Kosovo Women's Network

“Gruaja Hyjnore” Begins 16 days of Activism with the #MosHesht Campaign

01.12.2021

The member organization of the Kosova Women’s Network the NGO “Gruaja Hyjnore”, marked November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and the beginning of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. On this occasion, in front of the Theatre in Gjilan, a banner with the slogan #MosHesht (ENG: Don’t be silent) was unveiled, and orange scarves were distributed, symbolising a future without violence for girls and women.

Qëndresa Hajdari, Project Manager at this organization, said that reporting violence is vital, and called on justice institutions to treat these cases according to the law.

“Many women consider domestic violence to be a private matter; very few of them who have experienced violence talk about it; and even fewer of them report violence to the authorities. Through this campaign we want to address two more important issues in the battle of violence against women: victims should never be blamed, and law enforcement authorities are responsible for protecting them in accordance with the law,” she said.

The event was also attended by Lindita Salihu, Equality Officer in Gjilan, and Coordinator of the Municipal Mechanism Against Domestic Violence. She spoke about the importance of social and institutional commitment against gender-based violence, rehabilitation and reintegration programs for women who have experienced violence, and the treatment of perpetrators of violence.

“Recently, in the Constitution of Kosova was included the Istanbul Convention, which foresees zero tolerance for perpetrators of violence. We can achieve this only if we are all engaged, we are aware of reporting and as fair protection as possible, to then go to the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of violence. The state must also think about treating the perpetrators in several ways, because it is very worrying when the killings take place by recidivists who have been known to the institutions,” she said.

Arjeta Maka, Project Coordinator at the NGO “Gruaja Hyjnore ” called on citizens and persons experiencing violence to report it because violence is a crime and such an act is punishable with imprisonment.

“We encourage all those who hear or suspect about cases of domestic violence to report them immediately to the police. It is our responsibility to report crimes when they occur, and it is also our civic duty to protect others”.

In the coming days, this organization will campaign on social media and will show the movie “Not your property”.

This activity and this initiative of the NGO “Gruaja Hyjnore ” are supported by the Sigrid Rausing Trust, through the 16th round of the Kosova Women’s Fund.

Photos: Facebook, OJQ “Gruaja Hyjnore”.

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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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Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

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Partners Kosovo Holds Meetings On Empowering Women In Politics

01.12.2021

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Partners Kosova held meetings with women assembly members in the municipalities of Dragash and Fushë Kosovë.

In the meeting held in Prizren on November 8 in the framework of the initiative “Women make a difference”, supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), were present women assembly members and representatives from CSOs from the two above-mentioned municipalities. This meeting enabled participants to exchange knowledge through the experiences, to help them eliminate the barriers that women face in politics and their public appearances.

The meeting was opened by Shukrije Gashi, Executive Director of Partners Kosova, by thanking the participants for their interest, and KWN for their support.

“Partners Kosovo has played an important role in efforts to raise awareness in the field of gender equality and women’s rights, but much remains to be done, both by civil society and other local government institutions.” she expressed.

Shemsije Fetahu, Chair of the Women Gender Advocacy Group, continued with a presentation on the importance of communication and public speaking

“Women need professional training that would make them more independent, participate in more inclusive projects and programs, and also advance them.” stressed Fetahu.

“I strongly encourage Partners Kosova to continue to do the work they started initially with women in Fushë Kosovë, as women have repeatedly emphasized that this organization is the reason and starting point of the functioning of their work,” she added.

Also, the participants of the meeting proposed to hold meetings between women’s groups and mayors to talk more specifically on gender budgeting as well as on development of activities on advancing the position of women.

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.

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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Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

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Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

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Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

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17.12.25

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KWN: There Is No Justice For Women While There Is No Punishment For Murderers

01.12.2021

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Yesterday, it was made public that the Court of Appeals has annulled the sentence of life imprisonment by the Court of Ferizaj for Naser Pajazitaj, who killed Donjeta Pajazitaj.

Decisions like this motivate rapists and murderers of women, while demotivating women and girls who experience violence to report crimes and seek justice for them.

Furthermore, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) recalls that in addition to the Kosovo Criminal Code, the Istanbul Convention, adopted by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, requires justice institutions to protect victims of gender-based violence and to punish without compromise rapists and murderers of women.

Through this statement, KWN requests that all aggravating circumstances in the case of Naser Pajazitaj be taken into account and that the sentence of life imprisonment be returned to him. Also, the process should not leave room for retrial.

Since the assassination of Donjeta Pajazitaj, KWN has made continuous efforts through protests, monitoring and reactions, calling for justice to be done and the killer to receive the punishment he deserves.

KWN will monitor this case closely and seek justice for Donjeta Pajazitaj, and for each woman raped and killed.

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Long-time Supporters Sue and Frank Farnsworth: KWN Drives Positive Change for Women and the Feminist Movement

30.11.2021

As of today, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has over 180 member organisations and has supported 42 diverse women’s rights organisations through the Kosovo Women’s Fund so far in 2021 with more to come.

There are various numbers and statistics one can use to measure KWN’s success and impact towards strengthening the feminist movement and women’s rights in Kosovo and beyond.

An important factor for KWN’s success is its members and long-term supporters, such as the couple Sue and Frank Farnsworth from the north-western U.S. state, Idaho.

Just recently, they honoured KWN with their presence at the latest Members’ Retreat held during 12-14 November in Durres, Albania. We seized this opportunity to sit with them to discuss their inspiration to continue supporting KWN’s mission throughout the years.

They also elaborated on their own journey with KWN, emphasizing that KWN is one of the most valuable non-profit organisations they could donate to.

Unconditionally Supporting KWN Throughout the Years

“We love the work of KWN and its members’ organisation and the things you at KWN are doing. The things you do are so important for women’s rights and their wellbeing and it gives them so many opportunities. We give our money with no strings attached, because we know that you are more likely to make these changes”, Sue said, adding “we do not want to give money and tell you how to use it.”

While such unrestricted funding is crucial to addressing rapidly issues that arise in KWN’s mission to further women’s rights, untied funding is very difficult for most CSOs to secure, as KWN’s research has shown.

Frank’s inspiration for supporting KWN also drives from feminist voices in Kosovo’s history; he highlighted the contribution of KWN Executive Director, Igballe Rogova.

“In the war women did not hesitate to take leadership responsibilities. Igo [the nickname Frank friendly calls Igballe Rogova] was one of them. She took a leadership role and because of that courage you continue this path today. It is remarkable and it changes society tremendously.”

Because of this, and not only, supporting KWN is very easy, Frank believes.

“You have the opportunity to make a positive change. I learned that from Nicole [Nicole Farnsworth, KWN Program Director/Lead Researcher], not with an agenda, but simply with the question ‘how can we help’.”

When asked which KWN programs stand out, they both agree that all KWN’s initiatives and programs are equally important.

“Giving is a matter of trust”, they emphasised.

While Frank acknowledges that they could also give this money to organisations back home, it would definitely not have the same impact and power.

Donations to KWN Drive Positive Change for Women

“When I look back, I can never forget when I came to Prishtina with my mother, and we went to talk with women in tents who were seeking justice for their loved ones still missing from the war. What they were doing was for another world,” Sue recalled.

Frank recalled a more recent example of KWN’s work and its immense impact.

“It was the impressive concept of the exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence Behind Walls”. It included references where the survivors of gender-based violence can seek help. It was very helpful, giving them a chance to reach out.”

[This exhibition brought out the into public space the real stories of women and men who have suffered domestic violence in Kosovo, collected by the KWN. Please click HERE to read these stories]

Inviting Others to Support KWN

They wish that other international supporters will join and support the cause of KWN and its member organisations too.

Hereby, Frank shared briefly a story of how Rogova speaking about her work and journey as an activist on the Idaho State University Campus in June 2009 indeed increased the number of international donors supporting the mission of KWN.

“Igo came and spoke at Idaho State University, and when people heard her story, they wanted to give. This is, I believe, the next step for gaining more international supporters- communication of what is happening so that people can react to it.”

Besides, Sue points out that she has called her friends and family to support the great cause of KWN. Some of them did.

A group of women in Oregon have been inspired to support through Altrusa International of Corvallis-Altrusa, meaningful internships for young women at KWN towards increasing their employment and providing opportunities to work towards furthering women’s rights.

On this note, Frank adds that potential supporters from the United States also have the opportunity for their charitable contributions to fall within their tax deductions.

Note: You can support KWN through tax deductible donations via the Network for Good and KWN’s fiscal partner, the East-West Management Institute, where you can earmark 100% of funds to go to KWN.

They briefly commented on the event they were participating in Durrës, where KWN member organisations gathered to draft the KWN Feminist Strategy.

“So much of what was happening at this meeting was about leadership and growth. It gives everyone a possibility to share, learn and grow.” Frank says.

“It is an amazing chance to get together, to support each other, and know that there are a lot of women out there who share the same concerns,” Sue added.

Concluding the interview in a cheerful tone, with smiles on their faces, the Farnsworths vowed to continue their support and stay close to KWN and all the friends they made all along this journey.

You too can become a supporter and help strengthen the women’s rights movement in Kosovo. DONATE to the KWN Sustainability Fund and help us cover crucial costs and support important programs.

Every cent you donate counts in our endeavours to support, protect and promote the rights of women and girls.

19.12.25

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

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

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Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

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“Gruaja Fermere” Holds Lectures on Sex Education with Students in Rahovec

30.11.2021

Kosova Women’s Network (KWN) member organisation, “Gruaja Fermere” is continuing the implementation of the initiative “Sex education tailored to age and development”. The students of the Technical High School “Selajdin Mullaabazi – Mici” had the opportunity to attend the lecture of Dr. Florije Kafexhiu about reproductive health, family planning, unwanted pregnancies, and adolescent health.

The project coordinator, Muradije Shehu, said that they have chosen to address this topic because of the great need for young people to become aware of reproductive health.

“We are grateful to the Kosova Women’s Network, through which the organisation of these lectures, very useful for young people, was made possible”, she said.

Meanwhile, the lecturer Kafexhiu advised the students to be aware of the health risks that may threaten them.

“You should feel free to know more about sex education because lack of information can have many consequences, and infections are among the most common and should be treated with caution, because some of them do not show any symptoms at first”.

She advised students, despite the psychological and emotional changes that they may encounter during adolescence, to talk to parents or psychologists about any concerns. She added that in no case should narcotics or alcohol be used as an attempt to escape problems.

The student of dentistry, Anjeza Krasniqi, expressed her satisfaction with the training.

“I liked the topic we discussed today because we learned a lot of things we did not know, and which we never discussed in school. This information will help us take proper care of our health,” she said.

Previous activities of “Gruaja Fermere” organisation include discussions with school principals and teachers, who have supported the idea of updating the school curriculum with the subject of sex education. Next, eight lectures are expected to be held with middle and high school students in Rahovec.

This initiative is funded by the Austrian Development Agency and co-financed by the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Agency, through the Swedish Embassy in Prishtina, in the framework of KWN’s initiative “Further Advancement of Women’s Rights in Kosova II”.

19.12.25

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

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

18.12.25

Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

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16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

17.12.25

Moving Forward Together: Making Transport Accessible for Everyone

“Lipjan Youth Center” Advocates For the Support of Women Entrepreneurs

29.11.2021

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) member organization held a roundtable on 29 November in Lipjan on allocating the budget for subsidies in the economy sector to support women entrepreneurs.

During this meeting the family friendly policies and the inclusion of the criterion of these policies in the calls for subsidies have been discussed.

The trainer in this workshop, Fitim Sadiku, has emphasized that the main purpose of the subsidies should be the empowerment of women and the promotion of family friendly policies.

“Through the creation of these opportunities the employment and in particular the employment of women would be promoted. Thus, the businesses should offer flexible hours, reduced working hours, paternity leave, financial allowances for special cases and child care spaces,” he said.

Whereas, Adelina Tërshani, the KWN Project Coordinator, has stated that the small municipalities can often be seen as an example to other larger municipalities.

“Promoting these policies is more problematic in small municipalities, but it is important to do it, as the small municipalities can be examples of success to other larger municipalities,” she said.

Hyra Bytyqi, the Lipjan assembly councillor, has stressed that the discussions on family friendly policies are very important. According to her, these policies should be included as a criterion in the regulation.

“I think that this can be done if we address this request as a group of women MPs in Lipjan. I know that the municipality has decided to support women. The municipality can benefit from it, too, and I think that the municipality will support this idea and develop these policies,” she said.

During this advocacy roundtable the examples of companies that are implementing family friendly policies have been shared and the benefits of the employer and the employee from these friendly policies have been shown.

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.

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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YAHR Advocates for the Advancement of Women Position in the Municipality of Lipjan

26.11.2021

Thanks to the support received from the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, the member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), the Youth Association for Human Rights (YAHR), from November 19-22 held workshops on the new legislature 2021/24 with assembly members of the Municipality of Lipjan.

As part of the initiative “Achieving gender equality in decision-making”, this organization has informed the participants about the importance of advancing the position of women in local institutions.

On the first day of the workshop, the participants were introduced to the initiative and the activities that will be carried out during the workshop as well as the upcoming activities planned for the next six months of implementing this initiative.

Whereas, on the second day of the workshop, strategic planning was discussed regarding the advancement of the position of women in local institutions of the Municipality of Lipjan.

Bekim Krasniqi, Executive Director, YAHR highlighted the importance of the support received from KWN.

“We started by supporting all women candidates for the municipal assembly of the Municipality of Lipjan, in which case we called on citizens to vote more women in these elections. This campaign has resulted in success as today we count five women in the municipal assembly of Lipjan, who were elected without the need for a gender quota “, said Krasniqi.

He further said that this workshop has a special role also because thanks to it the priorities have become objectives.

“There has been a unity of parliamentarians to draft a strategy that will help these priorities be in a document and thus advance the demands and needs that would force the executive to take them into account,” he said. therefore, this workshop was extremely important for us as an organization to coordinate activities and priorities with the assembly members of the Lipjan Municipal Assembly in order to have flexibility and success in our cause. ”

Also, Lumturije Bytyqi-Hasan, assembly member in the Municipality of Lipjan said that this workshop was very productive.

“Thanks to this workshop, for the first time, an internal institutional initiative is starting to regulate the position of women in the institutions of the Municipality of Lipjan. YAHR has always been supportive of initiatives to promote women in society and we will continue to be allies with YAHR to achieve our common goals,” she said.

In the coming months, this organization will conduct numerous activities with institutional representatives to raise awareness of the importance of implementing the Law on Gender Equality and equal participation of women in decision-making positions in the Municipality of Lipjan.

This initiative was supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo, through KWN’s “Empowering Women in Politics” initiative.

19.12.25

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

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

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Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

18.12.25

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Kosovo Spotlighted Internationally as Exemplary in Preparation Process of Country-Level Implementation Plan for the EU Gender Action Plan III

25.11.2021

Kosovo was selected as one of only four countries internationally to share its experience of the process of preparing the Country-Level Implementation Plan (CLIP) for implementing the European Union’s Gender Action Plan III.

Kosovo’s CLIP preparation was uniquely and particularly consultative because it was led by a women’s rights civil society organization – the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN).

Today, 25 November, KWN Program Director and Lead Researcher, Nicole Farnsworth, participated in a structured dialogue hosted by the Policy Forum on Development, entitled “GAP III implementation: Focus on country level one year after GAP III adoption.”

During the plenary session, Farnsworth highlighted the link between consultation and implementation, stating that: “a consultative process, led by local actors and inclusive of diverse stakeholders, will help to contribute to CLIP implementation by ensuring diverse actors are aware of it and that they feel a part of the process of creating it.”

While speaking about the strengths of Kosovo’s CLIP creation process, she further added a key strength was the “strong effort to link the CLIP to programmes in all sectors, undertaken together with EU program managers. Ambitiously, the Kosovo CLIP attends to all thematic areas in GAP III and several objectives under each thematic area, including a total of 34 different GAP III objectives.”

She also underlined the importance of engaging and recognising the expertise of civil society and women’s rights activists as experts, including compensation for their time and expertise.

In addition, Farnsworth mentioned ongoing work on an annex that sets out specific programmes that will contribute to each objective, to facilitate reporting later on and include additional information from civil society and other actors that is important for coordination but that would not fit within the CLIP page length restrictions.

“This is an important approach to contribute to inclusivity and ownership,” she added.

Farnsworth also highlighted several conditions necessary for the successful implementation of the CLIP, including: EU leadership in following through on commitments and active cooperation with the Kosovo government to ensure the incorporation of CLIP objectives into programmes. Considering that the Kosovo government designs EU-funded programmes, they must be involved from the outset in incorporating a gender perspective in programmes, in line with the Kosovo Programme for Gender Equality, along with other commitments.

During working groups, she noted the important example of how women’s rights groups like the Mitrovica Women’s Rights Association and Sandglass are contributing to peace at a local level, which is important for peacebuilding from a local level up and such crucial initiatives should be supported by the EU in alignment with the EU’s women, peace and security agenda. The EU can use its presence in peace processes like the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue to pressure governments to ensure women’s engagement in peace processes.

Towards implementing GAP III, diverse WCSOs also should be supported through diverse funding modalities including long-term, flexible, institutional support, considering that women’s movements are the foundation of social change, she said. The EU should consider which funding modalities work best in different contexts for best reaching diverse groups.

She also noted the importance of the European Commission documenting more clearly its expenditures on gender equality by requiring within templates gender responsive budgeting for all programmes, and not only related to public finance reform actions as in GAP III presently, towards setting an example of gender responsive budgeting, towards equality, transparency and accountability to stakeholders.

The EU GAP III was adopted a year ago and KWN will continue to support its implementation in Kosovo in close cooperation with its divers 181 member organisations the EU Office, EU Special Representative, EULEX, EU Member States, and other stakeholders.

19.12.25

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

18.12.25

Inclusive Sexual Education: A Needed Change

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Building Stronger Responses to Gender-based Violence Across Kosovo

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Going Glocal 2.0: Sustainable Gender-responsive Futures

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16 Days of Activism: Raising Awareness and Strengthening Advocacy

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CPRW Holds Lecture on Health for Sexual Violence Survivors

24.11.2021

The Kosova Women’s Network (KWN) member organisation, the Center for Promotion of Women’s Rights (CPWR) in Drenas, is continuing to implement the initiative “Psychosocial services for women who have experienced sexual violence during the war in Kosova”, beneficiary of the 15^th round of the Kosova Women’s Fund (KWF).

As part of this initiative, CPWR is holding advocacy meetings for women’s rights to healthcare. The activity in line was the lecture with Dr. Vjosa Devaja, who spoke extensively about “Sexually Transmitted Infections”.

Participants were informed about various infections, their transmission, causes, symptoms, and appropriate treatment.

Devaja said there should be no taboos on treating sexually transmitted infections.

“Anyone can have these infections, so take care of yourselves by visiting a doctor immediately. Leaving them untreated causes other health complications, and in case of pregnancy, they are transmitted to the child”.

At the end of the lecture, she addressed the questions of the participants, survivors of sexual violence during the last war in Kosova, who expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to have accurate information about their health, and access to healthcare.

In September of this year, KWN announced the beneficiaries of this round of KWF, which continues to support initiatives that contribute to improving living conditions for women throughout Kosova.

All of these initiatives are directly contributing to the implementation of the KWN Strategy for 2019-2022, which was drafted together with KWN members.

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

BWM Holds an Information Session on Creating Family Policies in the Workplace

23.11.2021

On November 10, Bussines Women Mitrovica, amember organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), held an information session with 12 representatives of businesses in Mitrovica and representatives of institutions of the municipality. The meeting occurred under the”Creating friendly places” of work ” initiative, a beneficiary of the 15th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF).

During the meeting, women entrepreneurs were informed about the models of family friendly policies, as well as the possibilities to apply these models in their companies or businesses.

Valbona Sadiku, who runs a beekeeping business, said that women in job interviews are always asked about family planning, which is discriminatory.

“We, as women entrepreneurs, must stop this discrimination and focus on creating friendly jobs so that these policies continue and women are not deprived of employment opportunities.”

Hatixhe Ibrahimi, who runs an agricultural business, shows that her focus has always been the employment and empowerment of women.

“There are always women on my team and I will always support them. Definitely family friendly jobs should be created in every company and business. “This is in order to have equality in every family”, she added.

Further, Fahri Jashari from the Directorate of Culture, Youth and Sports in the Municipality of Mitrovica said that the recommendations issued from this session will be sent to municipal institutions.

“Here we are together representatives of the public sector and representatives of businesses to discuss and promote finding ways to create family policies that ensure a balance between life and work. Recommendations are very important for us as a municipality in directing our areas of focus”, he said.

Furthermore, women entrepreneurs discussed the difficulties they face as women-ledbusinesses, namely a lack of support from institutions and lack of space to promote products.

Participants highly appreciated this opportunity to share their experiences and ideas regarding job creation.

The “Promoting Employment through Family-Friendly Jobs” Initiative was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through KWN’s “More Choices: Gender Responsive Family Policy for the Private Sector in the Western Balkans and Moldova” funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of the Austrian Cooperation Agency.

19.12.25

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

18.12.25