Kosovo Women's Network

The Security and Gender Group urges Central Election Commission to Adhere to Requirements set out Under the LGE

15.01.2021

As Kosovo prepares for early general elections in February 2021, the Security and Gender Group (SGG) urges the Central Election Commission (CEC) to adhere to the requirements set out under the Law on Gender Equality and guarantee equal representation of women and men in election lists as required by the Law.

The Security and Gender Group reminds the Central Election Commission of the obligation to ensure equal gender representation during the electoral process in accordance with the Law on Gender Equality, which stipulates that:

“Legislative, executive, judicial bodies at all levels and other public institutions shall be obliged to adopt and implement special measures to increase representation of underrepresented gender, until equal representation of women and men according to this Law is achieved” (Article 6, paragraph 7).

The Security and Gender Group supports the statement of the Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo stressing the need for an electoral process which is based on the principles and guarantees established by the Kosovo laws.

Furthermore, equal participation of women and men is an essential condition for Kosovo institutions to fully observe international and regional standards as reflected in the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the EU Acquis Communautaire.

The Security and Gender Group, therefore, urges the Central Election Commission to adhere to the standard of 50 per cent representation of women in election lists in line with the requirements set out under the Law on Gender Equality and not to certify lists of political entities that do not meet this requirement.

Such measures will ensure equal representation in decision-making as a necessary condition for the better functioning of a democratic society with political entities as the “gatekeepers” of democracy and women’s participation.

Note:

The Security and Gender Group (SGG) is a multi-stakeholder group, chaired by UN Women.

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Vita Jeta Offers Free Medical Check in The Rural Areas of Municipality of Prishtina

14.01.2021

Retired women and men of Albanian, Bosnian and Turkish ethnicity from the Municipality of Prishtina, including villages; Barlievë, Busi, Bërnica and Shkabaj, benefited free medical tests for diabetes.

91 participants, respectively 62 women and 29 men, receive the service provided by the Association of Retired Women “Vita-Jeta”, a member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN).

Moreover, Dr. Valbona Bajraktari, a specialist in diabetes pathology, in the framework of their initiative “Diabetes in the Elderly”, held information session with women over the age of 35 to inform them about the prevention, symptoms and development of diabetes. Participants got informed on good management of diabetes. During medical examinations, there have been cases where participants have been identified with this disease, not knowing beforehand.

“According to recent studies, diabetes is a risk factor for, and contributes to, the severity and mortality of patients with COVID-19. Therefore, it is very important to prevent and properly treat diabetic patients affected by the COVID-19 virus”, said Bajraktari.

In three rural areas of Prishtina, Vita Jeta provided free health services by measuring participants’ glycaemia and cholesterol, as well as informing them about their health status. The importance of food, hygiene as well as chronic forms of this disease were also part of the joint discussions.

Participants expressed gratitude that Vita Jeta provided them with free health services, especially in times of pandemic. This is because the ambulances were closed and there were no doctors in those areas for a long period.

Vita Jeta carried out these activities in the period February-September 2020, and in order not to endanger the participants, this meeting was organized according to the recommendations of The National Institute of Public Health of Kosova.

This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-financed by UN Women.

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Handikos Prishtina Helps Women with Disabilities

12.01.2021

Throughout February, Organization of People with Disabilities, Handikos Prishtina organized field visits and group meetings with women members of the organization in order to integrate them into society.

Handikos Prishtina was able to offer counselling program to help women with support from the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and nd funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-financed by UN Women. “Integration of women and girls with disabilities in society” initiative helped 34 women and young women with disabilities.

During the field visits, Handikos Prishtina had the opportunity to identify cases of members who find it impossible to integrate into society as they lack companionship and assistance. Thus, they necessarily remain closed and immobile.

“Women with disabilities remain the most marginalized group in Kosovo society, especially those who live in rural areas, in which case the isolation becomes deeper” said Mehreme Llumnica, Project Coordinator.

At the facility of Handikos Prishtina were organized six handicraft workshops led by Mrs. Nazlie Statovci, for training participants in handicrafts, which may affect women’s opportunities for economic independence. Handikos Prishtina also held socio-psychological and health lectures with psychologist Rukije Vllasa.

“These meetings have created a safe space to express members’ concerns, health problems, as well as the challenges of lack of treatment and provision that they need, etc.” said Vllasa.

The organized activities were highly appreciated by the members of the organization and the participants of the activities.

“Through communication, companionship and engagement, these activities directly affected self-confidence and empowerment for the protection of our rights,” said Ms. Naile Ismajli, participant.

In addition to Handikos Prishtina, beneficiaries of the 14th round of KWF are 19 other member organizations. You can read the full list HERE.

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Women’s Association held focus groups on women’s economic empowerment

06.01.2021

“Informal businesses and their challenges”, “Discrimination in job vacancies” and “Institutional treatment of discrimination in job vacancies” were the topics discussed during the focus groups organized by the member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Women’s Association.

Beneficiaries of these focus groups were 96 women and young women in business of the Municipality of Gjakova and surrounding villages such as: Reka e Keqe and Dushkaja Region, from Albanians, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians and Bosniaks ethinicities.

Participants during the meeting held on March 3, discussed the difficulties that new businesses face in the market. Amongst other obstacles mentioned during the discussion, the lack of institutional support from local government seemed to be a very critical one, especially in the initial phase when businesses need it the most.

“From the implemataion of this project we have noticed the discrimination of women which is being done in various job vacancies, the increase of women’s economic informality and gender inequality in government subsidies” said the executive director of the Women’s Association, Qefsere Kumanova.

These meetings were organized in the framework of the initiative “Empowerment of women in the labor market” supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-financed by UN Women.

As a result of this initiative, the Women’s Association was able to identify 100 cases of discrimination against women and young women in job vacancies. 50 women and young women have been trained for job interviews and have been trained on file complaints for gender bases discrimination in labor.

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Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa: A Successful Year of KWN, Despite Challenges

29.12.2020

Without any doubt, 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, especially for women’s rights organizations.

Despite the challenges and difficulties, this year the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) continued its advocacy to increase and improve the position of women and girls in decision-making processes, combat gender-based violence, and advocated for the improvement of the legal framework regulating women’s rights in several economic, social and political areas.

An unpredictable year

In the entire work and success of KWN, a special role has been played by Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa, Chair of the KWN Board, who represented KWN at important events for the gender equality in Kosovo.

She recounts what this year was for KWN, highlighting the fact that no one can prepare for such a situation, such as the break of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The year of the pandemic stopped many activities at once. However, I believe that we reacted quickly and as always there was no lack of solidarity and mobilization. I would especially mention the challenge of isolation for all, including quarantine in the first months of this year and prohibition of movement of citizens to prevent the spread of the pandemic”, she said.

Further, Qosaj-Mustafa mentioned the impact of isolation on the increase of violence against women, as well as the increased reporting of violence globally, including Kosovo.

“The request for institutional response was made difficult due to the ban of public meetings, but despite all the challenges, KWN has been extremely resilient in adapting to these circumstances and continues to advocate, consistently seeking adequate institutional responses and accountability”.

She considers that KWN has continued to be an authoritative voice in Kosovo and elsewhere, to draw attention to the implementation of rights guaranteed by law. However, according to her, unfortunately forgotten both in emergency time and in practice in general.

Main events where Qosaj-Mustafa represented KWN

She further recounts that there have been numerous meetings where the work of KWN was represented, by the staff themselves on an ongoing basis, which are also reflected in the regular monthly reports.

“May be I would like to highlight participation on behalf of the Network in the forum held online in November 2020, organized by the Regional’s Women Lobby for Peace, Security and Justice in Southeast Europe, supported by the Italian Embassy in Kosovo.”

This event brought together women in politics and women activists to discuss the role of women in peacekeeping, marking the anniversary of United Nations Resolution 1325 on Peace, Security and Women.

“It was an extraordinary opportunity to present the work of the Network, but also to advocate as always for long-term peace by increasing the participation of women in this regard. I would like to highlight the fact that for many years KWN, based on its research and professional work, has requested the continuous implementation of Resolution 1325”, she says.

Qosaj-Mustafa points out the requirements deriving from the research report “Where is my seat at the table”, which at that time was being finalized, and is expected to be published in January 2021.

Qosaj-Mustafa during the 18th KWN Members Annual Meeting, December, 2020

She points out that the letter of advocacy sent to the Prime Minister Mr. Abdullah Hoti , the State Coordinator for Dialogue Mr. Skender Hyseni, . and the EU Special Envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue, Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, was also discussed. Among the requests for immediate implementation of the needs and priorities of women and girls identified in this report are:

Recognition of Kosovo by Serbia and public apology from the Serbian state for crimes committed against Albanian civilians;
Return of missing persons;
Prosecution of persons who have committed war crimes in Kosovo, including sexual violence committed during the war, thus achieving justice; and
Compensation and indemnity for material damage, including the return of pensions.

KWN work and activism during the pandemic

Qosaj-Mustafa is of the opinion that all KWN activities during this time have their importance. This is because, according to her, it is impossible to think about equality and empowerment of women by not respecting one and giving priority to the other.

“This is also shown in the fight against gender-based violence, for example the recent requirements of the Istanbul Convention, which actively requires from the states to take all actions at the same time. Enabling awareness of citizens and raising awareness about adequate institutional response; protection of victims as well as request for an end to impunity for perpetrators of gender-based violence crimes. All actions must be taken at the same time.”

In this spirit, she recalls that KWN also has its Strategy, which has prioritized KWN’s actions in the years ahead of us to work together and in a coordinated manner to implement the rights in all six programmatic areas identified in the Strategy together with member organizations”.

Challenges are inevitable, but with work anything is possible

Finally, Qosaj-Mustafa has a message for women and girls who face difficulties during their journey in career.

“There will always be challenges. But, do not let anyone stop you on your journey. Many years ago, the society for example was reluctant to accept women as pilots, engineers and scientists. “While today, one of the discoverers of the Covid-19 vaccine is a woman”.

Therefore, she believes that models where women clearly show their role in leading global responses to challenges, such as a pandemic of this magnitude, show that no journey is easy.

“However, with a clear vision of what you want and ongoing work, anything is possible: she concludes.

For all of KWN’s activities and its members, numerous initiatives and advocacy, visit our website www.womensnetwork.org , or follow us on social networks:

Facebook: /rrjetiigrave

Twitter: /KWN_Rrggk

Instagram: /kosovawomensnetwork

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Handikos Mitrovica Holds Vocational Training for Its Members

28.12.2020

Handikos Mitrovica holds meetings with its member regarding vocational skills and personnel capacity building for persons with disabilities. “Implementation of the Law on Employment and Vocational Training for Persons with Disabilities” was the subject of these debates held by Handikos Mitrovica, member organization of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), to discuss opportunities and challenges for employment of people with disabilities.

Myrvete Hasani, Director of Handikos Mitrovica, talked about the barriers that people with disabilities generally face, with a particular emphasis on employment.

“These obstacles are causing problems in employment of people with disabilities, making it difficult to have access in the labor market, so through this project we are aim to train young people in adapting their strengths to the demands of employers”, Hasan said.

Within this initiative Handikos Mitrovica held two five-days-workshops with two different groups of members of the organization. Topics covered during these trainings were related to the forms of communication and presentation, writing a CV and Cover Letter, as well as about preparing for job interviews. These topics were addressed by Mr. Erzen Isufi, external expert.

On 13 February, Handikos Mitrovica organized a debate to discuss the legislative aspects that regulate the employment of people with disabilities were also discussed, identifying the points at which relevant institutions could contribute more, as well as the benefits for employers in the hiring of people with disabilities.

Leonita Sadiku, a student at the University of Mitrovica “Isa Boletini”, shared her experience of employment discrimination. Sadiku said that despite the difficulties, she won’t give up until she finds a job, adding that such activities inspire her.

During the six months of the project implication, Handikos Mitrovica gathered the following recommendations:

Developing and updating of the existing Handikos Mitrovica database which would assist potential donors in identifying beneficiaries,
Monitoring businesses and institutions by labor inspectors regarding the implementation of the existing Law,
Providing advocacy in private businesses and their awareness of existing legislation guaranteeing the right to employment.

Throughout the month of June, as a closing activity of the project, in the offices of Handikos Mitrovica were organized screening nights with young people and members in order to raise awareness of some of the success stories of people coming from marginalized groups as well as drawing useful conclusions from the debate held after each film.

This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by UN Women.

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KWN Launches its Latest Report “The Pandemic Knows No Gender”?

23.12.2020

Today, on 23 December 2020, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) launched online the report “The Pandemic Knows No Gender?” A Gender Fiscal Budget Analysis: The Government of Kosovo’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic from a Gender Perspective.

The report analyses the inclusion of a gender perspective in the Government’s response to the pandemic and covers the period from March to October 2020. This report provides an overview of the pandemic and its effects on women and men in Kosovo, by identifying their different needs. The report also examines the timelines of the Government’s response to COVID-19, assesses the gender responsiveness of Government programs and budget allocations, and attempts to examine the initial impact of the measures from a gender perspective. Some of the key recommendations for the Government are:

Implement ex ante obligations for Gender Impact Assessments to be used to inform program planning, including the needs of women and men in all measures addressing COVID-19.
Conduct an ex-post gender impact assessment of all COVID-19 related measures.
Invest in gender equality as facts from around the world show that investment brings significant benefits to equality and the economy.
More specifically, review the economic recovery plan, prioritising investments in social infrastructure: health care, education, care services, social services for persons who experience violence, environmental protection.
Invest in the care economy, which will create thousands of new jobs; enable more women to work; improve children’s educational outcomes; transform gender norms via early education; contribute to gender-equitable and sustainable economic growth; and increase state revenues.
For companies that receive state subsidies, include in procurement obligations related to employees’ rights.
Provide funding for comprehensive prevention and rehabilitation services related to addressing gender-based violence, including rehabilitation for perpetrators.
Allocate resources for hiring more labour and tax inspectors to increase revenues from the collection of fines from businesses that have violated laws.
Review the tax system from a gender perspective to identify changes in the tax system that can improve social services revenues and reduce taxes for the most vulnerable people.
Improve the knowledge and capacity of finance officers in gender responsive budgeting; implementation of the Law on Gender Equality in procurement processes, based on the Law on Procurement, especially affirmative measures; and the involvement of gender equality officers in budget processes.

KWN also recommends that the Assembly of Kosovo request a Gender Impact Assessment as part of its Regulatory Impact Assessment before adopting laws; ensure gender responsive legislative review of budgets and audits; and monitor COVID-19-related expenditures from a gender perspective.

The report launching brought together representatives of Kosovo institutions, international organizations, as well as civil society organizations, including those focused on furthering women’s rights.

“We think that it is important to discuss what the Government has done up to the present and what can be done better in the future to address the different needs of men and women during the pandemic and to further gender equality,” said KWN Executive Director, Igballe Rogova. She explained the importance of launching the report at this time, before the holidays, in order to inform the 2021 budget, as well as the Government’s measures for addressing COVID-19 in the future.

Minister of Finance Hykmete Bajrami expressed her gratitude for having the opportunity to participate, emphasising the importance of this study.

“I look forward to seeing KWN’s findings and interpretations in this report. Women are largely affected by the pandemic, as a result of their position in the society”, stated Bajrami, adding that the pandemic has caused a heavy social burden. She shared with the audience some steps that the Government has taken, together with the Agency for Gender Equality, including significant support for child care centres.

Additionally, representatives of two of the funders supporting this research observed the report’s importance for integrating gender budgeting in public policies and towards the advancement of gender equality in general.

“Gender equality is fundamental value of the European Union, but also for all people as well as for regional development. I call upon everyone to analyse this KWN report and its recommendations to have a budget that includes as much gender equality as possible”, said Mikaela Gronqvist, Team Leader for Public Administration Reform/Public Financial Management at the European Union Office in Kosovo.

Sandra Horina, Counsellor and Head of the Austrian Development Cooperation for Kosovo, thanked KWN for writing this report and for the network’s appropriate and timely response to this topic.

“I also would like to thank KWN for the work that it is doing to assist the Government of Kosovo, in order for the Government of Kosovo to achieve high standards of gender equality policies”, she said.

Mimoza Kusari-Lila, Member of the Kosovo Assembly Committee on Budget and Transfers, also said that she appreciated this report.

“This is a thorough and substantial analysis by KWN of the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to have support for projects that include gender analysis and perspective,” she said.

Other panel members included: Rozafa Ukimeraj, Secretary General at the Ministry of Defense (former Secretary General at the Ministry of Local Government), and Saxhide Mustafa, Deputy Executive Director at Riinvest Institute.

The presentation of key research findings and recommendations was made by Nicole Farnsworth, Program Director and Lead Researcher, KWN, co-author of the report, and Nerina Guri, Researcher, Project Coordinator, co-author, KWN. Other authors of this report are Naile Selimaj-Krasniqi, Ernera Dushica, Aurora Maxharraj and Lauren Hanna.

You can find the full report HERE.

KWN has conducted this research with support from the European Union as part of a regional coalition working to integrate a gender perspective in the EU Accession process, and as a member of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network, which is supported by the Austrian Development Agency and the Swedish International Development Agency.

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“Ruka Ruci” Hosts a Discussion on the Possibilities of Advancing Gender Equality

23.12.2020

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), “Ruka Ruci” in the course of the activities undertaken as part of the initiative “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics”, on 23 December held a discussion on Advancing Gender Equality.

Women’s rights activists and representatives of institutions discussed about the work done up to the present on advancing women’s position in the society, with particular emphasis on women’s participation in politics.

Nevenka Rikalo, the Project Coordinator, initially presented this four-year initiative supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.

“I am glad that today we have present participants from the central level as well as from the KWN. They are the help to strengthen the participation of women and girls in politics. Also, KWN supports its members through the Lobby for Gender Equality (The Lobby), with the members of which we are are having increased cooperation during this joint initiative”, stated Rikalo.

Further, Edi Gusia, Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Gender Equality, stressed the need for implementation of the Law on Gender Equality (LGE), which determines equal participation of women and men in politics at the local as well as national level.

“Numerous researches show that governing without the participation of women and girls, in positions where decisions are made and financial resources are distributed is an unbalanced, unjust governance and does not contribute to achieving social peace”, she said.

Whereas, the Executive Director of KWN, Igballe Rogova, recalled the beginnings of activism and cooperation with “Ruka Ruci”, by putting into discussion the importance of having the men involved in the gender equality activism.

“It is important that men get involved in our fight for gender equality. Also, we must show solidarity with each other, so that this solidarity can thereupon be reflected even in cases when women reach high leadership positions in politics and take part in decision-making processes”, she said.

Among other things, Rogova mentioned KWN’s contribution in the “Vote for More Women in Parliament” campaign, which KWN undertook during September 2019, on the eve of the parliamentary elections.

Part of this discussion were also Premtime Preniqi, Gender Equality Officer in the Municipality of Prishtina, Radmila Kapetanović, activist and member of the Mechanism for Gender Equality against Domestic Violence, Municipality of Zubin Potok, and Zorica Timotijević, Gender Equality Activist and Coordinator against Domestic Violence, Municipality of Leposaviq.

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LYC Holds Trainings On Capacity Building with Women and Girls to Start New Businesses

22.12.2020

Lipjan Youth Center (LYC) within their initiative “Supporting girls and women for active participation in the economy”, held focus groups with women and girls in business in addition to prepare and draft a public policy document to support the business sector.

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On September 25- 27, the Lipjan Youth Center (LYC) held a workshop on “Developing an Orientation Document on Local Policy to Support Women Start-ups and Increase Participation in Decision-Making”, with women entrepreneurs in Lipjan. The purpose of the three-day workshop was to draft a document which will be ready for municipal authorities’ approval. This document reflects the assessments and needs of small businesses in the region.

In total 32 representatives of small local businesses got informed on the decision-making processes and the development of local policies, as well as the identification of challenges and problems of new businesses.

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Regarding the importance of this initiative, Valmira Marevci, Project Coordinator, LYC, stated that “Planned activities showed extremely positive impacts. Business representatives were introduced for the first time to many concepts that are closely related to success in business. This was extremely well received by the participants.”

This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by UN Women.

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MK and DB held meetings with women assembly members and survivors of the war

16.12.2020

Medica Kosova and Djepi i Buzëqeshjës held meetings with women assembly members and survivors of the war to hear women’s concerns from rural areas. Villages such as Babaj of Boka, Ponoshec, Korenic, Rracaj, Dobrosh, Molliq and Hereq.

Assembly members, together with the project coordinators, made a site visit to identify problems addressed at the meeting. Through these activities, female assembly members can advocate on these women’s behalf in order to address their needs; in particular their health rights and the right to inheritance. This Initiative also intends to improve the level of implementation of the administrative instruction on property registration on behalf of both spouses.

”There are obstacles that prevent women’s voices from being heard at Assembly meetings in the Municipality house. Women are reluctant to challenge traditional attitudes and lack the defensive abilities to strengthen their voices”, said Arbnore Shehu Bunjaku, Project Coordinator, regarding the main purpose of the project and how Medica Kosova together with Cradle of Smile Center (DB) had come to identify this problem.

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On July 29, Medica Kosova and Center Cradle of Smile organized the closing roundtable within the initiative “Mobilizing women assembly members to address the needs of women traumatized by war” in Gjakova. Representatives of local institutions from Gjakova and civil society got together to discuss the situation of women who faced sexual violence during the war, as well as their treatment as the responsibility of state institutions.

The Executive Director of Medica Kosova, Veprore Shehu, outlined the achievements of the project, emphasizing the importance of identifying the needs of women survivors of sexual violence as well as addressing the consequences.

The meeting also discussed the importance of creating a Special Gender Budget Code at the Office for Gender Equality to create inclusion for the needs of both men and women.

Mimoza Shala, Chairwoman of the Assembly Women Group from the Municipality of Gjakova, indicated that women are reluctant to claim their rights due to the strong distrust of institutions and the societal stigma.

She showed how the system is flawed when identifying female survivors of sexual violence. However, women who have been identified can start receiving help from the state.

In concluding the meeting, the participants agreed that it is necessary to strengthen more formal cooperation between NGOs and institutions in order to work on on solving the social, economic, and health problems faced by these women.

This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-financed by UNWomen.

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