Kosovo Women's Network

KWN Congratulates the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu on her Election

05.04.2021

Dear President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu,

Through this congratulatory letter, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is pleased to convey most sincere congratulations and wishes on your election as the President of the Republic of Kosovo.

Your election not only marks an important date for the Presidency but also gives hope and strength for further empowerment of women in politics and decision-making processes in our society. Your arrival on top of one of the three most important institutions carries itself the message toward the real possibility of increasing women’s participation in politics.

Your long-standing experience in politics and ongoing support for women’s rights in Kosovo will serve as an encouragement to all girls who want to engage in politics. It is an inspiration for our organization that works every day for gender equality and having “Women in Politics and Decision-Making” as a key program for this journey.

We recall that your election came shortly after the parliamentary elections of February 14, 2021, elections that marked the largest number of women elected in Assembly. However, the equal rights and presence of women, not only in politics and the public sphere, remain a battle that requires work and commitment toward victory.

We can only achieve this victory together. Together in solidarity.

Hence, for an equal society, besides congratulations, KWN also land a helping hand and solidarity with you during your presidential term.

Sincerely,

Igballe Rogova,

Executive Director, Kosovo Women’s Network

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

QMGF Launches “What Comes After The Shelter? Reintegration Of Women Survivors Of Violence” Research

29.03.2021

In December 2020, the Center for Protection of Women and Children (QMGF), published the research “What comes after the shelter? Reintegration of women survivors of violence”. This research was conducted in the framework of the initiative “Empowering the women victims of gender-based violence through reintegration programs”, thanks to the support received from the 14th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF). This report aimed to make a comparison of the reintegration programs and other services offered by institutions in Kosovo.

QMGF also held an online meeting with key stakeholders such as representatives from the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry Youth and Sports, the Agency for Gender Equality within the Office of the Prime Minister, as well as representatives of the Municipality of Prishtina, Obiliq and Fushë Kosovë. This meeting discussed the findings from the research, as well as recommendations on improving the current situation in the country.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screenshot-2020-12-24-140608-1024x441.jpg

At the closing meeting of the project, the Executive Director of the Organization, Zana Asllani spoke about the overall purpose of this initiative.

“The reintegration of victims of domestic violence is a very important link in preventing gender-based violence in all its forms. The lack of reintegration programs in centers that provide assistance to women and children victims limits the opportunities for them to be provided with more sustainable and long-term security and support even after the initial intervention”, said Asllani.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screenshot-2020-12-24-140435-1024x491.jpg

The recommendations are as follows:

Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare

Provide sufficient funding for shelters.
Increase the capacity of shelters throughout Kosovo to provide sufficient services to all communities in Kosovo.
Support the design and implementation of a reintegration strategy for the long-term social inclusion program for survivors of domestic violence.

Improve coordination between shelters, Vocational Training Centers and Employment Offices, by identifying skills required in the market as well as suitable jobs for abuse victims, in particular women.
Support the design and implementation of standards and staff training in Community Centers to improve the quality of social and family services for girls and women through capacity building of public and non-governmental providers (in line with the MLSW Sector Strategy 2018-2022).

Center for Social Work

Create and implement a plan for the inclusion of social assistance beneficiaries in employment programs.
Support the design and implementation of standards and staff training in Community Centers to improve the quality of social and family services for girls and women through capacity building of public and non-governmental providers (in line with the MLSW Sector Strategy 2018-2022).

Vocational Training Center in Prishtina Region

Develop cooperation with employment offices and vocational training centers, as well as with the Centers for Social Work in order to provide specially developed training and professional development courses for victims of domestic violence, as part of their rehabilitation plans.
Provide training for beneficiaries of social categories as well as engage in employment programs, based on individual beneficiary reintegration plans.

Center for the Protection of Women and Children, Prishtina

Develop cooperation and coordination with employment offices and vocational training centers, as well as with social work centers in order to provide specially developed training and professional development courses for victims of domestic violence, as part of their plans for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Strengthen cooperation with local institutions to launch revenue-generating programs that would financially support shelters and improve victims’ professional skills.

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

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

Kosovo Police Commits to Better Response to Domestic Violence Cases

25.03.2021

On March 25 mars, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) took part in a round table organized by the Kosovo Police regarding domestic violence cases.

The aim of this round table is to inform the relevant stakeholders what was done in 2020 and what is expected to be done during this year to prevent and combat domestic violence.

Initially, the General Director of the Kosovo Police, Samedin Mehmeti focused on how cases of domestic violence should be treated by police officers.

“Even though the work is being done, there are still victim of domestic violence; therefore, a way of prevention and serious treatment of these cases should be considered”, he said

Further, he said that it is tremendously important to establish mechanisms within the Kosovo Police that will monitor the work of police officers dealing with cases of domestic violence on how they are handling these cases. He also pointed out the importance of reporting cases where police officers have committed violations in dealing with these cases.

From the Ministry of Justice present was Nazlie Balaj, Adviser, who pledged that no compromises would be made for anyone who neglects domestic violence cases.

She also stressed that domestic violence is among three priorities of this ministry.

Adelina Berisha, Program Manager – Gender-Based Violence, KWN, mentioned that it is very important that officers dealing with these cases display gender sensitivity.

Berisha gave some recommendations at this round table. She said that all categories of gender-based violence should be considered.

“Police should be careful what question they ask the person who experienced violence; prosecutors should report police officers who commit violations; as well as the coordination mechanism in Prishtina should be functionalized in order for the stakeholders to meet more frequently to discuss the setbacks”, tha Berisha.

This round table was also attended by representatives of the Agency for Gender Equality, UN Women, the Prosecution office, shelters and others.

KWN expressed willingness to assist with necessary training and coordination, given the long-term work to combat violence against women.

KWN will continue to advocate and monitor institutions that deal with these cases.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

KWN Urges the New Government to Implement Law on Gender Equality When Appointing Its Cabinet

20.03.2021

Women in Kosovo continue to be under-represented in politics and decision-making at local and central level.

We can see this because official voices from the party expected to form the Government have publicly stated that out of 15 ministries, only five will be led by women.

This small representation (precisely 33% of women in the government cabinet) directly contradicts the Law on Gender Equality (LGE), which guarantees gender equality (50/50) in institutions, as a condition for the development of a democratic society, where men and women have completely equal opportunities in the political, public, and institutional sphere.

Besides, this underrepresentation in the parliament may occur although in the parliamentary elections of February 14, 2021, the representation of women in the Assembly of Kosovo has increased by five seats, compared to previous elections (2019). This time as well, more women have been elected without quota than thanks to it.

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has followed with increased interest the representation and participation of women in elections over the years and consequently gender equal representation in the new government; therefore, KWN, through this letter, calls on Government that is expected to be formed to fully respect the LGE when appointing its Cabinet, respectively the Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

KWN, through its work and activism since it was established, strives for a Kosovo where women and men are equal and have equal opportunities in education, employment, political participation, health, and a life without violence. Therefore, in full compliance with its vision, KWN throughout this government mandate will seek public accountability and full transparency for the work that influences the realization of these vital objectives for the well-being of all women and girls in Kosovo.

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 Continues Encouraging Young Women to Participate in Peace and Security Processes 

19.03.2021

For two days, during the 18th and 19th of March, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) hosted online meetings with young women from the Municipality of Mitrovica, Lipjan and Viti, on the topic “Security challenges faced by girls”.

During these discussions, KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova shared the advocacy strategies they could use to address the key challenges and problems identified in terms of security.

“Everything is possible if we join our forces and raise our voices for our wellbeing and for our rights. We have to feel safe in our own place.” Rogova said.

The young women from the three municipalities highly appreciated the opportunity to exchange experiences through these meetings and with KWN’s support.

KWN shared with them the findings of the report “A Seat at the Table”. This report examines the roles, contributions, and needs of women, particularly young women, related to peace and security processes in Kosovo since 1989, and will be launched during the first part of April. The young women taking part confirmed the findings from the report and the challenges they face at their municipalities.

This initiative is necessary for addressing the security needs of young women in post-conflict areas. KWN strongly believes that gender stereotypes should never hinder young women from participating in decision-making roles in peace and security.

During June 2020, KWN hosted similar meetings with young women from Gjakova and Deçan. Click HERE for more about these discussions.

This activity was held as part of the initiative “Empowering young women in Kosovo”, supported by UN Women.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

IPVK Helps Blinds with Professional Trainings

18.03.2021

12 blind women and men received vocational training in basic Microsoft software skills.

Independent Initiative of Blind People (IPVK), a member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), within the initiative “I want to lead a dignified life” conducted two trainings and meetings for the the blind and visually impaired to help them engage in the labor market. This was possible thanks to the 14^th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF).

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 156626747_785132055754065_7995285304319970424_n-1024x768.jpg

he trainings covered topics such as forms of communication and presentation, writing a CV and Cover Letter, and the basic use of Microsoft products like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These trainings were conducted by Hashim Lluminca and Shkëlzen Limani, external experts.

“Blind people are neglected in every sphere of life, especially in the labor market. Through this initiative we aim to increase their professional capacities “, said Fatbardha Salihu, Executive Director of IPVK.

From January to December 2020, the IPVK conducted a survey of organizations and an analysis of internal regulations. Field visits were carried out with 10 organisations, including: “Ibër Lepenc” Sh. A., Telecom of Kosovo, Post of Kosovo, Bus Station in the municipalities of Prishtina, Peja, Gjakova, Prizren and Gjilan, Urban Traffic, Kesco, Municipality of Prishtina, and the Ministry of Finance.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 156319461_235456838281646_43027391417591819_n-1-1024x768.jpg

As a result of the field visits, the IPVK signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipal level of NTP “Urban Traffic”, resulting in the installation of acoustic signaling for the blind. They also began marking buses with contrasting colors and capital letters, as facilities for people with disabilities.

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

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

KLI and KWN Publish the Investigation Report Regarding the Murder Of Sehabate Morina: Justice Institutions Neglected This Case

17.03.2021

On March 17, the Kosovo Law Institute (KLI) in cooperation with KWN published the findings on the investigation of the murder of Sebahate Morina “State by inaction, deprives Sebahate Morina of her life.”

Adelina Berisha, the Program Manager on Gender Based Violence at KWN, said that women have been reporting violence for years, but relevant institutions are refusing to provide support, which is resulting in fatalities.

“Justice institutions must prevent violence against women, and where it occurs they must not tolerate it at all. We will demand the dismissal of prosecutors who are failing to meet their job obligations,” she said.

Ehat Miftaraj, KLI, stated that the constitutional right to life is elementary and should be guaranteed by the state. He also reiterated that Kosovo has adopted the Istanbul Convention on the treatment of domestic violence and has thus far failed to implement it.

“The Basic Prosecution in Pristina has failed to protect Sebahate Morina. Yesterday, this prosecution tried to evade responsibility and publicly lie that it has taken all necessary steps for protection,” said Miftaraj.

He added Morina was a double victim of her ex-husband and the state.

These findings show that the inaction of the Basic Prosecution of Prishtina violated Sebahate Morina’s right to life.

KLI and KWN request that the KPC and the Chief State Prosecutor:

Form a working group to draft a report on the violations and actions taken in relation to this case. This working group should have access to all case files, in order to sufficiently cover this case. This working group should comprise five (5) representatives: One (1) prosecutor (not from the Basic Prosecution in Prishtina), one (1) victim advocate, one (1) family member or representative of the victim and two (2) representatives of civil society.
Form a working group with experts in the field to review the Standard Operating Procedures in each Basic Prosecution regarding the procedure of receiving, treating and helping victims of domestic violence.

Watch HERE the full conference. Meanwhile HERE you can find the report “State by inaction, deprives Sebahate Morina of her life “.

01.04.26

Activists Advocate that EU Accession Contributes to Furthering Gender Equality

31.03.26

Igballe Rogova Awarded Presidential Medal for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Rights

31.03.26

People Call on EU to Invest in What Matters in New EU Budget

27.03.26

Women’s History Month: Rachel Wareham Reflects on the Legacy of Motrat Qiriazi

26.03.26

KWN Honoured by NRAEWOK for Contribution to Advancing Gender Equality

26.03.26

Access Denied No More: Women in Skenderaj Advocate for Quality Gynecological Care

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.

01.04.26