Kosovo Women's Network

EU-Western Balkans Summit 2024 Offers Opportunities for Gender-Responsive, Inclusive Growth

05.12.2024

Today, Friends of Europe hosted their annual EU-Western Balkans Summit 2024: “A Renewed Approach to the Western Balkans” in Brussels and online with the aim to “redefine the dialogue on EU enlargement by addressing the accession process of the Western Balkans through an inclusive and innovative approach”. The annual summit gathers EU and Western Balkan (WB) leaders, officials, and civil society representatives to discuss burning issues related to the EU enlargement process.

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Programme Director and Leader Researcher Nicole Farnsworth spoke during the second panel, “Unlocking Economic Potential: Growth and Integration through EU Accession”.

Amid discussions surrounding the EC’s New Growth Plan, she observed that the EC’s Plan does not mention gender equality, leaving gender mainstreaming of Reform Agendas up to WB governments. For the EU’s gender mainstreaming efforts to have results, she emphasised the need to include clear objectives and targets that could measure progress in furthering gender equality within every sector and reform area, enabling monitoring and evaluation of progress. She also observed the importance of including obligations for gender-responsive budgeting within the EU’s forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

During her intervention, Farnsworth elaborated four gender-responsive policies that WB countries should prioritise to ensure inclusive economic development and align with EU Accession criteria:

Institutionalise gender analysis as part of all policymaking and programming processes, ensuring that policies and programs are developed based on actual needs of diverse women and men.

Institutionalise gender-responsive budgeting as part of ongoing financial management reforms related to EU Accession criteria, contributing to equality through needs-based distribution of public resources, as well as to transparency and accountability in public spending. This would be in line with EU and WB governments’ commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Gender Framework.

Adopt and implement the EU Work-Life Balance Directive, offering women and men more balanced opportunities to engage in caring for children and loved ones.

Invest in increasing the availability of care services, in line with EU Barcelona Objectives. In the WB, demand for care services far exceeds supply. KWN’s publication Who Cares?, has shown that increasing childcare availability can create thousands of new jobs; transform women’s currently unpaid work into paid work; and increase women’s labour force participation both as employees, but also by enabling more women to work. While the Kosovo Reform Agenda has allocated resources for expanding childcare availability, WB countries can still invest more to meet the level of need.

KWN will soon publish its commentary on the Kosovo Reform Agenda. Stay tuned in 2025 for recommendations for the MFF and external financing, prepared together with the Gender Budget Watchdog 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

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

The Joint Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

02.12.2024

During November in Kosovo, as in the rest of the world, we marked the global campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”.

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was represented by the Chair of the Board, Ariana Qosaj Mustafa, at the opening of activities organized by the Ministry of Justice, along with the Program Manager Against Gender-Based Violence, Adelina Berisha.

“A key issue requiring our collective focus is the need for comprehensive allocation of human and financial resources to combat violence against women,” stated Qosaj Mustafa.

Meanwhile, Berisha also participated in the panel “United Against Violence – Enough!”

“Comprehensive sexual education as a mandatory school subject directly contributes to the prevention of violence. All institutions must be more accountable in handling cases of gender-based violence. This remains one of the most frequent crimes within Kosovo’s prosecutorial system,” said Berisha.

Additionally, towards the end of November, the Kosovo Women’s Network team participated in two different panels, discussing domestic violence and gender-based violence with students.

The GBV team also attended the launch of CEL’s report, “Analysis of Gender-Based Violence Against LGBTIQ+ Communities in Kosovo 2023-2024”, which identified the challenges faced by the LGBTIQ+ community in reporting gender-based violence. Adelina Berisha, Program Manager Against Gender-Based Violence, moderated the panel discussion, which included representatives from the Kosovo Police and civil society.

The KWN Gender-Based Violence Program team, throughout October and November, continued its dedicated efforts to end all forms of this violence, guided by KWN’s Strategic Program.

In this framework, various meetings were held with national and international institutions where KWN advocated for improvements to the legal infrastructure to address cases of gender-based violence.

In October, the “Conference on Promoting and Implementing Legislation and Policy for Preventing Sexual Harassment in Kosovo’s Public Administration Institutions”, organized by the Office of Good Governance, took place. In the panel “Addressing, Responding to, and the Importance of Sensitive Reporting of Sexual Harassment Cases in Public Administration Institutions”, Adelina Berisha, Program Manager for Addressing Gender-Based Violence at KWN, was a speaker.

She discussed the role of women’s organizations in addressing sexual harassment and emphasized the importance of a victim-centered approach, considering the consequences of sexual harassment on those who experience it.

Additionally, KWN’s research team continued conducting interviews as part of their research to better understand how local institutions are implementing legislation against gender-based violence, identifying opportunities and challenges in addressing such violence while focusing on their knowledge and perceptions of its various forms.

Between March and November, the team monitored over 100 cases related to domestic violence, gender-based violence, violence against women, and child custody in the Basic Courts of Prishtina and Ferizaj. These cases included various forms of violence, such as aggravated murder, physical and psychological violence, and protective orders.

In the past two months, the monitoring team continued observing over 100 court sessions on domestic violence cases, while legally representing and advising over 20 women. To continue advocacy and raise public awareness on addressing gender-based violence, in October and November, KWN made 10 media appearances, discussing, among other things, their recommendations for including cyber violence in the Criminal Code and addressing cases of violence against minors. KWN emphasized its urgent call for relevant institutions to treat cases of violence against minors, including recent rape cases, with utmost priority and seriousness. They also demanded thorough and professional investigations to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice and receive deserved punishments.

At the beginning of November, the country was also shaken by devastating news, as three rape cases occurred within 48 hours, two involving minors. Through media appearances, KWN raised its voice, calling for these cases to be handled with the highest level of seriousness, while highlighting the persistent insecurity that girls and women still experience in our society.

KWN’s Gender-Based Violence Program will continue its activities in the coming months, aiming to prevent all forms of gender-based violence in Kosovo.

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

Civil Society Presents Manifesto for the Implementation of Human Rights and Gender Equality in Kosovo

02.12.2024

With the upcoming elections scheduled for February 9, 2025, civil society has prepared a Manifesto for the Implementation of Human Rights and Gender Equality in Kosovo.

Twelve civil society organizations have signed this Manifesto, which calls on all political parties in Kosovo to prioritize and protect women’s rights.

“Our future depends on our commitment to equality, justice, and respect for all citizens. This manifesto outlines the essential demands that should be respected and integrated into the policies of political parties. We also call on all political parties to address our demands in their party programs,” the joint appeal states.

This Manifesto outlines nine key points, where civil society is focused and calls for: an election campaign without hate speech; voting for and respecting the Labor Law; voting for the Civil Code that protects human rights; implementation of Gender Responsive Budgeting in accordance with the Law on Gender Equality; implementation of the Law on Violence against Women; increasing access to public kindergartens, including in rural areas; ensuring access to health, health insurance, and reproductive health; empowering an education system that changes gender norms; and respecting the principles of the Law on Gender Equality towards increasing women’s participation in politics.

Through this Manifesto, civil society organizations call on all political parties to adopt these principles and demonstrate their commitment to women’s rights through their actions and policies. But of course, they also call on voters to hold political leaders accountable and support candidates who prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment.

For all the details contained in this Manifesto, read the full version HERE.

 The Manifesto is signed by:

Artpolis – Art and Community  

Kosovo Initiative for Stability – KIS  

Riinvest Institute 

Kosova – Women 4 Women 

Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS) 

Kosovo Center for Gender Studies

CEL Kosova  

QIKA 

Csgd Kosovo 

Kosovo Women’s Network

Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations of Kosovo 

The Foundation House 

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

Women Peace Activists from Kosovo and Serbia Discuss Challenges and Opportunities for Cooperation

02.12.2024

On November 26, a meeting was held in Skopje between women peace activists from Kosovo and Serbia to discuss the challenges facing the region and the opportunities to contribute to peace and security.

Supported by The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, this meeting provided a space for dialogue and exchange of experiences among representatives of women’s rights organizations from both countries. The activists shared challenges and stories from their work, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual trust-building to promote peace in the region.

The primary goal of the meeting was to create a safe space for dialogue among the representatives, without the pressure to make immediate joint decisions.

Participants highlighted that through honest dialogue and fostering long-term cooperation, women can be a driving force in addressing conflicts and building a shared future that is safer and fairer for all.

This meeting serves as an important step toward strengthening ties between organizations and increasing efforts for peace and security in the region.

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

Rogova Invited by RIT Kosovo and Inspires the Next Generation of Leaders

02.12.2024

The Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network, Igballe Rogova, visited the American University in Kosovo, RIT Kosovo, where she shared her extraordinary story of civil resistance and feminism. During a meeting organized with students and university staff, Rogova recounted the challenges women faced during the 1990s, highlighting the courage and persistence required to advocate for change in a challenging period for Kosovo.

“As a co-founder of Kosovo’s first women’s organization, Motrat Qiriazi, Igo has been a trailblazer in empowering women and fostering community development,” wrote the American University, recognizing her significant impact on advancing women’s rights.

In her speech, Rogova shared key moments of civil resistance and the role of women in creating spaces for equality, both then and now. She inspired the students by emphasizing the importance of active engagement in transformative processes for a more just society.

“Thank you, Igo, for inspiring the next generation of leaders at RIT Kosovo!” concluded the university in its message of gratitude.

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 collaborates with the CEC to promote gender equality in electoral processes

02.12.2024

The Education and Information Division of the Central Election Commission (CEC) held a meeting with the staff of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) in mid-November. The aim of this meeting was to plan a series of roundtable discussions on gender equality in electoral processes, with the support of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The roundtables, which have already begun and in which KWN is participating, will continue throughout December. They aim to address the challenges affecting the political representation of women in Kosovo and identify concrete solutions to increase their inclusion.

KWN will contribute with expertise and practical knowledge to ensure that women’s voices are strongly represented. This collaboration aims to strengthen the capacities of female candidates and promote gender equality as a fundamental principle in electoral processes.

KWN believes that women make up half of society and should be equally represented in politics.

This collaboration highlights the commitment of institutions and organizations to work together toward a society where women occupy the place they deserve in policymaking and decision-making.

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

Follow UP – Education and Advocacy for a Violence-Free Society

27.11.2024

With unwavering commitment, the Organization for Integration and Social Development – Follow UP has spent four years supporting women and girls who have experienced domestic violence, helping them reintegrate into society. At the same time, it aims not only to support women and girls in this process but also to advocate and educate, spreading its message as widely as possible.

The work with these women and girls is multifaceted, offering support and assistance in various forms tailored to their needs throughout the process.

“We have helped women who had never worked before, including women with disabilities, by assisting with basic needs like obtaining an ID card and helping them find jobs,” says Ermira Tafarshiku from Follow UP.

Follow UP also provides institutional support to relevant stakeholders, strengthening the capacities of officials involved in supporting survivors of domestic violence, both directly and indirectly.

To ensure sustainability and long-term cooperation, communication with these women continues even after they have secured housing or employment. They stay in touch with the organization, sharing their successes and achievements.

According to Ermira, who works closely and dedicatedly with these women and girls, the ongoing communication and their achievements bring a sense of fulfillment to the organization’s team. “We don’t just help them once; the goal is to continue following their progress,” she says.

After leaving the shelters, Follow UP assists them in finding work and securing housing. While these processes are challenging, the organization has established sustainable partnerships with reliable partners.

“The women we assist face many challenges. For example, we often encounter businesses that are hesitant to hire them, believing they will bring various problems,” says Ermira.

In addition to working directly with victims of domestic violence, particularly women and girls, Follow UP seeks to prevent further violence by educating and advocating for younger generations on sexual education issues.

In 2023, the Follow UP organization published an analysis on the inclusion of sexual education topics in the school curriculum. The research highlighted the need for changes in the Civic Education subject for grades 10 and 11, as well as the Sociology subject for grade 12. The analysis also served as the foundation for a more in-depth study of the Civic Education subject and the issue of school infrastructure.

“Previous research was needed to identify the textbooks used in high schools, examine their shortcomings, and determine what needs improvement,” says Kaltrina Zhushi, a researcher involved in this year’s initiative.

In this year’s research, it was decided to observe five high schools in Prishtina, with one teacher per school, during Civic Education classes, with two lessons per teacher. During the observations, classroom dynamics were assessed to determine whether they favored girls or boys and to what extent the gender perspective could be integrated into the lessons.

According to Kaltrina Zhushi, the researcher who conducted the observations, the findings were disappointing. There is a lack of opportunity and capacity among teachers to integrate gender perspectives. Additionally, the topics covered in these classes do not provide space for making such connections.

The emphasis on gender issues in the Civic Education curriculum varies depending on the school type: high schools with a social orientation address these topics more, while vocational schools focus primarily on vocational subjects, often neglecting social issues.

During the observations, the schools’ infrastructure was also analyzed to assess whether the institutions and facilities provide opportunities for inclusion. “We found that most schools, particularly new facilities, tend to have better infrastructure. However, there are still gaps in making the schools accessible to people with disabilities,” says Kaltrina.

The main finding of the research is that teachers have limited opportunities to integrate a gender perspective due to a lack of adequate training.

This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund with a grant of €9,930.75, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

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

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Members’ Meeting and the Shared Goal of Women’s Empowerment

27.11.2024

On November 9, 2024, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Members’ Meeting took place—a crucial gathering dedicated to advancing women’s rights and amplifying their voices in Kosovo. Member organizations and dedicated women working tirelessly for gender equality came together to reflect on their achievements and discuss the challenges that still lie ahead. The discussions focused on empowering women and the need for a strong alliance committed to driving change across Kosovo.

Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network, opened the meeting with heartfelt gratitude to every member for their tireless contributions toward the journey of equality. With a clear and powerful message, she emphasized that women must remain at the forefront of this journey. “In Kosovo, patriarchy is still present, and it is strengthening. Now, more than ever, we must not allow divisions but come together. We need solidarity with one another.”

Rogova highlighted the importance of mutual support and collaboration among member organizations to build a robust network that not only represents women’s voices but also holds institutions accountable on issues impacting women’s lives. She called for bold action and resilience in facing daily challenges, underscoring that, “Civil society must strengthen and boldly proclaim, ‘We are here, and we are stronger.’”

Throughout the meeting, representatives from member organizations shared their experiences, underscoring the invaluable support of the Kosovo Women’s Network in empowering their work and advancing projects that protect women’s rights. They described the Network as an irreplaceable partner that has helped them overcome obstacles and achieve shared goals, while also highlighting their daily efforts to further the collective cause.

Toward the conclusion of the meeting, Rogova shared a forward-looking vision in anticipation of the upcoming elections: “Elections are approaching. But this time, we won’t just call on people to vote for women. Instead, we will unite. We will create a manifesto. We will engage in dialogue with party leaders. The manifesto will outline the key issues that need to be addressed.”

The meeting served as a poignant reminder that women’s voices in Kosovo are strongest when united and unwavering in the face of challenges.

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

Civil Society Presents Manifesto for the Implementation of Human Rights and Gender Equality in Kosovo

27.11.2024

With the upcoming elections scheduled for February 9, 2025, civil society has prepared a Manifesto for the Implementation of Human Rights and Gender Equality in Kosovo.

Twelve civil society organizations have signed this Manifesto, which calls on all political parties in Kosovo to prioritize and protect women’s rights, and finally, it will be delivered to all political leaders.

For all the details contained in this Manifesto, read the full version HERE.  

The Manifesto is signed by:

Artpolis – Art and Community  

Kosovo Initiative for Stability – KIS  

Riinvest Institute 

Kosova – Women 4 Women 

Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS) 

Kosovo Center for Gender Studies

CEL Kosova  

QIKA 

Csgd Kosovo 

Kosovo Women’s Network

Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations of Kosovo 

The Foundation House 

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

How Relevant is the EU Kosovo Report (from a Gender Perspective)?

21.11.2024

Today, on 21 Nov., the Europe Union (EU) Office in Kosovo hosted a lively discussion titled “How Relevant is the Annual Report?”, referring to the recently published European Commission (EC) Kosovo 2024 Report. The event gathered EU officials and diverse civil society representatives to discuss key issues in the Report, including public administration reform, gender equality, freedom of expression, and fundamental rights. It was moderated by the EU Ambassador in Kosovo Aivo Orav.

Among the panellists was Nicole Farnsworth, Program Director and Lead Researcher at the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN). She underscored the importance of treating gender-based violence as a Rule of Law issue within the EC Report, considering that it is one of the most widespread crimes in Kosovo. While the Government has progressed with legislation, judges continue to “reconcile” couples and state that women have “withdrawn” charges, which should not happen in criminal cases; rather, automatic (ex officio) prosecution should occur when a crime has been committed. These issues need to be treated under “Functioning of the Judiciary”, rather than the gender equality section of the EC Report.

While praising the work of dedicated journalists who carefully and respectfully cover cases of gender-based violence, Farnsworth critiqued media portals that sensationalise gender-based violence, promote victim-blaming, and enable hate speech, urging editors to take greater responsibility for fostering ethical reporting.

“We must draw a line between free speech and hate speech that enables violence and harassment against women,” she said.

Towards addressing this, KWN has called for clear definitions of cyber harassment and cyber bullying, among others, in the Criminal Code, towards aligning it with the new EU Directive on Prevention of Violence against Women. KWN also has emphasised the importance of municipalities allocating budgets for hiring at least two additional trained social workers to focus on assisting gender-based violence cases, as per the new State Protocol for Handling Cases of Sexual Violence.

Farnsworth also emphasised the importance of institutionalising gender-responsive budgeting as part of ongoing public finance reforms, towards implementing the Law on Gender Equality and international commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (5.c.1.). She raised concerns about the lack of transparency in drafting key laws on public finance and procurement, warning that excluding civil society from these processes risks sidelining essential expertise towards incorporating gender-focused provisions.

In the end, she emphasised the importance of i) the EC Report including an intersectional perspective that considers diverse women of all ethnicities and abilities; ii) the EU and Government continuing the dialogue with diverse civil society representatives related to various chapters of the EU acquis, regardless of whether EU measures against Kosovo continue; and iii) mainstreaming gender equality throughout all chapters of the Report.

“The EU must mainstream gender equality into all chapters of progress reports and not confine it to the gender equality chapter,” she said. She referred participants to KWN’s Commentary for examples of how gender can be mainstreamed across various chapters, which was prepared together with the Kosovar Gender Studies Centre.

Farnsworth concluded her remarks by highlighting a concerning injustice faced by women who worked in the parliament, who have been protesting for weeks in front of the institution, demanding their right to receive the minimum wage, as approved by the Government. She shared that the women were forcibly removed from the parliament premises, along with their belongings yesterday. She expressed regret at not being able to join their protest due to the overlapping schedule with this panel. To show solidarity with them and their struggle, she asked all participants to stand briefly to demonstrate their solidarity with the women workers.

18.06.25