Kosovo Women’s Fund Allocates Nearly €200 Thousand to 14 Organizations in the Region

13.01.2020

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and its partners in the Coalition of Women’s Rights Organisations against Discrimination in the Western Balkans have awarded 14 grants to civil society organizations (CSOs) 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.

Of the 14 CSOs receiving grants, two from Kosovo signed contracts on 13 January: The Kosovo Law Institute (Instituti i Kosovës për Drejtësi) from Pristina with the initiative “Improving Women’s Rights at Work” (€19,950), which will provide legal aid and undertake court monitoring; the Kosovo Center for Gender Studies (Qendra Kosovare për Studime Gjinore) from Pristina with the initiative “Prevention of all forms of discrimination in the workplace” (€10,000), which will raise women’s awareness and empower them to report discrimination.

This marks the first time that KWN has awarded grants to CSOs in the region through its Kosovo Women’s Fund. Other CSOs in the region that will receive grants include:

Albania

Albanian Women Empowerment Network in Tirana with the initiative “Improving Women’s Rights at Work through Improving Access to Justice” (€20,000); Community Development Center ”Today for the Future” (Qendra për Zhvillim Komunitar “Sot për të ardhmen”) in Tirana with the initiative “Advocating for Improving Institutional Response to Gender-based Discrimination at Work by Sharing Practices in the Municipality of Lezha and Creating Interactions with the Committee for Protection from Discrimination at Work” (€10,000); and the Counseling Line for Girls and Women (Linja e Këshillimit për Gra dhe Vajza) in Tirana with the initiative “Empowering Women and Girls to Report Gender-based Discrimination” (€9,990).

Bosnia and Herzegovina

United Women Network Foundation (Fondacija Udružene žene) in Banja Luka with the initiative “Improving Women’s Position in Employment and Preventing Gender-based Discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (€19,814); and the Foundation Academy for Women (Fondacija Academy for Women) in Sarajevo with the initiative “This Is Discrimination Too” (€10,000).

North Macedonia

The Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Skopje with the initiative “Women Workers Join” (€19,998); and the Association Loud Textile Worker in Stip with the initiative “Promoting the Rights of Textile Workers from the Eastern Region” (€9,998).

Serbia

The Victimology Society of Serbia (Viktimološko društvo Srbije) in Belgrade with the initiative “Know Gender Discrimination, Identify Violations of Labour and Employment Law! React!” (€19,942); the A 11 – Initiative for Economic and Social Rights (A 11 – Inicijativa za ekonomska i socijalna prava) in Belgrade with the initiative “Improving Institutional Practices in Preventing Discrimination against Women in the Labour Market in Serbia” (€8,930); and ROZA Association for Women’s Labour Rights (ROZA Udruženje za radna prava žena) in Zrenjanin with the initiative “What Is Awaiting Me in the Labour Market” (€9,754).

Montenegro

The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (Sindikat Medija Crne Gore) in Podgorica with the initiative “Equality through Justice: Work-related Discrimination Cases” (€20,000); and the Association of Youth with Disabilities (Udruženje Mladih sa Hendikepom) in Podgorica with the initiative “Empowered, Employed, Involved” (€9,997).

Research conducted by Coalition members in 2018 found that gender-based discrimination in the workplace is a key issue hampering women’s employment and undermining their rights at work.

Concerned by women’s low employment rates and evidence of widespread discrimination against women in relation to work, the Coalition will work closely with other CSOs in the region, including the above-mentioned grant recipients, to address the recommendations resulting from this research.

This joint Action aims to empower diverse CSOs to effectively hold relevant institutions accountable for implementing anti-discrimination legislation related to women’s labour rights.

The grant recipients were selected from a total of 70 applicant, based on critera established by the Grant Review Committee. The Committee was comprised of members of the Coalition, including: the Kosovo Women’s Network, Reactor – Research in Action from North Macedonia, Gender Alliance for Development Centre from Albania, Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Banja Luka from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Women’s Rights Centre from Montenegro and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation from Sweden through its office in Serbia.

Since 2012, the Kosovo Women’s Fund has awarded 174 grants, supporting 99 different CSOs, totalling €952,022. To date, the Fund has had more than 20,855 beneficiaries.

For more information, see: https://womensnetwork.org/kosovo-womens-fund/.

 

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Ruka Ruci briefs women of Uglarë to the “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics”

10.01.2020

On April 16, Ruka Ruci organization held an informative session with Serbs women in Fushë Kosova’s Uglarë, with the purpose to brief them with the initiative “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics”.  

This four year-long initiative is implemented by Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) together with Ruka Ruci, Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPMDK), and the European Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), whereas it is supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo. 

In this meeting present were representatives of the municipalities of Graçanica and of Fushë Kosova, and also co-operators and volunteers of the Ruka Ruci organization.  

Initially, Nevenka Rikalo, Executive Director of Ruka Ruci, shared with the participants the most crucial information about this action, including here objectives and results they are expecting from the implementation of this joint initiative.   

She has further mentioned the importance of solidarity between the women.  

“There is a lack of solidarization between women and girls, and hence some networks exist in order for us to achieve our goals. Kosovo Women’s Network, Coalition for Equality (CfE) and Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality (KLGE) are among these networks”, she stated.  

Suzana Emini, Assistant Coordinator, Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation has acknowledged that the time has come for women to be in political positions and also have a say in decision-making process.  

“During the election time there is a huge gap [between men and women]. Men receive more support and more money, while women cannot do the same because of the lack of contacts”, Emini stated.  

While agreeing with the absence of support towards the women, Snezana Stajoneviq from the Municipality of Fushë Kosova, added that it is time for increased participation of women in politics.  

“Women in politics are not themselves, they are usually somebody else’s marionette. We are always finding reasons to not take part, but now the time has come to be part of politics and for this we need support”, she said.  

Participants further discussed the best ways of women’s public representation, sharing together the features that make a woman a successful public figure.  

“Door to door” activities and grants to member organizations of KWN, are some of the issues that women present discussed, in order to know better the plan of initiative “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics”. 

Such meeting will take place also in the Municipality of Gracanica, Novo Brdo, North Mitrovica, Zubin Potok, Obilic and Ranilug.  

This initiative is supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo. 

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The Government Strategy for Cooperation with Civil Society 2019-2023 is launched

10.01.2020

Pristina – On 4 April, the Government’s Strategy for Cooperation with Civil Society 2019-2023 has been launched. Strategy’s objective is to increase the participation of Civil Society in policy making.  

This Strategy is of a great importance to civil society activists, taking into account that only an active and empowered civil society can influence better policy making for citizens, as well as monitor the implementation of these policies.  

It is foreseen the recruitment of two new officials responsible for assisting the implementation of the Strategy, with an allocated budget of 253.300 Euros for the implementation of the Strategy and of the Action Plan.  

In total there are four strategic objectives for the implementation period 2019-2023. The first strategic objective is for Increasing the participation of civil society in policy making. This objective aims to raise citizens’ and also civil society’s knowledge of public consultations, as well as improve civil society capacities to contribute to this process. 

The second strategic objective is for increasing accountability and transparency in public financing of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). According to this objective, the Government should draft and adopt standards and procedures for offering public services by CSOs, including here the coverage of licenses.  

The third strategic objective is developing practices and procedures for contracting public services from CSOs. It aspires to improve the overall political and institutional framework for regulating the economic activities of civil society organizations. It also foresees systematic gathering and publication of the information on the potential of these organizations to provide public services to public institutions. 

And the fourth strategic objective is set for the increment and the promotion of volunteering in programs of public interest. The intent here is to establish a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to support the development of volunteering, including also civil society capacity building to recruit, engage and manage volunteers.   

Noteworthy that in addition to the funds from the state budget, the implementation of these strategic objectives will be supported by technical assistance from the European Union (EU) as well. Furthermore, additional funding is expected from donors in the field of civil society development as well as by CSOs whose mission is to develop civil society or specific areas addressed by the respective strategic objectives.  

Read HERE the full Albanian version of the Government Strategy for Cooperation with Civil Society 2019-2023.  

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KWN contributes with recommendations to public consultations about ERA

10.01.2020

Prishtina – Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) on 24 April participated in public consultations with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) hosted by the Ministry of European Integration (MEI) for informing on the priorities due to the implementation of the European Reform Agenda (ERA) II, as well as the determining of further cooperation.  

Regarding the good governance and rule of law, KWN recommended a continued Government’s support to the establishing and operationalization of a secure inter-institutional data management system and the system which manages cases, including here disaggregated data by gender by institutions such as Courts, Prosecution and Police. KWN also mentioned the importance of compiling a gender analysis prior to implementing action measures or policies to combat economic informality, and also underlined the importance of further investment in pre-school institutions, with a particular focus on rural areas.  

Ricardo Serri, Deputy Chief of the European Union Office (EU) in Kosovo, expressed gratitude to civil society participants for their contribution and further added that among the new additional of ERA II are the incorporation of human rights as well as environmental reforms. He added that ERA’s objectives align Kosovo with the EU.  

Both of the representatives of MEI and of the EU Office highly appreciated the KWN contribution through specific recommendations during the phase of public consultation. 

MEI announced that this is the first of the consultations planned with civil society in the framework of drafting the ERA Action Plan.  

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KWN and ADA Organize Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming Programming

10.01.2020

Kosovo Women‘s Network (KWN) on April 3 organized in Prishtina a one-day interactive workshop to support the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) partners to better reflect a gender perspective in their programming, particularly including tailored guidance in adjusting indicators in line with the Gender Action plan (GAP II)  and  the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) relating to gender equality.   

The workshop that gathered 37 participants, started with a review of the main concepts related to gender equality. Prior to the workshop, and funded through KWN’s existing ADA-funded Action, KWN reviewed partners’ current Actions, their reports, and the comments made by the ADA Gender Expert in order to inform the preparation of the workshop.  

Gunther Zimmer, Counsellor and Country Director of the Coordination Office for Technical Cooperation, Austrian Embassy Pristina and Selma Cekic-Dincsoy, Gender Focal Point of the European Union Office in Kosovo made their opening remarks. 

“I have to thank KWN on organizing a very much needed workshop with very useful information for the organizations present”, said Zimmer.  

Nicole Farnsworth, Program Director and Lead Researcher of KWN, elaborated the concepts and gender roles, the way they are perceived by the majority of Kosovar society and their sociological and biological aspects.  

David Svab, Programme and Project M&E Specialist from United Nation Development Program (UNDP), presented the “Leave no one behind” approach. He presented the concrete measures proposed by UNDP for governments and other state actors of the United Nations Member states on implementing Sustainable Development Goals. Whereas, Martin Schaller, Atashé of Austrian Embassy in Prishtina, shared briefly the reflections from the Austrian experience in reporting on the EU Gender Action Plan II.  

Furthermore, Farnsworth continued with the background, indicators and objectives of the EU Gender Action Plan II. On the second part of the workshop, she explained concrete ways through which participating NGOs can conduct gender analysis prior to incorporating indicators from GAP II in their programmes. The workshop proceeded with participants discussing in working groups. They analysed their logical frameworks and identified potential gaps where GAP II indicators or SDGs can be incorporated.    

Zimmer and Arsim Aziri, Head of Administration, ADA, praised KWN’s long term work in increasing social and institutional awareness on gender equality, and in accomplishing their objectives on empowering women in Kosovo. 

Concluding the workshop, participants expressed deep gratitude on the knowledge they had obtained. They have stated that as ADA partners they are now more capable to use the reviewed documents, and furthermore they have improved their skills in developing better programs in the future. 

The EU Gender Action Plan II (GAP II) is a continuance of objectives undertaken by states to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment. This document was adapted on Sep. 21, 2015 by the European Commission and European External Action Service. The new Action Plan obliges all EU actors to report systematically on objectives pertaining to “institutional cultural shift”. 

This workshop was implemented by KWN and supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).  

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Activities of Coalition for Equality get coordinated

10.01.2020

Prishtinë- A coordination meeting of Coalition for Equality (CfE) was held on April 10, where present were Mexhide Mjaku-Topalli, Member of Parliament and Chairwoman of Women Caucus, board members of this group; members of Parliament (MP) Saranda Bogujevci and Teuta Haxhiu, as well as Executive Director of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) Igballe Rogova.  

“Soon we will start the meetings with women voters, we will notify the female MPs to join us in these important meetings”, said Rogova. 

Further, the participants agreed to arrange meetings with media representatives, including here journalists and editors in chief-editors, in order to improve the public performance/appearance of women and increase their representation during electoral campaigns.  

The parties agreed to hold the second Coalition for Equality meeting of this year during June. 

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KWN Contributes with Recommendations to Amend the Civil Code

10.01.2020

Pristina – Executive Director of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova has participated in a panel discussion “Marriage, spouses and civil union in the Civil Modern Code of the Republic of Kosovo”, hosted on April 4 from the European Information and Cultural Centre (EUICC).  

Rogova highlighted the most important issues, such as early marriages, marriage, engagement and cohabitation.  

The reformulation of article 16 regarding the early marriages; the reformulation of articles, which define engagement; the marriage and cohabitation; eliminating such definitions with gender–based discrimination, were among the KWN’s recommendations.  

According to the KWN’s analysis, the compilation of the above articles directly conflicts the constitutional principles and legal acts that regulate gender equality and non-discrimination. 

Representatives of the Ministry of Justice have recognized the work done by KWN with these recommendations also.  

Ardian Mehmeti, representative of this Ministry acknowledged the contribution of the KWN’s recommendations, that he considered them constructive. 

“We have received the recommendations of the Kosovo Women’s Network, the CEL organization and the other partners, we are reviewing the draft laws based on the status,” Mehmeti said. 

Blert Morina, Executive Director of Centre for Equality and Liberty (CEL), has stated that the Civil Code is contrary to the Constitution.  

Morina called that the article for marriage of the Civil Code to be in accordance with the definition of the constitution in regard to the right of family creation which is equally guaranteed to all.  

Whereas, Alfons Benjamin Lentze, Head of the EU Civil Code Project, said that if Kosovo wants to move forward, then it should work towards developing equal rights for all.  

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Survivors of Sexual Violence during the War Gain Greater Support and Understanding 

28.12.2019

Around 54 people from the municipalities of Gjakova, Deçan and Rahovec benefited from the initiative “Using community-based and trauma-informed approach for improving access of additional survivors of war rape to their status recognition”, implemented by two member organizations of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Medica Kosova and Djepi i Buzëqeshjes, supported by Austrian Development Agency (ADA) through 12th grant round of Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF).

Women, civil society activists and institutional representatives jointly-discussed topics as follows: How does trauma related to sexual violence affect the survivors, what are the triggers and consequences, trauma, the impact of trauma in psychological, cognitive,  and emotional sphere or well-being, and how to increase safety and confidentiality for the survivors as well.

Thanks to this nearly five-month initiative, 19 women participated in trauma recovery sessions, 8 survivors of Sexual Violence during the War gained assistance to fulfil the application form for qualifying for the status of survivors of sexual violence during the war, while 11 survivors are in the ongoing counselling sessions until a certain level of their emotional stability is achieved to cope with this process.

These very positive results are a major driving force toward achieving justice, solidarity and the dignified treatment of about 20,000 sexually abused women during the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo.

Taking into account that even two decades after the end of the war, these women still face discrimination, stigmatization, this particular initiative was warmly welcomed by three categories (Survivors of Sexual Violence during the War, CSOs, and institutions too), who have a crucial role towards furthering the rights of women survivors of sexual violence during the war. A very special importance and value are the impressions of the survivors themselves (See: Other Information).

Acknowledging that in 2017, the Kosovo Government authorized Medica Kosovo along with three other women’s organizations, to represent the survivors during the process of recognizing the Status of Survivors of Sexual Violence during the War, the support that the survivors gained about the process of application for status recognition was highly professional and productive.

The positive impact of this initiative can also be measured by the 11 survivors that attended 39 individual psychosocial counselling and 32 legal sessions.

More than 1,800 people from these particular municipalities had the opportunity to hear more about all of the abovementioned achievements, thanks to a program in Gjakova local radio which took place during March 25th, 2019. During this radio program, the Executive Director of Medica Kosova, Veprore Shehu, appealed to families and communities for supporting the survivors . By doing so this initiative has also played a role in raising the public awareness regarding this issue.

By supporting these two member organizations, KWN has proved its continuous and longstanding efforts seeking dignified treatment of Survivors of Sexual Violence during the War. For a very long time now KWN in various ways supported the Survivors of Sexual Violence during the War in Kosovo.

Other information:  

  “If there was no counselling on how to cope with the process, I would not be able to describe every single detail of my traumatic event in the application form. I would be feeling worse than before I came to apply”. –  A survivor of Sexual Violence during the War 

 

“I have not thought that I could come to apply for my status recognition without having to go directly and tell my story in front of the members of the Commission. I even thought that there would be cameras around to register my story”. –  A survivor of Sexual Violence during the War 

 

“I thought I knew a lot about the effects of trauma related to sexual violence and ways we can guide survivors to receive the necessary support. This training showed me how to balance my desire for support with adequate approach for not doing more harm to them.”  – The Gender Equality Officer from Gjakova.   

During a visit to the Commission on 8 June 2019, KWN expressed its unconditional support for the transparent and tireless work of the Commission.  

Whereas, on 20 May 2019 KWN supported and joined the march organized in support and solidarity with wartime sexual violence survivors in Kosovo.  

Read HERE the Press Release sent by KWN on 19 March 2019, calling for respect, Recognition for Survivors of Sexual Violence during the War. 

 

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Women’s organizations active in conversation with the Self-Determination Movement

24.12.2019

Before beginning his mandate as Prime Minister, Albin Kurti became the first leader to meet with women’s organizations to discuss with civil society the overall situation of women in Kosovo. The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was pleased to participate in the “With Women for Development” dialogue organized by the Self-Determination Movement (Lëvizja Vetëvendosje). The roundtable was opened by Nazlie Balaj, head of the Secretariat for Activist Women in the Self-Determination Movement. She mentioned the importance of social dialogue in Kosovo to build policies that improve women’s position and situation in society.

Kurti, leader of the Self-Determination Movement, spoke to emphasize the success of the women who ran in the October 6 elections, and expressed his willingness to work with civil society and women’s organizations to achieve gender equality.

“In me you will find the man who is interested in helping you get organized. We need more gender solidarity, because you can count on men, but not too much”, Kurti said. “So women being organized is necessary, gender solidarity is necessary. The woman should help one another”.

The lack of implementation of the legal framework regarding gender equality and the various problems women face in their daily lives were among the main topics discussed at this meeting.

Adelina Berisha, Gender-Based Violence Program Manager at KWN, said in her speech that:

“We are pleased that Parliament and MPs are expected to start their mandate on Thursday, and hopefully their work will begin immediately, because those affected by these difficulties are mainly women, who are left behind by many initiatives that have been cut in half, or whose lives have been put at risk. This is especially the case for victims of domestic violence, where today shelters still do not know if they will be able to function in the next two months because the previous government has not implemented the budget for shelters’ support”.

                                                                                     Photo: Lëvizja Vetëvendosje, Facebook

Berisha urged future lawmakers to support continued financial support for shelters and daycare centers for victims of gender-based violence. She further called for adopting the Istanbul Convention in the Kosovo Constitution. She requested that, while drafting secondary legislation and establishing mechanisms required under this Convention, there should be close cooperation with women’s organizations.

Berisha demanded that during the next 4-year mandate of new legislation to be completed, the amendment of the Labor Law should take recommendations from women’s organizations, especially related to maternity, paternity and parental leave provisions. These measures will directly influence creation of employment opportunities for women.

The Law on Health Insurance would directly improve women’s access to health care. In relation to the Civil Code, KWN requested consideration of its recommendations regarding Chapter 1138 Marriage, which required this chapter to be harmonized with the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo.

Among the representatives of women’s organizations, MPs, embassies and various agencies that participated in this dialogue, Ariana Qosaj Mustafa, head of the KWN Board, was present to express her concern for the justice system in Kosovo including the police.

“Making a system of vetting, maybe even increasing the number of women judges, prosecutors, police officers, maybe even adding a gender perspective during the vetting process, to have a justice that is dignified for women too”, Qosaj-Mustafa said. “Because women not believing in justice institutions, also means citizens not trusting the justice system”.

                                                                    Photo: Lëvizja Vetëvendosje, Facebook

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A successful and exceptional experience

23.12.2019

Four months of new learnings, good experiences and cultural exchange.

This is, how Taya Kohnen, a 30-year-old public health professional from Colorado, United Stations of America (USA) would describe her time spent working at Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), between August and December of 2019.

She finished a Master’s in Public Health Systems, Management and Policy at the University of Colorado Denver in 2018. Prior to coming to Kosovo, she worked at a large family medicine clinic in Northern Colorado. After five years at this job she decided she was ready to pursue public health opportunities abroad.

Kohnen recalls meeting with KWN’s Program Director, Nicole Farnsworth, who brought her onto the KWN team to help with funding research.

“I heard a lot of good things about KWN from friends and colleagues so I met with Nicole as part of a networking effort on my part.. She wanted someone to help interview local funders, code qualitative research and draft the final research report.” .

Between August and November, Kohnen  investigated funding trends for women’s rights in the Western Balkans. In mid-November, Research gave way to co-authoring the final report, which is expected to be released in Brussels in 2020. She also helped with a UNICEF proposal for the training of local obstetric clinicians in gender mainstreaming, as well as with the editing of various press releases and articles for KWN.

She highlighted, “It was great to work with an organization that has been so effective in addressing gender-specific concerns in the region like gender-based violence and discrimination in the workplace.”

She went further, appreciating the hospitality she found in Kosovo and at KWN

“Everyone was approachable friendly.  Our common goal of empowering women and reducing inequalities made it easy to negotiate the occasional language gap. I hope to return to Kosovo and KWN in the future.”

                                                              Photo: Kohnen during Pride Parade, Prishtinë 2019

Kohnen especially valued working with Nerina Guri, Researcher / Project Coordinator at KWN, and the appreciation is mutual.

 “Working with Taya has been one of the best experiences, given her high professionalism, attention to details, organizing and researching skills. More than anything I loved her positive approach to things and her interest to learn new things, being these in our work or getting to know new things like our language, society and culture.”, says Guri.

While Kohnen is currently headed back to the United States, before leaving she thanked KWN saying, “KWN is one of the warmest and most empowering communities I’ve ever been a part of. I’m grateful for having had the opportunity to join the team in their mission to strengthen the feminist movement and improve human rights.”

 

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