20 Organizations from Six Western Balkan Countries Hold their Strategic Planning Meeting

The Coalition against Gender-based Discrimination against Women at Work held their strategic planning meeting online from 13 until 17 July. 20 partners from six Western Balkan countries had the chance to discuss progress to date, successes, challenges and strategies for addressing gender-based discrimination at work. 

Although this meeting was planned to take place in North Macedonia, due to the pandemic it was held online. All partners were organized and divided in working groups where they planned for the upcoming months. They discussed new ideas on: advocacy, awareness raising campaigns and court monitoring and legal aid.  

“The idea of a weeklong meeting taking place online, I thought it wasn’t possible, but it actually worked great. Everything went very well and we even had the chance to divide into working groups and everything as planned,” said one of the participants.  

The Coalition partners include: Kosovo Women’s Network, Reactor Research in Action/ Реактор истражување во акција, Gender Alliance for Development Center (GADC), Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor, Centar za ženska prava / Women’s Rights Center, the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation -Sweden via its Serbia office], AWEN-Albanian Women Empowerment Network, Linja e Keshillimit per Gra dhe Vajza, Хелсиншки комитет за човекови права – Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, Гласен Текстилец, Viktimolosko Drustvo Srbije, A11 – Inicijativa za ekonomska i socijalna prava, ROZA udruženje za radna prava žena and Sindikat medija Crne Gore 

This Action is supported by European Union and co-funded by Swedish International Development Agency  (Sida). 

30 Years Since the Founding of the Association ‘Motrat Qiriazi’

The year 2020 marks three decades since the founding of the Association “Motrat Qiriazi” (MQ), by activists Safete and Igballe Rogova.

During the years of national resistance, this association conducted numerous activities for women rights and gender equality in Kosovo. During the years 1994-1995 the the association was focused in the region of Has, holding uninterrupted meetings with the women and girls of Has for their emancipation and awareness of their rights.

“Motrat Qiriazi” recently joined Facebook by creating a symbolic page as a way to mark this anniversary. You can follow weekly pieces of history, activities of activists, collaborations, successes and challenges that they overcome for these 30 years.

If you have been involved in any way with the Association for the Elimination of Illiteracy in Kosovo “Motrat Qiriazi” during the years 1990 – 1994; if you have attended anti-illiteracy courses held by the Association during those years; or if you know someone who has held them whereas, you can register on Facebook or via email motratqiriazi30@gmail.com.

Kosovo Midwife Association Demands Institutional Support to Empower the Role of Midwives in Kosovo

The closure of maternity hospitals combined with operational difficulties in some municipalities of Kosovo, such as Kamenica, Dragash, Malisheva, Kaçanik and Istog, has led many women to seek help in other nearby municipalities. It has also affected a large number of midwives’ unemployment. 

For many pregnant women, the closure of maternity hospitals has been a huge obstacle, including additional costs. 

The project” Strengthening the role of midwives’ professional service”, initiated by The Kosovo Midwives Association (KMA), contributed to improving this issue. 

With the support of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KGF), KMA through many activities such as roundtables, meetings with institutional leaders, drafting recommendations, and mapping a request for the draft law on midwifery professional services. Their media promotion has managed to raise awareness of the importance of the midwifery to the well-being of mothers and children. 

A total of 97 people benefited from this initiative, 84 women and 13 men. The project was praised by midwives, civil society representatives and institutions. 

“Responsible institutions for many years have oppressed us, they neither have appreciated nor have invested in our profession, but the great love for the profession has made us ignore them,” said one of the midwives during a discussion. 

On 12 December, the Kosovo Midwives Association (KMA) organized the round table discussion. It was attended by the directors of Health and Social Welfare Departments from different municipalities of Kosovo, members of the Municipal Assembly of Prishtina, representatives of the Institute of Public Health and civil society organizations.  

The round table was intended to address the draft law on the midwifery professional service and midwives’ role for the health of the population. 

During the roundtable, Magbule Elezi, the President of the Kosovo Association of Midwives, called for support from the institutions present.; With their institutional and state responsibility and influence they will continue their joint commitment to this cause. 

“Through health policies, institutional support and professional development we can improve the quality of services and increase the well-being of our women and citizens, as well as improve their lives”, said Ms. Elezi. 

Besa Baftiu, the Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Health and Social Welfare, said that “As a committee, we have raised concerns about the closure of maternity hospitals and we are continuing cooperation with KMA to find a solution for midwives to take their place”. 

Some of the recommendations from the roundtable, are as it follows: 

  • Involvement of midwives in the process of drafting guidelines and clinical protocols in obstetrics, 
  • Description of work tasks, depending on the institution where midwives work, 
  • Regular vocational trainings for midwives, 
  • Representation of midwives in decision-making within institutions, 
  • Raising and strengthening teamwork, 
  • KMA to be included in debate and decision-making groups regarding all legal and sub-legal acts for the profession of midwife, 
  • Delegation of gynecologists from the Ministry of Health to all maternity hospitals, which enables faster re-functionalization of maternity hospitals, 
  • Description of work tasks and competencies. 

Another successful meeting was held with the president for accreditation of the Faculty of Medicine – Midwives Department, where the re-accreditation of this department was promised. They managed to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the Faculty of Medicine and KMA. 

KMA has also held meetings with the Association of Nurses and Midwives of Albania, where a memorandum of cooperation was signed in order for both countries to organize continuous meetings and share experiences. 

The recommendations are as follows: 

  • The Ministry of Health to ensure the participation of KMA representatives in working groups for the drafting of policies and strategies in terms of mothers and children health and reproductive health, 
  • The Ministry of Health to consult counterparts from the Republic of Croatia in order to advance the role of midwives following the Croatian law and model, 
  • The Ministry of Health to provide programs, guidelines, standards for information and capacity building for reproductive health that effect the health of mothers and children, family planning, fertility, early births, and preventable diseases, 
  • The Ministry of Health to take measures on preventing the closing of maternity hospitals in municipalities, as the lack of this service in some units has seriously endangered the health of women and children, 
  • The Ministry of Health to develop a plan of human resources for midwives and other health professionals in order to increase the number of midwives; to provide opportunities for continuous professional development for managers of health institutions and midwives, and thus strengthening basic skills and knowledge in order to providing quality and equal services for maternal and child health in all maternity units, 
  • The Ministry of Health to consider Directive no. 2005/36 / EC of the European Union (EU) on professional qualifications for midwives. 

The positive results achieved during these months contribute to the previews efforts of KWN and KMA to improve the conditions of maternity hospitals in Kosovo. 

This project is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). 

“Raba Voca” Advocates in Three Municipalities for Joint Parental Leave

The current Labor Law is one of the main reasons for low participation of women in the labor market (about 12%). This is because this law does not recognize men’s parental leave. Employed men are entitled to take only two days of paid leave and two weeks of unpaid leave, which they can use at any time before the child reaches the age of three. However, employed women get 12 months of leave, including nine months paid and three months unpaid.

Thus, this law discriminates against men, not offering them equal rights to be with their children, while also reduces women’s participation in the economy.

The Center for Protection of Women and Children “Raba Voca” through their initiative “Parental leave as a future model in Kosovo”, has held information sessions, discussions with citizens and institutional representatives, has done research, and has disseminated information through the media. All these activities supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KGF), were implemented in Mitrovica, Vushtrri, and Skenderaj. They aim to raise awareness and lobby for the importance of equal rights of both parents to be with their children.

Through these activities, about 330 women and 80 men became aware of promoting gender equality, and a full 3,000 citizens received more information about the involvement of fathers in childcare.

“Raba Voca” has held meetings with key actors of the Municipality of Mitrovica, Skenderaj and Vushtrri, where they discussed about the joint parental leave and the benefits that would be gained from men being granted paternity leave. There are many benefits to this practice, including paternal bonding, as well as the economic empowerment of women.

“Paternity leave would enable us [women] to return to work faster and not be separated for too long. This way we have the opportunity to reduce the risk of becoming unemployed, receiving a lower salary or a demotion after returning to work “, said a participant in one of the meetings organized by “Raba Voca”.

Hyka Imeri, Gender Equality Official in the Municipality of Skenderaj emphasized that “discrimination towards girls starts from the mother’s womb, when the sex of the baby is known. These traditions and mentality are very difficult to change.”

This advocacy initiative was not limited to the women participating in the activities. “Raba Voca” has organized meetings with students of the University of Mitrovica, in order to discuss these pressing issues. The Executive Directorate of “Raba Voca”, Fidane Hyseni has also appeared on TV Mitrovica and Radio Vicianum to inform the citizens of this initiative.

During the five months that these activities lasted, a survey was conducted in these three municipalities. From the questionnaire conducted with 150 women and men between ages of 17-90 years, it was concluded that a very small number of citizens have used the joint parental leave. When interviewed, citizens were asked that whose responsibility it was to take care of the children. Most answered that both parents equally should be responsible. A small percentage answered that it is women’s responsibility, while an even smaller percentage estimated that childcare belongs only to men.

This project is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

Handikos Mitrovica Helps Mothers of the Children with Disabilities

Postnatal Depression occurs when a woman experiences a strong feeling of despondency following childbirth. The symptoms for this type of depression can include a mother’s difficulty bonding with her infant, as well as a disconnection with her family and society. Mothers tend to blame themselves, and lack the will to do things they used to enjoy.  

According to the World Health Organization, 20% of women in developed countries suffer from Postnatal Depression. In addition, American Psychological Association’s data show that as many as 1 in every 7 women are affected by this depression.  

Handikos Mitrovica was able to offer this counselling program to help women with support from the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF). “Depression in Mothers of Children with Disabilities and People with Disabilities” initiative, helped 47 mothers and their special-needs children.        

“Ever since I was put in contact with Handikos Mitrovica and participated in the sessions and meetings hosted by this organization, I have received a lot of help. Sometimes when I’m not in a good mood, but I cannot come to the meetings, I try to remember how we have been advised to keep calm”. These feelings were expressed by a mother who has a child with disabilities, during a group session organized by Handikos Mitrovica, in December 2018. 

Xhevahire Balaj, a psychologist for Diakone Kosovo, emphasized that Postpartum Depression is caused by hormonal changes from giving birth. The depression can get worse if the new-born baby is disabled.  

“Mothers put themselves last, giving their utmost to the child’s care they deem to see that child as the centre of everything”, stated one woman present.     

Direct beneficiaries of this initiative were the mothers of children with disabilities and the young people with disabilities. During this four-month initiative, the topics as follows were discussed: Postnatal Depression signs and symptoms and its way of manifesting, identification and expression of the emotions, embracing a positive approach for stress coping, evocation of positive life experiences and the application of relaxing techniques.   

Participants expressed their gratitude for this initiative, which took place for the first time in the Municipality of Mitrovica.   

Myrvete Hasani, Executive Director of Handikos Mitrovica highlighted that these meetings proved to be a crucial help for mothers and people with disabilities.  

The following recommendation emerged from this initiative: 

To establish counselling in health institutions, respectively in the Gynaecology Department, where others of children with disabilities will have the opportunity for counselling and support from a psychologist / social worker. This recommendation will be sent to the relevant local and central institutions. In order to advocate for the opening of counselling centres in health institutions, Hasani held several meetings with representatives of the Municipality of Mitrovica as well. 

KWN Condemns the Behaviours Toward the Speaker of the Assembly Osmani

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) condemns the insulting language and denigrating behaviour used during last night’s session of the Assembly against Speaker of the Assembly, Vjosa Osmani.  

The Assembly of Kosovo is a public institution where the rules and functions of each of its members must be respected. In this institution, all citizens expect their political will to be represented in the most dignified way. Actions like last night contradict the parliamentary and democratic culture of an equal society.  

KWN believes that Speaker Osmani was obstructed in the performance of her official duties in accordance with the Assembly Regulation. According to this Regulation she bears responsibility for the conduct of parliamentary sessions, including warning MPs who do not respect the rules. 

KWN once again calls for disagreements in the political sphere to be resolved through discourse and debates, never through threatening words and actions. KWN also calls for the punishment of those responsible, in accordance with the Assembly’s rules of procedure and applicable laws.  

Such attitudes towards women in politics and decision-making processes are completely unacceptable and severely undermine our aspiration for an equal society between women and men. Such treatment of women in public spaces is a worrying indicator of the treatment of women in our society, and as such should not go unpunished.  

MOU Signed for Employment of Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence During the War

 Photo Credits: Ministry of Justice, Facebook

Victims of domestic violence as well as survivors of sexual violence during the war will now find it easier to find employment.

This was made possible thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an initiative of UN Women, signed on 8 July, between the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the Retail Network and the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN).

The Minister of Justice, Selim Selimi, pledged to support these categories.

“In rare cases, institutions, government, civil society and the private sector come together to sign a good will, through which we express our readiness to be close to women who are victims of violence,” he said.

KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova said that the economic independence of this category is key to their safety and well-being.

“I am extremely excited because it is finally being understood that the triangle must work in order to help the citizens of Kosovo. This triangle is the Government, Civil Society and the internationals,” she said.

Also, Yllka Metaj, from the Retail Network, has considered this initiative as very fruitful for the future.

KWN Holds Second Membership Meeting for 2020

On July 6th, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held its second membership meeting with 25 participants via the Zoom platform.

KWN Executive Director, Igballe Rogova started the meeting by mentioning the importance of wearing face masks to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. To avoid crowding people, Rogova discussed the possibility of holding regional meetings with member organizations.

Rogova presented the recently launched research report “Where’s the Money for Women’s Rights”, in which the need for more support for women’s rights organizations is clearly identified.

Members appreciated the opportunity to share with fellow members the work they are currently doing, as well as the difficulties caused by the pandemic. They also unanimously praised KWN’s care shown during quarantine period.

Hasime Tahiri, Executive Director of the NGO Mundësia, has suggested to organize a training on how to use the ZOOM platform, for those members who have had difficulty joining this meeting.

 Resmije Rrahmani, shared that the organization OPDMK appreciated this method of communication as it is more accessible for people with disabilities and has proposed that KWN continue meetings online in the future.

Melihate Osmani, Manager of EULOC Viti, shared information regarding the initiative supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) in the municipality of Vitia on gender responsive budgeting.

Olivera Milosevic, Executive Director of Udruženje Poslovnih Žena (WBA), suggested that in addition to training for ZOOM usage, several information sessions to be held on the importance of wearing masks as well.

The participants also discussed the importance of providing free psychological sessions for victims of domestic violence, mentioning that such sessions are offered by psychologist Xhevahire Balaj, Diakone Kosova.

Depending on the situation with the spread of the pandemic, KWN members will be timely notified about the next meeting and its format.

READ ALSO:  KWN Holds First Membership Meeting for 2020

"Ruaj shëndetin tuaj mendor!" – Biba May, Organizata e Personave me Distrofi Muskulare e Kosoves – OPDMK#Mbanidistancen #Mbanimasken #membersmeeting #Kosovo

Posted by Kosova Women's Network on Monday, July 6, 2020

KWN Calls for a Reduction of the Deputy Ministers Number and the Implementation of The Law on Gender Equality

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) expresses its dissatisfaction with and concern about the non-implementation of the Law on Gender Equality (LGE) in the appointing of Deputy Ministers of the Government currently led by Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti. 

This government has so far appointed 46 deputy ministers, only eight of whom are women. Translated into percentage, only 17.4% of these positions belong to women. 

This small number directly contradicts the LGE, a law which guarantees gender equality (50/50) as a condition for the development of a democratic society where men and women have completely equal opportunities in the political and public spheres. KWN urges the government to implement this law and ensure that political agreements do not pose a threat to the common good. 

KWN submits two requests: 

• Reduce the number of deputy ministers, as this leads to misuse of public money and endemic corruption, 

• Have equal gender representation (50/50) in appointing deputy ministers. 

KWN works for a Kosovo where women and men have equal opportunities to education, employment, political participation, health, and a life without violence. Therefore, in full compliance with this vision, KWN, throughout the governing mandate of this government, will seek public accountability and full transparency for the work of the executive in choosing its cabinet. 

The National Program for the Implementation of SAA 2020 – 2024 Addresses KWN Recommendations

 
The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) carries out the mission to support, protect and promote the rights and interests of women and young women throughout Kosovo, including through professional cooperation with Kosovo institutions, managing to be one of the key parties in the consultation process for drafting important documents that are Kosovo’s guides in many areas. In this context, KWN has recently managed to successfully address very important issues in the National Plan for the Implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (NPSAA) 2020 – 2024, which was approved by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo one month ago. 

Almost 80% of KWN’s recommendations being taken to the consideration shows a great success. With work and commitment, we achieved to address important issues and be part of an important document, such as NPSAA. 

This document aims to implement all reforms for the adoption of the acquis of the European Union (EU) in national legislation in all its chapters: economic, political criteria and European standards. Each body of the state administration is responsible for the implementation of the Program and monitoring its implementation within the scope of its competencies. The Stabilization and Association Agreement itself defines a very important process in the creation of the rule of law and economic development. 

In the framework of these measures and priorities set for each section of the Program, which are also related to the Network programs, are recommended additions of the NPSAA in order for these measures and priorities to ensure equal participation of women in politics and decision-making, economic empowerment of women, improving access to quality and gender-sensitive education, proper institutional treatment and taking measures to eliminate domestic violence. 

Specifically, the recommendations that were addresses are, such as: 

• non-selective implementation of gender equality legislation; 

• inclusion of gender perspective in legislation; 

• genuine professional analysis for responsible gender budgeting and responsible gender budgeting implemented in all phases of design, planning and monitoring of project implementation; 

• harmonization with the acquis for the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women in access and supply of goods and services; 

• equality in electoral lists and 50% representation of women; 

• public administration that respects the principles of merit, transparency and fair and equal representation, and strengthens the capacity of institutions to ensure the prevalence of these principles; 

• providing the necessary data regarding the gender implications of informality in the economy and serving to plan measures to reduce the gender pay gap; 

• establishing an effective and equal system of property rights determination that contributes to women’s financial independence in Kosovo; 

• allocation of funds for key sectors (such as energy) ensuring transparency and gender equality; 

• legalization of women’s participation in the labour market, especially in the informal sector where they work without contracts; 

• facilitating procedures for access to credit and non-restriction of funds for women-owned enterprises; 

• implementation of legal provisions that can help reduce gender inequality in public procurement processes; 

• non-discrimination in employment and social policy; 

• Reforming the maternity and maternity leave system to avoid obstruction in women’s recruitment procedures, especially in the private sector; 

• the adoption of the new law on protection against domestic violence and the applicable legislation that supports the dignified management of cases of domestic violence, including rehabilitation and reintegration within the social services of persons experiencing violence; 

• creating a permanent budget line for sustainable financing of shelters, to ensure coverage of all expenses necessary for the functioning of these social centres; and, 

• Improving the political and strategic framework for research and innovation, ensuring equal gender representation and reflecting on gender aspects. 

Regarding the issues raised, KWN has recommended undertaking concrete actions within certain areas to ensure compliance and promotion of gender equality under applicable laws in Kosovo. 

KWN estimates that the successful implementation of this program as well as the entire relevant gender equality legislation will help Kosovo become a country with equal women and men and with equal opportunities in education, employment, participation in politics, health, 

KWN will continue to monitor and contribute to important processes towards European integration through the provision of gender analysis, advocacy and cooperation.