The KVGK Continues to Advocate for Improving the Well-being of Blind Women and Girls

30.03.2022

On March 30, representatives of the member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), the Kosovo Blind Women Committee (KGVK), held a meeting with the Third Deputy Prime Minister for Minority and Human Rights, Emilja Redzepi, to discuss topics that affect the well-being of blind and visually impaired women and girls in Kosovo. 

Throughout the meeting, the KVGK raised concerns about the lack of institutional support for this comunity. 

Among the KVGK recommendations for improving the conditions of blind and visually impaired women and girls are: 

  • The new draft law stipulates that blind women and girls should have students in education, upbringing and social inclusion, so as not to be discriminated twice on the basis of their abilities as well as on the basis of gender; 
  • Get involved in many law enforcement organizations that affect the interests of the blind and disadvantaged, in the group of women and their daughters; 
  • Speech and their escorts to be released from sites in urban and interurban traffic. 

Redzepi expressed readiness for cooperation regarding addressing these recommendations as well as continuous communication to increase the well-being of blind women and girls in Kosovo. 

This meeting is a continuation of the activities that the KVGK is undertaking thanks to the support received from the 16th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), which for the first time provided organizational support to member organizations, funded by the Sigrid Rausing Trust. . 

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Capacity building for Labour Market: In Time Certifies Participants from Mitrovica and Lipjan 

30.03.2022

In Time, member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), hold trainings on labour in Mitrovica and Lipjan municipalities. On March 30, the participants of these trainings got certified thanks to this initiative supported by the 16th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (FGK), with financial support from the Sigrid Rausing Trust. 

In Time will continue with similar trainings in other municipalities as well, next training will be held for the citizens of Prizren. 

Through these trainings, 10 participants from both municipalities received vocational training for online employment in the field of technology. These trainings targeted women and young participants. 

Moreover, thanks to these trainings, the participants were trained in digital marketing and databases, as well as the skills needed to enter the labour market, including soft skills. 

Another important skill that participants gained is using one of the most popular employment platforms in the global market today, UpWork. 

In Time is one of the eight beneficiary organizations of this round of KWF, which for the first time provided core support to KWN member organizations. 

For more about core support and what it involves, you can read HERE. 

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Kosovo Women’s Fund Allocates more than €276,000 for 28 Organizations and Shelters in Kosovo

24.03.2022

Today, on 24th of March, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held an Orientation Session on which occasion it allocated grants to 28 beneficiary organizations and shelters in Kosovo within the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), amounting to a total of €276,548. More specifically, 28 grants were allocated to 19 Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and nine shelters within this round with support of the European Union Office in Kosovo (EU) via KWN’s initiative: “Enhancing the Capacities and Resilience of CSO’s: Furthering Gender Equality Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Their initiatives will contribute to realizing the Strategic Goals identified by KWN members in the KWN Strategy for 2019-2022, towards supporting, protecting, and promoting the rights and interests of women and girls, using a rights-based approach and sustainable change, particularly related to government response to the socio-economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

KWF 17th round grant beneficiaries (CSO’s) include:

  • Medica Kosova with the initiative “Raising the welfare of children / students for a life without violence” (€9,998)
  • Handikos Mitrovica with the initiative “Challenges of women and girls with disabilities amid Covid-19 in the municipality of Mitrovica” (€9,906)
  • Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired with the initiative “Managing the Covid-19 pandemic situation for the blind and visually impaired” (€9,562)
  • Foleja with the initiative “The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women and Girls” (€9,989)
  • CECD Friends with the initiative “Life without domestic violence – promoting domestic violence protection mechanisms” (€9,351)
  • Shoqata për Edukim dhe Përkujdesjen e Familjes with the initiative “Improving knowledge and empowering young people to live a life free of violence and sexual harassment” (€9,900)
  • YMCA Movement with the initiative “Promoting the feminist movement through the empowerment of young women and men” (€9,868)
  • Lulishtja with the initiative “Economic empowerment of women after the crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic, through creation of family-friendly workplaces (€9,998)
  • Sundimi i Demokracisë në Kosovë – SDK with the initiative “Strengthening gender mechanisms for gender responsive budgeting” (€9,994)
  • Femrat Aktive të Gjakovës with the initiative “Providing legal and psychological support to women who are victims of gender-based violence” (€9,975)
  • Instituti për Dialog dhe Mosdiskriminim with the initiative “Treatment of psycho-social and economic problems in women caused by the Covid-19 pandemic” (€9,965)
  • Shoqata e Gruas Pensioniste “Vita Jeta” with the initiative “Covid-19 and Diabetes in the Elderly” (€9,794)
  • Bliri with the initiative “Raising awareness on reproductive health among young people” (€9,668)
  • Omladincski Gracanica with the initiative “Empowering young women with the aim of achieving economic independence and active participation in decision-making processes” (€10,000)
  • Violete with the initiative “Raising awareness of girls and women in the Municipality of Podujeva for a life without gender-based violence” (€9,980)
  • Zana with the initiative “Economic and political empowerment of women in the municipality of Klina” (€9,506)
  • You Can Do with the initiative “Promoting state mechanisms that women and girls with disabilities live life free of sexual abuse” (€9,978)
  • OJQ Rikotta with the initiative “Prevention of violence through economic empowerment of women in the Municipality of Prizren” (€9,996.50)
  • Organisation for Research – OMNES with the initiative “Advocating to relevant institutions for protection against violence and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress and depression in women” (€9,802.50)

KWF 17th round grant beneficiaries (shelters) include:

  • Center for Protection and Rehabilitation of Women and Children Liria with the initiative “Involvement of relevant state institutions and services in a coordinated approach to violence against women and domestic violence under the Istanbul Convention” (€9,565)
  • Zenski Centar with the initiative “Promoting the rights of victims of domestic violence through digital and advocacy activities” (€9,996)
  • Qendra për Mbrojtjen e Grave dhe Fëmijëve (QMGF) with the initiative “Sheltering, rehabilitation and reintegration for women and children, victims of domestic violence” (€9,993)
  • Center for Women’s Wellness with the initiative “Providing housing, legal and psychological support to women survivors of violence” (€9,996)
  • Safe House Gjakova with the initiative “Psychosocial empowerment of women survivors of domestic violence and raising awareness of abusive partners through psychosocial counseling” (€10,000)
  • QMGF “Raba Voca” Mitrovica with the initiative “Raising awareness against violence against women” (€9,993)
  • Qendra për Strehimin e Grave dhe Fëmijëve Prizren QSGFP with the initiative “Raising awareness and empowering victims of domestic violence” (€9,983)
  • Center for Protection of women and children, My home – Ferizaj with the initiative “Strengthening the Coordination Mechanism for Protection from Domestic Violence for the Ferizaj Region” (€9,837)
  • Center for Protecting Victims and Preventing Trafficking in Human Beings with the initiative “Protecting, advocating for and promoting the rights of Victims and Potential Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings” (€9,952)

KWN’s KWF provides small grants to women’s organizations that do not have access to other sources of funding and who seek to work for women’s rights, especially for groups working in rural areas and/or marginalized persons. Since 2012, KWF has allocated 252 grants, thus supporting 149 organizations, by a total amount of €1,477,067. It has had more than 24,387 beneficiaries. In 2022, the KWF is supported by the EU, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Sigrid Rausing Trust.

28.03.25

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

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17.10.24

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

Drugëza Holds a Health Lecture for the Women of Rezalla of Skenderaj

24.03.2022

On March 24, the member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Drugëza, held a health lecture with 17 women from the village of Rezalla in the Municipality of Skenderaj. 

The participants talked with Dr. Emine Shabani-Goxhuli about the importance of preventing and treating breast cancer, as well as the best ways to take care of their reproductive health. 

“It is important that the topic is no longer taboo and us, women, discuss with other people or go directly to the doctor in case we have doubts about any changes in our body and specifically when we its about our breasts,” said Shabani-Goxhuli, among others. 

However, one of the attendees drew attention to the fact that despite the fact that all women know how important the Pap Test is, there is still reluctance to do it. She further added that awareness lectures like this are among the best forms of changing this situation for the good of women and their health. 

This initiative is supported by the 16th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, which for the first time provided organizational support to member organizations, thanks to financial support from the Sigrid Rausing Trust. 

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KWN Informs Women in Lipjan, Skenderaj, and Mitrovica about Discrimination in Labour and how to Report it

16.03.2022

During February, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held three workshops in Lipjan, Skenderaj, and Mitrovica with women jobseekers and entrepreneurs regarding the legal framework for gender-based discrimination in the labour market. During the workshops, Adelina Tërshani, Project Coordinator, KWN, briefed the participants on the legal framework.

She emphasized that according to the main findings of the KWN’s research, “Gender-Based Discrimination and Labour in Kosovo”, the legal framework is not harmonized, therefore the workers who want to address their cases don’t know exactly which law to refer to. Tërshani also explained the procedures for filing lawsuits.

“The Law on Labour is still not in line with the European Union (EU) Work-Life Balance Directive. KWN with many other organizations is trying to advance the recommendations that should be included in the Labour Law and that are in line with the EU directive,” she said.

While speaking about the legal framework on gender-based discrimination in the labour market,  Valmira Rashiti, Project Coordinator and Legal Assistant, KWN said that KWN is trying to find the ways for the implementation of the appropriate mechanisms.

“Although the legal framework can be complex, it is important to know the referral mechanisms where the cases of discrimination can be reported within the community where we operate,” Rashiti said.

The participants of these workshops shared their experiences regarding non-compliance with the Labour Law.

“I worked for eight years in a private business and I have never had annual leave, holiday leave or maternity leave. If I took the annual leave, I was not paid for those days,” said Serbeze Zabeli from Skenderaj.

Some former women entrepreneurs said that they had to give up their business because of the difficulties they encountered just because of gender.

“I started my own business and functioned for several years, but I had to close it because of sexual harassment from people who came to the store. I did not tell my husband because I was afraid of the worst and as a result I closed the business,” one of the participants said.

While talking about a case where she was harassed through telephone, one participant encouraged all women and girls to report any form of discrimination.

Another participant highlighted the importance of this workshop.

“These workshopsare very useful for us and for the young people. It is good for young girls and boys to embrace the concept of non-discrimination and apply it in practice, ” the activist Valbona Salihu said.

KWN constantly strives to combat gender-based discrimination in the labour market.

For more information, see the KWN research report “Gender-Based Discrimination and Labour in Kosovo.”

These workshops have been financed by the European Union and co-financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

19.12.25

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

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Zensko Pravo Holds Workshops on Prevention of Violence Against Women

15.03.2022

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Zensko Pravo (English: Women’s Rights), has held several activities thanks to the support received from the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund.

In the framework of the initiative “Prevention of violence against women in northern Kosovo”, the organization Zensko Pravo has organized a series of trainings and a round table on the Istanbul Convention

These trainings enabled the survivors to address the needs for reintegration into society directly to the institutions, thus creating an environment as acceptable to them as possible.

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“We aim to contribute to the awareness of professionals in judicial, prosecutorial and police institutions working in cases of gender-based violence, on the need to implement the principles of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Violence against Women and Violence in Families, now integrated in the Constitution,” said Ruzica Simic, Project Coordinator.

As part of this activity, draft agreements for cooperation with the court, the prosecution, the ombudsman and the police were also prepared, as part of the legal assistance that Zensko Pravo is providing to victims of gender-based violence.

On December 24, 2021, during a roundtable held in Mitrovica, participants were 15 officials of institutions working on cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence, as well as women who have experienced violence.

“Meetings like this affect the increase of cooperation and coordinated work between institutions and non-governmental organizations,” said the prosecutor for domestic violence cases, Natasa Tanic.

Furthermore, this organization has held a workshop with 15 officials on the role of non-governmental organizations working for women’s rights in the prevention and provision of specialized services for victims of gender-based and domestic violence. During this workshop, Simic, Project Coordinator, informed the participants about the work done by Zenkso Pravo over the years, providing free legal services to women victims of violence.

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

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

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We March Against the Killing of Women-Once Again the March 8 Echoes the Call for Gender Equality

08.03.2022

The Palace of Justice in Hajvalia was the meeting point of the collective “MARShojmë S’festojmë”, which for the seventh year in a row marks the International Women’s Day, March 8, with a protest march to demand social justice and gender equality. 

Many citizens and activists joined this march in the Zahir Pajaziti square continuing to walk toward the Government of Kosovo, where the protesters echoed the calls for equality and justice for women raped and killed by men. 

As in previous years, this time the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) joined this march, which found support in several other municipalities in Kosovo. 

This time, an important part of the march was the activity called “Red Shoes”, which was held for the first time in Kosovo. 

Seeking justice for women, 48 pairs of red shoes were placed to commemorate the 48 women killed by men since 2010 in Kosovo. Red symbolizes their blood, as well as the love and memory we, as feminist activists, will continue holding for them.  

“Red Shoes” is a campaign against gender-based violence and the violence women face in families and societies. The campaign began in 2009 in Mexico by artist Elina Chauvet, and since then red shoes every March 8 fill the squares and cities of the world, demanding equality of justice for women. 

This year marked the first year that Kosovo joined this initiative, which becomes even more meaningful as we joined its organizers in Albania, who are: Bash-Art Association, Come in the Theatre Association (Alb: “Eja në teatër”), Albanian Women Empowerment Network (AWEN), as well as the Feminist Collective. 

This event was also supported by KWN member organizations, which marked it in their respective cities.  

Let March 8 echo equality and solidarity! 

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KWN Joins Civic Solidarity with People of Ukraine

07.03.2022

“Kosovo stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people”, “Feminists against the war”, “We sympathize with the women of Ukraine”, and “Peace for Ukraine” were some of the calls heard during the march in support and solidarity with Ukraine on March 7. in Prishtina.

Citizens, activists and representatives of institutions together raised their voices against the Russian aggression against Ukraine that began on February 24 this year.

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) joined this initiative of the Forum for Civic Initiatives (FIQ) and BIRN, once again applauding calls against the war.

“We are here today through a symbolic civic gesture to express the support and solidarity of Kosovo in the human, institutional and non-governmental organizations with the people of Ukraine. We are here to define our position with Western values, in very difficult moments that it is going through as a result of the occupation and aggression of the Russian Federation “, said in her speech Dajana Berisha, Executive Director, FIQ.

HERE you can read the full letter in solidarity with Ukraine, which also lists the names of all the organizations supporting this action.

19.12.25

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

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Ura Sociale Raises Awareness of Vushtrri Students About the Importance of Sex Education

01.03.2022

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Women’s Association Ura Sociale held lectures on sex education with high school students of Municipality of Vushtrri, within the initiative “Raising awareness for prevention of sexual harassment”, beneficiary of the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund.

From November 2021 to January 2022, this organization during three months has held a total of five lectures with high school students in Vushtrri. In total, 125 students aged 15-18, had the opportunity to be informed about sexual harassment and their reporting to the relevant institutions.

On 21st of October 2021, the representatives of this organization also met with officials from the Municipal Directorate of Education in Vushtrri, principals, psychologists and teachers of Vocational High School “Bahri Haxha”, Technical High School “Lutfi Musiqi”, and Gymnasium “Eqrem Çabej”.

The recommendations from these meetings was the need for training of educational staff on the sensitivity of these cases, Moreover, the subject of sex education in primary schools was considered more than necessary.

These activities and this initiative is supported by The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) via 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.

19.12.25

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

18.12.25

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18.12.25

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18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

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NORMA Holds Lectures with High School Students on Violence Prevention

01.03.2022

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Norma Lawyers Association, held information meetings with 14 high schools in the Municipality of Prishtina, where they discussed topics related to relevant legislation, gender issues, domestic violence, school violence, sexual violence, from the educational and prevention aspect as well as advocacy for the improvement of knowledge and legislation from the gender aspect.

From October 2021 to February 2022, Norma through these lectures also met with the management teams of schools. School psychologists, teachers, and officials from the Directorate of Education in this municipality discussed together ways to prevent gender-based violence, as well as appropriate techniques related to quality and gender-sensitive education.

“Our main goal is to inform students and raise awareness about their role in combating violence,” said Valbona Salihu, Executive Director of this association.

“Access to quality education is essential for protection from the violation of the rights of young people,” Salihu added.

These activities were carried out within the initiative “Learn and act, for a life free of gender-based violence”, supported by the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-funded by the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (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

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