Kosovo Women's Network

Svet Andjela Holds Training on Legal Frameworks for Human Rights in North Mitrovica

09.10.2020

NGO “Svet Andjela” within the initiative “Women in Focus” held nine workshops in three municipalities of Mitrovica: North Mitrovica, Zecan and Zubin Potok. The leaders of the workshops were Radmila Kapetanovic together with the Director of NGO “Svet Andjela” and Project Coordinator, Vasiljka Voinović.

Regular activities and meetings started in November and lasted until March. Svet Andjela managed to raise awareness among 168 women and men.

The workshops included topics such as: Legal framework for human rights; Mechanisms for gender equality; Mechanism for the prevention of violence against women; Law on Gender Equality and Discrimination, as well as Prejudices and Stereotypes. The greatest emphasis during these train was placed on explaining women’s right to inheritance.

A special lecture was organized to inform the participants about the Istanbul Convention. During this lecture the trainers introduced the Law on Family, the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence, the Law on Gender Equality, the Criminal Code, the Law on the Ombudsperson, and the Law against Discrimination.

“In the workshop held on the legal framework, the participants did not have much knowledge about the laws that apply in Kosovo, that they do not believe in institutions and the implementation of laws,” said Kapetanovic. He proceeded to add that women in northern Kosovo are concerned that domestic violence cases do not receive proper treatment, there is no telephone line, counseling center for women victims of violence, or safe house or shelter for victims”.

Mr. Voinović stressed that “problems and priorities were identified in all three municipalities, and a local advocacy action was developed. In the municipality of Zubin Potok, only one local action was implemented by the local government. In the municipality of Zvecan, there were three local actions taken by women, who participated in the training with the help of the local government and the service company”.

This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by the European Union (EU) Office 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

WBA Holds Trainings on the Gender Equality Index

08.10.2020

In the framework of the “Gender Equality Index in Local Self-Government in North Mitrovica” initiative, the member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Udruženje Poslovnih Žena (WBA) held trainings and meetings with Office for Communities and Return, Gender Equality Officers, representatives from the Office for Social Welfare and Health, Chief of Urban Planning and official of the coordination mechanism.

Although gender equality index is a relatively new concept in Kosovo, its importance was acknowledged by participants who through an interactive discussion understood more about basic concepts, differences between gender and, the role of women and men in society as well as stereotypes that have traditionally prevailed among us.

WBA also conducted trainings led by expert Radmila Kapetanovic and Olivera Milosevic, Executive Director of WBA with eight local government officials and six coordination mechanism officials on the concept and implementation, as well as how to complete questionnaires, compile statistics, in every six months.

“Change comes slowly, changes will come when everyone realizes that equality is a right that belongs to every woman and girl. Gender budgeting is not only for women, but it is for both genders”, said Radmila Kapetanovic, a lecturer at this workshop.

The training was held in Gracanica where the former Minister of Local Government Administration, Adrijana Hodhiiq and the Deputy Mayor of Graicanica were also present.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is indeksi-WBA.jpg

“We do not have many women in decision-making positions, we should not compete for positions but rather support each other, show solidarity. Women should contribute to their positions”, said former minister Adrijana Hodžić. 

Participants during the training learned how everyone in their field can contribute to monitoring and improving the Gender Equality Index. Above all, they learned what gender equality means in practice and in everyday life.

This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.

In addition to Udruženje Poslovnih Žena (WBA), beneficiaries of the 13th round of KWF are 17 other member organizations. You can read the full list HERE.

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

Security Begins at Home: No Peace without Justice

07.10.2020

Photo Credits: KFOR

On 7 October, on the eve of the 20^th Anniversary of the United Nations Security Council 1325 for Women, Peace and Security, KFOR hosted a conference where several speakers discussed the implementation of this resolution in Kosovo with focus on security, inclusion and partnership.

Key speakers, who have been at the forefront in the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in Kosovo, shared their work and experience from the past two decades.

Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), shared the work of KWN and other women’s rights activists who have continuously been fighting for gender equity, peace and security in her keynote address.

“Security begins at home; therefore, we have to provide security for women at home. There is no peace without justice!” said Rogova, while adding that justice was never served for survivors of sexual violence during the war, the victims of the subsequent massacres, nor for the families of missing persons.

Rogova underlined the importance of cooperation between women civil society organizations (WCSOs) at both the local and regional level. She also stated her appreciation for donor support given to WCSOs throughout the years.

Former President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, shared her experience as the first woman president of the country and her work toward empowering women and youth, through the Jahjaga Foundation platform.

“I decided to use the authority that I built throughout my public service career, especially in the office of the President”.

Further, the first woman Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, reaffirmed the importance of such coordination between institutions and women’s organizations.

“Everything that has been achieved is a result of a cooperation model, involving the Parliament, the Agency for Gender Equality, International Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and the media”, Osmani added.

She noted that in accordance with Resolution 1325, women should be directly and fully involved in the Dialogue with Serbia as well as constantly consulted during the process.

Edi Gusia, director of the Agency for Gender Equality (AGE), considers AGE’s drafting of public policies as working platforms for gender equality in Kosovo as one of its main achievements.

“The landmark decision of the first Action Plan for the implementation of Resolution 1325 (2013-2015), was the amendment of the law for the civil victims and veterans. It was in this amendment where survivors of sexual violence became part of the law”, Gusia said.

Other speakers at this conference were Clare Hutchinson, NATO Secretary General Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security; Major General Michele RISI, Commander of KFOR; Vlora-Tuzi Nushi, Head of UN Women in Kosovo; Chiara Tagliani, Gender Advisor at EULEX; Javiera Thais Santa Cruz, Gender Advisor UN Mission in Kosovo; Annette M. FATH-LIHIC, Political Advisor EU Special Representative in Kosovo, Safete Gacaferri, Executive Director of NGO Jeta; Adriana HODZIC, Principal Executive Officer, Municipality of North Mitrovica; Brigadier General Irfete SPAHIU, KSF;

Resolution 1325 was adopted unanimously on 31 October 2000 by the UNSCR, as a milestone in recognizing women’s unique role in international peace and security.

Read also:1325 Facts and Fables

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

The Lipjan Youth Center Holds the Closing Workshop for the “Supporting Girls and Women for Active Participation in the Economy” Initiative

06.10.2020

On September 25- 27, the Lipljan Youth Center (LYC) held a workshop on “Developing an Orientation Document on Local Policy to Support Women Start-ups and Increase Participation in Decision-Making”, with women entrepreneurs in Lipjan. This activity was held within the initiative “Supporting girls and women for active participation in the economy”, supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by UN Women.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is viber_image_2020-09-27_13-15-38564106-1024x768.jpg

The purpose of the three-day workshop was to draft a document which will be ready for municipal authorities’ approval. This document reflects the assessments and needs of small businesses in the region.

Participants were relevant local actors, such as NGOs and local small business owners, who have influence and can contribute to this policy, which will effect the well-being of women and young women entrepreneurs.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4626-1024x683.jpg

The leader of the workshop, economist Driton Berisha, together with the participants of the workshop, compiled and finalized the document for support of the business sector.

Berisha, among other things, informed the participants about the decision-making processes and the development of local policies, as well as the identification of challenges and problems of new businesses.

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

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

DSK Hosts Workshops on Developing Cooking Skills

06.10.2020

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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_77316.jpg

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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_8101.jpg

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.

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

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

02.10.2020

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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is unnamed-5-1024x686.jpg

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.

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

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

02.10.2020

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.

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

Feminists from Kosovo and Serbia Join in the Feminist Spring School

01.10.2020

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.

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

Art Without Limit Brings the First Edition of the Film Festival

30.09.2020

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).

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 Once Again Raises Voice Against Gender-based Violence

30.09.2020

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

03.03.26