Kosovo Women's Network

KWN Holds Second Membership Meeting for 2020

06.07.2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/rrjetiigrave/photos/a.128376150556077/3185584618168533/?type=3&eid=ARDu6Zxp7VNHuMUB-9VDS9nuv598eebn1GHwg-kIEtCjectPYEzknvkIL1ORxLPnwrLo8KeCjNygaMv9&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAEmuZ-Le3twe5EmCLiqSeLbPeVmEsGg4aQhYs5Gid98bYxOutSc64o1qAYfnz7F93KVY6v5ZL2GMUV-o3hv408dHxAhOoJ2NsROi_PyArO7rVhdAAMWM7LAWbiYrfryaBlK4O798KfeEKYteFwWW2XWft5CtW__TIf16D1Mwt6JCmsbXDV0Qh1SvYSa_Jyc0S8UtcqpM0DTUa_6Z7J5hjrL2wQCtDS4fxRj3M4cN9EjsB5frRKCv9VCr43dQyL-swgo-H8pVBMEapCsVx68LzZmdllZ9GkBlY5rjAfWyU5i7G6HfzO9c8gcsUJH_Pwa4NiZBiRRRkRgPBVFko0JVQoRg&__tn__=EHH-R

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

03.07.2020

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

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

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

KWN submits two requests:

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

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

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

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

02.07.2020

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

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

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

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

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

• non-selective implementation of gender equality legislation;

• inclusion of gender perspective in legislation;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• non-discrimination in employment and social policy;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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KWN’s Contribution is Appreciated Among EU Consultations

02.07.2020

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was invited by the European Union (EU) to participate in consultations held with civil society organizations prior to the meeting between EU representatives and the Government of Kosovo. This was done in the framework of subcommittees of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA), for Justice, Freedom and Security.

In this meeting, KWN addressed important issues in relation to women’s rights in Kosovo. They emphasized the importance of assessing governement measures through a gender perspective during the recovery from COVID-19 pandemic. KWN highlighted the importance of a gender analysis, which should have preceded all strategic plans of the country during the pandemic, in accordance with the Law on Gender Equality and the International Law applicable in Kosovo.

Furthermore, KWN asked the EU to encourage the Government of Kosovo to engage more in collecting informal economy data, in order to identify violations of labor rights in the private sector as a result of lack of contracts and unregistered work. Moreover, KWN, in the framework of prior consultation with women shelters, provided some recommendations for better treatment of victims of gender-based violence.

The leader of this meeting, Mr. David Cullen, the Head of the Unit for Kosovo in the European Commission, ensured that during the sub-committee for Justice, Freedom and Security, they would discuss the sustainable financing for women shelters in Kosovo. He added that this is an important issue, especially given the critical situation and the increasing number of domestic violence cases happening during the COVID-19.

Present at the consultative meeting was also Mr. Korneel de Schamp, Policy Officer at the European Comission, who recalled KWN recommendations made before the launch of the Progress Report in 2019. He talked about its importance in specifying recommendations for relevant actors and the emphasis it put on monitoring the implementation of the new definitions of the Criminal Code, in terms of domestic violence.

The SAA Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security is one of the committees within the SAA mechanisms, through which Kosovo government priorities are discussed.

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KWN and UN Women Continue their Support for Shelters

02.07.2020

On 2nd of July Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held an online meeting with Kosovo shelters and UN Women.

During this meeting, Vlora Tuzi-Nushi, Head of Office of UN Women-Kosovo briefed the shelter representatives on the UN Women initiative to sign a memorandum between the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the Retail Network and KWN.

On behalf of the shelters, this memorandum was signed by KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova. Thanks to this memorandum, victims of domestic violence and the survivors of sexual violence during the war will have easier employment.

This meeting continued with a discussion on the possibilities of support for joint activities.

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AWG Advocates For Revitalization Of Coordination Mechanism

01.07.2020

Active Women of Gjakova, with the initiative “Development of a sustainable inter-institutional system for addressing gender-based violence and domestic violence in the municipality of Gjakova”, held informational sessions to raise awareness about the concrete interventions and clear initiatives that should be taken to combat gender based and domestic violence. This would best be achieved through the effective functioning of Coordination Mechanisms.

Regular activities and meetings started in November and lasted until March. AWGj managed to raise awareness among 356 women and 241 men, totalling 597 beneficiaries, on how to combact gender-based violence in Gjakova.

This was achieved by acknowledging the availibility of the main actors of the mechanism, as well as the promotion of the initiative to help the victims of domestic violence.

The main beneficiaries of this project were women who have experienced domestic violence and their relatives in the municipality of Gjakova, as well as villages with minority communities such as: Skivjan, Planqor, B.Bokës, Duzhnje, Damjan 1 dhe 2, Dujakë, Bec, Dol, Orize, Ponoshec, Koronicë, Gropishtë, Piskotë, Brekoc, Koloni, and Gropishtë.

This initiative affacted on inter-institutional cooperation for women or other members/victims of domestic violence. Meanwhile, had a great impact on prevention, as well as on responding immediately to cases that have just occurred in order to reduce the consequences.

AWGj drafted this initiative with numerous activities that can directly affect the prevention of domestic violence, such as:

Providing information sessions for primary and secondary school students regarding domestic violence and the role of the Coordination Mechanism;
Providing multi-disciplinary services through case management meetings;
Providing direct emergency support for cases of domestic violence and reporting to the police and Center for Social Work in Gjakova;
Awareness promotion within the International Campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence;
Providing information sessions for primary and secondary school students regarding domestic violence and the role of the Coordination Mechanism;
Medial promotion on Radio Gjakova on the topic of gender equality and domestic violence.

Excecutive director of AWGj, Valbona Rizvanolli, highlighted the importance of the Coordination Mechanism against domestic violence.

Valbone Rizvanolli, Director of the NGO AWGj, during her the field visits as part of “From door to door” activity, December 2019, Gjakova

“Given the number of cases submitted for assistance in recent years, as well as the experience of the operation of this mechanism, the need to increase its effectiveness is becoming more and more apparent. With the right resources, the situation can be improved much faster than how the responsible institutions are currently handling domestic violence cases, based on the existing legislation in Kosovo.” said Rizvanolli.

It has also increased the effectiveness of addressing and institutional response of the Coordination Mechanism against domestic violence, through the revitalization and monitoring of the functioning of this structure. Through the activities of this initiative, the revitalization, improvement and strengthening of the institutional capacities of the Coordination Mechanism in order to provide the adequate protection and quality services for the survivors of gender-based violence and domestic violence were achieved.

This initative is supported by Kosovo Women’s Fund and financed by Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

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Economic Empowerment of Women and Girls in the Drenica Region

01.07.2020

On July 1, the Association of Women Beekeepers “Okarina e Runikut”, held a roundtable to present the findings and recommendations of the project “Promoting the Employment for the Beneficiaries of Social Assistance Scheme in the Drenica Region”. Officials from the Municipality of Skenderaj: Mr. Sokol Sallahu, Director of the Department of Agriculture, Ms. Hyka Imeri, Gender Equality Officer, Ms. Syka Beqiri, Social Scheme Officer as well as representatives from women’s organizations and civil society attended this meeting.

The main goal of their initiative is to support women and girls in rural areas of the Drenica Region by funding small enterprises which would increase their rate of involvement in the socio-economic life of the country. Gaining employment would also help improve their family life conditions.

“Empowering women and girls in rural areas remains a major challenge for our country. In recent years, Kosovo has made significant efforts to address this challenge through national commitments for gender equality “, said Valbone Sadiku, Moderator.

During March, 100 people were surveyed in Skenderaj region to further research on this project.

“The results of these surveys made it very clear on which areas of this region we should focus on working and advocating for, in order to create more opportunities for women’s employment and economic development of our country,” said Fetije Smakaj, Director of Association of Women Beekeepers “Okarina e Runikut”.

With the completion of the trainings, surveys, and information sessions, Okarina e Runikut compiled recommendations from direct conversations with their constituents.

To reimburse travel expenses for educational purposes;
To increase the number of scholarships for young women;
To respect gender responsive budgeting: equal distribution of funds and subsidies for both women and men;

To have regular information sessions through non-governmental organizations – more participation in budget hearings, roundtables and trainings conducted by organizations and institutions;
To hold a traditional fair where women have the opportunity to sell and promote their products;
To work on the empowerment of women and girls in rural areas;
To have a harmonized dialogue between the Directorate of Agriculture and the Center for Social Work for not stopping the social assistance when the allocation of subsidies is done.

Mr. Sokol Sallahu, Director of the Directorate of Agriculture in the Municipality of Skenderaj, highly appreciated this initiative and added that “We, as a municipality, have drawn many conclusions and managed to be the voice of women in the Drenica Region, while cooperation through institutions and the business community is more than necessary.”

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

In addition to the Association of Women Beekeepers “Okarina e Runikut”, beneficiaries of the 14th round of KWF are 19 other member organizations. You can read the full list HERE.

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Women Farmers Get Trained in Advocacy

30.06.2020

EcoKosWomen (EKW) in the framework of the initiative “Advocacy for easier access of women to grants in the municipality of Prishtina”, organized a training on advocacy to increase the number of beneficiaries of subsidies and grants of women farmers from The Directorate of Agriculture in the Municipality of Prishtina.

Ten women farmers from different communities attended the training held on June 17 in the village of Slivovo. They learned the most effective ways to address problems or situations when applying for grants, and how organizations can take certain actions to mitigate those risks.

Shpresa Mjekiqi-Gosalci, the presenter, encouraged all participants to advocate to decision makers in their respective communities to find solutions for these problems. The participating women welcomed this initiative, and shared the difficulties they faced. Among them is the farmer Ilmije Bytyqi.

“The main problem in the villages of the Municipality of Prishtina is irrigation. The need for an irrigation system is essential in the agricultural sector. The lack of wells in the village of Slivova, as well as in other villages in this region, has a direct impact on soil fertility, so the Municipality of Prishtina should immediately intervene in this matter and find a solution.” said Bytyqi

While Havushe Bunjaku, a farmer, commented that the training was very useful for learning mobilization and advocacy techniques in order to solve the problems faced by the farmers of this village. She also highlighted the importance of the women farmers, adding that:

“Women do the most work in agriculture. The whole process before the transport and sale is done by women, but unfortunately this work is invisible. Therefore, it is more than necessary for the Municipality to support as many women farmers as possible and to break this inequality that is happening in the allocation of funds”.

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

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ShVPD Returns with the Braille Literacy Training

30.06.2020

After a three months break, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired (ShVPD), member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), on June 24 in Rahovec, has continued basic training in literacy according to the Braille alphabet.

This meeting gathered 10 participants from different ethnic groups in Rahovec as well as the villages of Gexhe, Xërxë, Ratkoc, Hoqë e Vogël and Dejnë, who previously did not know how to read or write.

Training leader, Xhylferije Bytyqi, made an overall assessment of the progress the participants have made in the 15 meetings that have been held so far.

“As part of the project, there will be five more meetings, a total of 20 meetings,” said the Project Coordinator, Goneta Mustafa.

Both the meeting and initiative are supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), co-funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and UNWomen.

In addition to the Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, the beneficiaries of the 14th FGK Round are 19 other member organizations. You can read the full list HERE

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KWN Encourages Young Women to Participate in Peace and Security Processes 

26.06.2020

As part of the initiative “Empowering Youth for a Peaceful, Prosperous, and Sustainable Future in Kosovo”, KWN held and online meetings with young women from the Municipality of Gjakova and Deçan on June 25 and June 26.

These meetings aim to encourage more young women to be involved in peace, dialogue and security processes, as well as encourage them to be part of decision-making positions and processes that society has historically entrusted to men.

Igballe Rogova, the Executive Director of KWN, shared her experiences with these young women and introduced them to the work of women activists over the years. She also shared the work of KWN as a network of 151 member organizations, and their involvement of women and girls in these processes. Further, Rogova shared with them the successes and challenges faced by women while advocating continually for the implementation of legal, national and international mechanisms, guaranteeing the right of women and young women to equally be part of decision-making positions.

During the meeting held with young women from Deçan, Rogova, encouraged them to engage in the country’s processes through the Lobby for Gender Equality (Lobby) or through the KWN member organization in this municipality. In addition to this, they also discussed the problems these young women face.

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

This initiative is a necessity for addressing the role and needs of young women in post-conflict areas. KWN strongly believes that gender stereotypes should never hinder young women from participating in policy-making regarding peace and security.

In the beginning of 2020, KWN has held discussions in the framework of this research with young women from different parts of Kosovo, whereas similar meetings will be held with young women from the municipality of Prizren, Skenderaj, South Mitrovica, North Mitrovica Gracanica and Prishtina.

https://www.facebook.com/rrjetiigrave/photos/a.128376150556077/3155996341127361/?type=3&eid=ARDuddz3tN5XSyd4aL3a4b5oTXtxDHvuThRkbqKhYoeTD-qILavBIZFdjnLBnLn6JM7cmtqrBa9YH47n&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC4WXZ52x1Fii8zV_6kTlXKZ2UYpPP9Pi1zy0n1Y24LWbbh6nGrOQ9KcF11cR9bTsPLxiNAHgPi5UGx7YBF01m7HDAwJBwsgD7wNH2wrGl5UxapJXkbmTsJuzoCYUEE0SBloGZ39vlHSvMpwuU332_i79uWftWDBSATJXeCbbhUBxUF_NdEm8uJpdPg0Ctq1boFAo9xMA8mZEQdY_fu7DNo-DhQKLpTPz9AOnjx7Pap4IRyZyNbNJ6piDBKpqzN13ILBaHoSCK8dRkldXtFgdPvL_xaFYENCO6-afdTgYFxHC5gMux79_545Vsf3aKSBZbl6QRH2UMQwaRUHAo5VWwA2w&__tn__=EHH-R

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