Kosovo Women's Network

EULOC promotes the EU Work-Life Balance Directive in Viti

10.02.2022

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) member organization, EULOC Viti, on 1 February continued the awareness campaign for the European Union (EU) Work-Life Balance Directive and the benefits of its implementation. This organization distributed brochures to business owners and employees in Viti, informing them of the KWN’s awareness-raising campaign on gender responsive family policies.

[Read more HERE about this campaign]

The volunteers distributed leaflets and placed them in the visible spots of the business premises.

Florim Brahimi, Director of the EULOC Organization, said that the KWN initiative has been praised as appropriate and valuable.

“The content of the posters on the questions of why the EU Work-Life Balance Directive is in the best interests of workers and how it helps businesses implement family-friendly policies has been very appropriate and helpful,” he said.

The EULOC representatives in cooperation with KWN Project Coordinator Adelina Tërshani have advocated to municipal bodies to support this campaign.

The Deputy Mayor of Viti, Hasan Aliu, said that it is necessary to include the Directive in the Kosovo legislation.

“The non-approval of the legal infrastructure creates problems on the ground. The law regulates many things and frightens even those who violate workers’ rights. The municipality supports the EU Directive, ” Aliu said.

Whereas, Tërshani said that the implementation of this directive helps to achieve gender equality.

“Promoting the EU Work-Life Balance Directive at the local level in cooperation with KWN member organizations will inevitably affect the implementation of family-friendly policies in small businesses and increase the number of women participating in the workforce, ”Tërshani said.

Arton Ostergllava is the owner of the styrofoam factory “Daka Therm” in Pozheran with about 80 employees, 30 of them women. He has welcomed the campaign.

“We welcome this directive. We have improved working conditions in our factory and we will continuously support the workers’ rights in order to increase the performance of the company by having a fair approach to workers, he said.

This has not been the first business visited by EULOC Viti during the implementation of this initiative. In November 2021, EULOC visited the company led by Valbona Ajeti, in Slatina e Epërme, in the municipality of Viti, where women discussed the possibilities for creating family-friendly jobs within this company.

[You can read more HERE about this visit]

The initiative “Promoting Family Friendly Policies at the Local Level” was supported by the United Nations Population Fund in Kosovo (UNFPA) via KWN’s initiative “Expanding Choices: Gender-Responsive Family Policies for the Private Sector in the Western Balkans and Moldova,” financed by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation.

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KWN Holds Three Capacity Building Workshops With Beneficiary Organizations of KWF

08.02.2022

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) during January and February held three capacity building workshops for member organizations benefiting from the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF).

During the workshop on the preparation of project proposals held on January 14, Gentiana Murati-Kapo, KWF Manager presented the best ways of context analysis when writing a project proposal and the analysis of results.

Identifying the overall problem, results-based management, logical framework approach and risk analysis were some of the topics discussed during the workshop.

“Instead of avoiding risks, we need to plan how to manage them by monitoring and mitigating,” said Murati-Kapo, explaining risk identification and analysis.

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“Examining the risks also allows us see why some particular project may not work from the start,” she added.

Meanwhile, on January 21st, KWN held another capacity building workshop on effective communication with the public. During this workshop, KWN PR coordinators, Grese Sermaxhaj and Rudina Voca discussed with the participants the best methods of promoting activities to increase the audience and gain support as volunteers, donors and collaborators.

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Lastly, on February 4th, the third capacity building workshop was held to discuss together with the beneficiary organizations successful advocacy for common goals toward achieving gender equality.

Nicole Farnsworth, Program Director, Lead Researcher, KWN, informed organizations on advocacy initiatives, advocacy strategy development and the advocacy cycle.

She also mentioned the importance of media and social networks in achieving advocacy goals and conveying the success of the message to the general public.

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“The advocacy policy should be presented in attention-grabbing and effective formats, such as graphics, infographics and social media campaigns,” Farnsworth said.

These workshops were supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo, the Sigrid Rausing Trust, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (Sida) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

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KWN Holds its First Meeting with Members for 2022

07.02.2022

On February 7, about 80 representatives of member organizations of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) gathered through the Zoom platform, at the first meeting of KWN members for 2022.

KWN Board Chair, Nermin Mahmuti, at the same time Executive Director of the Community Development Fund, in her opening remarks praised the work of KWN, member organizations and the board done over the years.

“Fortunately, it will be very easy for me, in terms of what we as the Board are obliged to do, because KWN is already an organization that has achieved a lot of success and an extremely great authority as well as has achieved to be one of the key organizations which have changed the policy-making and have influenced the implementation of the mission.” she said.

She further thanked the current chair of the KWN Board, Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa for her contribution.

Mahmuti has expressed readiness to cooperate and offer her expertise in implementing the KWN Strategy for 2019-2022, which ends this year.

The importance of joint implementation of the Strategy was further mentioned by the Executive Director of KWN, Igballe Rogova.

“This year has been even more successful, because the motivation for our members is continuing, and the cooperation through the Kosovo Women’s Fund is enduring. Personally I and all the staff are extremely happy that we can help our member organizations to jointly implement the strategy which ends this year, a strategy which we have implemented over 70% together. Also this year we will be able to fully implement this strategy”.

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In addition, Gentiana Murati Kapo, Grant Manager, KWN, informed the participants about the nomination of new members of the Grants Evaluation Committee within the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF).

“While we are working for the 17th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, today I would like to remind you that KWF since its establishment in 2012 has been a support arm for you as a member organization, and of course we will continue to do it every time, with your cooperation and understanding.” she said.

As always, this meeting served as a meeting point for KWN member organizations to unveil the achievements made over the past year in advancing gender equality, as well as plans for this year.

One of the important points that was discussed is the coordination for the activity of marking the International Women’s Day – March 8. It was also discussed that KWN will soon work on drafting the new Strategy, which will be done in close cooperation with member organizations.

Recall that in November 2021, KWN member organizations met to jointly draft the KWN Feminist Strategy.

This meeting was supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.

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DSK And Organizations Of Persons With Disabilities Discuss Their Needs With Representatives Of The Municipality Of Ferizaj

02.02.2022

On February 2, Down Syndrome Kosovo, member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), held a meeting with representatives of the Directorate of Health and Social Welfare, the Directorate of Education, the Directorate of Culture, the Center for Social Work in the Municipality of Ferizaj, Handikos as well as the Organization “Pema”.

During this meeting participants discussed the fillowing matters:

Improvement of access for people with disabilities to various institutions;

Updating the database for people with disabilities in the Municipality of Ferizaj;
Monitoring the implementation of the individual plan;
Trainings for teachers on access for people with disabilities;
Accreditation of programs for service providers;
Empowering parents to seek the rights of children;

Exit strategies for attached classes;
Provide internships or unpaid work.
Creating opportunities for mothers to work for the sale of local products;
Inclusion of a quota of 5% for people with disabilities in the training programs and grants of the youth sector and other directorates.

“Presentation of specific recommendations to the directorates is a very important step since it helps the representatives from these instituions to reflect on their work and what they are currently doing in order to engage people with disabilities in the political, economical, social and cultural sphere”, said Jetbardha Selmani, Project Coordinator.

Down Syndrome Kosova, Handikos and the Organization ”Pema” expressed their readiness to assist and provide the necessary expertise to institutions to improve the conditions of persons with disabilities.

Recommendations from this meeting will be included in the Municipal Strategic Plan for People with Disabilities in the Municipality of Ferizaj.

This activity was held in the framework of the initiative “Involving Persons With Disabilities In Decision-Making”, which is supported by the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, funded by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.

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Partners Kosova Establishes the Women’s Advocates Group in Dragash

02.02.2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She also went on to say:

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

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

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

28.01.2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

27.01.2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

HERE you can read more about this workshop.

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

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

25.01.2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the recommendations are as follows:

Women and men to be equally represented (50/50) in the local government elections;

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

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

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

24.01.2022

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

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

CSOs in the region that will receive grants include:

Albania:

Together for life
ALTRI – Albanian Legal and Territorial Research Institite
“Qendra e Gruas “”Hapa te Lehte”” / Women Center “”Light Steps”””

“Ne Dobi Te Komunitetit / Useful to women, communities and people in need SH.D.F.K.SH.P”
Albanian Women in Audiovisual – AWA
Gender Alliance for Development Centre

Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Center to Support Organizations “Censor”

United Women Foundation Banja Luka
CURE Fondation
Roma women Association “Bolja buducnost” city of Tuzla

Kosovo:

Gruaja Hyjnore

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

North Macedonia

Helsinki Committee for Human Rights
Glasen Tekstilec
Finance Think
Rural Coalition
Humanitarno Zdruzenie “Majka”

Women’s Organization of Strumica

Montenegro

“Savez slijepih Crne Gore / Union of the blind of Montenegro”
Montenegrin LGBTIQ Association – Queer Montenegro
Institute Alternative (IA)

“Zenska Alijansa za Razvoj / Women’s Alliance for Development”
Association Spectra
Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro

Serbia

“Fondacija ARKA / Foundation ARKA”

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

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

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

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

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

13.01.2022

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

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

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

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

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

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HERE you can read more about this lecture.

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

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