Kosovo Women's Network

Gender Analysis of Peace and Security Aims to Inform Programs, Policies

31.01.2025

The European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo has contracted the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) to conduct a Gender Analysis of Peace and Security in Kosovo to inform the implementation of EU commitments to women, peace and security in its external action. The analysis, to be undertaken between December 2024 and June 2025, seeks to inform a concrete action plan for the EU’s policies and programs in Kosovo.

The research will address questions such as:

How inclusive and gender-responsive is Kosovo’s legal framework related to peace and security, and how can it be improved and better implemented?

What are gender-related root causes and consequences of conflict in Kosovo?

How do gender inequalities and power relations shape peace and security challenges?

How inclusive and gender-responsive have past and present prevention, peacebuilding, and stabilisation activities been?

What policy and programmatic steps can the EU take to ensure a more effective, inclusive, gender-responsive, conflict-sensitive, and sustainable response in its current and future assistance?

The research will involve content analysis, interviews and focus groups with diverse women and men across Kosovo. KWN will draw from its extensive experience conducting similar research, ensuring a participatory, inclusive research process that engages diverse stakeholders, including government, civil society, international actors and marginalised groups. KWN is using a conflict-sensitive approach, ensuring selection of secure locations, sensitive communication and protection of research participants in line with internationally recognised ethical standards. Additionally, KWN’s intersectional approach includes considering barriers that intersect across gender, ethnicity, location, age, disability, socioeconomic status and other factors.

Through this Analysis, the EU and KWN also hope to inform the government, international actors and civil society efforts in Kosovo, towards a more conflict-sensitive, gender-responsive approach that seeks to address the needs of diverse women, men, girls and boys.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence

EcoKos Women: At the Forefront of Gender Equality and Circular Economy Initiatives in Kosovo

30.01.2025

EcoKos Women is a member organization of the Gender Responsive Budgeting Watchdog Network (GRBWN), a significant regional initiative aimed at promoting more equitable gender budgeting in the Western Balkans and Moldova.

As part of GRBWN, EcoKos developed the initiative “Placing Women at the Center of Climate Solutions.” According to Nita Ferizi-Sadiku from EcoKos Women, “The project aimed to raise awareness about gender-responsive budgeting in the climate change sector, which directly affects women.”

A key component of this initiative was the research study titled “Gender Perspective in the Development of the Circular Economy in Kosovo.” This study analyzed data from existing laws, strategies, and policies in Kosovo, with a particular focus on the strategies and regulations of the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture to assess the integration of a gender perspective in these fields.

EcoKos chose to focus on agriculture due to its significance in Kosovo’s economy. As Ferizi-Sadiku explains:

“In Kosovo, the agricultural sector is the third largest contributor to the country’s GDP. With the World Bank investing around €53 million in this sector, we were interested in understanding whether bio-economy development was taking place, or if there were initiatives related to decomposition. Unfortunately, we found that there were none.”

As part of the research, the Rural Development Strategy 2022-2028 was examined. The strategy mentioned that a visibility plan was to be developed by the end of 2023. However, according to EcoKos’ findings, such a plan has yet to be implemented.

At the Ministry of Environment, all environmental laws are currently under review due to the shift towards a circular economy. For instance, the Integrated Waste Management Strategy was revised after two years, as the initial version did not include circular economy principles. These principles have now been integrated into the updated strategy

According to Ferizi-Sadiku, this initiative marks the first time that research in Kosovo has incorporated a gender perspective in the development of the circular economy.

“This study is the first of its kind. It represents a new approach—we consulted various experts, and even the idea of integrating a gender perspective was a groundbreaking step,” she explains.

Beyond research, EcoKos has actively engaged in the municipalities of Pristina, Fushë Kosova, and Obiliq through another initiative advocating for the provision of sanitary pads in schools and public institutions at the municipal level. Initially launched in Obiliq in 2023, the initiative is set to continue into 2024, with plans secured through GRBWN to ensure the supply of sanitary pads for 2025. As part of this initiative, all schools and other municipal institutions are now equipped with sanitary products, addressing a critical need for the health and well-being of women and girls in the community.

Challenges: Implementing gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) in practice has proven to be challenging.

“Even for those of us working in gender-related fields, it was difficult to clearly define what we aimed to achieve with GRB,” says Ferizi-Sadiku.

One positive outcome was the initial support received from the deputy mayor of Obiliq, which helped drive the initiative forward in other municipalities. When asked why such an initiative had not been introduced earlier in Obiliq, the deputy mayor responded:

“I simply didn’t realize how essential this was for women.”

Obiliq has shown strong support for gender-responsive budgeting initiatives, receiving backing from the offices of the mayor, deputy mayor, and the municipal assembly leadership.

In 2020, a study conducted by EcoKos Women found that 15% of girls in Kosovo miss school during their menstrual cycles due to a lack of access to sanitary pads. One of the most significant successes of the project has been integrating the gender perspective into circular economy development and advocating for the provision of sanitary products in schools. In Obiliq, this initiative has led to the full supply of sanitary products for 2024, with confirmed continuation in 2025.

Local officials have welcomed this achievement, acknowledging that the issue had previously been overlooked. Additionally, EcoKos’ engagement in Pristina and neighboring municipalities is seen as a way to scale these best practices to a national level.

To illustrate the importance of gender-responsive budgeting, Ferizi-Sadiku highlights a practical case of supporting women beekeepers.

Through the project “Women and Environmental Protection through Agricultural Activities in the Municipality of Podujevë,” EcoKos Women supported several women beekeepers by helping them expand green pasture areas for their bees. The organization provided these women with honey-producing plants such as sainfoin and phacelia. This initiative raised awareness among municipal officials in Podujevë, who later incorporated these provisions into the Regulation on Grants and Subsidies in the Beekeeping Sector.

The initiative “Placing Women at the Center of Climate Solutions” is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) under the GRBWN framework and is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence

Manifest Delivered to Political Parties, with Hopes that Demands Will Be Implemented by the Next Government

28.01.2025

With the parliamentary elections approaching on February 9, 2025, the Kosovo Women’s Network, along with many civil society organizations, has already delivered a Manifest to political parties, outlining essential demands for the empowerment and protection of women’s rights.

The Manifest includes nine key points emphasizing the necessity for political parties to prioritize gender equality. The organizations hope that these demands will be integrated into governmental policies and actions and implemented rigorously, regardless of which party leads the country after the elections.

“As the upcoming elections draw near, we call on all political parties in Kosovo to prioritize and protect women’s rights. Our future depends on the commitment to equality, justice, and respect for all citizens. This Manifest outline fundamental demands that should be respected and integrated into party policies,” the Manifest states.

Through these nine points, civil society urges political parties to adopt them and demonstrate their commitment to women’s rights through their actions and policies. Additionally, they call on voters to hold political leaders accountable and to support candidates who prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Below are the nine points of this Manifest, endorsed by civil society:

Election campaign without hate speech

Vote and respect the Labor Law

Vote for the Civil Code that protects human rights

Implementation of Gender Responsive Budgeting according to the Law on Gender Equality

Implementation of the Law against Gender-Based Violence

Increasing access to public kindergartens, including rural areas

Ensure access to health care, health insurance and reproductive health

Empower an education system that changes gender norms

Respecting the principles of the Law on Gender Equality towards increasing the participation of women in politics

This Manifest represents a clear call for equality and concrete action for political parties and the citizens of Kosovo.

Read the full Manifest HERE.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence

KWN Board Meets to Discuss the Strategic Plan for 2025

28.01.2025

On January 22 of this year, the Board of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), consisting of Ariana Qosaj Mustafa, Chair of the Board, Nermin Mahmuti, Board Member, Xhejrane Lokaj, Board Member, Vjosa Dobruna, Board Member, Zana Hoxha, Board Member, Belgjyzare Muharremi, Board Member (non-voting), met with KWN Management.

During this meeting, the planned activities for 2025 aimed at implementing the Kosovo Women’s Network strategy were discussed. Specifically, these include advancing gender equality through the rule of law, ensuring a life free from gender-based violence, empowering women economically, education that transforms gender norms, and the cross-cutting approach of feminism.

As part of the planning process, it was also discussed that the second Board meeting is tentatively scheduled for mid-April. This meeting will include quarterly financial and narrative reporting, as well as the conclusion of the mandates of two Board members.

Consequently, at the end of April, the Annual Membership Assembly is expected to take place, during which nominations for new Board members will be proposed and voted upon.

This meeting reflected the Network’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the role of women and working towards a shared cause.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence

Strengthening Wome’s Participation and Shaping Policies for Gender Equality

27.12.2024

The Mitrovica Women Association for Human Rights (MWAHR) is a member organization of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) in the Western Balkans and the Republic of Moldova. Through this network, MWAHR has conducted detailed budget monitoring in the Municipality of Mitrovica, marking an important step toward ensuring equitable and fair budget distribution.

As part of the “Strengthening Transparency and Accountability for Gender Equality in Western Balkans and Moldova” initiative, MWAHR’s specific objective was to enhance women’s participation in public hearings organized by the municipality to gather recommendations for drafting the annual budget circular.

“There is often a misconception about gender budgeting. Many people believe it solely prioritizes women or that it should always benefit them. We explain that gender budgeting and gender equality aim to ensure equality between genders,” says Vetone Veliu, Executive Director of MWAHR.

Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) is a strategy designed to integrate gender considerations (to gender mainstream) into government planning and budgeting processes. It is a key priority for MWAHR, which has spent nearly three years monitoring the work of relevant municipal directorates in Mitrovica to assess the implementation of budget policies from a gender perspective.

Based on these monitoring efforts, MWAHR has drafted two detailed reports analysing budget allocation and the extent of gender mainstreaming, contributing to increased transparency and accountability, as well as fair access to financial resources.

The purpose of this monitoring is to evaluate the implementation of gender-responsive budgeting in the Municipality of Mitrovica and assess the commitment of relevant officials in approving decisions for the fair and responsible distribution of the municipal budget between women and men. The report, released at the conclusion of the MWAHR initiative, aimed to enhance the efficiency and transparency of municipal budget spending.

The hearings with the directors, which were organized, had a greater impact. In the presence of around 20 participants, the directors presented the budget they allocated, explaining how much funding was assigned for projects and grants, and how the allocation was made from a gender perspective.

The directorates that were monitored include: the Directorate of Agriculture, the Directorate of Administration, the Directorate of Health, the Directorate of Social Welfare, the Directorate of Finance, and the Employment Agency.

“Mitrovica is doing well with gender budgeting; it follows it because it makes an effort to comply with the law. Otherwise, it is probably not something they prioritize, but the good thing is that they respect the law and must distribute subsidies properly,” says Vetone Veliu.

In addition, she highlights the importance of such initiatives in addressing the needs and demands of women. “Women often expect someone to take the initiative. If no one steps up as a leader, they wait for someone to guide them and take the lead. Therefore, it is hard to imagine them willingly and voluntarily going to ask for something that rightfully belongs to them,” she adds.

According to Veliu, when discussing gender-responsive budgeting, it is important to focus on areas and aspects that can advance women’s financial well-being. She emphasizes the essential role of fairs, as they provide opportunities to promote women’s products, increase visibility, and strengthen their economic independence.

Organizing fairs provides a great opportunity for women to benefit economically by selling food and clothing they make themselves. Even a short time at these fairs can bring them significant benefits.

“For us, success stories are the fairs that give ordinary women the opportunity to provide material goods for their families through the sales they make,” says Vetone Veliu.

During the fairs, at least 30 women entrepreneurs achieve significant benefits and visible successes.

“We had around 335 participants in the activities, and I believe they gained a lot of information from these meetings,” says Veliu.

To further extend its impact on the public, MWAHR has collaborated with TV Mitrovica and presented its work on their YouTube channel. To learn more about the work MWAHR has done through research, you can read the full report at the following link.

The initiative “Strengthening Transparency and Accountability for Gender Equality in Western Balkans and Moldova,” supported by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) as part of the GBWN, is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence

Happy New Year 2025 – Summary of the activities of the Kosovo Women’s Network during December

27.12.2024

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was engaged in a series of activities throughout the month of December that marked the end of 2024. In the following, we present a summary of the key moments, wishing you a happy holiday season and hoping that 2025 will bring more success and achievements for all of us.

The Jahjaga Foundation organized a festive event to launch the 9th edition of the “Za [The Voice]” magazine, which was attended by officials, ambassadors, and representatives of civil society. One of the speakers was the Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, whose story is part of this edition of “Za [The Voice]”. The magazine describes fragments of more than 30 years of Rogova’s activism for women’s rights, girls’ rights, and human rights… from the founding of the Qiriazi Sisters Association, which provided education for thousands of girls in rural areas during the 1990s, to her international advocacy for peace, security, and justice for women and girls from diverse backgrounds.

In her speech, Rogova congratulated the Jahjaga Foundation on the 9th edition of “Za [The Voice]”. She shared a story about President Jahjaga’s first meeting with women who survived sexual violence during the war, and the actions the President took to establish the National Council for Survivors of Sexual Violence during the War.

“It is no coincidence that the magazine is called “Za [The Voice]”,” said Rogova. “Because President Jahjaga has been the voice of women and girls in Kosovo, in the region, and internationally”.

In the exhibition organized by Integra, curated by Eliza Hoxha and photographer Arben Llapashtica, profiles of 10 leading women were presented who represent diversity and transformative power in Kosovo. Igballe Rogova was one of the selected women, sharing her message:

“Dare, dream, change. Don’t let your rights be violated,” she said.

In a discussion on the role of the legislature in addressing gender-based violence, the Program Manager against Violence at KWN, Adelina Berisha, emphasized the need for men’s engagement in promoting gender equality. She underlined the importance of cooperation between women in civil society and institutions to achieve sustainable change.

“The burden of gender equality has been left to us women alone, we are looking at how to bring men to the table and share it together. This message should go to male deputies and other men in institutions, but also to other men. The biggest work has started when the cooperation of women between civil society and institutions has started. The goal is beyond our egos. We have shown ourselves to be cooperative with each other,” she said among other things.

Also, during December, the Art Without Limit International Film Festival concluded its 5th edition. On December 3, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the closing night of the festival was held. Among others, Igballe Rogova also shared an award, that for “Best Story in the Film for Women Empowerment”, praising the organizers for their dedication to promoting inspiring stories.

On International Human Rights Day, a discussion was held at the Law Faculty with students from the Institution of the Ombudsman on the topic: “The values and principles of fundamental human rights and freedoms in the country, as well as the role of the Ombudsman in promoting and protecting human rights.”

Igballe Rogova shared her experiences in a conversation with students about the values and principles of human rights, recalling that these rights are equal and inalienable for all.

That day she recalled that fundamental rights and freedoms are inalienable and equal for all human beings, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, social status or sexual orientation. Human rights include the right to life and security, the right to education, the right to equal employment, the right to freedom of expression, as well as protection from violence and discrimination.

The 10 roundtables on gender equality in electoral processes, organized by the Central Election Commission, OSCE and KWN, were also successfully concluded. KWN’s contribution was very welcome by all.

Even in 2025, the Kosovo Women’s Network will continue its commitment to promoting gender equality and fundamental human rights, working to empower women and improve the lives of all communities in Kosovo.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence

Initiative for Equal Opportunities in Mitrovica

23.12.2024

Handikos Mitrovica is an organization dedicated to working with and advocating for people with disabilities, striving to ensure their inclusion in an equitable and active role within society. Its mission is to identify, support, and empower these individuals through education, employment, and initiatives that promote equality and dignity.

One of the organization’s main goals is to identify and reach individuals with disabilities in villages or other areas. “Often, individuals with disabilities were hidden, and their families did not disclose their situations. That’s why we focus on identifying and discovering them, as well as meeting their needs by providing essential orthopedic and sanitary equipment,” says Myrvete Hasani, director of Handikos Mitrovica.

For people with disabilities, leading a normal life can be challenging, particularly in practical areas such as transportation and access to health services. These factors often create significant obstacles, including ordinary buildings and roads, education, and daily outings. In addition to these challenges, people with disabilities also face societal acceptance issues, which can exacerbate their situation. Women with disabilities experience even greater discrimination, being frequently more disadvantaged.

According to Myrvete from Handikos Mitrovica, our society has made progress, and the situation today is not as it used to be. Positive steps have been taken in the areas of education and employment for people with disabilities, but access to certain services and spaces remains an unresolved issue.

There are also laws in place to support people with disabilities, and younger generations with disabilities experience these differently.

An important achievement is the improvement of conditions at the Family Medicine Center (FMC) in Mitrovica, where an elevator has been installed to facilitate access for people with disabilities. For the first time, these individuals, particularly women, can now attend medical appointments independently.

Another example of success is the relocation of the Center for Social Work to the first floor of the building, following a lawsuit filed by a Handikos member regarding the lack of accessibility. With the support of the organization, this change has created improved conditions for the services provided to people with disabilities.

These changes may also occur in other municipal buildings, including the installation of elevators or other modifications to the buildings, to provide easier access for people with disabilities.

Last year’s initiative, ‘Empowering Women and Girls with Disabilities: A Comprehensive Approach to Reproductive Health,’ was highly functional and very well-received by women with disabilities.

According to Myrvete Hasani, women with disabilities very rarely undergo gynecological visits due to a lack of appropriate conditions, and this topic is considered taboo within their families. “You are not married,” “you have not had intercourse,” “you have no reason to go”—she quotes words from family members and relatives of these women,” she says.

Through trainings organized by Handikos Mitrovica, trainers and doctors have been engaged to provide gynecological visits and advice to women and girls with disabilities. These visits have also been conducted at the Main Family Medicine Center (MFMC) to improve the situation and conditions for receiving services. One of the main achievements has been the installation of an elevator within the MFMC, which has enabled women with disabilities to attend their appointments independently.

Many women reported that they were not well-received by medical staff in the past, but now, according to Myrvete, there has been a noticeable 50% improvement.

“When women with disabilities visit the doctor, the doctors often don’t speak directly to them. Instead, they address the person who accompanied them, assuming the woman doesn’t know how to speak,” explains Myrvete, describing the common experiences shared by these women with Handikos.

She also points to the inappropriate behaviour of staff who discussed the experiences of people with disabilities with the accompanying person rather than directly with them. As a result, Handikos sees the need to conduct training with the MFMC staff in the future, focusing on how to approach and communicate with people with disabilities.

Various activities have contributed to changing attitudes towards persons with disabilities within families. As part of this initiative, medical staff have also made visits to rural areas for women and other individuals with disabilities.

This initiative was supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund with a €10,000.00 grant, funded by the Sigrid Rausing Trust (SRT).

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence

Gender Budget Watchdog Network Goes Global

11.12.2024

Expanding from the region to globally, the Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) marked a historic moment at its Annual Meeting in Veles, North Macedonia. The meeting was brought together diverse members to celebrate the Network’s achievements and chart its future direction. A key milestone was the adoption of the updated Statute, officially transitioning GBWN from a regional initiative to a global movement for advancing gender-responsive budgeting (GRB).

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), a long-standing GBWN partner, presented the Network’s new Strategy during the meeting. Following a consultative process with members and partners that lasted more than a year, the proposed Strategy was put to a vote and unanimously adopted, setting a strong foundation for the Network’s continued development and growth.

Participants also engaged in practical training on result-oriented monitoring and effective social media use. These sessions focused on framing impactful messages for diverse audiences, including policymakers, media, and the general public, while leveraging data storytelling to enhance the visibility and impact of GRB advocacy.

The program further explored the intersection of technology and advocacy through a workshop on artificial intelligence and digital tools for civil society organisations. This session provided members with insights into how advancements in AI can support non-profit advocacy, fostering innovation in their efforts to promote gender equality.

The final day of the meeting created a space for members to share their expectations and needs, as well as the work they are currently undertaking in GRB. This discussion highlighted opportunities for collaboration and how GBWN can better support its members’ initiatives. It was a moment of collective reflection and planning, strengthening the Network’s capacity to make meaningful progress on a global scale.

If you want to become a member of GBWN you can register here: https://gbwn.net/en/registration/

If you would like more information about GBWN please contact Elirjeta Beka (elirjeta@womensnetwork.org)

GBWN is supported by the Austrian Development Agency and the Swedish International Development Agency.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence

KWN Asks European Parliament to Attend to Gender Equality Issues in Forthcoming Report

10.12.2024

Yesterday, civil society representatives met the recently appointed European Parliament Standing Rapporteur on Kosovo Mr. Riho Terras in Prishtina, together with European Parliament advisors and representatives of the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo. They discussed issues related to civic space, media freedom, minority rights, security, rule of law, gender equality and the EU Accession process. On behalf of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Nicole Farnsworth participated.

Farnsworth spoke about three key issues related to furthering gender equality in Kosovo. First, on women’s participation in decision-making, women have been under-represented in the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue. EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other regional issues of the Western Balkans Mr. Lajčák, has seldom consulted women and neither the EU or Government of Kosovo have met regularly with WCSOs and diverse women and men in the north and south, on the ground, in accordance with the EU’s commitments to the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda

EU measures generally have impacted civil society and specifically women’s rights organisations’ (WCSOs) participation in the EU Accession process. Where WCSOs previously met with both the EU and Government respectively prior to Stabilisation and Association Committee and Subcommittee meetings, since the measures these meetings have been discontinued. These dialogues should continue regardless of measures, she said, as important for discussing key issues related to accession where civil society can support the process.

In Kosovo, women remain underrepresented in decision-making at all levels. Although the Law on Gender Equality foresees the use of affirmative measures to establish a gender balance in all levels of government and public administration, officials still lack understanding in how to apply both merit-based recruitment and affirmative measures. The EU can provide further clarity and encouragement related to this, such as through the Enlargement Package. She also mentioned the need to institutionalise quality control of the required gender impact analysis by the government and parliament as part of the legislative process; and to ensure reforms related to amending Kosovo’s public finance law and public procurement law are transparent and involve institutionalisation of gender-responsive budgeting, as per commitments under Sustainable Development Goal 5 and the Law on Gender Equality.

Second, related to gender-based violence, Farnsworth observed the progress made by under the leadership of the Minister of Justice on advancing the legal framework. She noted the remaining need to amend the Criminal Code to harmonise it with the new EU Directive on Violence against Women, including clear definitions of various forms of cybercrime. She thanked the European Commission for treating gender-based violence in the Rule of Law chapter in the enlargement package, under judiciary, and asked for next year’s report to address the need for quality, victim-centred services under the social policy chapter as well. In the judiciary, KWN monitoring has shown that low sentencing continues and the “reconciling cases” or “women withdrawing from cases”, though this is not legally possible in criminal cases where ex officio (automatic prosecution) must occur. Further, the central government needs to work better with municipalities to allocate sufficient human resources for Centres for Social Work for treating gender-based violence cases, in accordance with the legal framework.

Third, Farnsworth spoke about women’s economic situation, emphasising that Kosovo has the lowest labour force participation of women in the Western Balkans, with only two in 10 women employed. The Labour Law contributes to gender-based discrimination in hiring as employers seek to avoid paying for maternity leave. It has been in the process of being amended for eight years and again this year was taken off the legislative calendar. It urgently needs to be aligned with the EU Work-Life Balance Directive to increase women’s labour force participation. A second key issue if expanding the availability of childcare and other care services, which is foreseen in the National Development Strategy and Kosovo Reform Agenda, though further efforts are needed to meet the level of demand.

Farnsworth asked for the European Parliament to address these issues in its forthcoming report. Further, she emphasised the need for continued dialogue between the EU and civil society related to the EU Accession process and, specifically, the quality of reforms under the Kosovo Reform Agenda. She also shared two of KWN’s most recent related publications: A Commentary on the Kosovo Report and on the Growth Plan and Reform Agenda for Kosovo.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

30.05.25

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence

Mimoza Svirca: From a Dream for Women’s Rights to a Career as a Researcher

06.12.2024

Meet Mimoza Svirca, a volunteer with the Kosovo Women’s Network, who pursued Political Science – a field that provided her with the opportunity to build a practical career. During her studies at the University of Pristina, she participated in a year-long exchange program at the Paris-London University in Salzburg. This meaningful experience for any young person from Kosovo further shaped Mimoza as a career-driven individual.

“I was drawn to Political Science because I saw how politics affects our daily lives,” she explains. As someone who has always challenged societal norms that confine women to predefined roles, Mimoza has seen herself as different since she was young and has actively resisted these norms.

“I’ve always been a feminist, even as a child, before I even knew what being a feminist meant,” she shares.

Aspiring to become a researcher, Mimoza views her background in Political Science as a valuable foundation for the career she is building. In April this year, she joined the Kosovo Women’s Network, working on the research project “Gender Analysis: Reducing Climate Change through Improved Transport”. In doing so, she fulfilled a long-held dream:

“It has always been my dream to work for an organization dedicated to women’s rights!”

Working with the Network has taught Mimoza the importance of preparation and effort in achieving impactful results. She considers herself fortunate to be part of an organization that champions women’s rights and is eager to continue her engagement in this cause.

“I’ve always envisioned being a researcher as my profession,” she notes.

This new experience allowed her to participate in various aspects of the research process, including designing questionnaires for field observations, monitoring urban traffic patterns, and analyzing movement behaviors. For Mimoza, being involved in these processes has been highly rewarding.

In addition to her research tasks, she has contributed by transcribing interviews, analyzing collected data, and undertaking other responsibilities within the Network’s initiatives. The results and successes achieved over the past months stand as a testament to her dedication. Looking ahead, Mimoza is determined to continue contributing to the advancement of women’s rights.

Her exceptional contribution as a volunteer makes her one of the most dedicated members of the Kosovo Women’s Network. We are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts.

18.06.25