Kosovo Women's Network

KWN: State to Prevent Murders of Women

15.03.2021

On Sunday, March 14, shortly after the protest for Women’s International Day were citizens marched against the patriarchy that is killing women, a man again killed a woman.

According to police reports to date, woman S.M. was killed yesterday in Pristina by her ex-husband L.S., who later committed suicide.

Who bears the responsibility for this killing? What justice will the killed woman and her family receive? How many times do we have to read such recurring news?

It has already been established that PATRIARCHY KILLS, men kill women, wives, ex-wives, and partners. The patriarchal mindset is so deeply entrenched that men see women as their property and can decide when to take their lives.

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) expresses deep indignation toward this case, pledging that it will continue to raise its voice to seek justice for this woman, as well as for any other women violated, injured and killed.

Many men who killed women are hardly punished, and served reduced sentences. In this case, no one will be punished.

Kosovo must establish policies to prevent violence toward women.. By strengthening women’s education and their access to jobs they can contribute to the independence of girls, women, boys and men. Judicial institutions need to be more vocal about the killings of women and should take cases of gender-based violence seriously and impose higher sentences for murderers.

KWN will not stop until the violence against women is no longer treated as daily news or private matter.

A life free of gender-based violence remains one of KWN Strategy 2019-2022 key programs. Through implementation of the legal framework on domestic violence, including institutional responsibility to assist victims of violence, awareness-raising among officials and citizens about gender-based violence and as well as research and advocacy; KWN has been striving and working for years to prevent violence against women and achieve justice for killed women!

Justice for every woman murdered!

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

31.10.24

The Irresolute Resolution? After 24 Years, Resolution 1325 Remains Valid but Under-implemented

17.10.24

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

KWN, ADA, Sida Sign Contract for Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo

12.03.2021

Download File

Today, 12 March 2021, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) officially signed a new contract for Further Advancing Women’s Rights in Kosovo. This action will help to implement the KWN Strategy for 2019-2022, making progress towards realizing KWN’s vision of a Kosovo where women and men are equal and have equal opportunities to education, employment, political participation, health care and a life without violence.

In line with the KWN strategy, this four-year initiative (2021-2025), in the total amount of €783,333, including contributions from ADA (€700,000), Sida (€78,333) and KWN (€5,000), aims to strengthen the feminist movement in Kosovo, the region and beyond; improve women’s access to health care; improve the response to gender-based violence; and improve access to education that challenges existing gender norms and power relations.

Of this, at least €200,000 will be distributed through the Kosovo Women’s Fund and more than €302,000 will benefit KWN members directly, including their engagement in achieving common strategic goals of the network. According to the fund’s policies, set by KWN members, organizations that do not have access to other resources and that work with persons with different abilities, rural communities, minority women and youth are given priority in the allocation of funds.

“Gender equality, together with social sustainability, are fundamental to the achievement of development outcomes and are systematically mainstreamed in ADA-supported programmes and projects,” said Sandra Horina, Head of the Austrian Development Cooperation office in Pristina. “Through our support, we would like to strengthen the position of women so that men and women have more equal opportunities for education, employment, political participation, health care and a life without violence.”

This new action builds on KWN’s ten-year collaboration with ADA, which has led to several substantial changes towards gender equality in Kosovo, including an improved legal framework and institutional measures against gender-based violence; increased participation of women in decision-making at all levels; improved gender-responsive budgeting; several initiatives towards gender equality at the local level; and improved gender mainstreaming of ADA partners’ programs in all sectors. KWN looks forward to continuing this partnership and building on these efforts.

KWN also is delighted to sign its first contract directly with Sida since 2003. While Sida has been a key supporter of KWN’s work via the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, among others, KWN is pleased to strengthen this relationship.

“The partnership with the Kosovo Women’s Network is very important for Sida and the development work we do in the area of gender equality,” said Nasrin Pourghazian, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Kosovo. “The Swedish government remains committed to increased equality, especially with regard to women’s political participation and economic empowerment, increased access to and respect for sexual and reproductive health and rights and the pursuit of reduced violence against women, girls and boys. [Gender equality] is a fundamental goal that contributes to positive developments in society democratically, economically and environmentally,” she said. “We will be able to achieve gender equality only when we reach out to our constituencies, which the Kosovo Women’s Fund aims to do.”

A special aspect of this agreement is that ADA and Sida have agreed to align and harmonize their reporting procedures. This exemplary best practice has been encouraged in KWN and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation’s recent report Where’s the Money for Women’s Rights?. This approach will save time for KWN in administration and reporting and allows activists to focus their energies more efficiently on their work towards furthering women’s rights.

“We are seeing growing commitment to supporting the real needs of women’s rights organizations and movements among big funders like ADA and Sida, supported by the Austrian and Swedish governments,” said Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director. “We are so happy for their long-term support; investing in KWN means investing in women’s rights and wellbeing.”

With this important support, KWN, together with its 158 member organisations and partners, including key institutions such as the Agency for Gender Equality, Ombudsperson Institution, and international allies, will continue its work towards realizing its mission to support, protect and promote the rights and interests of women and young women throughout Kosovo, regardless of their political and religious beliefs, age, level of education, sexual orientation and abilities.

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

31.10.24

The Irresolute Resolution? After 24 Years, Resolution 1325 Remains Valid but Under-implemented

17.10.24

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

“We March Against, We Don’t Celebrate, the Patriarchy that Kills” – Activists Once Again Seeking Gender Equality

08.03.2021

“Zahir Pajaziti” Square in Pristina became a meeting point for the demonstration “We March, We Don’t Celebrate”,; the sixth annual protest demanding social justice and gender equality to mark International Women’s Day.

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) once again joined this march that also occurred in 14 other municipalities around Kosovo. Citizens raised their voices to protest injustices against women and hung banners bearing feminist messages on their balconies.

Hundreds of citizens marched from “Zahir Pajaziti” Square, passing by Central Bank of Kosovo and then to the Government of Kosovo/Parliament. Protestors made sure to wear masks and follow social distancing protocols.

“Patriarchy kills”, “With or without veil, I get the job done”, were some of the slogans chanted by protestors. They urged society to mobilize together against injustice and exploitation of women at work, against the oppressive patriarchal system, the continued cases of femicide, and against all forms of injustice faced by women and girls.

Throughout the event, the activists sang the song “Behari i lirisë”, the lyrics of which were adapted by Eli Krasniqi. This song echoed the voice of hope, unity and collective resistance.

Click HERE to watch full broadcast of this march.

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

KWN: Elections Proved the Strength of Women – Efforts for Equality Continue

05.03.2021

The parliamentary elections of February 14, 2021 brought change and hope for the participation and representation of women in politics and decision-making processes.

Compared to the previous elections (2019), the representation of women in the Assembly of Kosovo has increased by five seats. Out of a total of 120 seats, there will be 44 female deputies (36.6%), whilst in the previous legislature there were 39 female deputies (32.5%).

During this election, more women were elected without quota rather than with it. According to the results published by the Central Election Commission, only 11 out of 44 female deputies required quota to secure a seat, whilst 33 women won without the gender quota.

This is not the only obstacle that women broke through in this elections. They achieved this representation despite that they were underrepresented on the electoral list of political parties. No political party during this time, implemented the Law on Gender Equality (LGE), which requires 30% of the electoral lists be women candidates.

Women also were not equally represented during television debates or campaigns. Despite this, four out of the top ten most voted candidates were women. In previous elections, there were only two women in the top ten. The voice of women became even stronger this election period, as over 60% of women in Kosovo participated in voting, and that a woman became the most voted person in history since the declaring independence in 2008.

This is a victory for the women’s movement in Kosovo, proving that the vote of the citizens for women is going to bring positive and much-needed change. This feminist movement has been supported and strengthened for more than 15 years by civil society organizations working for women’s rights, including Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and the Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality (Lobby), among others.

Zana Hoxha, Executive Director of Artpolis and member of KWN Board, says “in fact, this is a historic victory for KWN and the women’s movement in Kosovo. It is the most accurate indicator of decades of effort toward advocating for the vote by women for women to bring about change”.

“At the same time, this situation can help political parties reflect on the fact that gender equality is not simply a“women’s issue”, but a matter for the whole society”, added Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa, the Chairwoman of KWN Board.

As long as we are witnesses of women’s political empowerment in Kosovo society, KWN will continue its efforts to increase women’s participation in politics and decision-making. It will demand accountability and transparency for policies that impact the well-being and rights of women from both the elected and new government.

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

31.10.24

The Irresolute Resolution? After 24 Years, Resolution 1325 Remains Valid but Under-implemented

17.10.24

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

Kosovo Women’s Fund Documentary, 2018-2020

01.03.2021

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

17.10.24

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

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

Krasniqi: KWN Conveys an Important message – that of Women’s Power

01.03.2021

Activist Jeta Krasniqi, a member of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Board from 2017-2020, speaks about the difficulties for women rights activists in 2020, as well as her activism during this time.

She highlights the most important activities and advocacy undertaken by KWN over the years as well.

Virtual Communication as a New Space to Convey Essential Messages

According to Krasniqi, the past year was full of challenges and constant efforts to find ways to overcome many barriers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nevertheless, Krasniqi continued her advocacy, work and activism, among other things, to improve women’s conditions in society.

She believes that while meetings and direct contact were limited,, the forms of virtual communications established new spaces to convey the essential messages on the pertinent issues activists faced during the pandemic.

“These communications often enabled us to send messages to different countries of the world, including here to local and international actors. Also, to expand the range of influence. “

“It was a year to ‘reinvent’ ourselves, to see what the limits and possibilities are, to give value to family, to each other and to our health. But, above all, a year of reflection and engagement on things we can achieve, inside and outside the country. For me personally, it was a year dealing with issues related to the consolidation of the state of Kosovo, including the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. On the other hand, it was the war that still needs to be fight to prevent and punish gender-based violence in Kosovo, the gender policies that still need to be created in every sphere of life including addressing the effects of the pandemic – which clearly showed that women were differently impacted than men. Moreover, also the long journey to justice for survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo. “

Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence

The pandemic situation, emphasized the different forms of digital activism that each of us can and should follow , by combining the various approaches and multiple opportunities to amplify our voices.

“However, direct contact is still needed to break isolation and taboo topics which, unfortunately, still continue to prevail in our society. We saw this with the increasing number of women victims of domestic violence, and in the case of women survivors of sexual violence during the war, whose isolation had a traumatizing effect on them.”

In addition to engaging as Deputy Chair of the Commission for the Verification and Recognition of Sexual Violence Victim Status in Kosovo, last year, Krasniqi also dedicated herself to documenting the twenty-year journey of Kosovo in addressing this war crime.

” Through the initiative of writing a book addressing war crimes, I reflected on Kosovo’s journey by documenting facts about injustice and addressing Kosovo society’s reaction to these crimes. This contribution was very important for me, as an activist who has been directly involved in this issue for many years, and who knows closely the experience of survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo […] ”

KWN Conveys the Message of Women’s Power

Recalling KWN’s contribution to strengthening women’s rights, Krasniqi says that the hidden reality of violence against women behind the doors was brought to town squares thanks to KWN initiatives.

“I believe that KWN conveys an important message- the message of women’s power. KWN has become the voice of victims of gender-based violence, mobilizing society to raise its voice against the murder of women, against unjust court decisions, knocking on the doors of prosecutors, and engaging lawyers using all necessary forms to achieve justice,” she says.

Furthermore, she says that KWN has influenced better gender policies through the continued support of municipalities and Ministries for gender responsive budgeting.

“KWN also managed to break the barriers of representation and speak in the EU institutions about the progress and challenges of Kosovo in guaranteeing gender equality.”

In her opinion, KWN contributed to a better understanding of these issues by our society. They have helped shape numerous local and state policies through research projects that highlight the gendered perspective of topics such as discrimination, harassment, health, education, involvement in politics, economics, security, negotiations and dialogue with Serbia, budgeting for governments, the pandemic, and violence. These analyses allows decision makers to make informed choices, and helps society see both sides of the issue.

“As a network that has raised its voice at every stage of Kosovo’s state-building, KWN has once again made it clear that lasting peace can only be achieved when women are part of the negotiating and decision-making tables. […] ”

Conclusively, she has a message for women who face difficulties during their career.

“Difficulties are part of every journey. The key to success is hard work, patience and consistency. The career path is not a straight line, on the contrary it has many curves, what’s important is that you have to love your job, this makes facing challenges and difficulties easier. Surrendering is never an option, trying again, again, and again is the only option,” she says.

*This article is a continuity of KWN series of publications on the work and contribution of human rights activists in Kosovo.

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

Aureola Continues to Advocate for Advancing Inheritance Law

01.03.2021

Inheritance in Kosovo remains a very sensitive issue due to the traditions and culture in the country. Currently, the inheritance procedure in Kosovo favors men and discriminates against women. 

Women’s Association “Aureola” held discussions on how to advance the law on inheritance which would guarantee economic security from family inheritance for women. This discussion was attended by 18 women and girls from different municipalities of Kosovo.

In 2018, thanks to the support received from 12th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), Aureola implemented the “Advancement of the Law of Inheritance”, raising awareness and sharing information about policies and laws surrounding inheritance for women.

After completion of a successful initiative, Aureola once again received support from the KWF during the 14^th round. They will continue to debate amending the Law on Inheritance in the Assembly of Kosovo and issue recommendations for the fulfillment of legal provisions.

Sanije Grajçevci, Executive Director of “Aureola”, talks about the benefits gained from this initiative; the first of its kind for this organization.

“We have established new contacts and expanded the institutional and civil society network of collaborators. Although we already have experience in this issue, we have learned and gained new experience from the information provided by the staff of the Fund”, she said.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screenshot-2020-12-24-131224-1024x577.jpg

The implementation of this initiative has influenced the sensibility of relevant actors as well as recieved the support of institutions to initiate procedures for supplementing and amending the Law on Inheritance.

Women’s economic empowerment is very important for achieving a society where women and men have equal access to opportunities in education, employment, and participation in politics, health, and a life without violence. The activities undertaken within this initiative have significantly improved the economic position of Kosovar women.

This initiative is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and co-funded by UN Women.

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

Lobby for Gender Equality Discusses Women and Local Elections

24.02.2021

On February 24, 2021, with masks on and social distancing measures in place, the Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality (KLGE) gathered to discuss “Women and Local Elections”.

Representatives of government institutions, local and international organizations, members of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), and women engaged in politics discussed and shared their experiences regarding women’s participation in politics at the local level.

During this meeting, participants discussed the achievements, challenges and necessary advocacy needed to increase the representation of women in politics and decision-making processes.

KWN Executive Director, Igballe Rogova, started the meeting by mentioning the importance of these discussions for unification amongst organisations and creating energy to continue the joint effort of achieving gender equality in Kosovo.

“This year we need even more inspiration. There was a big change in the parliamentary elections, but we have local elections ahead and we need to get back to working towards it without wasting time. Even in local elections we want to see brave and courageous women. Today we will discuss how we can support them during the working groups”, said Rogova.

During the introductory remarks, Atifete Jahjaga, President of the Republic of Kosovo 2011-2016, congratulated KWN and the KLGE for their continued activism in getting more women involved in politics.

“In the elections of February 14, we proved that we can hold democratic elections, and serve as an example for the countries in the region. […] We noticed in the original electoral lists that no party intended to achieve equal gender representation, but only reach the 30% quota, as required by the Law on General Elections. Only the minimum criteria were applied, and because of this we have an under-representation of women at the local levels of government”, said Jahjaga.

Albulena Zaimi, Program Manager for Education, Austrian Development Agency (ADA), said she appreciates the work of KWN and the long-term efforts that have already begun to yield tangible results.

“We pay special attention to the principles of gender equality, which functions as equal participation of women in economic and social life. ADA started its cooperation with KWN before 2012, supporting the empowerment of KWN member organisations as well as the empowerment of women in politics and decision-making,” said Zaimi.

Next, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, MP, gave a historical perspective of her own journey into politics with the help of KWN.

“I started my journey for Gender Equality with an invitation from Igballe Rogova (Igos), two decades ago, in 2002. We love and are very personally inspired by politics.We can contribute not only to the country we came from, but to the whole state, to the whole of Kosovo. For me, it was not important how I would end up (career wise), but how I could contribute to a country that was broken and devastated “, said Kusari-Lila to the audience.

Participants like Mihrije Suka, Deputy Mayor of Suhareka and Rezarta Delibashzade-Krasniqi, Executive Director, Democracy for Development (D4D) stated this meeting was necessary to achieving solidarity among actors working for women’s rights.

The second part of this meeting brought together members of the KLGE in working groups, where attendees identified key points for future advocacy to improve the position of women in local politics.

This meeting was supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

KWN Congratulates CEC on Successful Conduct of Elections

16.02.2021

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Chair of the Board, Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa together with the Executive Director of KWN, Igballe Rogova visited the Central Election Commission (CEC), where they met with the President of this institution, Valdete Daka.

KWN representatives congratulated the CEC on its successful work in early parliamentary elections held on February 14, 2021. These were first elections held without the assistance and supervision of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and KWN praised the CEC on the successful conduct of this process, including both voting and counting so far.

CEC applauded KWN’s dedication and effort to increase women’s participation in political and decision-making processes, as well as awareness-raising campaigns calling for more women to be voted in elections.

During this meeting, KWN and CEC pledged to maintain their cooperation.

KWN values elections as a fundamental element of a democratic state, and gender equality as a vital right for each of us, and therefore is constantly committed to providing equal opportunities for citizens to participate in elections and to be represented in institutions.

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

31.10.24

The Irresolute Resolution? After 24 Years, Resolution 1325 Remains Valid but Under-implemented

17.10.24

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

Gruaja Hyjnore Holds Informational Sessions On Reproductive Health

15.02.2021

Thanks to the support of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), a member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), NGO Gruaja Hyjnore held information sessions and awareness workshops on the gynecological issues with girls and women from the Municipality of Gjilan.

During 6 months of project implementation of the initiative “Awareness of girls and women about reproductive health and the importance of the Center for Women’s Welfare”, Gruaja Hyjnore held a total of 17 meetings in the villages of: Velekincë, Zhegër, Dobërqan, Bresalc, Nasalë, Llashticë, Gadishë, Livoç i poshtëm and Livoç i eperm, to discuss on the woman’s right to health and the importance of counseling of the Gjilan Regional Hospital.

A total of 241 participants (222 women and 19 men) got more aware on the various concerns such as unwanted pregnancies, STDs, infections, menstrual irregularities and other issues related to the health of young women and girls, through these workshops.

On September 30, NGO Gruaja Hyjnore gathered 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.

In the closing activity of the initiative, 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.

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

03.03.26