Kosovo Women's Network

KWN co-organizes “Stand up for Human Rights” March

10.12.2019

The Ombudsperson together with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including the Kosovo Women’s Network, have undertaken a joint initiative to mark the International Day of Human Rights.

Even the steady rain could not put a damper on protest as concerned citizens marched from Square “Skënderbeu” to Square “Zahir Pajaziti”

Jeta Xhara, one of Civil Society representatives demanded more institutional engagement and concrete measures to fight air pollution.

“We are protesting here today because while we are free from our enemies, it does not mean that our lives are not being cut short on a daily basis. Currently, Kosovo citizen’s live expectancy is 10 years less than other European citizens. This is a slow death that we are causing ourselves.” Xharra said, as she acknowledged the contribution of activists to this event.

Ombudsman Hilmi Jashari, said “Together with the civil society they are protesting for the right to a safe and healthy environment”.

“The issue is healthy air, Kosovar citizens continue to name air pollution as the biggest problem in the country. Other problems mentioned were the lack of drinking water, river degradation and very limited plant life.“, Jashari said.

Blert Morina, Executive Director of the Centre for Equality and Liberty (CEL) mentioned numerous reasons to support this march.

“Seeing the air pollution at alarming rates in recent years; the fact that no concrete action has been taken by the institutions to improve this situation, only actions that exacerbate this are present, we have found it important to dedicate this year’s march for the right to a cleaner environment”, said Morina.

The march promotes the protection of human rights with a particular emphasis on protecting the right to a safe and healthy environment. They are also working for a better integrated, inclusive and inter-institutional community.

International Human Rights Day is marked every year on December 10, in memory of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted on December 10, 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).

Watch HERE the live broadcast of this event.

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

Surrounded by Friends, KWN Marks 17th Members Annual Meeting

07.12.2019

On December 7, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held its 17th Annual Membership Meeting, attended by KWN member organizations, partners, friends, colleagues and supporters of the work and activism for many years.

Ariana Qosaj Mustafa, KWN Chair of the Board opened the 17th Annual Membership Meeting with a minute of silence for the victims of Albania earthquake.

She continued by stating that “Today here we are not only girls and women, but men and boys as well are present. This shows that support for KWN is only increasing from day to day. We have always promoted partnerships and solidarity to move things forward.”

Similar appreciation for KWN’s activism and work was given by Gjylieta Mushkolaj, Professor at the University of Prishtina, Faculty of Law and Correspondent Member, Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo.

“KWN, without doubt is aware of the power of the Constitution and its political and legal structures. […] Therefore, KWN is working hard to create an environment conducive to the cultivation of a constitutionalist culture, where the values of our Constitution will not remain mere words on paper”, Mushkolaj said.

Whereas, Vetone Veliu, Executive Director, Mitrovica Women’s Association for Human Rights has highlighted that the change women achieve when they come together benefit the whole society.

“As women of course we can make changes, but big positive changes can only be achieved as part of KWN. KWN has brought us all together over the years, gathering together and doing great and valuable work for women, but also for society generally,” said Veliu.

For the second time the annual “Sevdije Ahmeti” Award was given in honour and memory of feminist activist and humanist Sevdije Ahmeti (1944-2016). This year, it was given to Luljeta Pula-Beqiri for her contribution and commitment for women’s movement during the ‘90s.

“I honestly thank KWN. You have greatly honoured and respected me, you have valued my life’s work, and this is all happening after 20 years of total silence.” said Luljeta Pula-Beqiri.

Subsequently, Adelina Trshani, Project Coordinator of KWN, read Safete Rogova’s poetry dedicated to Luljeta Pula-Beqiri

The 17th Member Annual Meeting continues the tradition that began in 2003 by hosting the First Member Annual Meeting, as a responsibility to the highest governing body that oversees and evaluates KWN’s work under its Statute.

Igballe Rogova, KWN’s Executive Director, recalled the beginnings and the tradition of Annual Members Meeting.

“In the first Annual Meeting we counted a total of 33 member organizations, whereas today we have 158 member organizations. We are growing each day, therefore I genuinely thank all supporters who believed in the work and activism of KWN”, Rogova said.

Rogova has also announced that the funds gathered from the selling of KWN promotional materials will be donated to purchase a wheelchair for Resmije Rahman – known as Biba, OPDMK member. In the background a movie about Rrahmani was playing.

Knowing that KWN considers the Annual Meeting as an excellent opportunity to share information and increase solidarity between women, KWN’s staff reported on the work done during 2019, focusing on the 6 programs of the 2019-2022 Strategy, with special emphasis on the six main programs: 1. Strengthening the Feminist Movement in Kosovo, 2.Women in Politics and Decision-making, 3.Women’s Right to Healthcare, 4. A Life Free from Gender-based Violence, 5.Women’s Economic Empowerment, 6.Improving Access to Quality and Gender Sensitive Education.

KWN Members unanimously approved the Annual Report 2019, further in the second part of the meeting members re-elected Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa and Magbule Hyseni as KWN Board Members, whereas Vlora Hoti was elected as a new KWN Board member. Meanwhile, Blert Morina and Eli Gashi were voted as members of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) Grants Evaluation Committee.

The KWN 17th Annual Meeting was supported by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, and Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

KWN Reacts Against the Re-victimization of Women Experiencing Domestic Abuse

05.12.2019

Download File

When dealing with domestic violence cases, judges, prosecutors, representatives of the Centres of Social Work and police officers as well tend to blame the victim or reconcile the family, even when all the evidence indicates violence with severe physical and emotional consequences, according to findings of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) research.

This occurred in the case reported today, December 5, in a Kallxo.com article (available in Albanian only), which indicates violations of the Code of Criminal Procedure, in sessions monitoring by journalists. In this case, the Gjilan Court Branch in Viti confronted a victim of domestic violence with her husband-perpetrator of the violence. The woman in question required medical treatment as a consequence of the domestic abuse. The perpetrator prevented their son from seeking medical help for the victim, and then used violence against him too. According to this journal article, the perpetrator is a major within the Kosovo Security Force (KSF).

According to the same source, it is alleged that the prosecution requested a 30-day custody, but the victim was invited to the courtroom “who without precedent for a justice case, asked for her husband not to be detained”, for the sake of calming the situation, and hence reduced his chances of punishment. Furthermore, according to Kallxo.com, which followed the case from the beginning, the judge in the case, Nexhat Aliu, stated that “…we did not call her [the victim]. She had a hearing for domestic violence before, we didn’t even send her an invitation; she wanted to come, she wanted to come in and she did, but we did not send her an invitation“. He further stated that “she is his wife and we are not destroying families; we are trying to get them together again”.

KWN supports the conclusion of Kallxo.com stating that “the Code of Criminal Procedure has set strict rules where unauthorized persons, including victims, are not allowed to attend court sessions, despite what a Judge’s assertions may be”. Therefore, the Court was under obligation to act according to its duty and legal provisions, regardless of the victim’s willingness to attend the hearing.

Further, KWN recalls the prosecution in Gjilan and other prosecutions in Kosovo under the Criminal Code of Kosovo, in cases of domestic violence, especially for crimes including injuries, conditions similar to slavery, or forced labour. For cases when rape or sexual assault is committed within family relationships, prosecution is required ex officio.

According to Article 70 of Kosovo Prosecutorial Council, the fact that the perpetrator is a Kosovo Security Force member should be considered among the aggravating circumstances when making a decision, and not facilitate the judicial proceedings of the suspect, as is the case here.

KWN demands that the Basic Court in Gjilan Branch in Viti treat this case according to the legal framework in place, while again calling upon the justice institutions to fulfil their legal obligations and not cause re-victimization and forced reconciliation between those people who pose high risk and their victims. Such tendencies for reconciliation have led to fatalities for women and girls, so there is a desperate need for increased care and proper risk assessment in domestic violence cases.

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

KWN Presents at European Policy Summit: It Takes Two to Tango: Western Balkans between Hope and Reality

04.12.2019

Kosovo Women’s Network representative Nicole Farnsworth spoke on behalf of the Regional Coalition against Gender-based Discrimination in Labour at a European Policy Summit on the Western Balkans (WB), organized by the Friends of Europe.

During the roundtable on “Women, millennials and the labour market”, she presented key issues undermining women’s labour force participation. To address these, she recommended that the EU and governments:

Invest in affordable childcare and early education;
Amend labour laws in line with the EU Work-life Balance Directive towards giving women and men more rights to spend more paid time with their children;
Further the capacities of labour inspectors to treat gender-based discrimination at work;
Ensure that planned interventions to address the informal economy are based on gender impact analysis, so that they have a “do no harm” approach.

Additionally, she said that the EU can continue to follow gender-based discrimination and labour in country reports, using political dialogue and funding to pressure governments to make reforms.

In conclusion she emphasized that the EU must finish the visa liberalization process.

“Keeping Kosovo’s youth in a ghetto is not only incredibly discriminatory,” she said, “It’s dangerous, making youth suspectable to non-European paths, including extremism. If the EU really wants to support youth, visa liberalisation is essential for young people to have opportunities to travel, learn, understand and relate to people in Europe”.

The international conference gathered EU and WB policymakers, government officials, representatives from businesses and international organisations as well as leading academics and journalists.

Oher topics discussed relating to “Women, millennials and the labour market” included:

How is the EU encouraging the inclusion of youth and women in the Western Balkans labour market?
What measures can the region’s governments take to effectively counter the ‘brain-drain’?
Does the education system in Western Balkans countries prepare youth for the challenges of modern labour market?

Other topics discussed at the summit included WB and EU relations in the current geopolitical environment (“A Dance without Partners?”); digital transformation; and the challenges of reconciliation.

Speakers included Hashim Thaçi, President of Kosovo; Christian Danielsson, Director General at the European Commission Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations; Tanja Fajon, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee and Trustee of Friends of Europe; and Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, among others.

The Regional Coalition against Gender-based Discrimination in Labour involves six women’s rights groups from the WB; 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. The findings and recommendations presented drew from their latest research on Gender-based Discrimination and Labour in the Western Balkans, supported by the EU and co-funded by Sida.

More about the event HERE

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

British Delegation Visits KWN Offices

03.12.2019

Deputy-head of mission of the British Embassy in Kosovo Jacob Webber and Policy Delivery Assistant Erëmirë Berisha were hosted at the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) premises on December 3 by KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova and KWN Advocacy and Research Officer on Gender Based Violence Adelina Berisha.

Rogova spoke to the embassy representatives about KWN’s background and history since its establishment. “Voters Voice”, a mechanism for citizens to voice concerns to politicians through a cooperation between the KWN and British Embassy in Kosovo during the 2008-2009 was a key part of this interactive discussion.

Webber expressed the Embassy’s interest and commitment to working more on gender issues.

Special attention was given to the work and activities of Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), highlighting that in addition to advocacy, this Fund actually empowers women in a range of social spheres.

Rogova expressed her gratitude to the British Embassy for continuously supporting activities intended to assist and empower war-time sexual abuse survivors in Kosovo.

Berisha explained KWN’s work and endeavors regarding gender-based violence during 2019 and previous years. Among other issues, she discussed advocacy for the allocation of the Budget for Shelters and the amendment of the Criminal Code.

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

KWN Member Organizations mark their 20th Anniversary of the Establishment

02.12.2019

Member organizations of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), the Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT), Medica Kosova, and Medica Gjakova have marked their 20th anniversary of the establishment.

On November 11, KRCT held the conference “Addressing Sexual Violence during the Kosovo War”, through which justice for war-time sexual survivor was demanded. On this occasion relevant stakeholders discussed and shared best practices toward improving future services and treatment of such cases.

Whereas, on November 14 in Gjakovë the book “I am Anemone” was launched, the first of its kind written in Kosovo, published by Medica Gjakova. The book contains stories of survivors of sexual violence during the war. This event was accompanied by a photography exhibition featuring their two decades of work.

October 24 brought together civil society activists, representatives of institutions and international organizations as well, to mark the 20th establishment anniversary of Medica Kosova. Here were presented “20 Years of Transforming the pain into Force”, along with some data on the number of beneficiaries and the types of services offered throughout these years.

KWN has consistently supported these organizations, as well as other organizations and institutions, in their efforts to seek justice and solidarity for survivors of sexual violence in Kosovo.

HERE you can access the livestreaming of KRCT’s conference, click HERE to watch the livestreaming of the event of Medica Gjakova, and HERE you can find the video from the event of Medica Kosova. (Available in Albanian only).

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

KWN Member Organizations mark their 20th Anniversary of the Establishment

02.12.2019

KWN has consistently supported these organizations, as well as other organizations and institutions, in their efforts to seek justice and solidarity for survivors of sexual violence in Kosovo.

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

Advocacy Efforts for Human Rights Supported by KWN during November

30.11.2019

During the month of November, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) supported activities aimed at advancing the implementation of human rights.

The November 5th march, “One Nation for Justice” (Alb:Një popull për Drejtësi), which demanded justice for the death of activist Astrit Dehari, was a recent activity that highlighted efforts to address the violation of human rights in the country. KWN was one of 153 supporters that attended the march.

“The undersigned organizations and individuals call for the full and prompt discovery of the circumstances of Astrit Dehari’s violent death. This should be done by credible, independent and professional investigators and prosecutors. The findings of experts from the Lausanne Institute should guide this new investigation. The subject of investigation and accountability should be all the persons responsible throughout the institutional chain from the Government, Police, Prison Directorate, Prosecutor’s Office and Department of Forensic Medicine”, it stated as part of the call for the march, which was held on the third anniversary of Dehari’s death.

On November 13, KWN supported an open letter to the Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly and the Committee for Political Affairs and Democracy, calling on them to prevent the selection of Alexei Kondratiev, Russian Parliamentary Assembly delegate, as the reporter for Kosovo.

Immediately following this response from over 40 civil society organizations, the Council of Europe’s Rapporteur in Kosovo elected German Peter Beyer.

On the same day, The Security and Gender Equality Group (SGG) urged the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to distribute funds to Kosovo shelters, as per the Law on the Kosovo Budget 2019.

As a member of the SGG, KWN supports the above letter, which you can read in full HERE.

Whereas, On November 29, KWN joined some 40 CSOs to demand from the Kosovo Government to establish a central emergency headquarters, consisting of responsible institutions that will conduct and coordinate all actions needed to help citizens sheltered in Kosovo as a consequence of the deadly earthquake that hit Albania on November 26th.

Read HERE the full letter. (Available in Albanian only).

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

Advocacy Contributes to Landmark Indictments in Kosovo Gender-based Violence Case

30.11.2019

Advocacy and monitoring by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), has contributed to another landmark indictment of six defendants on 30 October 2019 by the Basic Prosecution in Pristina, Kosovo.

The case involves a then 16-year-old girl who suffered sexual violence from her teacher. When she reported the case, the police investigator perpetrated further sexual violence against her. Four additional persons allegedly were involved in her abuse, including her lawyer. All six persons have been indicted.

When the case first became public in February 2019, some media portrayed the case in a scandalous manner, insensitively revealing the identity of the young woman. Further coverage and social media debate ensued, inappropriately “blaming the victim” for the sexual violence perpetrated against her and placing her in grave danger.

KWN immediately sought protection for the young woman and publicly demanded that the justice system be fully engaged in punishing such crimes against women and girls. KWN worked with institutions to ensure her full protection from further abuse.

KWN also participated in an organising group that engaged many citizens and activists in rallying publicly to demand justice. On 7 February, people protested in Pristina. Many protesters continued the following day, with transport supported by KWN, marching from the Drenas Gymnasium to the police station with the slogan “To Learning, against Rape”.

Representatives from KWN and the Kosovo Law Institute also arranged a meeting with the prosecutor engaged with this case.

According to Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa, KWN Board Chair, the meeting sought to ensure that the prosecution took appropriate steps using a “victim-centred approach”, particularly considering the “sensitivity of the case and her young age”. “It is very disappointing that the approach of ‘blaming the victim’ is still widespread, and this affects the way the case is proceeded,” Qosaj-Mustafa said.

Indeed KWN’s report “From Words to Action?”, published in 2018 with support from ADA, also found that several representatives of responsible institutions still blame victims for crimes perpetrated against them.

“These charges filed now by the Prosecutor show the role of civil society in monitoring the rights of victims during criminal proceedings,” added Qosaj-Mustafa. “We will continue to actively monitor this case and continuously seek to enforce the rights of the victim, as guaranteed by law, which unfortunately still lack implementation.”

The results of KWN’s advocacy, together with that of other activists and citizens, can be observed with the recently filed indictment. Although stories of institutional abuse have been murmured in the shadows, never before have they become so public. In KWN’s view, such a wide-reaching indictment against several institutions allegedly engaged in the abuse of a minor also represents a significant shift in how the public reacts to violence against women and how more citizens are becoming engaged in demanding accountability and justice. This is a result of the longer-term awareness-raising, monitoring and advocacy that KWN, among others has undertaken. It evidences that long-term support to work on such an important issue, can contribute to results over time.

“A life free from gender-based violence” remains a programmatic focus area in the KWN Strategy 2019-2022.

Other information: Find HERE the charges against the defendants. (Available in Albanian only).

HERE a recent BBC article on this case.

On November 6 in Drenas KWN launched the traveling exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence Behind Walls”, supported by ADA.

03.03.26

Motrat Qiriazi: Women’s Activism in Kosovo Since the 1990s Told in Book

27.02.26

Empowering Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Communities to Address GBV and TFGBV

25.02.26

Breaking the Silence: Gender Justice in Northern Kosovo

13.02.26

Under threat, and resilient

13.02.26

The Double Life of Growing Up Online and Being Safe

12.02.26

KWN Congratulates New Government, Calls for Urgent Gender Equality Reforms

Kosovo’s Heart Bleeds for Albania’s Suffering

28.11.2019

The earthquake that hit Albania this week has cost many lost lives. People are in despair, out in the open air, praying and hoping that their loved-ones will be miraculously saved after long hours of being trapped in the ruins of destroyed buildings.

In this moment of tragedy for so many families in Albania, the wounds of the war that hundreds of thousands of Kosovo Albanians felt are more alive than ever. Pictures of homeless people who lost loved-ones, people who lost everything they owned, the pain and the suffering, were all too familiar to Kosovo Albanians.

Twenty years ago, they were forced to escape the Serbian regime and its machinery, victims of horrendous crimes, losing loved-ones, leaving everything behind. Tired of escaping and walking for days, thirsty and starving, having not eaten for weeks, wounded, injured by the tortures inflicted on them, with destroyed souls and crushed dreams, nearly one million of them crossed the border into Albania.

In the warmth of ordinary people who came to their rescue, who generously opened their homes to shelter those who now had become refugees, at their modest tables where they shared their food, the Albanians of Kosovo found humanity, solidarity and sacrifice from Albanians in 1998 and 1999.

They saw the first glimpse of hope, a promise that a hand to raise them up and a shoulder to lean on would always be there. A promise was made that in trying times; we would never be alone.

The story today is, of course, different. Albania has been hit by a natural disaster, while 20 years ago the Albanians of Kosovo were victims of ethnic cleansing, of war crimes committed by the regime of Slobodan Milosevic. Nature versus man-made losses.

Yet, in the face of devastation, the bonds that we share as one people have always been there to keep us going.

As soon as the deadly earthquake hit Albania, from the very early hours of Tuesday, the Albanians of Kosovo rushed to come to their aid and support.

While the state undertook all the necessary measures to send specialist teams that would aid the rescue missions in Albania, people in Kosovo from all walks of lives mobilized in a remarkable way.

Gathering points opened all across the country. Fundraising initiatives at which people donated money immediately started. With tears in their eyes, and feeling distress for the tragedy that Albanian families are experiencing, providing food, clothes and shelter for Albanians has become the sole concern of everyone in Kosovo.

Take these small examples. A woman suffering from cancer responded to the call to donate funds; a policeman donated his entire month’s salary; a street chocolate seller in Prishtina donated his daily earnings for families in Albania.

Children in schools have sent food, clothes and books for their brothers and sisters in Albania, learning what solidarity is like. A football fan team tirelessly gathers donations and sends them to Albania. These are only some of the faces of hope we have witnessed in the last two days.

Every Kosovo media outlet is also there to cover every story, showing that Kosovo Albanians are with them, sharing every heart beat with families in Albania.

People open-heartedly call on anyone who wants to pass these devastating times in Kosovo to come and stay in their homes. While hundreds of cars, buses, trucks filled carrying humanitarian aid and people, volunteers have been heading to Albania like a river of hope to offer help.

They are committed to doing everything to relieve the pain even just a bit, to show the Albanians they are not alone, that together we can rebuild our lives, even from the ashes of destruction and despair.

What a unique show of solidarity, of humanity, of human love. It goes to the very core of the human relations we share. A nation whose people hold the torch of hope for one another. A lesson to be learned by everyone of what humanity stands for.

Jeta Krasniqi is a member of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) board, project manager at the Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI), leading the project European perspective building national consensus for normalization of relations with Serbia. Krasniqi graduated in International Affairs at the Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) specializing in EU and Western Balkans affairs.

This article originally appeared on in Balkaninsight.com.

Photo Credits to Kallxo.com.

03.03.26