KWN’s Part of the Civil Society Platform for Dialogue

03.09.2020

©KDI

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is part of the civil society organizations that decided to create a common platform for cooperation and coordination of NGOs in Kosovo, which have developed and are developing expertise in the field of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.

This platform has been created with the key aim of promoting transparency, accountability and inclusiveness. Civil society representatives aim to play a more proactive and organized role, becoming a more influential factor in the dialogue and normalization process.

Aiming at impartiality in the process, the members of this Platform will contribute through joint actions, on the basis of their expertise, but by not becoming part of political teams within the dialogue. The signatory members will promote a structured and constructive public dialogue regarding the dialogue process and related topics. Within the operation of the Platform, they aim to bring the citizens closer and acquainted with the dialogue process, advocating for greater participation of citizens and other stakeholders in this process with domestic and international actors.

In addition to KWN, founding organizations of the Platform are as follows:

  • Democracy for Development (D4D)
  • Balkans Policy Research Group (BPRG)
  • Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS)
  • Humanitarian Law Centre (HLC)
  • New Social Initiative (NSI)
  • Kosova Democratic Institute (KDI)
  • Prishtina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS)
  • Kosovar Institute for Research and Policy Development (KIPRED)
  • Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR)
  • NGO ‘Aktiv’
  • NGO Opportunity (MDA)
  • S’BUNKER
  • Donika Emini.

Read more HERE.

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KLI Offers Free Legal Aid during COVID-19 Pandemic  

01.09.2020

 Stereotypes stigma are believed to exist in Kosovo related to gender-based discrimination, especially towards women. Several forms of gender-based discrimination at work exist, such as in hiring, equal opportunities for promotion at work, maternity leave rights violations and sexual harassment. Often, women do not know where to turn when such rights violations occur, or they lack resources to pay for a lawyer.  

The Kosovo Law Institute (KLI) is working to improve women’s labour rights so that discriminatory behaviour is punished and prevented in the future. KLI is conducting research and will monitor court hearings, including the performance of all Basic Courts in Kosovo and the Appeal Court in civil and administrative cases providing legal aid to women in asserting their legal rights. KLI also plans to coordinate with the Ombudsperson Institution (OI) in referring cases to KLI either for legal aid or legal representation with special attention to women’s labour rights.  

Since February, KLI has monitored 17 cases in which women had disputes related to their employment relationships.   

However, due to government-mandated isolation measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, since mid-March Kosovo courts only treat urgent cases. In March, KLI only monitored four such sessions.   

Meanwhile, KLI has joined the regional social media campaign, which informs workers about violations they may experience during pandemic working conditions. They have been sharing information and reaching thousands of people via social media networks. They also have made TV appearances to discuss these issues, expanding the reach of such information. KLI has used media to advertise their hotline, through which they offer free legal aid regarding discrimination at work during the COVID-19 pandemic. So far 275 people have contacted them as a result of the media campaign.   

In April, KLI helped 76 women in civil and administrative matters, including with legal procedures to address workplace labour rights violations.  

In one case assisted by KLI, a worker had struggled to receive her contract during the pandemic.    

“I’m pregnant and that’s it among the main reasons why the employer didn’t provide me the contract. In this regard, I sought help from KLI Legal Aid and they immediately answered me and guided me on what to do and how to act”, said A.M.  

KLI’s initiative has received €19,950 through the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Kosovo Women’s Fund. KWN and its partners in the Coalition of Women’s Rights Organisations against Gender-based Discrimination in the Western Balkans have awarded 14 grants to civil society organizations (CSOs) across the region through the Kosovo Women’s Fund, amounting to €198,275. The grants are part of a joint initiative, “Furthering Women’s Labour Rights”, funded by the European Union and co-funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.  

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The Activism of KWN During August

01.09.2020

During August 2020, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) worked to fulfil its mission of protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls by continuing its research and monitoring member organizations.

Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) Contribution

Although the pandemic COVID-19 has impacted field work supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), it did not stop KWN member organizations, Rikotta and the Women’s Centre ATO from holding their first meeting on the economic empowerment and capacity building of women. Thanks to this initiative, 30 Bosniak and Gorani women from Prevalla and surrounding villages such as Mushnikova, Gornosella, Recani, Grnqare and Lubinje, discussed their concerns and opportunities to improve the situation of women and girls in the region.

Read more HERE.

Furthermore, KWN staff provided assistance and mentoring to member organizations, which are continuing to conduct activities in the coming weeks, in accordance with the pandemic situation.

The research on the implementation of Resolution 1325

Another important engagement of KWN staff during this month has been the research that will precede the second publication of Facts and Fables. Given the success of the first book published in 2011, this publication represents a continuation of the monitoring of the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in Kosovo. KWN’s research team interviewed a diverse group of men and women involved in the implementation of this resolution in the past 10 years. You will be able to read those stories later this year to mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of this resolution.

Read HERE Facts and Fables.

The research on Gender Based Violence

Research has also continued on gender-based violence in Kosovo. This report, which continues the research developed in 2015 with the “No more Excuses” report, supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). It explores societal and institutional awareness of gender-based violence since 2015.

This as an ongoing endeavour by KWN to identify the prevalence and consequences of gender-based violence and demand proper institutional response against it.

Read HERE key findings from KWN “No More Excuses” research report.

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Successful Advocacy Initiatives of Lobby in Lipjan

01.09.2020

Since its establishment in 2014, the Lobby for Gender Equality (henceforth known as the Lobby) has played a key role in improving the living conditions of women and girls throughout Kosovo.

The Lobby is committed to achieving gender equality by empowering women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes.  A successful example of this is Linda Shahini, former-chairwoman of the Women’s Group of the Municipality of Lipjan, former-assembly member.

Shahini appreciates the support received from the Lobby, saying that they supported her throughout her journey in many different way, such as with trainings, and various networking meetings with other women in these roles.

“The lobby has been a bridge between us and other women throughout Kosovo. This has helped us have the right support for each of our initiatives”, she says.

During 2019, the Lobby in Lipjan advocated for the empowerment of women and supported women in small businesses through the UNDP project on trainings for business, crafts and gastronomy. This project was in collaboration with the Municipality, and the Lobby in Lipjan recruited women for the workshop.

“This collaboration has been very productive, mainly because a large number of women beneficiaries participated in this initiative. All of these women have received important information about creating and expanding their businesses. Some women have even opened their own businesses.” said Shahini.

She believes that these types of meetings, held together with women from all over the country, are one of the best opportunities for women to exchange experiences.

“We have the opportunity to learn from each other, to enhance our expertise, and undertake new initiatives. These meetings are important, because we get to hear about new innovative and successful ways to contribute to the community and apply these lessons in our municipality”, she adds.

She further added that the Lobby is of great value to her because of all the support she found from this community of women.

As a final message, Shahini urges girls to attach great importance to their education in order to have access to opportunities and gain independence.

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NGO Rikotta and Women’s Centre ‘ATO’ Return with Meetings on Economic Empowerment and Capacity Building of Women

26.08.2020

On August 22, Rikotta Organization and the Women’s Center ‘ATO’, both member organizations of the Kosovo Women‘s Network (KWN), held their first meeting since the start of the pandemic. Thirty Bosnian and Gorani women from Prevalla and surrounding villages, such as Mushnikova, Gornosella, Recani, Grnqare and Lubinje, participated in this meeting.

It was held in the framework of the initiative “Economic empowerment and capacity building of women in Prevalla and surrounding villages” with the support of Kosovo Women Fund (KWF) and financed by Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

During the meeting, participants were informed about the possibilities of involvement in the NGOs work and were trained on various topics such as the definition of advocacy and how to successfully of advocate to relevant institutions.

The meeting was held in Prevalla, by Fikrije Ferizi, who believes that such initiatives are imperative for this region.

“While a large number of the population suffers from unemployment and a lack of professional development, women, especially those living in rural areas, are most affected by these factors.” said Ferizi.

“Apart from living in difficult conditions, the women of this region also experience isolation and marginalization from their families and society overall,” added the project coordinator and Director of the Rikotta Organization, Pranvera Hajzeri-Bullaku.

In addition to the beneficiaries of the project,  officials from the Employment Office in the Municipality of Prizren and a representative of the Directorate of Economy, Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development were also present and announced opportunities for employment for these women in their projects.

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Promoting the Employment Through the Improving of Soft Skills to the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women in Gjakova

13.08.2020

Roma, Egyptian and Albanian women and girls from Gjakova trained on improving their soft skills for job applications through the initiative “Promoting the employment through the improving of soft skills to the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women in Gjakova”. 

NRAEWOK, a member organization of Kosovo Women’s Network started this 4-month initiative with the support of Kosovo Women Fund and financed by Austrian Development Agency (ADA). 

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The NGO held three trainings for each group during the project. Each training lasted five days, with groups of 20 women and girl participants aim to integrate Roma, Egyptian, Ashkali and Albanian women and girls into social life and also inform them for the job market and the employment opportunities. 

The participants developed skills in various modules, such as: application for work (CV writing, motivation letter, job vacancies research, recognition, of portals and electronic platforms for information on contests, importance of job fairs), development of communication skills (presentation in job interviews, written communication, verbal communication, dress code, etc.), professional image development (code of conduct, ethics at work, motivation, time management, etc.).  

NRAEWOK managed to get the following direct results from this initiative: 

  • 26 Roma, Egyptian and Albanian women and girls received soft skills for job applications training; 
  • 21 Roma and Egyptian women and girls prepared the CVs, motivation letter and received the certificates for the participation in the soft skills training; 
  • NRAEWOK had meetings with different companies active in Gjakova municipality in order to lobby for the internships and possibly employment of Roma and Egyptian women and girls who attended the soft skills training; NRAEWOK so far signed the Memorandum of Cooperation with the textile company Albi CM, since all trainees are mostly interested and have knowledge and experience in sewing. 
  • Initially 3 women are engaged in the textile company Albi MC in Gjakova municipality for internship and seriously considered for employment at the later stages. In the meantime, other trained women and girls will be engaged for internship/employment, within the possibilities of the above mentioned company. 

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NGO Hareja Raises Awareness About Violence Prevention and the Importance of Reporting

12.08.2020

The member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), NGO Hareja, with the initiative “Don’t be Silent – Speak Up” held roundtables, workshops and lectures to raise awareness of women and society on the prevention of domestic violence and the importance of its reporting. 

The lectures were held with women from the Serb and Roma communities by the association Hareja and the Kosovo Police, where the participating women were shown the number of cases reported by the Kosovo Police and the place and ways in which violence can be reported. 

From November to January 2020, a total of 6 lectures were held in Hoqë e Madhe, Xërxë, Krushë e Madhe, Ratkovc and two in Rahovec. Participants in these lectures were a total of 221 people (176 women and 45 men). 

During December, Hareja held two workshops on “Appropriate access to victims of violence, victims of domestic violence, and sexual violence”, led by psychologist Visar Sadiku. The workshop was attended by representatives of the police, Center for Social Work (CSW), Main Family Medicine Centre (MFMC), shelter in Gjakova, psychologists as well as social workers from the Hareja association. A total of 41 participants (32 women and 9 men) were present during these two workshops. 

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

“Unfortunately, the Municipality of Rahovec faces a large number of cases of domestic violence, therefore the proper and fair access of victims of domestic violence, victims of sexual abuse, their support, as well as the promotion of women’s rights in the Municipality of Rahovec was the main goal of this initiative” said Paqarizi. 

Within three months, Hareja managed to take the following steps:  

  • Provided accurate data from the Center for Social Work and the Kosovo Police on cases of violence in the Municipality of Rahovec. In 2019, 47 people suffered from domestic violence, 95% of these victims being women and girls. 
  • Raised awareness of the citizens of Rahovec and surrounding villages for the prevention and reporting of domestic and sexual violence. 
  • Contracted an oral agreement with the Safe House in Gjakova on the treatment of victims of domestic violence. 
  • Established a coordination mechanism that deals with ongoing cases, consisting of psychologists, social workers, doctors, nurses, and police officers. 

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

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Association of Women  for  Integration  raises  awareness of women on  gynecological care 

30.07.2020

Generally, minority women face more challenges to access information regarding health problems and in accessing the services as well. Therefore Women’s Association for Integration (WAI) undertook a new program to inform women and girls about sexually transmitted diseases and how they can get diagnoses and treatment. 

Many women and girls, especially in Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, are poorly informed about health care problems and services. Quitting school early is especially common for girls in these communities. The lack of education directly affects their health even into adulthood. 

To improve this situation, WAI offered informative lectures to  109 women and girls in the villages of Medvec, Hallac and Gradime in Lipjan as well as Ali Ibish and Sallahane neighborhoods and Dubrava village in Ferizaj. 

Doctor Zekije Shala, speaking at the lectures, told women and girls about the importance of intimate care and about preventable diseases. Among the topics addressed were PapTest and its importance. It was disturbing to note that very few women had taken this cervical cancer test or even heard of it. 

“This lecture helped me a lot because I didn’t know the Pap Test wasn’t painful”, said one of the participants. “That’s why I didn’t go before”.   

 The initiative, “Health Awareness of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women in the Municipalities of Ferizaj and Lipjan”, also enabled WAI to hold coordinating meetings with organizations qualified to provide relevant health services. These included the Health Directorates and Office for Returns and Committees in Lipjan and Ferizaj. The aim of the meetings was to help these organizations improve services for women and girls. 

Women were also informed about services available to them through public institutions for free or for a very small fee. 

Another noteworthy outcome of the WAI initiative is that the Health Education and Promotion Team, which operates within the Health Directorate of Ferizaj, will deliver further lectures on relevant topics women in these communities. 

Through this initiative 16 men also became more aware of the importance and treatment of these cases. 

During the project implementation, a survey was conducted where 102 women and girls from these two municipalities were surveyed. The findings resulted in the published report “Access to the health services of Ashkali and Egyptian women and girls in the municipalities of Lipjan and Ferizaj”. 

Some recommendations from the report were: 

  • Provide funding opportunities to organize and conduct further awareness campaigns on the importance of regular gynecological examinations, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and infections, uterine cancer, and related issues among these women.
  • Conduct awareness campaigns for women and girls on health and patient rights.
  • Conduct in-depth analysis and research on the incidence of early marriages in Kosovo, including Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, in order to inform key decision makers on steps needed to effectively address this practice. 

 

 

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The Initiative “Mobilization of Women Assembly Members to Address the Needs of Women Traumatized by the War” Concludes Successfully

29.07.2020

On July 29, Medica Kosova and Center Cradle of Smile organized the closing roundtable within the initiative “Mobilizing women assembly members to address the needs of women traumatized by war” in Gjakova. Representatives of local institutions from Gjakova and civil society got together to discuss the situation of women who faced sexual violence during the war, as well as their treatment as the responsibility of state institutions. 

The Executive Director of Medica Kosova, Veprore Shehu, outlined the achievements of the project, emphasizing the importance of identifying the needs of women survivors of sexual violence as well as addressing the consequences. 

The meeting also discussed the importance of creating a Special Gender Budget Code at the Office for Gender Equality to create inclusion for the needs of both men and women. 

Mimoza Shala, Chairwoman of the Assembly Women Group from the Municipality of Gjakova, indicated that women are reluctant to claim their rights due to the strong distrust of institutions and the societal stigma. 

She showed how the system is flawed when identifying female survivors of sexual violence.  However, women who have been identified can start receiving help from the state. 

In concluding the meeting, the participants agreed that it is necessary to strengthen more formal cooperation between NGOs and institutions in order to work on on solving the social, economic, and health problems faced by these women. 

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

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KWN Demands Justice for the Murder of a Woman by her Husband in Kamenica

27.07.2020

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) has received news that a murder took place, two days ago, in the village of Berivojcë in the Municiaplity of Kamenica. A 42 year old man brutally murdered his 34 year old wife with a metal rod.

Through this press release, KWN demands that the Basic Court of Gjilan, the justice institution handling this case, be thorough and careful so that justice can be properly reached. KWN also demands that the perpetrator be punished to the fullest extent of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo for committing “aggravated murder”.

KWN research found that when dealing with domestic violence cases, judges, prosecutors, and police officers tend to blame the victim and focus their efforts on reconciling the family. This is an alarming finding as many of these women and children suffer severe physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. KWN will monitor this case closely to ensure that justice is served.

KWN will hold the justice institutions accountable if the defendant is not punished to the full extent of the law.  We will exert public pressure if proper legal steps are not followed.

KWN will also take action in the upcoming days, of which the media will be timely notified.

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