KWN Support The Pride Parade Under The Slogan “Together and Proud”

01.07.2021

For the fifth consecutive year the Pride Parade was hosted by the LGBTI community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex), various activists and human rights defenders in Kosovo.

July 1st, brought together hundreds of activists under the slogan “Together and Proud” at Skenderbeu Square in downtown Pristina.


“Pride Week aims to empower LGBTI + people, and also increase visibility in Kosovo society for different sexual orientations and gender identities.” said Lend Mustafa, Coordinator of the Center for Equality and Liberty (CEL), after the parade.

Moreover, he added, “This year, Pride Week highlights the issue of the Civil Code and same-sex marriage. “Through the slogan ‘Together and Proud’ we call for solidarity, equality, justice and social change.”

As always, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN)  supported this parade organized by Center for Social Group Development (CSGD), and the Center for Equality and Liberty (CEL).

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Counselling Line for Women and Girls Empowers Them To Report Gender-Based Discrimination at Work

30.06.2021

Frida* was only 17 years old when her family forced her to marry her 40-year-old husband. Her parents told her that she was a girl and that it was her duty to obey them. She had only met her husband five times before their wedding day.

The violence started the first week that they lived together. She soon learned that he was an alcoholic and substance abuser. She endured living with him, in this abusive relationship, for 10 years.

Frida worked as a tailor in a shoe-making factory near Tirana, Albania. She faced many hardships. During a violent episode, her husband broke her arm and she could not work. However, her employers did not allow Frida to take medical leave, and they stopped paying her immediately.

Frida, now unemployed, faced economic hardship, particularly as she still had to care for her three children.

Moreover, after she was fired, her abusive husband was furious. He stabbed her with a knife. The neighbours called the police, and he was immediately arrested.

After these incidents, Frida didn’t know where to seek help or where to report the labour rights violations she had faced at work. While listening to the radio, she learned about the Counselling Line for Women and Girls (CLWG) and called their toll-free number: 116117.

One of the counsellors provided her with free psychological support and mentoring about employment opportunities. With her permission, the counsellors referred Frida to the Gender Alliance for Development Center, which supported her in reporting her prior employer’s violations of her labour rights.

Frida also attended the CLWG’s educational trainings about the legal framework in Albania, which protects women’s labour rights, as well as the institutions where one can report gender-based discrimination at work.

“In these training courses, I had the possibility to meet different women, and we all had many things in common,” Frida recalled. “We were all survivors of violence, who had, one way or another, experienced discrimination and unfair treatment in the workplace. I feel like employers understand when women are vulnerable and uninformed, and they take advantage of this. Employers do not comply with the legislation, and they treat you unfairly. However, after attending these trainings, I feel stronger and much more confident, because now I know how to respond to injustice, and who to contact for help. Now I know what is legal and not, what my rights are as an employee, and where I can report discrimination”.

With the help of CLWG counsellors, Frida has found work as a tailor in a small shop. She also started attending a cooking course offered by the state, free of charge, for survivors of domestic violence. She still meets regularly with the Gender Alliance for Development Center to learn more about her rights regarding work, sick leave and pay.

“It is still not easy for her, or for the other women who have attended our trainings and received our services,” said one of the CLWG counsellors. “However, this information and support has empowered them, and their future seems brighter”.

This is the story of one woman, a survivor of domestic violence, who received support from CLWG.

In 2020 alone, CLWG received 6,000 calls from women and girls about discrimination in the workplace, assisting them in knowing their rights and seeking justice.

This initiative is part of the CLWG action, supported by the Gender Alliance for Development Center, Kosovo Women’s Network and their partners through the Action “Furthering Women’s Labour Rights”. This Action is financed by the European Union and co-funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation (Sida).

*Her name has been changed to protect her identity.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

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

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

30.05.25

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

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

YAHR Advocates for Gender Responsive Budgeting in the Municipality of Lipjan

29.06.2021

The Youth Association for Human Rights (YAHR) has been working towards institutionalising gender responsive budgeting (GRB) in Kosovo since January.

Its initiative “Monitoring and analysis of the drafting of local policies from the gender perspective” focuses on monitoring gender mainstreaming in local institutions in the Municipality of Lipjan.

In order to achieve this, YAHR has met with several representatives of the municipality of Lipjan to advocate for a fair allocation of the municipal budget.

They recently launched their research report titled “Gender Mainstreaming in Local Institutions in Lipjan”. Here, YAHR recommends strategies that would help the Directorate of Administration and the Kosovo Police Station in Lipjan to improve gender equality, particularly by increasing the percentage of women in leadership positions. Their report illustrates that women remain underrepresented in top leadership positions, compared to men. According to them, in the next three or five years, each institution must seek to increase the number (and percentage) of women in leadership positions, towards achieving gender equality in accordance with Kosovo law. This initiative came following YAHR’s participation in a training on gender responsive budgeting, organised by the Gender Budget Watchdog Network, a regional initiative of which both KWN and YAHR are members.

“The training on gender responsive budgeting, for us as an organization, has been one of the main pillars to raise the issue of gender mainstreaming in the Municipality of Lipjan,” said Ferdian Shala from YAHR. “The knowledge on GRB that we have gained during the training organized by the Gender Budget Watchdog Network has helped us organize trainings with the group of women assembly members of the Municipality of Lipjan on the importance of gender responsive policies.” Further, he added that “gender responsive budgeting has played a very important role in the Municipality of Lipjan, but in particular in raising the general social need that we as a society must achieve to respect the most basic human rights, which are envisaged in the constitution. After all, gender responsive budgeting means equal sharing of responsibilities.” 

These efforts are all in the spirit of supporting institutions to implement their commitments to gender-responsive budgeting in Kosovo, where it is a legal obligation. As per best practices in gender-responsive budgeting, gender analysis of needs, such as that conducted by YAHR, should always inform government revenues and expenditures. Thus, their analysis can be important for supporting the Municipality of Lipjan in the process of planning its medium-term and annual budget for 2022.

Overall, YAHR’s efforts have succeeded in bringing institutions’ attention to the importance of gender mainstreaming and the inclusion of women.

This initiative is financed by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Swedish International Development Cooperation (Sida).

Last month, YAHR also became a member of the Kosovo Women’s Network.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

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

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

30.05.25

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

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The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

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Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

KWN Condemns Shala’s Sexist Language

18.06.2021

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The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), once reiterates its call for the cessation of sexist and misogynistic language toward women in politics and decision-making.

Today, the Deputy General Director of Radio Television of Kosovo, Mentor Shala, addressed Doarsa Kica-Xhelili, the Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee for Media and a Member of Parliament, using this kind of language.

Without engaging in polemics between Kica-Xhelili and Shala, Shala’s use of this language should be condemned. It has no place on public television – and should never be used by a Deputy General, whose salary is paid by citizens’ taxes.

Shala’s language is sexist, misogynistic, and encourages the already unequal social, economic and cultural relations between women and men.

Every sentence of Shala’s post on Facebook is sexist and discriminatory. No sentence is critical of Kica-Xhelili’s work as Member of Parliament, a position that she gained by the citizens’ vote. Rather the Deputy General decides to criticize the physical appearance of one of Kosovo’s Parliamentary Members.

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 sexist and misogynistic acts. Also, this practice drastically challenges the achievement of an equal, inclusive society, as well as undermines the progressive aspirations of the Republic of Kosovo.

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

“Menstrual Products are Necessity, not Luxury”: Advocacy for the Removal of VAT from Menstrual Products

15.06.2021

Today, June 15, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) member organization, Eco Kos Women (EKW), with the support of KWN, organized a roundtable discussion “Menstrual products a necessity, not a luxury”.

Representatives of government institutions, as well as both local and international organizations discussed and shared their experiences regarding menstrual hygiene managment of women in Kosovo.

During this meeting, participants discussed the achievements, challenges and necessary advocacy needed to remove/deduct VAT from menstrual hygiene products for women, and categorize these products as essential.

EKW Executive Director, Magbule Hyseni, started the meeting by mentioning the importance of menstrual hygine.

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“Menstrual hygiene management is essential and is related to women’s right to health, education and work. In Kosovo, women face difficulties in managing menstrual hygiene, which prevents them from enjoying basic rights. Therefore, the best practices of gender budgeting highlight the responsibilities of the state to implement funds in an equal and efficient way “, she said.

Hyseni invited all participants to join the work to give their contributions to this issue.

Next, Igballe Rogova, Executive Director, KWN, greeted institutions that are pushing further this advocacy started from EKW.

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“KWN has been working towards gender responsive budgeting for years by organizing trainings in Ministries and Municipalities. We also advocated with the Minister of Finance, Avdullah Hoti, for gender responsive budgeting to be mandatory for and properly implemented by the government. Kosovo emerged as an example of success, as it managed to have gender responsive budgeting as part of the government. Of course we thank all supporters, including those within parliament,” said Rogova.

Ermira Gashi, representative from the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade (MIET), congratulated EKW for the initiative, emphasizing that it welcomes the recommendations of the roundtable.

“State institutions and ministries should take into account all the recommendations and start practicing them, in order to achieve basic human rights; as is health care “, she said.

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Fatmire Mulhaxha-Kollçaku, Chairwoman of the Committee on Health in the Assembly of Kosovo, said that she appreciates the work of EKW and with great pleasure contributed to the finalization of the project.

“Menstrual hygiene is not a matter of luxury. It has to do with the health of women, so it is imperative that we approach to this issue in the right way,” she said.

Natasa Dokovska, Director of the NGO Journalists for Human Rights, gave a presentation on “Cost Analysis on Menstrual Poverty in Northern Macedonia – Menstrual Products Less Available to Women in Northern Macedonia”.

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Finally, Flutra Bektashi, Project Manager presented the findings from the research.

Some of the key recommendations include:

  • Menstrual hygiene products should be classified as essential products because they are necessary for girls and women to realize their human rights, in health, education and labour.
  • Change Law no. 05 / L-037 on Value Added Tax as well as the Administrative Instructions on how to implement this law, so menstrual hygiene products are exempt from all customs and VAT taxes.

Gender analysis suggests that this will benefit low-income families and contribute to furthering equality in state revenue collection by removing this discriminatory tax. Moreover, it can contribute to improving women and girls’ access to adequate health and hygiene management, education, and labour. 

This roundtable is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Swedish International Development Cooperation (Sida).

Read HERE to learn more about this initiative.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

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

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

30.05.25

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

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The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

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KWN Opposes the Dismissal of the President of CEC

15.06.2021

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) joins other civil society organizations in opposing the decision of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu who dismissed the President of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Valdete Daka.

The reasons given for Daka’s dismissal do not stand, and moreover they are based on responsibilities that do not fall under her perview. The CEC is an independent constitutional body and President Daka is only one of eleven voting members.

Among the reasons for dismissal are the violation of personal data, and errors within the voter lists. Neither of these falls under the responsibility of the President of the CE.C One is within the scope of the Agency for Information and Privacy, and the other is the responsibility of the Agency for Civil Registration in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

We note that this decision from President Osmani comes on the eve of announcing the date of local elections to be held in October this year. In addition to being considered an impact on the independent work of the CEC, many also worry that it will effect the organization and validity of these elections.

We also recall that before the early national elections of February 2021, KWN, through a press release, called for this process to take place within constitutional rules, in a democratic spirit, and to address any disagreements through institutional channels. We are repeating this call again,not only for political parties, but for every institutional figure who has the responsibility of representing the unity of the people, such as the President of the Republic of Kosovo.

As we witness the political empowerment of women in Kosovo society, KWN will continue its long-standing efforts to increase women’s participation in politics and decision-making. The Network will demand accountability for decisions that effect the democratic foundations on which we are building society.

28.03.25

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08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament  

05.11.24

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

Holding the Third Follow-up Workshop, EWLA, KWN Further Cooperate for Women’s Rights

09.06.2021

On June 9, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and the European Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) co-hosted the third follow-up workshop to discuss European Union (EU) legal instruments, remedies, and how to use them efficiently to combat gender inequalities.

KWN staff, along with experts from EWLA, Katharina Miller, President of EWLA, and Sylvia Cleff Le Divellec discussed the composition of Court of Justice of European Union, courts roles, labour and discriminatory laws. They also talked about how Kosovo, as a non-EU member can follow EU legislation and be part of the Acquis.

During the first part of this meeting, they discussed the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on women’s rights organisations everyday work and activism. The second half discussed the available remedies in EU law.

Miller and Cleff Le Divellec highly appreciated this workshop and the opportunity to hear perspectives from KWN’s activists.

“For the European Women Lawyers Association, it’s very important to cooperate with the KWN, especially now, in times of the pandemic.”, Miller says, while further adding that the EU Gender Equality Acquis is fundamental for the promotion of women’s rights, for peace and stable democracies within EU.

[KWN and EWLA co-host a four-day workshop on EU Gender Equality Acquis]

“It’s an honour and great inspiration to work together with KWN to find solutions for implementing the EU Gender Equality Acquis in Kosovo. The way is long and together we are stronger!”, she concludes.

Etleva Malushaj, Project Coordinator at KWN, highly appreciated the workshop.

“This workshop is very important as it creates the opportunity to discuss the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on women. Such meetings are crucial and valuable to build solidarity between women and exchange ideas to further engage together for justice and equality.”, Malushaj says.

During this meeting, the KWN staff also updated the EWLA representatives that their previous four-day workshop “Equal Rights and Gender Equality for women and men in Kosovo”, held in October 2020 with the Lobby for Gender Equality and Coalition for Equality, was very helpful for KWN member organisations.

This activity is taken under the initiative “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics”, supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo. Please click HERE to read about this four-year long initiative in more depth.

[KWN and EWLA Co-host the Second Follow-up Workshop on EU Gender Equality Acquis]

Follow EWLA’s work by liking its Facebook Page.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

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

30.05.25

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

30.05.25

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

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

Once Again, Students from Amsterdam Show Appreciation for KWN’s Contribution

08.06.2021

On June 8, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Executive Director, Igballe Rogova met with a group of students from the Amsterdam University College, Netherlands.

This was the second year that this meeting took place via the Zoom platform. The students took part in an interactive discussion, asking questions and also sharing their perspectives.

Rogova spoke about the history of the women’s rights movement in Kosovo, as well as the work by KWN since its foundation, and its six key programs.

She highlighted the recent research report launched by KWN, “A Seat at the Table”, which examines the roles, contributions, and needs of women related to peace and security processes in Kosovo.

“This report describes the valuable role of women’s rights organisations in peacebuilding. I have to say, once again, that local women’s rights organisations and activists have the information and the trust of their communities. Without their involvement in all parts of the conflict cycle, we will not prevent conflict or build inclusive peace,” she emphasized.

“There is no peace, without justice,” Rogova added.

The students appreciated the meeting, seeing it as a valuable experience and a wonderful opportunity to closely understand KWN’s work, and also the course of cultural and social processes throughout various periods in Kosovo.

Over the past two years, Rogova has discussed with the students of this university the rights of women and their impact on the history of Kosovo and peacebuilding. 

Read more about the 2019 visit HERE.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

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

30.05.25

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

30.05.25

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

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

KWN Members, Lobby and Coalition for Equality Discuss Women’s Participation in Local Elections

07.06.2021

Today, June 7, a joint meeting was held with members of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), the Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality (Lobby) and the Coalition for Equality.

Around 70 participants discussed the participation of women in local elections expected to be held in October this year. They also talked about opportunities for advocacy and support for women who want to participate in this election.

At the beginning of the meeting, Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director, mentioned the work of the Lobby, Coalition for Equality and all KWN member organizations working towards increasing women’s participation in politics, both at central and local level.

“For many years now, we have been advocating together to increase and strengthen women’s participation in decision-making processes. This time, we will support all the women participating in the upcoming local elections. We will demand for the Law on General Election to be aligned with the Law on Gender Equality”, said Rogova.

She also informed the participants that the 15th Round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) would be open until June 8.

READ ALSO: The Lobby for Gender Equality Discusses Women and Local Elections

Further, the activist Shqipe Malushi, a member of the KWN Advisory Board, congratulated women’s rights activists for their persistence and hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am delighted to be here with women’s right activists. I will be together with you in every activity. You did not stop your work even during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is a change. Currently, local elections are very important to us. Women are the majority and the time is now to empower each-other”, said Malushi.

Another speaker, Antigona Baxhaku – Idrizi, Director of SHE Solutions, said her organisation aims to empower girls and women in all areas, with emphasis on decision-making, strategic planning and counselling, strategy development for political and lobbying campaigns, and media analysis.

“For many years now, I have worked with and supported various women’s rights groups.  We are currently working together with KWN to support and empower women in the upcoming local elections. Today, more than ever, women in politics are supporting each other and we will be here to seize this opportunity”, said she.

In the second part of the meeting the participants were divided into working groups where they discussed broadly about the campaigns and advocacy needed to increase women’s participation in local elections.

Main suggestions from the group discussions:

  • Increase cooperation between assembly members and organizations in various activities for gender equality,
  • Organize campaign in support of women candidates,
  • Create funding for women’s campaigns within political parties.
  • All participants agreed that the door-to-door campaign should continue in this election as well, to call for more women to be voted in the local elections.

READ ALSO: KWN Calls: Vote for More Women in Parliament

This meeting was supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo, within the four-year initiative “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics”. Read more HERE.

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

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

30.05.25

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

30.05.25

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

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

KWN meets with President Osmani-Sadriu, pledges to advance gender equality

07.06.2021

Today, KWN representatives visited the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, to congratulate her on her election to the office, and discuss the possibilities of cooperation for the advancement of gender equality in Kosovo.

While there, they discussed the alignment of the Law on General Elections with the Law on Gender Equality, further coordination to combat violence and sexual harassment against women, and the involvement of women in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue through a group of experts.

In the following link you can read the letter that KWN sent to Osmani-Sadri on the occasion of her election as President:

[KWN Demands for Including Women and their Needs in Dialogue with Serbia]

President Osmani stressed that throughout her term, gender equality is one of her priorities along with the rights of children with special needs, and environmental issues.

KWN met with Osmani during her time as head of parliament, in February 2021, where they talkedabout the creation of a permanent budget line for shelters for victims of domestic violence. Read more HERE.

t In the following link you can read the letter that KWN sent to Osmani-Sadri on the occasion of her election as President:

KWN Congratulates the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu on her Election

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

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

30.05.25

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

30.05.25

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

30.05.25

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

29.05.25

Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence