DSK Hosts Workshops on Developing Cooking Skills

Down Syndrome Kosovo (DKS) recently held trainings on developing cooking skills with the mothers of members with Down Syndrome in Mitrovica. This included the surrounding villages: Shipol, Shupkovc, Gllovotin, Zhabar and Kqiq i Madh. 

DSK Center in Mitrovica, in addition to trainings in the kitchen led by trainer Hikmete Bajgora, has also provided training in sales negotiation skills and product marketing. 

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In the framework of the “Kitchen X21” initiative, DSK also held meetings with groups of women assembly members in Mitrovica in order to inform and advocate regarding the economic empowerment of women. The meeting with the women assembly members of the Municipality of Mitrovica was held on 11 March, where they met with mothers of members with Down syndrome. 

This meeting promoted the cooking work of mothers, plans for activating the kitchen and hiring mothers, as well as the possibility of allocating funds from the local level for such initiatives. 

“Through Kitchen X21, we want to empower the mothers of our members with Down syndrome by teaching them food preparation skills. These foods are expected to be sold to a wider clientele, enabling the financial sustainability and self-employment of these mothers “, said Zana Bashota-Broja, Director of DSK in Mitrovica and Project Coordinator. 

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These activities and this initiative are supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). 

In addition to Down Syndrome Kosova, beneficiaries of the 13th round of FGK are 18 other member organizations. The full list can be found HERE

NGO Vita-Jeta Holds Information Sessions About Diabetes with The Elderly

During September, in Shkabaj and Busi, the Association of Retired Women “Vita-Jeta” in the framework of their initiative “Diabetes in the Elderly”, held lectures with women over the age of 35 to inform them about the prevention, symptoms and development of diabetes. 

Dr. Valbona Bajraktari, a specialist in diabetes pathology, informed the participants that with good diet and moderate excercise, many complications from this disease can be prevented. 

“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”, she said. 

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At the end of this lecture, Dr. Bajraktari also measured the glucometer sugar and cholesterol fat of the participants. 

In order not to endanger the participants, this meeting was organized according to the recommendations of The National Institute of Public Health of Kosovars, respecting social distancing measures of staying over 1.5 meters away from other participants and requiring everyone in attendance to wear protective masks. 

This member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) will continue with similar activities in the village of Barileve. 

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

Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality: An Incentive to Unite Women in Dragash

The strengthening of women and girls’ participation in politics and decision-making processes has always been a main component to achieving gender equality.

In this regard, the Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality (Lobby) has had a key role in uniting women and opening the necessary discussions regarding their welfare since its establishment in 2014.

An example of success in this area is Lindita Kozmaqi –Piraj, Gender Equality Officer in the Municipality of Dragash, who appreciates the support received from the Lobby.

“The Lobby’s support has been very important and has served as a very good way to get to know and exchange experiences with colleagues from other municipalities, as well as civil society and municipal assembly members.”

Among other things, Piraj sees Lobby as the proper place to address women and girls’ issues and needs.

“Through the Lobby’s meetings we have been given advice on how to advocate for women’s rights and whom to turn to for help.”

During 2019, the Lobby in Dragash advocated to increase and improve women’s position in decision-making processes and for re-vitalization of day care centres.

Further, Piraj told how necessary these initiatives have been in order to improve women and girls’ position in Kosovo.

“For years, civil society representatives from municipality of Dragash and I have raised the issue of not having a nursery in our municipality.”

“Thanks to the tireless work and great support from KWN this issue did not go unnoticed. Since last year, the Day Care Centre for children has operated with the support of UNICEF.”

Lastly, she has a message for women who face difficulties in their career path.

“My message to women and girls is to never stop, but work, cooperate with all actors at local and central level, and to connect with the Network or Lobby.”

Read more about Lobby’s successful advocacies in Kllokot and Lipjan

Feminists from Kosovo and Serbia Join in the Feminist Spring School

Photo Credits: ARTPOLIS

Artpolis– Art and Community Centre, a member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), together with Alternative Girls’ Centre (ACD) held the first part of the Feminist Spring School for Kosovo and Serbia 2020, hosted in Prishtina from September 28 – October 1, 2020.

The Feminist Spring School has provided a space for young women to unite and create a common vision for the feminist movement in Kosovo and Serbia. They are committed to addressing and combating patriarchal systems, and all systems that promote war, hatred, racism, and discrimination.

This event was organized differently compared to previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Young women from Serbia did not travel to Pristina, but joined, through the digital Zoom platform, with about 20 girls who participated from Kosovo, including Gresë Sermaxhaj by KWN.

The workshop consisted of different interactive activities and lectures on important feminist topics, such as: Dealing with the past and Gender-Based Violence; Government Commission on Recognition and Verification of the Status of Sexual Violence Survivors during the Kosovo Liberation War; Transitional Justice; Feminism of the 99%; Peace and Activism as well as Art as a tool for change.

Lecturers at this school were: Xhejrane Lokaj, women’s rights activist, Jeta Krasniqi from the Kosova Democratic Institute (KDI) and a member of the KWN Board, Reyes Charle-Cuellar, Gender Advisor at the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo, Vjollca Krasniqi, Professor at the University of Prishtina, Valdete Idrizi, Member of Parliament, Kaltrina Shala, Project Manager at the Humanitarian Law Centre in Kosovo, Tijana Simic, Women’s Rights Activist and Executive Director of the organization “Women’s Rights” , Yllka Soba from the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation and Zana Hoxha, Founder and Executive Director of Artpolis.

The second part of the Feminist Spring School will be held in December, in Serbia. For more information about the Feminist Spring School 2019 click HERE.

More about ARTPOLIS activities can be found HERE.  

Art Without Limit Brings the First Edition of the Film Festival

About 500 films who have applied from 120 countries of the World, local and international, 40 films have been selected for the screening during the 3-day festival.

The first edition of the Art Without Limit International Film Festival was held on 28, 29, 30 September 2020, and is the only festival in the Balkans that is focused on the theme of people with special needs.

“The films of this festival deal with different aspects of the life of the people with special needs to whom the festival is dedicated.” said Ganimete Sava, executive director of AwL.

“Moreover, the festival was scheduled to be held at ‘Kino Armata’ in Pristina, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year it will be held online through the “AwL” website” she added.

On September 30, the festival jury led by Austrian producer Veit Heiduschka awarded 15 prizes in various categories.

• The best fiction film award in the GOLD category was given to “Delivery boy” directed by Vinicius Saramago, Brazil. The best fiction film award in the SILVER category was given to “Wave” directed by Benjamin Cleary / Tj O’Grady Peyton, Ireland.

• The best documentary film award in the GOLD category was given to “Look beyond appearances” directed by Dervin Usta, Turkey. The best documentary film award in the SILVER category was given to “Match” directed by Vincent Hazard, France.

• The best animated film award in the GOLD category was given to “Cuerdas”, directed by Pedro Solis Garcia, Spain. The best animated film award in the SILVER category was given to “An elephant on the moon” directed by Benjamin Barthelemy, France.

• Best Director award was given to “Wave” directed by Benjamin Cleary / Tj O’Grady Peyton, Ireland. Best Screenplay award was given to “Wave” – Benjamin Cleary, Ireland. The best camera award was given to “Delivery boy” – Joao Casalino, Brazil and “Martin” Donal Moloney, Ireland.

• The special “Women’s Empowerment” award was given to two films: “Azar” directed by Diba Ehteshami, Iran and “Dimas game” directed by Oussayma Canbarieh, Canada.

• The “Best project portrayed” award was given to three films: “Routine” directed by Bekim Guri – Kosovo, “Building 50 homes in Melamchi” directed by Justin Cava Jones, Nepal and “Hospice of Santa Barbara – Manuel’s story”, directed by Greg Krones, USA.

Part of this Festival was made possible thanks to the support received from the Kosovo Women’s Fund and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

KWN Once Again Raises Voice Against Gender-based Violence

During September, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has continued its activism and efforts to combat prevalence of violence against women.

On September 11, KWN condemned the case of a woman in Skenderaj who got stabbed by her husband.

“What comes after this? How long for violence against women to stop being treated lightly? What justice awaits this woman? There will be no justice for Donjeta Pajazitaj, or Valbona Marku – Nrecaj and her daughter. There will be no justice for the late S.M who, in July of this year, was killed by her husband in Kamenica.” This was stated in a part of the press release sent on that date.

Read the press release HERE.

Three days later, on September 14, the Basic Court of Gjakova reduced the sentence of Pjetër Ndrecaj, for the murder of his wife and daughter in August 2018, to only 24 and a half years in prison.

KWN opposed this decision with a press release, which can be read HERE.

Furthermore, on September 16, KWN once again raised its voice against violence of women in Kosovo.

“Do not encourage the perpetrators”, “No more excuses”, “How many more times you want to kill us”, are some of the slogans that KWN staff held in their hands in the action organized in front of the Prosecution in Prishtina. They wanted to raise their voice against the violence and murder of women, and the short sentences that institutions are giving to the murderers of women.

Read HERE the full story related to this action.

HERE you can watch the live broadcast of this KWN action.

If you know someone who has experienced violence and has not received proper institutional treatment, please feel free to contact us.

https://www.facebook.com/rrjetiigrave/posts/3400615263332133

Meetings with women regarding reproductive health in Gjilan

Today, representatives of the Directorate of Health and Social Welfare, directors of hospitals, doctors, sociologists, psychologists, health workers, representatives of NGOs dealing with health, civil society and citizens of the Municipality of Gjilan gathered to discuss the importance of the Center for Women’s Welfare located near the Gjilan Regional Hospital. 

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Dr. Mevlyde Iliazi, gynecologist, presented the project and the results of the field visits, showing the statistics on current health condition of women and their concerns. 

During 6 months of project implementation, Gruaja Hyjnore held informational meetings with relevant departments of the Municipality of Gjilan, information sessions with girls, mothers and pregnant women. They also held awareness-raising workshops in Gjilan, especially in the rural parts of the municipality of Gjilan, such as: Lladovo, Llashtica, Perlepnica, Malisheva, Velekinca, Ponesh, Zhegoc, Bresalc, Cernica, Vrapqiq, Zheger, Kmetoc. 

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“We have held 8 workshops in order to raise the awareness of girls, women, and pregnant mothers about the importance of health care. We focused on gynecological care, prevention of STDs, awareness of menstrual disorders and other health issues in general, with a special focus on care for first-time pregnant women and new mothers, postpartum depression and tips for raising your first child.” said Qëndresa Hajdari, Project Coordinator. 

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network, Gruaja Hyjnore held this meeting in the framework of the initiative “Awareness of girls and women about reproductive health” 

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

EKW Continues with Meetings with Women Entrepreneurs

EcoKosWomen EKW continues with meetings with women from the villages of Prugovc, Barilevë, Dabishevc, Bërnica, Slivovë and Keqekollë in order to develop criteria with the Municipality of Prishtina and the Directorate of Agriculture, to increase the support of women and girls in receiving grants.

This meeting was conducted on online platform, gathering together women farmers from different communities and Ms. Merita Tolaj, Senior Officer from the Directorate of Agriculture in the Municipality of Prishtina.

The participating women had the opportunity to address the difficulties they face.

“I’ve been repeatedly stating that the main problem in the villages of the Municipality of Prishtina is irrigation. After the workshop we had with EcoKos Women I took the initiative to address this issue to the local assembly members. The need for an irrigation system is essential for this region” said Havushe Bunjaku.

EKW organization together with Mrs. Merita Tolaj collects notes and recommendations from women participating in this meeting.

While on September 24, 2020, EKW in cooperation with the Municipality of Prishtina will hold a round table where the project findings and recommendations will be presented.

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

KWN, EULEX Discuss about Gender-Based Violence

On September 18, EULEX Kosovo (Official) Head of Mission Lars-Gunnar Wigemark and Human Rights Officer Valentina Vitali visited Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) office where they met with KWN Executive Director, Igballe Rogova and KWN Program Director and Lead Researcher, Nicole Farnsworth.

There they discussed key issues, such as opportunities for improving the inter-institutional response to gender-based violence in Kosovo; and the importance of meeting regularly and engaging with women’s rights activists and civil society, pertaining to EULEX’s work.

KWN representatives asked what EULEX is doing in order to follow up on prior training provided to police, prosecutors and judges for an appropriate approach to gender based violence cases.

“We also asked if there is anything that EULEX monitors can do with regard to following civil court cases to ensure that when a crime has been committed such as in a domestic violence relationship, the crime is proceeded to ex officio criminal proceedings and not only treated as a civil case for protection orders.” Farnsworth says.

Opportunities for collaboration between KWN and EULEX also were discussed.

“Do not encourage the perpetrators”, KWN Stands Against Short Sentences for Murderers of Women

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has once again raised its voice against violence of women in Kosovo.

“Do not encourage the perpetrators”, “No more excuses”, “How many more times you want to kill us”, are some of the slogans that KWN staff held in their hands in the action organized today in front of the Prosecution in Prishtina. They wanted to raise their voice against violence and murder of women and against the short sentences that institutions are giving on murderers of women. They made sure to keep their physical distance while wearing masks and limiting the number of participants.

“KWN is holding a gathering limited to five participants to express outrage over the recent murders of women. Knowing that the decision is taken by the Court to punish the perpetrators of criminal offenses, we have gathered before the Prosecution to request that the qualification of acts of domestic violence or attempted murder be decided as they are, as this affects the decisions of Judge”, said Erza Kurti, Gender Based Violence Coordinator, KWN.

“We ask to file a complaint to the Court, that the case of Pjetër Ndrecaj returns on trial, because the reduction of his sentence is unacceptable”, added Kurti to the journalists.

“Life without Gender-Based Violence” remains one of KWN’s key programs. Every day we engage both in activism and through lobbying in institutions so that women and girls can live a life free from violence, including raising awareness and attention among officials and citizens, in tackling violence-based violence. including domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment.

Read HERE KWN’s response to the reduction of the sentence for Pjetër Ndrecaj.

HERE you can watch the live broadcast of this KWN action.

If you know someone who has experienced violence and has not received proper institutional treatment, please feel free to contact us.