Kosovo Women's Network

KWN and KLI Hold Workshop with Trade Unions on Gender-based Discrimination and its Reporting

24.12.2021

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) in cooperation with the Kosovo Law Institute (KLI) held a workshop on the 26th of November, on the legal framework and mechanisms for reporting cases of gender-based discrimination in the labor market in Kosovo.

This workshop informed labor unions more about KWN’s research findings “Gender-Based Discrimination and Labour in Kosovo”, as well as the legal framework on gender-based discrimination.

Adelina Tërshani, KWN Project Coordinator, said the research shows the various forms of discrimination that women face in the labor market.

“Women are asked in job interviews about family planning and this is one of the most pronounced forms of discrimination. Career promotion is also quite problematic because some emphasize that X type of work is only for men and often women do not get promoted for these reasons,” she added.

During the workshop, trade union representatives discussed best practices for preventing gender-based discrimination in the labor market.

Zjavere Keqmezi from the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Kosovo emphasized that women face a lot of discrimination in their workplace.

“One of the topics that should be talked about the most is sexual harassment. Psychological sexual harassment is very present with us. Women are silent about this because they are stigmatized and forced to remain silent. Therefore, anonymity would guarantee that the reporting of sexual harassment in the workplace is addressed,” she added.

Further, Valmira Rashiti, KWN Project Coordinator, assesses that gender sensitivity in cases of discrimination does not constitute a violation, on the contrary, it helps to better address cases in the courts.

“Gender sensitivity should be guaranteed because there is always the fear of publishing the case publicly, and men are not afraid to face it and publish the case, but women are different, so this gender sensitivity should be guaranteed,” she added.

Arrita Rezniqi from the Kosovo Law Institute, who has assisted several cases of gender-based discrimination in the workplace and monitored them in court proceedings, stressed the importance of cooperating with KWN to better address these cases.

“From the cooperation we have had with the Kosovo Women’s Network, we have seen how important it is to support women during court proceedings to report gender-based discrimination in the labor market. Consequently, we have supported and monitored many such cases,” she said.

The workshop concluded with a discussion on gender-based discrimination in the workplace, the treatment of cases of discrimination in the workplace and the support that these cases receive through non-governmental organizations in Kosovo.

This workshop was funded by the European Union (EU) and co-funded by the International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), in the framework of the initiative ” Empowering CSOs in Combatting Discrimination and Furthering Women’s Labour Rights “.

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Women’s Center “ATO” Holds Lectures On Reproductive Health with Students

22.12.2021

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) member organization, Women’s Center “ATO”, is continuing the implementation of the initiative “Reproductive health education”.

During November and December, this organization held two lectures with the students of the primary school “Lumëmadh” in Vushtrri and the primary school “Mustaf Shyti” in the Oshlan village. 40 students participating in these lectures received information about reproductive health education, personal hygiene, menstrual cycle, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

The lecturer, Mergime Jashari, psychologist, assessed this initiative as very useful for raising awareness of girls and boys about the importance of health education, sex education and sexual harassment.

“In rural areas, information on reproductive health is lacking and municipal institutions still do not have an agenda on this issue. Therefore, it is very useful to support such initiatives that contribute to the protection of public health” said Jashari.

The executive director of the organization, Fikrije Ferizi, announced that this organization will continue with similar lectures in other villages in the Municipality of Vushtrri such as: Smrekonica, Maxhunaj and Samadrexha.

This initiative is funded by the Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency, through the Swedish Embassy in Prishtina, in the framework of KWN’s initiative “Further Advancement of Women’s Rights in Kosova II”.

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Gruaja Hyjnore holds awareness raising lectures with students on sexual harassment and the importance of reporting

22.12.2021

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Gruaja Hyjnore has continued the activities within the initiative “Sexual education as a subject in primary and secondary schools”.

On December 22, 2021, the Gruaja Hyjnore held a lecture with the students of the technical high school “Mehmet Isai” in Gjilan, where they discussed in more detail about sexual harassment and ways to prevent and report it.

The young girls and boys who participated in this lecture discussed on how to eliminate the taboos that are still found in society around this topic. As a very important step, students valued the opportunity to have as free access and communication as possible with parents, teachers and institutions in case of sexual harassment inside or outside the school.

The Project Manager in this organization, Qëndresa Hajdari has informed the students that within this framework, informative meetings with parents are foreseen, knowing their important role in combating this phenomenon and raising awareness of children.

“We will disclose with parents and teachers the cases that have occurred in the past, as well as the consequences they are leaving on children, families and society,” said Hajdari, among others.

This initiative by Gruaja Hyjnore was supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), through KWN’s “Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo II”, co-funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through the Embassy of Sweden in Prishtina in the amount o

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“Drugëza” Drafts The Five-Year Strategy

20.12.2021

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is continuing to work on member organizations’ capacity building throughout Kosovo.

Knowing that the functioning of each organization depends on prior strategic planning, the 16th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) includes support for drafting strategies of eight beneficiary organizations.

In this context, NGO “Drugëza” concluded 2021 with a two-day workshop held in Durrës, which brought together Skënderaj activists and other collaborators to contribute to the five-year Strategy of this organization. Reviewing the mission and the vision of the organization was one of the key points of this workshop.

From the joint discussions of activists who know Drugëza’s work over the years and the needs of Skënderaj’s women, it was agreed that the areas where this organization should focus are:

Economic empowerment of women, with special emphasis on those in rural areas;
Empowering the role of women in decision-making;
Equal access to health services, and
Capacity building of the organization’s staff.

The expert engaged in the drafting of the strategy, Artan Binaku, said that they have had numerous discussions researching and identifying the best strategic options.

“What contributed to the process of strategy development was the fact that there was inclusion and agreement on most of the proposed topics. I believe that due to the lack of resources, staff, and finances, the organization will have challenges in its implementation, but with the support of KWN, they will be able to meet the set goals,” he added.

Further, the Manager of the organization, Gentiana Zeqiri, praised the support received from KWN on drafting this Strategy, which will be the starting point for any further planning of the work of the organization.

“Drafting the Strategy for the period 2022-2026 offers us a clear idea of the work we intend to do in the future, as well as to consider the budget aspect for each area of intervention,” she said.

Let us remember that “Drugëza” was founded in 2016, with the aim of improving the position of women in society, advancing the rights of women, and their engagement in handicrafts, and more.

This activity was supported by the Sigrid Rausing Trust within the KWF round 16th.

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“Aureola” trains Podujeva women assembly members on public speaking

15.12.2021

The member organisation of the Kosova Women’s Network (KWN), “Aureola” is continuing to contribute to the empowerment of women in politics.

This time, the beneficiaries of the activities of the initiative “Increasing women’s participation in decision-making” were the newly elected women assembly members of the Municipality of Podujeva, women municipal officials, and women active in civil society, who attended the training “Public Speaking”.

The Executive Director of Aureola, Sanije Grajcevci, thanked the participants for their interest, and KWN for their support.

“We are happy to have the opportunity to train you on this very important topic. We thank the Kosova Women’s Network that made this project possible, and the municipality of Podujeva that is giving space to support women“, she said.

The trainer Agron Krasniqi, said that communication is one of the main skills that adds value to an individual.

“You represent an institution, so you must be very careful about how you present yourself inside and outside municipal institutions, not only in verbal communication, but also non-verbal. You must always be prepared, because only in this way you can overcome fear”, emphasised Krasniqi.

Responsibility and stress must be managed well, so that the message clearly reaches the public, said the trainer Shqipe Halili – Spahiu.

“The main qualities of good speakers are to convince the public, to motivate, and to inform. Speaking in public is the number one marketing you can do to your work, of course, with the right facts”.

The Assembly member of the Municipality of Podujeva, Mrika Thaqi, said that this training helps their daily work.

“We have a great responsibility because we have to raise issues, react, and represent the citizens. Therefore, speaking in public is a daily component of our work, which today’s training treated brilliantly”, she said.

At the end of the training, participants had the opportunity to practice the acquired knowledge and receive advice from the trainers.

“Aureola” will continue to implement this initiative also in Kastriot, Vushtrri, Lipjan, Prishtina and Drenas, in order to empower women to be part of political and decision-making processes.

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

KWN has supported its members in several activities to improve public appearances and communication skills. HERE you can read more about the training held with the member organization, the Organisation of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosova for communication capacity building.

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“Gruaja Hyjnore” marks International Human Rights Day

13.12.2021

December 10, International Human Rights Day, was also marked by the member organisation of the Kosova Women’s Network (KWN), “Gruaja Hyjnore” in Gjilan.

Citizens, representatives of institutions and of civil society, respecting the measures against Covid-19, attended the workshop on human rights, with special emphasis on women’s rights and combating violence against them.

Lecturer prof. Ferid Azemi, emphasised the importance of reporting cases of human rights violations.

“If you hear cases of violation of rights, or more specifically violence, you should immediately report to the competent authorities, because community policing can save someone’s life“, said Azemi.

Gani Leci, from the Victims’ Protection Office in the region of Gjilan, said that although citizens report violence, it happens that victims are afraid to accept the truth.

“We have had cases when the neighbour reported the violence and legal and protective measures were taken immediately, because the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence protects the rights of everyone”, he said.

Attendees shared various experiences of consequences of non-reporting of domestic violence, and the importance of the community to help victims. It was said that we should cultivate the culture that violence between the couple is not a private matter.

This activity is supported by the Sigrid Rausing Trust, through the 16th round of the Kosova Women’s Fund, which provides organizational support to NGOs working for women’s rights.

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Surrounded by Friends, KWN Holds 19th Members Annual Meeting

11.12.2021

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On December 11, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held its 19th Annual Membership Meeting.

174 attendees representing KWN member organizations, partners, friends, colleagues and supporters of the work and activism for many years gathered to discuss the activism of gender equality in Kosova.

Ariana Qosaj Mustafa, KWN Chair of the Board opened the 19th Annual Membership Meeting recognizing KWN’s work within the years.

“The successes of KWN over the years have been great. By involving women in socio-economic developments, we contribute to the development of the whole Kosova. I thank the KWN Director, and all the organizations for their continued work. The network stays very strong with you!” she said.

Similar appreciation for KWN’s activism and work was given by Christoph Weidinger Ambassador of the Embassy of Austria in Kosovo.

“KWN has been a partner of Austrian Development Agency for ten years now and let me thank KWN for the excellent cooperation. Because a peaceful and developed world cannot exclude women!” said ambassador Weidinger

The ambassador of Sweden in Kosova, Karin Hernmarck said that they appreciate and honor the work of KWN and its members’ organizations.

“I am privileged to witness the progress made during these years, and the change in Kosova, and your contribution to this cannot be underestimated. KWN is such a great example of what a grassroot feminist organisation can do, and I’m proud I’ve been part of this journey” she added.

Whereas, Ulrika Richardson, United Nations Development Coordinator highlighted the importance of women’s movements around the world.

“Women’s movements and your mission are more important than ever before, because the pandemic has reverted some gains we had. I respect the work that you all do.” Ulrika Richardson, United Nations Development Coordinator.

KWN’s strategic aims could serve as a good example for many governments in the world said Jarmo Feliks Helppikangas, Head of Rule of Law Section at the EUSR office.

“Your work on legislation, has helped us a lot as well, since we always know where to look at and who to ask. Your work talks on your behalf!” said Helppikangas.

For the fourth time the annual “Sevdije Ahmeti” Prize was given in honor and memory of feminist activist and humanist Sevdije Ahmeti (1944-2016). 

This year, it was given to Shukrije Gashi, Executive Director of Partners Kosova, lawyer, former journalist, human rights expert especially on women’s rights, transitional justice expert, international trainer and consultant, and a poet.

The prize honoring women who have left their mark on the advancement of women’s position in Kosovo, was handed by Sevdije Ahmeti’s sister, Hikmete Xharra.

On this occasion, Mrs. Gashi shared her excitement and appreciation.

“Apart from being a great honor, I also feel very emotional, because Sevdije Ahmeti was the woman who made the change in Kosova. I have learned the work of gender equality from Sevdije. Thank you to Igo and all of KWN.”

Knowing that KWN considers the Annual Meeting as an excellent opportunity to share information and increase solidarity between women, KWN’s staff reported on the work done during 2021, focusing on the 6 programs of the 2019-2022 Strategy.

KWN Members unanimously approved the Annual Report 2021, further in the second part of the meeting, members of KWN voted Shqipe Malushi, Vjosa Dobruna and Ferdie Rushiti as KWN Board Members, replacing Ariana Qosaj – Mustafa, Magbule Hyseni and Vlora Hoti.

In her closing speech, Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of KWN shared her gratitude with all the attendees.

“It is a pleasure to see you all today. I thank the representatives of foreign offices in Kosovo, for the continuous support of the Kosovo Women’s Network, and our member organizations for their work. We made it together at this point where we are today!” said Rogova.

The KWN 19th Annual Meeting was financed by Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by Sida – Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete, Kvinna till Kvinna, and Sigrid Rausing Trust.

Throughout the year, KWN’s efforts for gender equality have been supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as well as the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.

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KWN and Ministry of Education Sign a Memorandum to Review Textbooks from a Gender Perspective

10.12.2021

On December 10, the Executive Director of Kosova Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, and the Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), Arbërie Nagavci, signed a memorandum of cooperation to review textbooks from a gender perspective.

In her opening remarks, Minister Nagavci congratulated KWN for the tireless work they have done for many years now in defending the rights of women and girls in Kosova. She further expressed readiness for cooperation regarding the revision of textbooks from a gender perspective.

This cooperation was considered very important by Rogova, who said that new generations will benefit from this memorandum.

Through this collaboration, KWN and the Ministry of Education will work toward a common cause for quality, inclusive, and equitable education, which will be implemented through these key points:

• Promoting an equal and gender-sensitive educational approach from early childhood;

• Continuous improvement of curricula and textbooks from a gender perspective in education, with special emphasis on pre-university education; and

• Advocating for gender equality in the wider education community in Kosova including children/students, educators, teachers, administrative staff of educational institutions, and parents/families.

In this meeting, from KWN were also present the Manager Against Gender-Based Violence, Adelina Berisha, and the Project Assistant within the Kosova Women’s Fund, Gjylymser Nallbani, and from MESTI, Edona Maloku Bërdyna, Deputy Minister.

This memorandum was signed as a continuation of KWN’s efforts to improve access to quality and gender-sensitive education, supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), through KWN’s initiative “Further Advancement of Women’s Rights in Kosova II”, co-financed by the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (Sida), through the Swedish Embassy in Pristina.

Through this initiative, KWN has recently supported several member organisations to implement initiatives to improve access to quality and gender-sensitive education.

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Civil Society Organizations March for Human Rights

10.12.2021

Today, December 10, on International Human Rights Day, many citizens and activists joined the protest to demand institutional responsibility in the protection and guarantee of fundamental human rights and freedoms for all without distinction.

The protest organized by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, the Center for Equality and Freedom, the Kosovo Institute for Justice, the Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, and Handikos, began at Zahir Pajaziti Square in Prishtina, continuing with a march in front of the building of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo.

“Throughout the year, we have protested and demanded accountability for all the women who have been killed, raped, harassed, and abused. We have raised our voices against the institutional negligence and the radical patriarchal system, evidence of which was the last case of a sexist verdict of a court.” among others said, Valmira Rashiti, Project Coordinator, KWN.

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Rashiti further read the demands of the protest, which are:

1. Gender-based violence to be treated as a national urgency;

2. To monitor, sanction or dismiss judges, prosecutors, police officers who are guilty of neglect of the systematic violence being perpetrated against women;

3. Not to release the perpetrators with due process, and not to re-examine the sentences, when

their crimes contain all the aggravating circumstances, but to be punished in proportion to the Code

Kosovo Criminal Court.

“It’s time to institutionalize the protection of women’s lives, and to hold them accountable. Justice and security for women!” she added.

Among other things, it was requested that institutional and systematic discrimination against persons with disabilities, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian and Serbian communities, as well as attacks and hate speech against the LGBTI community be urgently addressed by institutions in Kosovo.

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KWN, together with the aforementioned civil society organizations, will continue to closely monitor the work of all responsible institutions and will hold them accountable for actions or omissions that violate the rights of Kosovo citizens.

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KWN Launches Gender Responsive Family Policies Awareness Campaign

09.12.2021

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Today, December 9, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), launched a campaign to raise awareness about gender responsive family policies.

This campaign aims to inform citizens about the EU Directive on Work-Life Balance, and the reasons why it should be adapted in Kosovo and introduced in the Labor Law, as well as the benefits that employees gain from it.

The campaign will present a total of 10 online posts in all three languages (Albanian, English and Serbian), a video animation showing and giving concrete examples of how the EU Work-Life Balance Directive can be applied. In the end, two pamphlets addressed to employees and employers will be distributed.

The report “Expanding choices through Family-Friendly Policies” informs the public about this directive and the benefits that everyone has from its application, as well as compares the laws of Kosovo with EU laws. The report’s findings help to better understand this directive and how Kosovo needs to improve its legal framework in order to be in line with EU law.

Recognizing the importance of implementing this directive, KWN encourages the Government of Kosovo to harmonize laws and policies with the EU Work-Life Balance Directive and all employers to apply this Directive in the workplace for the common good, and improve the gender perspective in the labour market.

We also recall that the Agency for Gender Equality program “Kosovo Program for Gender Equality 2020-2024” provides that the increase of employment of women and girls occurs when discrimination in employment is addressed, through the amendment of the Labor Law, to guarantee parental leave, maternity leave and paternity leave, in accordance with this Directive. Also, KWN’s strategy for Empowering Women Economically 2019-2022, shows that only 20% of women are registered as active participants in the labor market, while this figure for men is 65.7%.

This campaign is part of the “Expanding Choices: Gender Responsive Family Policy for the Private Sector in the Western Balkans and Moldova” initiative, and is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of the Austrian Cooperation Agency.

For more information, statements or interviews about the campaign, contact us at: media@womensnetwork.org

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