KWN Together With Members From Gjilan Continues To Work Towards Strengthening The Feminist Movement in Kosovo

26.07.2021

On July 26, Executive Director of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, met with KWN members from the Municipality of Gjilan.

In this meeting were discussed the demands and challenges of women in this municipality, as well as the establishment and maintenance of relations between women’s rights organizations.

KWN appreciated the support provided by the Municipality of Gjilan to women’s organizations in their needs for operational expenditures and hopes to increase institutional support from local government in other municipalities as well.

Among other things, during the meeting was discussed the importance of voting for more women in the upcoming local elections scheduled on October 17 of this year. Supporting women’s participation in politics and decision-making is part of KWN’s 2019-2022 Strategy.

KWN will continue these meetings with its member organizations in different Municipalities with an objective to empower the feminist movement in Kosovo. These meetings help the effectiveness of future cooperation as well as the close recognition of the needs of women and girls throughout Kosovo.

This meeting was supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency (Sida), as part of the initiative “Further Advancement of Women’s Rights in Kosovo II”.

This collaboration will contribute to the implementation of the KWN Strategy 2019-2022 and thus to progress towards fulfilling KWN’s vision for a Kosovo where women and men are equal and have equal opportunities in education, employment, and political participation, health care and a life without violence. You can read more about this initiative HERE.

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Hajdari: It is Never Too Late to Bring Sex Crimes to Justice

23.07.2021

This month, Zoran Vukotiq was sentenced to 10 years in prison for committing sexual violence during the war in Kosovo. This is the first case of someone being convicted of such a crime in Kosovo by a local court.

The prosecutor, Drita Hajdari, who worked closely with this case, and met the survivor, talks to the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) about her experience, and contribution, as well as the importance of reporting sex crimes and punishing the guilty.

Two Decades After the War, Only One Person Convicted of War-time Sexual Violence

At the beginning of our conversation, we are reminded that even though it has been over two decades since the end of the war, and, despite the presence of two powerful missions for the rule of law, UNMIK and EULEX, war crimes remain a major problem for Kosovo justice.

“With the first cases, we faced a very serious situation and there were many challenges. However, there is hope and determination that these obstacles will be overcome and war criminals will be brought to justice “, says Hajdari.

War crimes are criminal offenses that are listed as crimes against humanity, defined not only in the Criminal Code of Kosovo, but also in international humanitarian law.

“Among war crimes, sexual assault is one of the most serious crimes a human being can experience,” she said.

“These crimes were committed by members of the Serbian military, police and paramilitary formations, in the most brutal and humiliating forms. […] ”

Meeting the Survivor and Vukotiq’s Sentence

Hajdari claims she took the Vukotiq’s case not only as a legal responsibility but also as a human responsibility.

 She recounts the experience of meeting with the survivor.

“In the first meeting, I tried to build trust and legal support. From the beginning, I have taken care to protect her identity to avoid potential stigma. I explained to the survivor that she was not to blame for what happened. […] ”, says Hajdari.

Hajdari interviewed the survivor at the premises of a women’s rights organization, where she had undergone treatment by a professional team. Thus, the survivor was spared from going through interrogation at the prosecutor’s office, which could have been incredibly triggering.

In court, the procedure was conducted without the public present. Under these circumstances, the survivor testified in the presence of her lawyer and a representative of this organization.

“As the prosecutor of the case, I have provided the court with definitive evidence which proved that the crime was committed against this survivor by the defendent,” said Hajdari.

Given the violence in which these acts were  committed during the war and the continuous consequences that survivors face, prosecutor Hajdari considers this sentence can only partially compensate for women’s pain and suffering.

“The length of the sentence is not determined by the prosecution, but by the court. During the concluding arguments, the court must assess all the circumstances which, according to the law, affect the sentencing for the committed criminal offense”, adds Hajdari, while talking about punishment.

We Should Not Keep Silent About Sex Crimes

No punishment can compensate for this experience. However, restoring justice, after two decades can make survivors of sexual violence breathe more freely.

As part of the conversation, Hajdari highlighted the importance of prosecuting these crimes, and thus recognizing sexual violence as a war strategy. It should not remain a hidden tragedy in our country..

“There are still no comprehensive statistics on the number of women who have survived sexual violence. Some women offered their stories, but many will forever remain silent because of untreated physical and mental trauma, compunded by the fear of their family and community reactions,” she says.

According to Hajdari, these women need full support, primarily from their family but also from society as a whole.

“What happened was not the survivor’s fault. What happened to them was part of the enemy’s strategy for occupying the territory, for ethnic cleansing, and in particular hatred and humiliation against women”, says Hajdari.

“With today’s conviction, women can feel free and safe to testify. They are guaranteed full legal protection for not revealing their identity,” Hajdari recalled.

Given that Kosovo Women’s Network has consistently made efforts to recognize and respect the survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo, and has member organizations that work in this field, Hajdari gives a message to the survivors of sexual violence and the importance for them to speak and testify about the experiences.

“Crime is a crime, and it must be punished. These criminal offenses are not statute-barred, therefore it is never too late to present these cases before the authorities, to fulfill our moral and legal obligation to the survivors, as well as to sanction the perpetrators of these criminal offenses.” says Hajdari as she concludes her conversation with KWN.

This case was supported by the Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT), member organization of KWN. Read HERE the reaction of KRCT regarding the sentencing of Vukotic.

*****

Related articles:

KWN Calls for Respect, Recognition for Survivors of War-time Sexual Violence

SGG Calls for Specialized Services for Addressing Sexual Violence and Support for Survivors

Medica Kosova and Djepi i Buzëqeshjes Show Great Support for War-time Sexual Survivors of the Kosovo War

18.06.25

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KWN And Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Pledge To Work Together To Prevent Gender-Based Violence

23.07.2021

On July 23, the Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, Program Director and Lead Researcher of KWN, Nicole Farnsworth, and Gjylymser Nallbani, KWN Project Assistant, met with the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) Edona Maloku-Bërdynaj and the Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Minister, Gerta Ymeri.

During this meeting  they discussed the findings and recommendations of the research report “From Laws to Action”, launched in April this year, in order to improve cooperation amongst institutions to prevent gender-based violence.

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Special emphasis was placed on educational curricula in the country, and the importance of monitoring the quality of teaching in preventing the reinforced traditional gender stereotypes and roles.

“It is very important to establish cooperation with MESTI. Together we can work towards creating an environment of monitoring the quality of gender perspective teaching in schools in Kosovo” said Igballe Rogova, Executive Director, KWN during this meeting.

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Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Education, Edona Maloku-Bërdynaj, expressed her gratitude for KWN’s work over the years. She added that MESTI is pleased to cooperate in preventing gender-based violence and raising awareness of its forms.

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“MESTI will make addressing issues related to various social groups in improving the quality of education and creating a strategic plan 2022 – 2026 its priority”, she added.

The Research Findings and Recommendations for the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation are as follows:

Findings:

• Educational curricula include information on domestic violence, buts less on other forms of gender-based violence and the alternative gender roles.

• The Education Information Management System has made it easier to report possible cases of domestic violence, but educational staff are unaware of it and do not use it.

• Educators had minimal knowledge about the different forms of gender-based violence and how to interact with victims of violence. This, coupled with cultural norms, may mean that educators do not always report violence when it occurs, despite their legal obligation to do so. This suggests a need for further mandatory training.

• Schools do not have enough teachers or psychologists to adequately help children in need of additional help. Special government-funded education programs exist for victims.

Recommendations:

• Institutionalize training for educators and psychologists on forms of gender-based violence; how to identify signs of gender-based violence; and how to help and appropriately refer children who have suffered violence.

• Include teaching materials on equality between women and men, mutual respect, non-stereotypical gender roles, gender-based violence and how to report it in educational curricula appropriate for different age groups, as provided by the SC.

• Allocate sufficient budget to increase the number of psychologists in schools.

This meeting was held in the  initiative “Further Advancement of Women’s Rights in Kosovo II”, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

Read HERE the full report “From Laws to Action”.

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KWN And Members From Gjakova Work Together To Strengthen The Feminist Movement in Kosovo

19.07.2021

On July 19, the Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, met with KWN members from the Municipality of Gjakova.

At this meeting, the work done so far on the promotion of gender equality in Kosovo, as well as the demands and challenges of women in this municipality were discussed.

Among the main requests/concerns raised by members of this municipality are:

  • Exclusion of women’s rights organizations from COVID-19 pandemic emergency recovery packages/funds;
  • Needs of members from Gjakova for institutional support;
  • The need for relief of the operating costs burden (rent, administrative costs, costs of banking services, costs of electricity, water, waste, etc.

Also, an important part of the meeting was the exchange of ideas on creating and respecting KWN membership regulations.

Recalling the close connection that KWN has with its members in strengthening the feminist movement in Kosovo, such meetings will continue. These meetings help in the efficiency of future cooperation, as well as the close recognition of the needs of women and girls throughout Kosovo.

This meeting was supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), as part of the initiative for the further advancement of women’s rights in Kosovo.

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This cooperation will contribute to the implementation of the  KWN Strategy 2019-2022, and thus progress towards fulfilling KWN’s vision for a Kosovo where women and men are equal and have equal opportunities in education, employment, political participation, health care, and a life without violence.

Read more about this initiative HERE.

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KWN Protests In Lipjan: Justice For Girls, End Institutional Negligence

16.07.2021

Today, July 16, 2021, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) raised its voice against the rape of a 13-year-old from Janjevo, demanding justice and  protesting  in front of the Center for Social Work (CSW) in Lipjan.

Numerous citizens and activists joined KWN’s call for this protest, which continued its march to the Lipljan Police Station.

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“Monitor CSW”, “Rapists in prison” and “Girls are being raped, institutions are staying in silent”, were some of the slogans that the activists held in their hands during the protest.

“Violence against women and girls in our country continues to be one of the biggest human rights violations, yet is still one of the least punished crimes in the country. We will not stop until this changes “, said Valmira Rashiti, Project Coordinator, KWN.

Rashiti read the protest demands, which are:

  • Hold the manager accountable for this case, who knew that the minor was homeless;
  • Take all necessary measures to physically, psychologically and emotionally rehabilitate the juvenile victim, as well as facilitate social reintegration;
  • Increase monitoring at the municipal level for the Centers for Social Work (CSW), and emphasize the role of the Directorate of Health and Social Welfare – as provided by the Law on Local Self-Government and the Law on Social and Family Services;
  • Provide ongoing training and certification of CSW staff, focusing on gender-based violence, and an improved approach to victims, avoiding any form of re-traumatization;
  • Implement sanctions and disciplinary measures against CSWs and social workers who do not comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the Law on Social and Family Services or the National Strategy for Protection from Domestic Violence (NSMS);
  • Train social workers on the implementation of the Law on Child Protection, and their responsibilities in relation to this law, including the implementation of interventions and measures to prevent and protect children from abuse, neglect, abuse and violence;
  • Ensure that the Kosovo Police and Prosecution, as well as all responsible justice institutions to enforce the punishment of all abusers involved in the rape of minors.

KWN will continue to monitor the case and hold institutions accountable until the case is resolved and the perpetrators convicted.

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“Life Free from Gender-Based Violence” remains one of KWN’s key programs. Every the organisation  engages both in activism and lobbying institutions so that women and girls can live a life free from violence. This includes raising awareness amongst officials and citizens in tackling gender-based violence. including domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment.

This activity was supported by Austrian Development Agency.

Read HERE KWN’s response regarding this case.

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KWN: Violence against girls continues, institutions remain silent

12.07.2021

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was troubled to hear the news published today about the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Janjevo.

Despite the fact that children and women are the most affected by gender-based violence, and that serious cases of rape against girls have recently been made public, we are witnessing an institutional silence and mishandling of these cases by the judiciary.

KWN, continues to reiterate that such cases should serve as a wake-up call to be treat vioelnce against women and children with priority. The perpetrators of these crimes need to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

It is a burden for society that girls experience such tragedies and the institutions continue to give low sentences, and don’t work to prevent these crimes. This case tells shines light on the chain of negligence thus far carried out in her case. Punitive measures should be taken for those who evicted her from her home and others who did nothing to prevent it.

Through this press release, KWN expresses its deep indignation at this crime, pledging at the same time that to raise its voice to seek justice for this victim and every other girl and woman raped,killed, or harmed in anyway.

KWN also urges the media to be extra careful in reporting the case, as we are dealing with a minor. The identity of the victim must be protected in all reporting, and at all costs – only then will the media play their part in combating violence against women and girls in Kosovo.

KWN will not stop until violence against girls and women is treated with the gravity and urgency it deserves.

Below you can find KWN’s latest research on violence against women and the institutional response to it:

From Law to Actions

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  

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Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

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

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KWN, Part of CSOs of The Region Drafting Protocol for Online Counselling for Women Experiencing Violence

09.07.2021

The Kosovo Women’s Network, Women and Children shelters in Kosovo, and the Autonomous Women’s Centre have finalized a protocol to help aid women survivors of violence. Service providers including Kosovo shelters had already been providing tele-counselling services to survivors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on their experience and international best practices, they have collaborated to develop a uniform protocol for improving such services in the future. These guidelines will be used to keep women safe during these sessions and provide service providers with standards to use. Interested parties or organizations can contact: info@womensnetwork.org for further information about the protocol. Women interested in using these services, can contact the shelters that offer these services: 

Center for Protection of Women and Children – Prishtina – 044 425 111 
Center for the Protection of Women and Children – Mitrovice – 044 815 749 
Women’s Welfare Center – Peja – 044 223 543 
Safe Home – Gjakova –044-830-151 and 0390-330-098 
Zensko Pravo – North Mitrovica – 065 234 71111 
Ženksi Inluzivni Centar (Eng: Women’s Inclusive Centre) Novobrdo – 0800 21 000 

This protocol was developed in the framework of the “Support to Women Survivors of Violence in Kosovo and Serbia” initiative (Support for Women Survivors of Violence during the COVID-19 Recovery in Kosovo and Serbia), which was implemented by KWN and the Autonomous Center of Women, with the support of the Balkan Fund for Democracy through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

28.03.25

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

08.11.24

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05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

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17.10.24

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

KWN Encourages Kosovo Police to Investigate Establishments Used for Forced Prostitution

09.07.2021

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has been following the latest news on the large number of massage parlors that are under suspicion for human trafficking  and forced prostitution. Both of these crimes affect and harm women and girls the most.

KWN encourages the Kosovo Police to continue with their operational plan “Massage 21”, based on the Statement released July 2 This plan has a direct impact on improving the well-being of women and girls in Kosovo, as well as combating injustice and gender discrimination.

Given the low participation of women and girls in the labor market, and the dire economic situation this creates, women and girls are more likely to fall prey to such traffickers and scams. Violence against women remains the most pronounced form of overall violence affecting women, and yet, remains one of  the least punished crimes in the country.

KWN supports this action of the Kosovo Police, and we express our readiness to assist in any form, given our decades of work and expertise in improving living conditions for women and girls in Kosovo.

Below you can find two recent KWN research on violence against women and discrimination against women in the labor market:

From Laws to Action

Gender-Based Discrimination and Labour in 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 Sends an Open Letter to Political Parties: Calls for Equal Participations of Women in Local Elections

06.07.2021

 

Open letter to political parties in Kosovo,

This year’s local elections are approaching, and soon the candidacies for mayors will be presented.

These elections are being held after the early parliamentary elections of February 14, 2021, which brought a positive change  toward the participation and representation of women in politics and decision-making processes. In these elections, we witnessed an increase in the representation of women in the Assembly of Kosovo, and more women being elected without the aid of a quota.

By voting for women, citizens showed that they want to see more women in leadership positions. It is up to the political parties to understand this message and provide equal space for women in local elections.

As parties are discussing possible candidacies for mayors, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) calls for them to commit to equal inclusion of women and men through:

Implementing the Law on Gender Equality

Women in Kosovo remain under-represented, both within parties and as mayoral candidates. So far, no woman has run for a mayor of any municipality.

This is contrary to Article 14 of Law on Gender Equality (LGE), which obliges political parties to implement measures to promote equal participation of men and women. In accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of this law – in cases where inequalities exist, temporary special measures should be taken in order to speed up the realization of de facto equality between women and men.

According to the LGE, gender equality  is reached when at least fifty percent (50%) of women are represented in political and public life, employment, education, health, economy, social benefits, sports, culture and other areas defined by this or any other law. However, we recall that after the local elections of 2017, women constituted only 33% of the members of the municipal assemblies, and 0% of the mayors.

Moreover, the political representation did not take into account the intersectionality and representation of women with disabilities, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian, Gorani and Serbian women, who are not represented at all.

The current candidate list not only stands far away from equal representation, but poses an immediate concern for the democratic fundamentals and the building of an inclusive society.

KWN calls on political parties to fight discrimination against women, and promote women to run for mayor as a precondition for achieving equal representation in the public sphere.

Providing space for equal representation in the media

Women’s participation and involvement in politics cannot be seen as isolated from women’s public appearances, whether through electoral gatherings or television shows. For example, it has been known for years that women in politics are not equally represented in either TV debates or campaigns.

KWN’s vast experience  in monitoring national and local elections show that women face many injustices in this sphere. They do not have equal space with men within the parties themselves, nor in public appearances during campaigns. Parties must make effective efforts to ensure that the party structure allows for equal promotion for both women and men.

Funding women’s campaigns

Political parties should increase support for women candidates through the allocation of funds for campaigns. So far, KWN has witnessed that women do not have the financial means to compete, campaign, or create a campaign team. Also, parties do not provide any capacity building training for women candidates, so party support for women in most cases ends with  humble assistance for campaign materials. Given the prevailing gender stereotypes in society, women are less likely to self-fund the campaign, which undeniably heightens discrimination against them.

Lastly, as stated in the Kosovo Gender Analysis  drafted by KWN, obstacles to women’s participation in politics include gender stereotypes that suggest that women are not qualified or capable of being political leaders; resistance of political parties to include women; small funding; minimal media coverage of women politicians; women’s time constraints due to responsibilities at home; and poor contact with voters

Therefore, through this letter, we call for you to fulfil your obligation towards strengthening the participation of women in politics and decision-making, especially by increasing the participation of marginalized women in political processes at the local level.

Sincerely,

Kosovo Women’s Network

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

WB CSOs Share Experiences Addressing Gender-based Discrimination

02.07.2021

Diverse civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Western Balkans (WB) gathered online for an “Impact and Learning Forum” to share successes, challenges and ideas for the way forward in their joint efforts to address gender-based discrimination and further women’s labour rights.

Partner CSOs presented their work and achievements through illustrative videos, animations, poems, photographs and stories. These included examples of cases in which they helped women who had faced gender-based discrimination related to their labour rights.

For example, “One of the women we helped, in addition to being a victim of domestic violence, was also discriminated against in the workplace. After the help we offered, she was hired in a small shop and now she feels stronger to fight for her rights”, said Einxh Pepa from the Counselling Line for Women and Girls in Albania.

In the end, partners voted on the best visibility materials created, and the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro won an award of €500 for their short film and poem:

We expanded our fights

For equal rights,

We sought to preserve

What women deserve

We gave them support

Expect our report

Now, see our movie

It’s nice and groovy

Attention, please

Discrimination falls on knees

The partners’ joint Action is funded by the European Union and co-funded by Swedish Development Cooperation.

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