Call for an Action Coalition on Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security in the Beijing +25/Generation Equality Forum

27.02.2020

HLAG members letter to UN SG and others on WPS and YPS agenda -25 February 2020

31.10.20

Resolution 1325 Requires Consultations with Women’s Rights Groups in Kosovo

27.02.20

Call for an Action Coalition on Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security in the Beijing +25/Generation Equality Forum

10.01.19

KWN and Shelters advocate to Kosovo Parliament Members

09.01.19

Letter to MPs

KWN meets with Kurti, Gender Equality as a condition of Social Equality 

26.02.2020

Today, on 26 February , representatives of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova, Executive Director, Besnik Leka, KWN Board Member and Adelina Tershani, Project Coordinator met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, accompanied by the Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu. 

Initially, Rogova expressed disappointment over the lack of implementation of the Law on Gender Equality (LGE) in decision-making positions within the Government, however; she added that she is content by the fact that this government has more women in decision-making positions compared to the previous ones. 

In addition, KWN emphasized the importance of continuing successful cooperation between KWN and the Agency for Gender Equality (AGE), reminding that AGE is an extremely important mechanism for monitoring the implementation of the LGE by institutions. 

Whilst, Kurti reemphasized that social equality is not possible without gender equality. 

KWN presented the following advocacy points to Kurti:  

  • Bring back into discussion the draft law on Labour and draft law on Maternity and Paternity Leave; and  
  • The budget line dedicated to shelters and day care centres to remain within the budget permanently.  

Women Economic Forum was another topic discussed at the meeting, KWN informed Kurti that this coalition consisting of Riinvest, KWN, K-W4W, Kosovo Centre for Gender Studies (KCGS), Democracy for development (D4D) and Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations of Kosovo (NRAEWOK) is continuing advocacy in all areas necessary.  This forum is an independent, inclusive and unifying body that has brought together actors, organizations and individuals that play active role in engagement, development and strengthening of women in economy. 

KWN also requested coordination among relevant ministries and governmental support for addressing and fulfilling these requests within the 2020 budget.  

KWN remains dedicated to its vision of a society where women and men are equal and have equal opportunities in all areas. 

*****

READ MORE:

KWN Meets with Osmani, Continues to Support Shelters  

 ***** 

 

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Lipjan Youth Center aims to increase the capacity of women and girls to start new businesses

25.02.2020

The Lipjan Youth Center (LYC) held its first Focus Group with women and girls in business in addition to prepare and draft a public policy document to support the business sector.

During the meeting held on February 25th, participants discussed the difficulties that new businesses face in the market. Amongst other obstacles mentioned during the discussion, the lack of institutional support from local government seemed to be a very critical one, especially in the initial phase when businesses need it the most.

“Among the key problems is the issue of property inheritance among women and girls,” said Mihane Abdullahu, one of the Focus Group participant, “The reason why women benefit less from subsidies than men is the small number of properties on their behalf.” she added.

During the meeting the women attending shared their experiences and made recommendations, expressing great interest in building the capacity of new businesses and establishing connection between businesses and local government.

Valmira Marevci, Project Coordinator, LYC, stated that “A three-day workshop will be held within the project, bringing together relevant local stakeholders, such as NGOs and businesses, who have an impact and can contribute to the preparation a public policy document that may affect the process of approval and consideration by municipal authorities.”

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

In addition to the organization ILC, the beneficiaries of the 14th FGK Round are 19 other member organizations. You can read the full list HERE.

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WBA Holds Workshop on the Gender Equality Index 

19.02.2020

For three days in a row, (December 13, 14 and 15, 2019), WBA Organization in North Mitrovica held a workshop on the importance of the Gender Equality Index. 

Participants in this workshop were representatives from the Office for Communities and Return, Gender Equality Officers, representatives from the Office for Social Welfare and Health and representatives of civil society from this municipality as well.   

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

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

A discussion on legal provision followed the activity, including these local and international that regulate and protect gender equality.  

One of the conclusions drawn from the workshop was that women have significantly less free time than men. Hence, lack of women in public life, active citizenship, in decision-making processes as well as in cultural and social life became clearer.   

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

This initiative was welcomed by the hostess as well. “In the course of working on the project, the organization had the great challenge of bringing what is unknown and applicable in other countries closer to the institution, the non-governmental sector. The benefit of the project is to promote the work of the NGO in the field of integrating gender perspective and the tools that should be used toward advancing it”, said Olivera Milosevic, Executive Director of WBA.   

Participants expressed their gratitude for having the opportunity to be a part of this extremely useful activity for their work and for furthering gender equality in Kosovo. 

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

 

 

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

17.02.2020

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) members today paid tribute to music icon Nexhmije Pagarusha (1933-2020) by visiting her grave on the occasion of the anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence.  

As a sign of honour and respect for Pagarusha’s life and work as a powerful woman, KWN members placed flowers on her grave in Pagarusha village.  

We 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”.   

Today and forever her work remains inspiring.  

28.03.25

Reaction of the Kosovo Women’s Network to the Recent Killings in Kosovo due to illegal weapons 

08.11.24

Press Release – Recommendations for the Kosovo Parliament  

05.11.24

Response to Klan Kosova – Do Not Promote the Perpetrators

04.11.24

Violence Against the Minor is Intolerable – KWN Calls for Justice and Immediate Action

31.10.24

The Irresolute Resolution? After 24 Years, Resolution 1325 Remains Valid but Under-implemented  

17.10.24

Letter to the Chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca

Advocacy Strategy for Women and Girls with Disabilities Developed by OPDMK  

16.02.2020

During three consecutive days (14, 15 and 16 February) around 20 participants were part of a workshop hosted by the Kosovo Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy (OPDMK), to develop an Advocacy Strategy for Women and Girls with Disabilities. 

Girls and women with disabilities coming from six regions of Kosovo gathered to discuss the challenges and problems they face. Their recommendations will be incorporated into the previously mentioned strategy.   

At the beginning of the workshop, Antigona Shestan, Executive Director of OPDMK, introduced the initiative “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics”, and informed the group that this workshop was being held after informational sessions had finished.  

“Everything is possible if we are together, if we show solidarity with each-other. You have to participate wherever you are invited to protect your rights, go there and offer your irreplaceable contribution to this issue. This initiative is important for improving the position of women and girls with disabilities”, Shestan said.  

After a discussion among participants, Tringa Kasmi, facilitator of the workshop, said that such activities are not only a help to understanding the reality beyond us, but are also a chance for more solidarity between women and girls.  

“Discussions, reflections, dedication and willingness of women and girls, and above all sharing experiences and their real needs, were among the things that made me feel immensely good for being part of this workshop. Without any doubt that our joint engagement will greatly contribute to raising the voice of women,” Kasemi said.   

Further, Pranvera Musaj, a participant, emphasized that this workshop was very productive, especially because many women with disabilities were part of it.  

“Our participation in politics and institutions have greatly improved our position, because by being where decisions are made it is much easier to make a change”, Musaj said. “Due to the fact that we as women with disabilities are discriminated against twice: once because of gender and once because of disability, we owe it to ourselves to work twice as hard to achieve our objectives.”  

Blerta Ahmeti from Novobrdo was elected Chairwoman of the Women with Disabilities Group. 

“In my opinion this workshop hosted by OPDMK is among the best opportunities given to women and girls with disabilities in our society for expressing their needs and dissatisfactions, as well as to work on finding solutions for everyday problems we face”, Ahmeti said. 

“It should not be forgotten that this battle is not only ours, but it belongs to the whole society. Together we are stronger”, Ahmeti continued. 

She further added that the first step toward achieving equality has already been taken by drafting a strategy for all regions.  

Resmije Rrahmani, OPDMK, appreciated KWN support, adding that this is the first initiative of its kind in the country.  

“Such activities are very helpful and useful for women and girls with disabilities, because in these occasions we create ideas and conditions for improving our lives as women with disabilities. A lot of people were interested in taking part here, and thanks to this commitment we will now have the first strategy for these girls and women. Besides I am very pleased that this is coming from OPDMK and KWN”, Rrahmani said. 

 

Attendees agreed to further cooperate with each other to improve the rights of women with disabilities in Kosovo.  

This meeting and this initiative are supported by European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.  

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KWN Meets with Osmani, Continues to Support Shelters  

14.02.2020

Woman Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly Vjosa Osmani met with representatives of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) on 14 February to discuss KWN’s achievements and challenges, the protection of women’s rights in Kosovo, and the necessity for establishing a separate and permanent budget line for shelters of domestic violence victims in Kosovo.  

Osmani expressed high appreciation KWN’s commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls. She further emphasised the institutional need to establish state mechanisms for the effective protection of the rights and freedoms of people suffering from domestic violence in Kosovo.  

“Kosovo’s newly formed institutions will increase their care and attention toward different social categories, especially for domestic violence victims”, Osmani said.  

Being happy with the fact that for the first time ever we have a woman in this position, KWN remains hopeful that many of the issues for which KWN has advocated for decades will be pushed forward.  

KWN presented the following advocacy points to Osmani: 

  • Bring back into discussion the draft law on Labour and draft law on Maternity and Paternity Leave; and,  
  • The budget line dedicated to shelters and day care centres to remain within the budget permanently. 

Responding to these requests, Osmani promised to support KWN in its aim to establish a separate budget line for shelters. Of particular importance was the need to bring back into discussion the draft law on Labour and draft law on Maternity and Paternity Leave.  

KWN offered to share its expertise and cooperation needed to improve women’s rights in Kosovo.  

 

 

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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.  

 

 

01.04.26

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