KWN Contributes with Recommendations to Amend the Civil Code

10.01.2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

28.12.2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other information:  

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

24.12.2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                     Photo: Lëvizja Vetëvendosje, Facebook

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                    Photo: Lëvizja Vetëvendosje, Facebook

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A successful and exceptional experience

23.12.2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                              Photo: Kohnen during Pride Parade, Prishtinë 2019

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

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

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

 

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SGG Calls for Specialized Services for Addressing Sexual Violence and Support for Survivors

11.12.2019

Upon the closure of the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence under this year’s theme “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape!” the Security and Gender Group (SGG) calls upon  the new government to define roles and responsibilities and to build specialized services for addressing sexual violence whilst committing to join efforts in protecting and supporting its survivors.

 As a globally occurring and evidently the most under-reported crime, sexual violence needs to be addressed in a manner presenting the least risk to and the ones seeking assistance in the most dignified way. Relevant Standard Operating Procedures need to be developed, as a matter of urgency. The SOP’s should define the roles and responsibilities of each institution involved in supporting victims of sexual violence, and perpetrators should be held criminally liable and punished as prescribed by legal framework.

 Examinations conducted by Kosovo Forensic Institute show that majority of victims of sexual violence are  minors, with over 60% under 16 years old. The latest figures of sexual violence committed against minors are deeply shocking, but also reveal that not even the most vulnerable, whilst courageous find the appropriate response due to the lack of specialized services for sexual violence cases – vital to move beyond the trauma.

 Cognizant of stigma and fear that the survivors of this crime are faced with, the SGG commits to join efforts in promoting the rights of survivors of sexual violence and calls upon competent institutions to protect those rights by providing specialized training for all stakeholders involved to offer the support to which survivors are legally entitled, and establish specialized government-funded shelters for sexual violence survivors.

 Providing adequate and rehabilitative services is not only a sexual violence survivor’s right, but also a prerequisite for feeling safe and empowered, for ending impunity for perpetrators and closing the serious gap in under-reporting. SGG calls to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, educational institutions, community, media, civil society organizations and other institutional partners for sexual violence prevention efforts.

 We strongly condemn any act of violence against women and girls, and we amplify and unite our voices and efforts to end this intolerable suffering to society.

 

The Security and Gender Group (SGG) is a multi-stakeholder group, chaired by UN Women. The following institutions are members of SGG and support this public statement:

International organizations: UNKT agencies including the UN Development Coordinator, UN Women, UNFPA, UNHCR, UN Habitat, IOM, as well as the UN Mission in Kosovo, European Union in Kosovo/ EUSR, OSCE, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of Finland, Norwegian Embassy

Kosovo institutions: Agency for gender equality, Kosovo Police,

Women’s organizations and NGOs: Kosova Women’s Network, Kvinna till Kvinna, Kosova – Women 4 Women, NGO Zensko pravo(Women’s rights), KIPRED, Jahjaga Foundation, Kosovar Gender Studies Center, Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo

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KWN Part of Zensko Pravo’s Panel Discussion on Women’s Rights

10.12.2019

NGO Women’s Rights, a member organization of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), hosted an artistic performance and a debate on women’s and LGBTQ’s rights as human rights on December 10 at the premises of Gallery Aquarius, North Mitrovica.

During the 16 Days of Activism, dynamic panelists were brought together to discuss Kosovo’s challenges and opportunities to combat gender-based violence and discrimination.

Ružica Simić, executive director of NGO Women’s Rights; Igballe Rogova, executive director of KWN; Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa, chair of KWN board; and Ulrika Richardson, United Nation (UN) Development Coordinator in Kosovo, were part of the panel discussion.

This interactive debate focused on laws and mechanisms of Kosovo pertaining to human rights, and on international standards on this matter as well.

Richardson from the UN pointed out that awareness-raising is fundamental to changing the norms that keep women subordinate to men in society. She further emphasized the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the need for the continuous struggle for gender equality and combating gender-based violence.

During the debate, Rogova, Qosaj-Mustafa and Simić shared their knowledge and experiences as women’s activists. In a less-formal discussion, the panelists talked about women’s status throughout history.

Qosaj-Mustafa has spoken more broadly regarding the mechanisms required for human rights protection.

Part of the event was a performance titled “The Orange Feet”, which used art as a means to raise the awareness of all forms of gender-based violence and gender-roles. The presentation portrayed experiences of women and men suffering from violence motivated by intolerance for their gender identity.

 

 

 

 

 

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Ombudsperson  Launches Human Rights Platform 

10.12.2019

The Ombudsperson Institution has launched its new electronic guide, “Human Rights Platform”, during an event at the National Library “Pjetër Bogdani“ in Prishtina. 

The platform aims to promote the implementation of fundamental human rights and freedoms, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, international human rights acts, and applicable laws in Kosovo. 

This platform will serve to provide easier access to information about local and international human rights laws. The platform offers two guides making a structured link between legal and judicial instruments on human rights and 17 Sustainable Development Objectives. 

“The platform is a working tool that gives an overview of the Ombudsperson’s conventions, laws, and recommendations with just one click. The platform is accessible to all of us, free of charge, and I hope it will be an auxiliary tool for all citizens of Kosovo,” said Hilmi Jashari, Ombudsperson. 

Marta Gazideda from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said: “The platform we are launching today is aimed at effectively promoting basic human rights in Kosovo. The platform will also include stakeholder trainings.”  

The Human Rights Platform was designed by the Ombudsperson Institution and developed in cooperation with UNDP with financial support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Visit the platform HERE – http://hrg.rrota.com/ .  

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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.

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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). 

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

05.12.2019

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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