KWN Demands Detention of a Juvenile Rape Suspect

17.05.2022

Today, through the media, we were informed about another case of rape of a minor girl in the Municipality of Gjakova.

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) through this press release supports the request of the Basic Prosecution in Gjakova regarding the detention of the suspect for committing the criminal offense of “rape” between 3-5 May this year in Junik until a final decision is taken by the court. KWN calls on the suspect to receive a sentence commensurate with the gravity of the offense after evaluating the evidence. According to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo, Article 227, it is stated that “Whoever subjects another person to a sexual act without such person’s consent shall be punished by imprisonment of two (2) to ten (10) years… and in case committed against a person under the age of sixteen (16) years, the perpetrator shall be punished by imprisonment of five (5) to twenty (20) years.

According to the Institute of Forensic Medicine, in over 70% of cases of sexual rape, the victims are underage girls. Sexual violence against women and girls and any other form of violence against women and girls must be combated by the whole society and every perpetrator of violence must receive deserved punishments from the competent bodies.

We also call for a focused approach to the victim when working with the juvenile and for her to receive the necessary and necessary assistance.

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

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

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

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

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Lobby For Gender Equality Meeting Discusses “Challenges Faced by Women Deputy Mayors”

16.05.2022

Today on May 16, The Lobby For Gender Equality (Lobby) gathered to discuss “Challenges faced by deputy mayors in municipalities.”

Representatives of institutions, women’s rights organizations, as well as members of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and women engaged in politics discussed and shared their experiences regarding women’s participation in politics at the local level.

KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova opened the meeting by noting that the Lobby’s mission since its establishment has been to support women in institutions, politics and decision-making processes, as well as to increase solidarity among women.

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“It is a pleasure that the deputy mayors from four municipalities of Kosovo are here with us today. This shows the achievement of a good result and success. These women are an example of women’s participation in politics,” she said, while also mentioning the work done in this regard within KWN’s “Women’s Participation in Politics and Decision-Making” program.

Further, Mihrije Suka, Deputy Mayor of Suhareka, initially expressed her excitment that the number of deputy mayors has increased and that women are taking their positions in the public sphere.

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“The position of women in the Municipality of Suhareka is advancing from mandate to mandate, and now we have four directorates led by women. “[…] We must support each other, because only if we support each other will we be able to implement our demands”, she said.

Also, Leonora Morina-Bunjaku, Deputy Mayor of Gjilan shared the experience and challenges she has encountered during her journey in politics.

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“The role of Kosovar women was noticed and heard strongly in all stages of the state, without ever being spared. […] Of course, there will always be challenges, but by supporting each other we will always succeed “.

Next, Marigona Lahu, Deputy Mayor of Podujeva, took the stage to expressed her commitment to supporting girls and women to be part of the political and decision-making processes.

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“One of the challenges we face today in Podujeva is the fact that there is no network of women, where women can gather and discuss their problems and concerns,” she said, adding that with cooperation and will the position of women in politics and leadership positions is improved.

During this meeting it was also talked about the achievements, challenges and necessary advocacy that should be done to increase the representation of women in politics and decision-making processes.

The participants considered this meeting as a necessary opportunity to achieve the necessary solidarity among actors working for women’s rights and to increase their effective participation in decision-making.

This meeting was made possible thanks to the support by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo” 

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

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Gruaja Hyjnore raises awareness among Gjilan students about the importance of reporting harrasment

12.05.2022

Gruaja Hyjnore, a member organization of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), has given lectures to the high school students in the Municipality of Gjilan on addressing and reporting harassment. As part of the initiative “Sexual education as a subject in primary and secondary schools” beneficiary of the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF).

During March, the Project Manager in this organization, Qëndresa Hajdari gave two lectures, one in the Primary and Lower-Secondary School “Rexhep Elmazi” in Gjilan and the other in Primary and Lower-Secondary School “Deshmoret e Kombit” in Lower Livoç of Gjilan. She informed the students on the importance of reporting, she also pointed out that within the framework there were planned also informative meetings with parents, knowing their important role in combating this phenomenon and raising awareness of children.

“Sexual harassment continues to be part of our daily lives. Starting from verbal harassment in the streets, the dignity of a girl or woman begins to be violated, and when we talk about rape, then we are talking about the most serious act that should be addressed immediately to the competent authorities and treated very seriously,” he said Hajdari among others.

This activity and this initiative are supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), through the KWN initiative “Further Advancement of Women’s Rights in Kosovo II”, co-financed by the Swedish International Cooperation Agency and International Development (Sida), through the Swedish Embassy in Pristina.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo” 

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

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Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

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Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

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Exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence Behind Walls” Opens in Malisheva

10.05.2022

On Mau 6th, citizens of Malisheva had the opportunity to visit the exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending violence behind walls”, which first opened in Prishtina in June 2019, and since then, from time to time (due to quarantine caused by the COVID-19 virus) traveled in many other municipalities including Peja, Mitrovica , Gjilan, Ferizaj, Prizren, Drenas and Gjakova.

The exhibition brings a symbolic labyrinth that reveals some of the true stories of women and men who have experienced domestic violence, and aims to encourage citizens to break the silence and seek support from institutions in case of violence.

“The exhibition has continued this year, knowing that, unfortunately, there was an alarming rise in domestic violence cases. Violence against women must be condemned by each of us, without any compromise or justification”, said Besarta Breznica, Project Coordinator, KWN.

During the day, KWN staff, in addition to receiving interested citizens, also informed them about key institutions for reporting cases of violence against women, and the ways in which citizens can reach out to the institutions to conduct their rights.

This exhibition will continue in other municipalities of Kosovo, namely in Bresje of Fushë Kosovë, Viti and Ferizaj.

The exhibition was supported by the European Union (EU) through UN Women #EVAW and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and for its realization in the Municipality of Malisheva KWN cooperated with the member organization Women’s Association “Fatjona”.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo” 

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

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Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

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Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

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16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

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Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

KWN participated in EU Consultation with Civil society on IPA III

28.04.2022

KWN had the pleasure of attending the EU consultation with civil society related to the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) III on 28 April. Mr. Maragos, Head of Unit for Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for EU Neighbourhood & Enlargement, took part, emphasising the important role of civil society in engaging with the government and EU related to the EU Accession process. He welcomed civil society to “keep an eye” on forthcoming plans to engage international financial institutions (IFIs) in investing in the private sector with EU-funded guarantees.  

During its contribution, KWN stated that the EU and Government of Kosovo have improved in their consultations with civil society in recent years and have taken steps towards institutionalizing consultations with civil society, though invitations, agendas, conclusions, and follow-up can be shared more regularly and made publicly available by the EU and government. KWN also raised the following issues, based on its research:  

  • KWN recommended in its Policy Brief related to IPA III: the EU should make stronger policy commitments to and: ensure ex ante gender impact assessments inform all EU-funded actions; make gender-responsive budgeting obligatory as part of all funding, including direct Budget Support to the government; and regularly track and report on actual expenditures on gender equality and on women’s rights organisations (WCSOs) respectively. These are commitments in the EU Gender Action Plan (GAP) III as well as in line with Kosovo’s own commitments. 
  • The EU should continue supporting civil society to increase the engagement of diverse WCSOs, including at local levels, in the EU Accession process with continued use of diverse funding modalities, including sub-granting to support them in advocating their priorities and monitoring the government’s implementation of its commitments related to the EU Accession process at the local level. The EU should support a “funding ecosystem” as recommended in the regional report Where’s the Money for Women’s Rights? that includes long-term (rather than currently short-term) operational grants for CSOs that are key strategic partners of the EU, renewed on an annual basis based on performance; sub-granting to reach diverse, grassroots CSOs; and programmatic grants. Service contracts also can engage CSOs that are positioned to contribute their expertise.  
  • Via political dialogue, the EU should encourage the government to allocate sustainable financing for civil society, through modalities designed in close consultation with diverse CSOs, so that this funding is available in the future, is transparent, and based on needs.  

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo” 

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

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18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

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Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

WAI Holds Information Sessions on Inheritance Rights with Women of the Minority Communities in Lipjan and Fushë Kosovë  

27.04.2022

On April 20, the Women’s Alliance for Integration (WAI) held an information session with women from the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, from the villages of Magure and Medvec in the Municipality of Lipjan. 

In this meeting, it was discussed about the importance of economic empowerment of women and its impact on increasing the overall well-being of women. 

Qëndrim Gashi, representative of the Office for Free Legal Aid in the Municipality of Lipjan informed the participating women about their property and inheritance rights as well as the division of joint property. 

Gashi explained all the free services that this office offers, as well as the criteria that must be met to benefit from free legal aid services. Women were also informed about the benefits given to them in case of joint property registration. 

Whereas, on April 21, WAI continued the information sessions with the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in the Municipality of Fushë Kosovë. 

Abaz Xhigoli, Director of the Center for Social Work in this municipality informed women about their property and inheritance rights. 

Throughout these two activities, women discussed together the economic empowerment of women, as well as shared their experiences regarding processes related to inheritance or property rights. 

Both of these activities were realized thanks to the organizational support received from the 16th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), funded by the Sigrid Rausing Trust. 

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo” 

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

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18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

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16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

NORMA Continues its Activities on Women’s Empowerment, Thanks to the KWF’s Core Support  

20.04.2022

On April 20, the member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Lawyers Association Norma, held a workshop with members of the Municipal Organization of Pensioners and Disabled Workers. 

A total of 19 women were widely informed about their rights under the law and opportunities to protect them, as well as to combat and prevent gender-based violence. 

Lecturer Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa, lawyer, informed the participants about the local and international legal framework. 

She shared some of the most important articles of the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence, with special emphasis on protection orders as well as on institutions where the victim should seek help in case of experiencing violence. 

This activity is realized thanks to the organizational support received from the 16th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), with financial support from the Sigrid Rausing Trust. 

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo” 

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

KWN Condemns Matoshi’s Discriminatory and Sexist Language

15.04.2022

Through this press release, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) calls once more against discriminatory, sexist and misogynistic language against women in politics and decision-making.

Most recently, Halil Matoshi, the political analyst, addressed the Minister of Education, Science and Technology and Innovation Arbërie Nagavci with discriminatory language in a televised debate on Kanal 10.

Matoshi’s language should be condemned overall, nonetheless on television, media and public debates. Women face discriminatory language by men just because they are women in decision-making positions. As such, these insults not only do not coincide with women’s work and achievements, they further erroneously reinforce the belief that women in politics are not sufficiently competent for the positions they hold.

This is not the first insult to a woman in politics. We recall that many public figures have approached with the same offensive, discriminatory, sexist and misogynistic language the many women we have in decision-making positions, whether national or local.

Women continue to be a constructive part of the political process in Kosovo, so KWN strongly condemns any attempt to devalue their political role through discriminatory, sexist and misogynistic acts, such as this one. Also, this practice radically challenges the achievement of an equal, inclusive society, as well as undermines the progressive aspirations of the Republic of Kosovo.

28.03.25

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

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament  

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

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

31.10.24

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

17.10.24

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

KWN Launches the Report “Gender-based Discrimination and Labour in Kosovo”

07.04.2022

Pristina, 7 April 2022 – The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) in close cooperation with the European Union (EU), the Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida), the Ombudsperson Institution and other important actors launched the second edition of the research report on gender-based discrimination and labour in Kosovo. The report is part of a KWN-led regional initiative to address gender-based discrimination in labour in six Western Balkan countries, funded by the EU and co-funded by Sweden/Sida. 

The report analyses and identifies shortcomings in the relevant legal framework, as per the EU gender equality acquis; the prevalence and nature of gender-based discrimination related to labour; the extent to which people have filed claims; and how institutions have treated such cases. It provides recommendations for each relevant actor.

Key findings, presented by two co-authors, Adelina Tërshani and David JJ Ryan, include:  

  • The legal and policy framework related to gender-based discrimination and labour in Kosovo seems rather comprehensive, particularly considering that much of the law is drafted in accordance with EU law. However, some overlap and unclarities require address. 
  • Most women and men survey respondents seemed aware that gender-based discrimination is illegal. While awareness seems to have increased since 2018, knowledge on where to report gender-based discrimination has remained low. While several knew that such discrimination should be reported to employers or the Labour Inspectorate, few knew of other institutions dealing with such cases.
  • The institutions responsible for addressing gender-based discrimination at work lacked data about its prevalence. However, evidence shows that gender-based discrimination exists, particularly in hiring, promotion, maternity leave and sexual harassment at work. 
  • While police and prosecutors seem generally knowledgeable about their responsibilities in addressing gender-based discrimination at work, few such criminal cases have been reported, so they lacked practical experience and case law.  
  • Courts still have little judicial practice, and few judges seemed knowledgeable regarding the relevant legal framework.
  • While labour inspectors tended to know about the Labour Law, they had few discrimination-related cases and did not seem to consider treating gender-based discrimination a priority; some reports existed of inspectors’ inappropriate treatment of cases.

Key recommendations include: 

  • The Labour Law, Law on Gender Equality and Law on Protection from Discrimination need amending to reduce overlap, clarify procedures and provide clearer sanctions for gender-based discrimination; 
  • The Labour Law needs to include maternity, paternity, parental and carers leave in line with the EU Directive for Work-Life Balance;
  • More labour inspectors are needed, particularly women, who are trained on recognising and addressing gender-based discrimination at work; and 
  • Inter-sectoral collaboration among relevant institutions and civil society is needed, including trade unions, in raising women and men’s awareness regarding what constitutes gender-based discrimination and how to report it; and supporting persons who have experienced such discrimination in seeking justice.  

Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director, said that KWN has been lobbying since 2016 to amend the Labour Law.

“Now, there is an urgent need; there are no more justification to delay the amendment of the Labour Law, because it is extremely important as the current law discriminates against all citizens, but especially women. It should be possible to increase the number of inspectors in the labour market,” Rogova said, also calling on all those who are discriminated against to report cases to the relevant actors.

AnnaCarin Platon, Head of the Political, Economic and European Integration, and Press and Information section at the EU Office in Kosovo said that the roots and causes of discrimination should be analysed. She also observed that there are still many inequalities between mothers and fathers in terms of childcare.

“I … am looking forward to our joint work in the future. The EU Office in Kosovo will remain committed to helping Kosovo to close the gender-based discrimination gap in labour,” Platon said.

The institutions present generally agreed with KWN’s recommendations and confirmed their commitment to implementing them. The Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj, commended KWN for the report, as well as its research and comparative work, which provide more information for policy-making.

“Regarding gender-based discrimination, despite efforts and measures to advance the position of women, there is still discrimination in almost all areas. Challenges, obstacles and discrimination expressed in these areas became more apparent last year. In 2021, the Ombudsperson received 138 complaints for violations of rights at work. Women are more disadvantaged than men. Gender-based discrimination is present in both the public and private sector, and they are rarely reported due to the non-recognition of rights and lack of practical experience and case law,” he said.

Drinas Zeqiraj, Acting Head of the Division for Drafting and Harmonisation of Legislation at the Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers said that many of the recommendations have been addressed in the draft Labour Law, especially those related to the EU Work-Life Balance Directive.

“We are working on finalising the draft Labour Law. It is important to include social dialogue. The legislative plan is expected to be approved by the end of June 2022. It may be postponed for a while, but it is an urgent need to be finalised and proceed for adoption as soon as possible,” he said.

Agim Millaku, the acting head of the Labour Inspectorate, said he agrees with KWN’s findings.

“The Labour Inspectorate lacks capacities, both in terms of administrative organisation, but also the number of labour inspectors. I agree with the recommendations of the report and consider that the Labour Inspectorate should work harder so that treatment is equal for all citizens in terms of employment,” he said.

The KWN research invovled mixed methods, including review and analysis of the legal framework and different reports, an online survey and interviews. This second edition of the report covers the period since 2018, and thus serves as an update to the original research with the same title published in 2019.

The full report can be found HERE. For more information, please contact KWN at: info@womensnetwork.org or +381 (0) 38 245 850. 

28.03.25

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

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament  

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

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

31.10.24

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

17.10.24

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

Women’s Center “ATO” continues with lectures on reproductive health

01.04.2022

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

During January, February and March, this organization held lectures with students of three primary schools, “Enver Hadri” in Smrekonice, “Rilindja” in Maxhunaj and”Lumni Surdulli” in Samadrexh of Vushtrri. A total of 60 students participating in these lectures received information about reproductive health education, personal hygiene, menstrual cycle, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases and their prevention.

On March 30, the representatives of the center “ATO” met with the Director of Education in the Municipality of Vushtrri, Miradije Maloku, to discuss the importance of these lectures with young students and raising awareness regarding personal hygiene, menstrual cycle, reproductive health, etc.

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 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”.

19.12.25

Kosovo Women’s Network Publishes Report “Zero Tolerance? Monitoring the Institutional Response to Gender-based Violence in Kosovo” 

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

18.12.25

16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone