has collaborated with KWN for a long time and she has also been a member of the Board for a term. Today she highly appreciates the role of KWN and its members over the years in advancing for women’s rights.

“I have worked with KWN for a long time, since the establishment of the Network, because I have closely known the work and leadership, in particular Igo [Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of KWN]. I have also known many hardworking women and men over the years, including Ms. Sevdije Ahmeti and her work since 1987.

Later, she also got to know from close Sevdije Ahmeti’s collaborator, Vjosa Dobruna, who has together with Ahmeti made an extraordinary contribution to gender equality.

“There are also many other women, such as Aferdita Saraqini, Velentina Saraqini, Edita Tahiri, Hamide Latifi and many other women. Then, there are also other younger women of the 90s- Eli Krasniqi and Eli Gashi, and others.”

While speaking about the contribution of activists, Gashi says:

“I knew Igballe Rogova, together with the theatre actress, Safete Rogova and teacher Marta Prekpalaj, even before the last war in Kosovo; I know about the work which they have done for women and their education in Zymë i Hasit and the Hasjani population through the “Motrat Qiriazi” Association. She further highly appreciates the activism of Nicole Fransworth, KWN Program Director, Lead Researcher.

In this period, together with Mrs. Naxhije Buçinca, a long-time activist of the LDK Women’s Forum, Ms. Xheraldina Vula, an activist and co-founder of TV21, Ms. Sevdije Ahmeti, Ms. Safete Rugova and other women she has established the “Association of Creative Women of Kosovo.”

She believes that KWN’s role has been to build a safe environment for interaction through mutual communication and active listening.

“KWN had a platform where women and girls could speak out about their needs and interests for gender equality and inclusion. Where women and girls could be equipped with the knowledge and skills to better articulate their needs, in order to participate in decision-making processes and in public appearances.”

According to Gashi, KWN’s role has been and is still multiple. Below, she lists some of KWN’s contributions.

“Drafting of Laws, strategies and Action Plans for Gender Equality and inclusion in support of local and international legal frameworks. Raising women’s professional skills in line with the actions of distinguished worldwide women leaders for equality. Equipping women and girls with business skills to become equal in a competitive and quality market, through the allocation of grants and the provision of trainings to member organizations, but also to civil society organizations in general.”

She recalls that there has been progress but sometimes also decline, due to political developments, given that Kosovo has been under the management of the UN and its agencies, which according to her, have not always had a constructive approach due to the prejudicial status of Kosovo in Resolution 1244.

“Nevertheless, KWN, by acting and involving hardworking women around it, and time to time men as well, has managed, despite the difficulties, to support the empowerment of women in various fields. KWN is distinguished also for its “in shadow” advocacy role for Kosovo and its internationalization, namely the role of supporting Peaceful movements for human and gender equality,” she said.

When recalling the history of the women’s movement, Gashi assesses that major changes could not be imagined or recorded without KWN’s strong participation and support at various times.

“In particular, in the time period after 2004. The protests of the people and women against the four-point document, six-point document of UN Mission, as well as the Movements for changes. Support and internationalization of the Serbian regime’s state violence against women during the war and later as a result of patriarchy. Equipping of Kosovo with an Anti-Discrimination Legal Framework.”

The Significance of the “Sevdije Ahmeti” Award

Finally, during the 19th Annual Membership Meeting, Gashi received the “Sevdije Ahmeti” Award, which she highly appreciates.

“Many thanks to the Membership and KWN, which honoured me with such a special award. Sevdije Ahmeti created an era in the field of equality and gender rights in Kosovo and beyond in the international arena. For decades, she never stopped being a worthy and dignified fighter for national rights and gender equality; because she knew that none of these universal human rights could make or affect substantive changes as separate.”

For her, this award is an additional obligation to never forget that she is a woman and that her first mission is to strongly support women, not only at national but also at international level, whenever it is necessary, and not only by words but also by concrete commitment.

When we talk about the awards appreciating Gashi’s work, we recall that in 2006 she received an award for commitment to gender rights and equality from the John B. Krock Institute – University of San Diego, after having been chosen among the four women of the world selected for the “Woman Peace Makers 2006” Award. For more details see the link KËTU.

“Finally, I thank the Network and the Membership, the Board and all those women working in the Network, and the members and donors for their generosity in supporting KWN and KWN Leadership for pushing forward women’s causes for equality and gender inclusion,” she said.

Gashi closes this interview by wishing a very happy new 2022 year to everyone.

Activist Shukrije Gashi: Despite the Difficulties, KWN Supported Women’s Empowerment in Various Fields

Shukrije Gashi, Executive Director of Partners Kosova Center for Conflict Management (Partners K) concludes the list of activists that the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has brought to readers this year.

Shukrije Gashi [or Shuki as her friends warmly call her] started her activism in difficult political circumstances, when Kosovo was not yet an independent state and human rights were subject to violation, whilst lately, during the 19th Annual Membership Meeting of KWN, she was honoured with the “Sevdije Ahmeti” Award, an award that KWN has been awarding for four years now in honour of the late activist Sevdije Ahmeti (1944-2016).

In this article, she talks about her activism, the cooperation she has had over the years with KWN, and the feminist movement over the decades.

Beginnings of Gashi’s Activism and her Challenges

At the beginning of our conversation, by describing the early period of activism, she reminds us that she grew up in a family known for its national activities and a will for gender equality.

“I have been known as a rebel since the elementary school benches, by writing essays against the regime of the time. The teacher of Albanian language, Ms. Gjylije Ibrani, on the occasion of handling my essay wherein instead of writing about the liberation day of Yugoslavia, I chose to write about the National Flag Day, and the way how Albanian women and girls were proudly celebrating it on the streets of Pristina. Since Ms. Ibrani was a great patriot, she did not report me to the Director; instead at the end of the class she kept me in classroom and proposed that I bring my father to have a talk with her. In my presence, they talked about the need for me not to take such actions so as not to harm either the teacher or the family.”

Gashi further states that at that time the opportunities to act or demonstrate a different opinion were very limited.

As a student at the Faculty of Law, she has been engaged in the Movement for the Republic of Kosovo within the Yugoslav Federation. Even then, Gashi often clashed with her peers and professors on the women’s rights.

“On April 26, 1983, I was imprisoned and sentenced to two years of imprisonment. Even while I was in prison, I never neglected my efforts for gender equality. On the contrary, I have strongly advocated that we girls and women prisoners should not waste our time, but prepare to make efforts to achieve the gender equality within the struggle for national equality, by becoming part of the Movements of the time.”, she recalls this event dating four decades ago.

She recalls a moment that she will never forget during the time in prison.

“When I was imprisoned, I wore a military shirt, in which I painted the portrait of singer Janis Joplin, an American rock star, performer and songwriter of rock and blues songs. She has been the symbol of my ideal. And when I was questioned by UDB (Serbian Secret Service) inspectors, they did not understand, in particular, the sarcasm of the message of her song “Mercedes Benz”? So, my activism has been profound and moulded with cultural and artistic knowledge. In addition to the national knowledge”

Gashi recalls that there are also many other similar situations. However, as shown in this article, Gashi, even after being imprisoned and facing challenges, did not give up, instead she continued decades of work and activism, by always carrying on her shoulders the features of a rebellious feminist.

Gender Equality Then and Today

Compared to today, she recalls, the movement for gender equality as a need, feeling and encouragement was much stronger then.

“There were women and girls as well as boys and men who supported the movement by finding forms such as the involvement of girls and women in the national movements of that time. I can freely say that the boys of that time “the comrades of the illegal movement” have been very careful and considerably involved in advocating for our engagement in the Movement, especially for creating equal space for women and girls in society.”

She assesses that unfortunately today, even though the circumstances and laws have changed and are in favour of the realization of women’s rights, “the approach is sometimes nuanced and retrograde and disadvantages women, which is reflected with severe gender-based violence and murder.”

The Value of Cooperation with KWN

During her journey for women’s rights, Gashi has collaborated with KWN for a long time and she has also been a member of the Board for a term. Today she highly appreciates the role of KWN and its members over the years in advancing for women’s rights.

“I have worked with KWN for a long time, since the establishment of the Network, because I have closely known the work and leadership, in particular Igo [Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of KWN]. I have also known many hardworking women and men over the years, including Ms. Sevdije Ahmeti and her work since 1987.

Later, she also got to know from close Sevdije Ahmeti’s collaborator, Vjosa Dobruna, who has together with Ahmeti made an extraordinary contribution to gender equality.

“There are also many other women, such as Aferdita Saraqini, Velentina Saraqini, Edita Tahiri, Hamide Latifi and many other women. Then, there are also other younger women of the 90s- Eli Krasniqi and Eli Gashi, and others.”

While speaking about the contribution of activists, Gashi says:

“I knew Igballe Rogova, together with the theatre actress, Safete Rogova and teacher Marta Prekpalaj, even before the last war in Kosovo; I know about the work which they have done for women and their education in Zymë i Hasit and the Hasjani population through the “Motrat Qiriazi” Association. She further highly appreciates the activism of Nicole Fransworth, KWN Program Director, Lead Researcher.

In this period, together with Mrs. Naxhije Buçinca, a long-time activist of the LDK Women’s Forum, Ms. Xheraldina Vula, an activist and co-founder of TV21, Ms. Sevdije Ahmeti, Ms. Safete Rugova and other women she has established the “Association of Creative Women of Kosovo.”

She believes that KWN’s role has been to build a safe environment for interaction through mutual communication and active listening.

“KWN had a platform where women and girls could speak out about their needs and interests for gender equality and inclusion. Where women and girls could be equipped with the knowledge and skills to better articulate their needs, in order to participate in decision-making processes and in public appearances.”

According to Gashi, KWN’s role has been and is still multiple. Below, she lists some of KWN’s contributions.

“Drafting of Laws, strategies and Action Plans for Gender Equality and inclusion in support of local and international legal frameworks. Raising women’s professional skills in line with the actions of distinguished worldwide women leaders for equality. Equipping women and girls with business skills to become equal in a competitive and quality market, through the allocation of grants and the provision of trainings to member organizations, but also to civil society organizations in general.”

She recalls that there has been progress but sometimes also decline, due to political developments, given that Kosovo has been under the management of the UN and its agencies, which according to her, have not always had a constructive approach due to the prejudicial status of Kosovo in Resolution 1244.

“Nevertheless, KWN, by acting and involving hardworking women around it, and time to time men as well, has managed, despite the difficulties, to support the empowerment of women in various fields. KWN is distinguished also for its “in shadow” advocacy role for Kosovo and its internationalization, namely the role of supporting Peaceful movements for human and gender equality,” she said.

When recalling the history of the women’s movement, Gashi assesses that major changes could not be imagined or recorded without KWN’s strong participation and support at various times.

“In particular, in the time period after 2004. The protests of the people and women against the four-point document, six-point document of UN Mission, as well as the Movements for changes. Support and internationalization of the Serbian regime’s state violence against women during the war and later as a result of patriarchy. Equipping of Kosovo with an Anti-Discrimination Legal Framework.”

The Significance of the “Sevdije Ahmeti” Award

Finally, during the 19th Annual Membership Meeting, Gashi received the “Sevdije Ahmeti” Award, which she highly appreciates.

“Many thanks to the Membership and KWN, which honoured me with such a special award. Sevdije Ahmeti created an era in the field of equality and gender rights in Kosovo and beyond in the international arena. For decades, she never stopped being a worthy and dignified fighter for national rights and gender equality; because she knew that none of these universal human rights could make or affect substantive changes as separate.”

For her, this award is an additional obligation to never forget that she is a woman and that her first mission is to strongly support women, not only at national but also at international level, whenever it is necessary, and not only by words but also by concrete commitment.

When we talk about the awards appreciating Gashi’s work, we recall that in 2006 she received an award for commitment to gender rights and equality from the Institute for Peace & Justice Joan B. Kroc – University of San Diego, after having been chosen among the four women of the world selected for the “Woman Peace Makers 2006” Award. For more details see the link KËTU.

“Finally, I thank the Network and the Membership, the Board and all those women working in the Network, and the members and donors for their generosity in supporting KWN and KWN Leadership for pushing forward women’s causes for equality and gender inclusion,” she said.

Gashi closes this interview by wishing a very happy new 2022 year to everyone.

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