Handikos Mitrovica Holds Vocational Training for Its Members

13.02.2020

“Implementation of the Law on Employment and Vocational Training for Persons with Disabilities” was the subject of the debate held by Handikos Mitrovica, member organization of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), on 13 February to discuss opportunities and challenges for employment of people with disabilities.

Initially, Myrvete Hasani, Director of Handikos Mitrovica, talked about the barriers that people with disabilities generally face, with a particular emphasis on employment.

“These obstacles are causing problems in employment of people with disabilities, making it difficult to have access in the labor market, so through this project we are aim to train young people in adapting their strengths to the demands of employers”, Hasan said.

Throughout the debate, the legislative aspects that regulate the employment of people with disabilities were also discussed, identifying the points at which relevant institutions could contribute more, as well as the benefits for employers in the hiring of people with disabilities.

Leonita Sadiku, a student at the University of Mitrovica “Isa Boletini”, shared her experience of employment discrimination. Sadiku said that despite the difficulties, she won’t give up until she finds a job, adding that such activities inspire her.

Given the urgent need to integrate people with disabilities into the labor market, the participants contributed to the following recommendations:

  • Developing and updating of the existing Handikos Mitrovica database which would assist potential donors in identifying beneficiaries,
  • Monitoring businesses and institutions by labor inspectors regarding the implementation of the existing Law,
  • Providing advocacy in private businesses and their awareness of existing legislation guaranteeing the right to employment.

Taking part in the debate were Kushtrim Shabani, Employment Office Mitrovica; Arif Kadriu, Project Manager at Caritas Kosova; Leonita Sadiku, student. Participants were many students from the University of Mitrovica and members of Handikos Mitrovica.

This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by UN Women.

In addition to Handkos Mitrovica, 19 other member organizations benefit from the 14th round of KWF. You can read the full list HERE.

 

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KWN Meets with Haxhiu, Women’s Organization Contribution is Appreciated  

10.02.2020

On February 10, representatives of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of KWN and Adelina Berisha, Program Manager on Gender Based Violence met with the Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu.   

During this meeting, KWN work and long-standing activities to combat gender-based violence, the new National Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo for Protection against Domestic Violence, as well as the new Law Against Domestic Violence that shall be in accordance with the Istanbul Convention were discussed.  

The KWN informed Haxhiu on ongoing activities that are being carried out to raise public awareness and sensibilisation regarding women’s rights and the importance of women’s equal participation in society.  

The role of the National Coordinator against Domestic Violence and the importance of this mechanism in combating this kind of violence were also discussed during this meeting. 

Furthermore, Minister Haxhiu pledged for cooperation on the new draft law on protection against domestic violence, which aims to increase the protection mechanisms against domestic violence. For this matter, Minister Haxhiu added that the inclusion of the Kosovo Women’s Network and other organizations remains tremendously important. 

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KWN Holds First Membership Meeting for 2020

10.02.2020

Kosovo Women’s Network’s (KWN) first membership meeting of this year started with a minute of silence in honour of music icon Nexhmije Pagarusha (1933-2020). 

Approximately 50 representatives of KWN’s member organizations, the Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality (KLGE), Kosovo institutions and other supporters of KWN’s mission and work attended the meeting 10 Feb. 2020.  

The discussion was opened by KWN Executive Director, Igballe Rogova, who said this year has begun well, recalling that the new government has more women ministers than previous governments had. 

“Through a Press Release we have demanded from the new government that at least when appointing deputy ministers to implement the Law on Gender Equality (LGE) for these posts to be allocated 50 for women and 50 for men. Now everybody saw that women can do it”, Rogova said. “This success was demonstrated during the ‘Vote for more women in Parliament’ campaign; all along the fieldwork we saw people enthusiastic for voting for women”.  

 

 Rogova said that strengthening the participation of girls and women in decision-making processes comes as a result of the joint work and solidarity between KWN members.  

She further informed the attendees that KWN Chairwoman of the Board Ariana-Qosaj Mustafa was re-elected for another term.  

Then Belgjyzare Muharremi, Executive Director of “Open Door”, who was elected as Honorary Member of the KWN Board, addressed the group.  

“It is a pleasure to see KWN in this format, this is a great success for KWN,” Muharremi said. “Looking back at KWN’s journey as a non-profit organization, we can see that KWN has always found the right way to work toward women’s empowerment. Therefore, the KWN is here where it is.”  

 

Merita Fehmiu, Program Manager, Peace Corps Kosovo, presented the volunteer program, while attendees also had the chance to check the brochures about the activities of American volunteers.  

“I deeply thank KWN for this opportunity. The idea is for volunteers to be integrated in Kosovo; the idea is for them to see how people actually live here. It is a great chance because these volunteers can help you build your organization’s internal capacities. “We work with the community for the community,” Fehmiu said. 

 Mimoza Gavrani, Executive Director, Kosovo Advocacy Group (KAG), joined with many other members to remember the importance of working with KWN toward the achievement of their objectives.  

“We are honoured and pleased that we have also joined KWN, as a group of powerful women, so together we can push forward our common interests. I cannot do this by myself, and I know that being a part of KWN it’s a huge incentive, “Gavrani added.  

 Nevenka Rikalo, Executive Director of “Ruka Ruci”, in her talk introduced the participants in the progress of the four-year–long initiative “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics”, supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.  

 Coordination for the activities of March 8th under the umbrella of “We march, we do not celebrate”, Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) work, the implementation of KWN Strategy 2019-2022, and the necessity for a permanent budget line for Kosovo shelters, were among the issues upon which KWN members shared their opinions and experiences.  

The Lobby for Gender Equality (Lobby) and Coalition for Equality (CfE) will have a joint-meeting at the end of March, it was announced.  

Acknowledging the unique importance of this membership meeting, Rogova once again emphasized the significance of solidarity between women.  

 Moreover, in addition to the moment of silence at the beginning of the meeting paying tribute to Pagarusha’s immortal life work, KWN members agreed to visit her grave together on the 12th anniversary of the Kosovo independence, 17 February 2020. 

This meeting was supported by European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo, Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and UN Women.  

 

 

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KWN Remembers Pagarusha as a Powerful Woman  

07.02.2020

Letter of Condolences 

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) today with great sorrow received the news of the death of Nexhmije Pagarusha (1933-2020), known as ‘The Nightingale of Kosovo’.  

Her death is not a great loss solely for her family and friends, but also for the entire Albanian world art. 

We look back proudly and recall that it was the year 2015 when KWN awarded Pagarusha with acknowledgement for ‘Courage and deeds that have motivated and empowered girls and women in Kosovo’.  

We are proud and honoured that along the way to strengthening women, our roads crossed with such a powerful woman as Nexhmije Pagarusha was and will always be. 

***** 

READ ALSO: KWN Pays Tribute to Pagarusha on the Anniversary of Kosovo’s Independence

In the video below you can watch some footage from the KWN Annual Meeting held back in 2015, during which meeting ‘The Nightingale of Kosovo’ received this acknowledgment: (Available in Albanian only). 

 

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A Prosperous Cooperation  Made Possible by Fulbright   

05.02.2020

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is honoured to have hosted for six weeks (August-October 2019) a Professor and Communication Expert from Idaho State University, Dr. Martine Robinson Beachboard.   

The entire staff, particularly Public Relations (PR) staff, and KWN’s member organizations benefited tremendously from her professionalism and expertise, shared through interactive workshops and her assistance in developing strategic communications plans as well.   

As part of the initiative titled “Advancing the Strategic Communication of KWN”, Beachboard led 10 interactive workshops with 20 staff members, had face-to-face meetings with 17-member organization representatives, edited a range of publications and mentored staff writers individually, assisting them with a range of writing tasks and developing strategic communications plans as well.   

Beachboard led a workshop on building public relations strategy on 13 September. She introduced KWN member organizations to best practices in promoting their institutions to a wider audience through professional writing and improved social media presence.  

“Even though I knew a lot of things about public relations, this training was very practical and helpful,” said participant Ms. Venera Ismaili from NGO Artpolis–Centre for Art and Community.  

Beachboard also met with Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT) representatives in October, providing tailored support.   

“We really appreciated Professor Beachboard’s visit to KRCT. The open discussion we had with her really helped us think about how we should work on presenting our organization”, said Franklin Cade Martin, PR Officer at KRCT. “Her perspective on how to tailor a message in a way that highlights our strengths and showcases what sets our organization apart has been a great reference point as we’ve begun to work on new projects. Having an outside professional perspective is always a wonderful opportunity, and we hope that Professor Beachboard’s visit was as successful for her as it was for us.” 

The contribution and help of Beachboard remains highly appreciated among KWN staff members.  

Gresë Sermaxhaj, KWN PR Coordinator, was among the people who worked closely with Beachboard.   

“I had the delight to cooperate with Dr. Robinson Beachboard since her very first day at KWN. Starting from her day-to-day insights to her being a professional and genuine helpful hand for major issues, Beachboard’s contribution was of a distinguished importance and deeply valuable in our daily work,” Sermaxhaj said.   

Further, Rudina Voca, PR Intern at KWN for five months now, appreciates the skills she gained by co-working with Beachboard.     

“I had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Beachboard on building a public relations strategy for KWN”, Voca says. “She also mentored me on writing and editing a range of publications related to KWN’s activities. During workshops on communication and the individual meetings with KWN member organizations, I had the chance to assist Martine; an opportunity that helped me a lot with improving my effective communication practices”.  

Satisfaction with the short-term professional relationship was reciprocal. “It was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had,” Beachboard commented. “Kosovo is a small country bringing numerous assets to bear in facing its post-war challenges. Among its strengths are the women activists who strive to raise standards of human rights and fairness.” 

She thanked KWN for the opportunity and added, “This trip gave me a deeper appreciation for the Western Balkans. Now I aim to share my perspectives with other Americans.” 

Beachboard brought her professional and academic expertise to KWN thanks to the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Prishtina, through the Fulbright Foundation World Learning Program, which helps American scholars share their expertise with relevant organizations abroad. Her support to KWN was co-funded by the Austrian Development Agency.    

Related articles:  

Six Weeks at KWN, One Remarkable Experience for Beachboard  

Communication Workshop with Member Organizations    

  

  

  

 

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KWN Congratulates Formation of LVV-LDK Government, Kosovo’s First Woman Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly

04.02.2020

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The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) congratulates the Self-determination Movement (Levizja Vetvendosje, VV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) on their recent constitution of a government. We hope that their co-governance will improve the welfare of citizens. KWN also congratulates the first woman ever elected to serve as Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Mrs. Vjosa Osmani.

Following with great interest the participation of women in the early parliamentary elections on October 6, 2019 and in the newly formed government, KWN expresses its concern regarding the failure to implement the Law on Gender Equality (LGE) in appointing the executive cabinet. This LGE guarantees gender equality (defined as 50/50), as a condition for the development of a democratic society where men and women share entirely equal rights in the political and public sphere.

Recalling that more women won seats in the Assembly than ever before and that we are witnessing the political empowerment of women in Kosovar society, the newly formed government should set a positive example by appointing an equal share of women, improving the position of Kosovar women and thereby the entire society. Although this government has more women ministers than previous governments had, we expect that the coalition will implement the LGE when it appoints deputy ministers.

Towards furthering gender equality in Kosovo, KWN expects the LVV-LDK coalition to addresss the following key issues in the beginning of their governance:

  • Ensure an equal balance of women and men in decision-making;
  • Amend the Labour Law, in accordance with the European Union (EU) Work-Life Balance Directive;
  • Amend the Labour Law to incorporate paternity leave, in addition to maternity and parental leave, in accordance with the EU Directive;
  • Improve working conditions, focusing on addressing gender-based discrimination in employment;
  • Implement gender-responsive budgeting, in accordance with the LGE; and
  • Establish a permanent budget line for Kosovo shelters.

Since its establishment, KWN has strived towards a Kosovo where women and men are equal and have equal opportunities to education, employment, political participation, healthcare and a life without violence. Towards this vision, during the entire term of this government, KWN will demand public accountability and full transparency from the government in fulfilling these objectives, crucial for the wellbeing of all Kosovar women.

 

 

 

 

 

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Kosovo Women’s Fund allocated € 59,266 for 20 KWN Member Organizations in Kosovo

03.02.2020

20 grants recipients of a total of 19 grants from the 14th grant round of Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), have been officially announced. This happened today on January 20 when KWN organized the Orientation Session to officially announce recipients of these grants, the total amount of which is 59,266.00€. More specifically, the grants that were allocated in this round were supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), through the KWN initiative “Advancing Women’s Rights Initiative” co-funded by UN Women in the amount of € 48,410, and through the KWN initiative “Empowering Youth for a Peaceful, Prosperous and Successful Future in Kosovo” supported by UN Women in the amount of € 10,866.

These initiatives will directly contribute to the implementation of the current KWN Strategy for 2019-2022, which was drafted together with KWN members.

By supporting these women-led organizations’ initiatives, KWF contributes to positive changes that can happen in society. The implementation of these initiatives contributes to implementing KWN’s Strategy 2019-2022, which was compiled and approved in accordance with KWN’s member organizations

KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova while congratulating this round’s beneficiaries stated that “These beneficiaries are member organizations that will implement actions that include all fields of KWN new strategy for 2019-2022. This proves that we compile and implement our strategy together as a Network”.

During the first part of the meeting, Diellza Olluri, KWN Coordinator, shared detailed information regarding the process of narrative and financial reporting, as well as how to create and maintain a monitoring and evaluation database, which will facilitate beneficiaries during the reporting process throughout the implementation of these projects.

KWF Grants beneficiaries are:

Individual Advocacy Grant for an Organization:

  • EcoKosWomen – EKW with the initiative: “Advocacy for easier access of women to grants in the municipality of Prishtina” (€ 3,649.00, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Organization of People with Disabilities, Handikos Prishtina with the initiative: “Integration of women and girls with disabilities in society” (€ 2,470.00, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Women Association Aureola with the initiative: “Advancing inheritance law” (€ 2,300.00, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Association of Retired Women “Vita-Jeta” with the initiative: “Diabetes in the Elderly” (€ 2,030.00, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Association of Women Beekeepers “Okarina e Runikut” with the initiative: ”Promoting the Employment for the Beneficiaries of Social Assistance Scheme in the Drenica Region” (€ 3,110.00, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Blind Women’s Committee of Kosovo with the initiative: “Respecting the rights of blind and visually impaired women guaranteed by law” (€ 2,832.50, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Kosovo Midwives Association with the initiative: “Promoting maternal and child health through strengthening the role of midwifery” (€ 3,857.50, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Psychotherapists in Action with the initiative: “Health and treatment of silent diseases in third age women” (€ 3,242.50, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Center for Protection of Women and Children with the initiative: “Empowering the women victims of gender-based violence through reintegration programs” (€ 3,355.00, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Association of Women with the initiative “Empowerment of Women in the Labour Market” (€ 3,105.00, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Independent Initiative of Blind People: “I want to lead a dignified life” (€ 2,955.00, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Center for Protection of Women and Children Raba Voca with the initiative: “Break the Silence” (€ 3,351.00, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired with the initiative: “Supporting the Blind and Visually Impaired for leading an independent life” (€ 2,982.50, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • Women Farmers’ Association ‘Krusha e Vogel” with the initiative: “Women’s Health Education in Rural Areas” (€ 3,195.00, supported by ADA and UNW)
  • NGO Drugëza with the initiative: “Advancing women’s rights to property and their economic empowerment” (€ 2,136.00, supported by UNW)
  • NGO Gruaja Hyjnore with the initiative: “Raising the awareness of girls and women about reproductive health” (€ 2,995.00, supported by UNW)
  • Youth Center Lipjan with the initiative: “Supporting girls and women for active participation in the economy” (€ 2,940.00, supported by UNW)
  • Handikos Mitrovica with the initiative: “Association of People with Disabilities in Mitrovica – Handikos Mitrovica” (€ 2,785.00, supported by UNW)

Advocacy Grants in Partnership for Change:

  • Medica Kosova & Djepi i Buzëqeshjes with the initiative: “Mobilizing women assembly members to address the needs of women traumatized by war” (€ 6,295.00, supported by ADA and UNW).

Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) of the KWN provides small grants to women’s organizations that do not have access to other sources of funding and who seek to work for women’s rights, especially for groups working in rural areas and/or marginalized persons. Since 2012, KWF has allocated 193 grants, thus supporting 119 organizations, by a total amount of € 1,011,288. In 2020, the Kosovo Women’s Fund is supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the European Union and UN Women.

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KWN Continues to Support Shelter’s Financing  

31.01.2020

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) for many years now has advocated for Kosovo shelters to have a sufficient budget to fully support women and children who have experienced domestic violence.  

The end of the year 2019 found Kosovo again in crisis of lack of financial support for shelters for 2020. Thanks to KWN meetings and advocacy letters, the response of Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) this year was faster and in accordance with the state’s constitutional obligation in protecting and supporting domestic violence victims. Presently, shelters can apply for financial support for the year 2020. This is due to an open call made possible by a fund provided by the annual MLSW budget carried over from the previous year.  

Although this support is not fully in line with the advocacy of KWN, the result of which was the establishment of the budget line for basic services of shelters in the 2019 state budget, nevertheless this opening call for shelters’ financial support at the beginning of January is a positive step toward supporting domestic violence victims. It will also serve as an incentive to never stop our work and activism, despite the eventual challenges.  

The 2019 Law on Budget of the Republic of Kosovo included a separate line for the financing of shelters, the establishment of which was made possible as a result of the KWN’s advocacy during 2018. Although the shelters’ financial support line was approved by the Kosovo Assembly, by which shelters and day care centres received 60,000 euros per year, still the MLSW did not implement this particular line. Shelters and day care centres during the year 2019 were subject to the same application procedures for financial support, just as in previous years when such a budget line was nonexistent. The shelters got support of barely over half of the amount allocated for them, something that exposed them to the danger of closure during the very first months of 2020.  

During past year KWN held advocacy meetings with MLSW officials, aiming to ensure that shelters and day care centres would receive the funds allocated for services of Gender-based Violence (GBV) victims, as per the 2019 Budget.  

KWN recalls that guarantying the safety and well-being of women and children is in accord with the constitutional obligations and legal responsibilities of the Republic of Kosovo. 

Below we are listing some of the activities that KWN undertook over decades in support of this issue. This list is a reminder that KWN will continue to seek financial stability for shelters, at all costs.  

During the second half of 2007, KWN was actively involved in the project called “Providing Safety, Promoting Health; Combating Gender-Based Violence in Kosovo”, supported by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). KWN was involved in this initiative as an effort to help raise the level of financial support and to support for shelters, as well as to support the establishment of specific cooperation systems between shelters. All of this in addition to protecting, assisting and supporting domestic violence victims.  

In July 2012 KWN members met with the Minister of MLSW to discuss the lack of proper legislation addressing gender-based violence. Members also stated that Law on Social Services was not being fully implemented; furthermore, shelters were not included on the state budget.  

In November 2018 KWN, together with representatives of shelters and day care centres, addressed a public letter to the members of the Kosovar Assembly. This letter demanded that a budget for shelters and day centres be allocated within the 2019 budget proposal. This appeal gained the support of MPs, who voted in favour of it in the parliamentary session. As a result of KWN’s advocacy the establishment of the budget line “Basic Housing for Shelters” was made possible, amounting to € 880,000.  

Ten shelters and women’s and child protection centres on December 9th, 2019 sent a letter to the National Coordinator against Domestic Violence, Naim Qelaj.  

Conclusively, we recall that Kosovo has adopted the National Strategy for Protection against Domestic Violence and the Action Plan for Protection against Domestic Violence 2016-2020, according to which MLWS is required to “set a permanent budget for shelters, which should be sufficient to cover all the costs, including counselling and care toward domestic violence victims.” 

KWN will engage in all necessary activities to seek institutional accountability in fulfilling all the needed financial conditions for a well-functioning shelter. This as a vital step toward the long-term goal that women and girls enjoy a life free from gender-based violence.  

 

 

 

 

 

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