Kosovo Women's Network

EULOC holds its First Workshop on Promoting Gender Responsible Budgeting

27.11.2019

Gender structure model, gender budget mainstreaming and standard gender budgeting tools were some of the topics discussed at the workshop “Gender budgeting policies and practices at the municipal level” on November 27, supported by the European Union (EU) Office, through the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), implemented by the EULOC Local Reform Organization in Viti/Vitina.

The gender structure model, gender mainstreaming and various gender budgeting tools were a few of the topics discussed at EULOC’s “Gender budgeting policies and practices at the municipal level” workshop. Supported by the European Union (EU) Office, the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), the event was implemented by the EULOC Local Reform Organization in Viti/Vitina.

Melihate Osmani, EULOC Manager, outlined the importance of this project, explaining that it aims to improve the implementation of equitable gender budgeting at the local level.

Florim Brahimi, Executive Director at EULOC, discussed the implementation phases of this five-month initiative, which will include municipal officials, members of the Municipal Assembly, various committees, women’s groups, civil society members, and other stakeholders.

Latife Neziri, Training Consultant, emphasized the importance of involving women and men in all stages of the decision-making process.

“Gender budgeting is a budget analysis from a gender perspective, resulting in differences in its impact on men and women,” Neziri said.

Workshop participants included officials from different directorates of the Municipality of Viti/Vitina. They all received guidance about incorporating a gender perspective into budgeting.

As part of this initiative, EULOC signed cooperation agreements with the Municipality of Viti/Vitina to ensure greater implementation of the Law on Gender Equality and gender budgeting practices in Viti/Vitina.

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

In addition to the EULOC organization, there are 17 other member organizations benefiting from the 13th round of the KWF. You can read the full list HERE.

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OSCE Finds Violence against Women Widespread in Kosovo

26.11.2019

More than half of ever-partnered women in Kosovo say that they have experienced psychological, physical or sexual violence at the hand of and intimate partner since they were 15, according to a new report launched by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The report, ‘The Well-Being and Safety of Women in Kosovo’, was researched by IPSOS with support from the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN).

The survey which was presented by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo’s Gender Adviser, Ms. Biljana Nastovska revealed several important findings.

“Nearly two-thirds of women surveyed think that violence is not just indeed common, but very common in Kosovo,” said Ambassador Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. He emphasized the importance of mechanisms for victims to report misconduct or institutional failures to protect them.

Similarly, Adelina Berisha, KWN Advocacy and Research Officer on Gender-based Violence, highlighted the important role of women’s rights organisations who have worked hard for decades to improve the position of women and girls who have experienced different forms of violence.

“At a time when the country was still paving the way for local institutions, women-led organizations began to provide shelter for women and girls who were experiencing different forms of violence. Many organizations have been providing these services for over 20 years now,” said Berisha.

The report offers several specific recommendations for addressing violence against women.

Other keynoted speakers included: Vlora Nushi Tuzi, UN Women Kosovo; Ambassador Jan Braathu, OSCE Mission in Kosovo; Ambassador Nataliya Apostolova, Europe Union Office in Kosovo; Naim Qelaj, Kosovo Government Coordinator on Domestic Violence; and President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi.

Read the report HERE

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Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality Holds its Second Meeting for 2019

22.11.2019

More than 50 members of Kosovo Lobby for Gender Equality (KLGE) gathered for its second meeting in 2019, which was held today, on 22 November.

The meeting started with a discussion about the October 6th Parliamentary Elections. The discussion was generally positive since women won a large number of seats without the gender quota. Participants also discussed the success of KWN’s “Vote for more women in Parliament”, campaign, which took place September 25-29 and was supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.

“Early Parliamentary Elections brought to us an extraordinary big win, 26 women won without gender quota, and for this we have to thank each of you, because every one of you was engaged in strengthening and supporting women. This year was the year of solidarity”, remarked Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN).

KLGE members from Vitia, Peja, Vushtrria, Dragash, Novobërda, Gjilan, and Obiliq shared their experiences from the campaign.. They discussed the feedback they received from citizens during their door-do-door visits, including the willingness of men to vote for more women in Parliament.

Arijeta Skeraj, assembly member from Dragash, spoke of the solidarity among women, emphasizing even though Luljeta Berisha and I belong to different parties, I lobbied for her and we have always supported each-other”.

Shemsije Seferi, CSO Alma Pejë also appreciated the achievements of the campaign.

“Lobbying for women was so appropriate that all competing parties came to cooperate with us. All of them were eager to know about our campaign”, she said.

The lack of implementation of Law on Gender Equality (LGE), by institutions as well as by political parties, was also part of this joint-discussion. The lawsuit by the Ombudsperson Institution in Kosovo against the Central Election Commission of Kosovo is seen as motivation for parties to implement the law.

Selvie Rexhepi, deputy-mayor of Kllokot Municipality, greeted participants with the poem “A true friend”.

Lobby is with you, when life takes you down,

It is with you when fate abandons you,

Lobby is with you when your legs can’t walk,

They are all with you when your soul is shedding tears,

Lobby is with you when hopes are dashed,

Lobby is with you when dreams are ending,

It is still with you, when you find the courage,

Lobby is with you when you are seeking salvation,

Lobby is with you when you already won,

It is always with you, so do not stop moving,

Because you deserve it!

Participants had the opportunity to contribute to girls’ education by buying the book “The Journal of a Kosovar Woman” by activist Sevdije Ahmeti.

At the end of this meeting it was announced that the KWN Membership Annual Meeting will take place on 7 December 2019.

The KLGE meeting was supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

*****

Click HERE for the article about KLGE’s first meeting of 2019.

Click HERE to see pictures from the event.

*****

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KWN Contributes to the Discussion: The Progress and Challenges of Recognizing the Status of War-time Sexual Survivors

15.11.2019

Women’s organizations, Kosovar institutions, political representatives as well as international organization representatives and the diplomatic corps discussed the process of recognizing and verifying the status of Sexual Violence Victims from the war in Kosovo

The November 15th debate took place in Prishtina at the conference, Progress and Challenges, and was hosted by the Government Commission on Recognition and Verification of the Status of Sexual Violence Victims during the Kosovo Liberation War and the US Embassy Department of Justice.

The conference was organized to correspond with the 19th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Kosovo’s practices, the challenges of status verification, the importance of institutional cooperation, and fighting the stigma were all part of a two-panel discussion. During the discussion, Kosovo was cited as a positive example of a country who has successfully addressed this issue. Nevertheless, there is still a need for cooperation and ongoing progress.

The Commission has dealt with a promising number of cases that address the recognition of sexual violence victim status. 1143 applications were received, 730 decisions were made, and over 2200 cases were reviewed.

So far the Commission has made decisions on an average of 1.53 cases per day and has reviewed 4.62 cases per day. In the past 22 months the Commission has made decisions for 18.33 cases each month. These figures were publicly presented by Shpend Haxhibeqiri, psychiatrist and member of the Government Commission, at this Conference.

The Commission’s Chairwoman, Minire Begaj-Balaj, acknowledged that the verification process is difficult, but still encouraged survivors to apply for status recognition.

“In recent years treating the violence has gained global attention. The Commission started [this process] in 2018 and is taking its job seriously. The ongoing process is conducted with full confidentiality with each official representative doing their job [from start to finish] Kosovo’s efforts to [address the issue] have become a world model,” she said.

Alison Kosnett from the US Embassy, also discussed the importance of recognizing survivors of sexual violence.

“It is the responsibility of everyone, not just of the Commission, to ensure that survivors are treated with dignity and respect. Everyone has a responsibility to encourage survivors to seek the help needed for participating in society. I call you to resist stigma, in all its forms,” she said.

Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) took part in the First Panel which was titled: “The progress made in the process of verifying and recognizing the status of war victims. Practices and standards built in Kosovo, challenges of the verification and recognition process.”

“2012 was the year that woman sought to be recognized as civilian victims of war. The implementation of the Law on the Rights of Civilian Victims of War began this year. We have had many challenges, but together we faced them. Today, I want to speak with positivity so I can reach the survivors. Another challenge is the application for the verification of this status. Some people were saying: Where are these 20.000 cases? We cannot expect that all of them will apply. Not all have the possibility to apply, and [we need]to respect their decisions, and [not] put pressure on them”, said Rogova.

Vlora Tuzi-Nushi, Head of Office for UN Women in Kosovo, also praised the work of this Commission, which is the first of its kind.

“This commission was rated better than those in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia. Croatia has asked for our expertise, even though it has an entire team on it. Croatia is interviewing all applicants, while Kosovo interviews only when necessary,” Tuzi-Nushi said.

Participants of this conference appreciated the Commission’s work and stakeholders expressed their willingness to support the Government Commission in dealing with the numerous and ongoing challenges. During the event, participants also called for re-allocation of the Commission budget, explaining that needs of the Commission and the Secretariat still need to be met.

The Commission, was established to work on the recognition and institutional support of war-time sexual violence survivors so its role in sustaining human rights and advocating for all citizens of Kosovo, especially women, remains vital and irreplaceable.

During a visit to the Commission in June 2019, KWN expressed its unconditional support for the transparent and tireless work of the Commission. Further information about this visit can be found HERE.

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The Exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending violence behind walls” Opens in Drenas

06.11.2019

Today (November 6^th) citizens of Drenas had the opportunity to visit the exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending violence behind walls”, which has been stopping at cities throughout Kosovo since June 2019. The exhibition tells the stories of women and men who have experienced domestic violence, and encourages citizens to break their silence and seek institutional support for cases related to domestic violence.

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and the Center for the Promotion of Women’s Rights (QPDG) collaborated to bring the exhibition to Fehmi Lladrovci Square.

“We are aware of the most common problems that concern us as a society, including domestic violence. We are here to call for more institutional support from all other actors dealing with domestic violence cases” said Jetmira Morina, Social Worker at QPDG.

“According to statistics from January to November 2019, 34 cases of domestic violence were reported and initiated, which is 7 more than in 2018. Of this34 , 9 people were arrested and detained by the Prosecution, and 4 victims were taken to the shelter. I encourage everyone who hears of such cases to let us know since we are unable to know what is happening in every house, and neighbors know about their neighbors and what is happening next door, so we can prevent even the worst scenario” said Nazmije Rukiqi, an Investigator at the Domestic Violence unit at the Drenas Police Station.

An important part of the exhibition is called “Retaining Walls” and educates citizens about their rights in cases of domestic violence. It also provides contact information for institutions that can help with situations related to domestic violence.

The exhibition in the municipality of Drenas is supported by the Austrian Development Agency and the European Union through UN Women.

03.03.26

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25.02.26

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13.02.26

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Foto: Në ditën ndërkombëtare të gruas, më 8 mars 2006,

UN Resolution 1325 Remains Relevant to Dialogue, Justice in Kosovo 19 Years On

30.10.2019

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Nineteen years ago the United Nations Security Council adopted United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Since its adoption, women’s rights activists in Kosovo have consistently called for the implementation of this important Resolution.

The Resolution emphasizes women’s important role in peace-building and stresses the “importance of their equal participation and full involvement” at all levels of decision-making, including in negotiations. It also calls for the protection of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations, appropriate training for security personnel and justice for crimes against humanity, including sexual violence.

The Resolution: “Emphasizes the responsibility of all States to put an end to impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes including those relating to sexual and other violence against women and girls”.

Thus, Resolution 1325 remains very relevant in Kosovo today, 19 years after its adoption.

As Kosovo forms its new government that will re-enter dialogue with Serbia, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) calls on the governments of Kosovo, Serbia and international interlocuters, particularly the European Union, to uphold their commitments to implementing Resolution 1325 during the dialogue. In accordance with Resolution 1325, women must be fully and directly engaged in the dialogue both as government representatives and as citizens, consulted regularly during the process. The priorities and needs of diverse women must be represented in the dialogue.

“Negotiations cannot happen without 50% of the population having their interests represented at the table,” said KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova, who has advocated for the implementation of Resolution 1325 since its adoption.

For women of all ethnic groups, important aspects of the continued dialogue include resolving the status of missing persons and ensuring an “end to impunity” for sexual violence and other crimes, in accordance with Resolution 1325.

“There is no peace without justice,” Rogova emphasized.

From consistently calling for justice and reparations for sexual violence, to demanding that the United Nations Mission in Kosovo ensure women’s inclusion in the initially appointed Interim Administrative Council of Kosovo back in 2000, to repeatedly calling for women’s inclusion at all levels of government and decision-making in Kosovo, Kosovar women’s rights activists have regularly reminded international decision-makers and Kosovo authorities alike of their responsibilities to implement this Resolution since its adoption 19 years ago.

These requests remain very relevant today, as women’s equal participation and representation have yet to be realized in Kosovo in accordance with Resolution 1325, the Constitution of Kosovo and Kosovo’s Law on Gender Equality. Kosovo’s new government now has the opportunity to ensure this Resolution’s implementation moving forward.

For additional information about the implementation of Resolution 1325 in Kosovo, read KWN’s book: 1325 Facts & Fables.

On 8 March 2006, International Women’s Day, women’s rights activists hung a banner by the government and parliament in Pristina, reminding them that Resolution 1325 guarantees women’s right to participate in negotiations with Serbia.

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Peja and Prizren Welcomed the Exhibition “Break the silence: Ending violence behind walls”

30.10.2019

“Break the silence: Ending violence behind walls”, is a traveling exhibition that presents a symbolic labyrinth that shares stories gathered by Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) regarding women and men who have experienced domestic violence. The exhibition in Peja and Prizren was organized in collaboration with Centers for the Protection of Women and Children.

The exhibition, which aims to raise awareness about various forms of domestic violence, was visited by citizens of Peja and Prizren during the month of October. Visitors were given information about where they can receive support and how to report cases of domestic violence

Since June the exhibition has also been shown in Prishtina, Gjilan, Gjakova, Mitrovica, and Ferizaj. In upcoming months the exhibition will be open in Viti, Drenas and Malisheva.

282 citizens attended these two exhibitions, where they were exposed to some of the stories of the 68% of Kosovars who have experienced domestic violence.

Kosovo Women’s Network recently launched a phoneline offering legal assistance and counseling to victims of domestic violence, including those who feel they haven’t received proper treatment.

‘’The time of violence is in the past’’, “There is no violence in our families”, “Remember that men also experience violence”, were some of the comments of citizens who visited the exhibition.

The exhibition is supported by the European Union (EU) through UN Women (#EVAW) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA)

Find the Exhibition Brochure HERE.

More on this story:

”Break the Silence: Ending Violence behind Walls” exhibition opens for the citizens of Prizren.

“Break the Silence: Ending Violence Behind Walls” encourages reporting of domestic violence.

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”Break the Silence: Ending Violence behind Walls” exhibition opens for the citizens of Prizren

24.10.2019

The exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence behind Walls” this time was displayed for the citizens of Prizren. The Exhibition unfolded in Prizren’s city square, brings a symbolic maze that reveals some of the stories of the women and men who have experienced domestic violence, collected by KWN. The organizing of the exhibition was supported by Women’s and Children’s Shelter in Prizren.

The purpose of the exhibition is raising awareness of Kosovo citizens on how to report such cases of domestic violence as well as informing them, and where they can get institutional support.

The exhibition, also held in five other cities: Prishtina, Gjakove, Mitrovica, Ferizaj, and Peja, will also be displayed in other cities of Kosovo in the upcoming months.

“Taking into consideration that there are 1,330 cases of domestic violence, I encourage all of you to get the necessary information from this exhibition so we can all help and support the victims of domestic violence”, said Jubilea Kabashi, director of the Women and Children’s Shelter in Prizren.

“The purpose of the exhibition is to raise awareness and seek protection for domestic violence, and in case the institutions don’t handle the cases accordingly, the exhibition gives information where else you can seek support”, said Adelina Berisha, KWN

The exhibition is supported by the European Union (EU) through UN Women (EVAW) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

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Kosovo Women’s Fund to Give 66,429€ to 18 KWN Member Organizations

23.10.2019

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On Thursday, 24 October, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is organizing a press conference from 14:00 to 14:20 to officially announce recipients of Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) grants amounting to €66,429.50. KWN Executive Director, Igballe Rogova will speak, together with the Chief Political Adviser/Executive Coordinator of EU Office, Ms. Annette Fath Lihic, and the Head of Administration and Advisor of Private Sector, Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Mr. Arsim Aziri.

After the media conference, KWN will sign contracts with grant recipients. These grants have been made possible through support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the European Union Office in Kosovo. KWN will distribute a total of 16 grants to 18 member organizations, two of which are partnerships, totalling €13,424.00. Their initiatives will contribute to implementing the KWN Strategy 2019-2022, created jointly by KWN members.

Beneficiaries of KWF grants are:

Advocacy Grants for a Single Organization:

Active Women of Gjakova with the initiative “Development of a sustainable inter-institutional system for addressing gender-based violence and domestic violence in the municipality of Gjakova” (3,496.00€, supported by ADA)
NVO “Svet Andjela” with the initiative “Women in focus” (4,000.00€, supported by EU)
Initiative of Kosovar Woman with the initiative: “Improved access of women farmer and entrepreneurs of Gjakova Municipality to municipal subsidies” (3,760.00€, supported by ADA)
Down Sindrom Kosova with the initiative: “The kitchen X21” (3,980.00€, supported by ADA)
Kosovo Advocacy Group with the initiative: “Participation of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women in policy-making ” (4,985.00€, supported by EU)
Udruženje Poslovnih Žena WBA with the initiative: “Gender Equality Index in Local Self-Government in North Mitrovica” (4,997.00€, supported by EU)
Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations of Kosovo with the initiative: “Promoting employment by improving soft skills for Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women in Gjakova” (3,000.00€, supported by ADA)
The Organization Lulishtja with the initiative: “Advocacy for Economic Empowerment of Women Farmers in the villages of Highlands of Gollak” (3,080.00€, supported by ADA)
Hareja Organization with the initiative: “Do not be silent- Speak Up” (3,140.00€, supported by ADA)
Moravski Biser with the initiative: “The harmonization of traditional inheritance norms with the legal framework” (3,387.00€, supported by ADA)
Organization for local reforms “Euloc” with the initiative: “Promotion of gender responsible budgeting in local government in Viti) (4,990.50€, supported by EU)
Association for Education and the care of family with the initiative: “Increasing the efficiency of social services through the provisions of the Istanbul Convention” (3,420.00€, supported by ADA)
Art Without Limit with the initiative: “International Movie Festival for people with disabilities” (3,750.00€, supported by ADA)
United Women’s Association with the initiative: “Fair advocacy for women’s employment” (3,020.00€, supported by ADA)

Networking for Change Grants:

Udruzenje Zena Nas Dom & Women’s Centre for Rural Development with the initiative: “Partnership for Development (of women’s entrepreneurship development-friendly environment)” (7,614.00€, supported by ADA)
The organization Rikotta & Women’s Centre “ATO”: “Economic empowerment and capacity building of women in Prevalla and surrounding villages” (5,810.00€, supported by ADA).

KWN’s Kosovo Women’s Fund offers small grants for women’s organizations that lack of other funding opportunities and that want to work for women’s rights, especially groups working in rural areas and\or with marginalized persons. Since 2012, KWF has distributed 160 grants, supported 84 organizations, totalling 753, 747.46 €. It has had more than 20,855 beneficiaries. In 2019, the Kosovo Women’s Fund is receiving support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo and UN Women.

Please click HERE for the agenda for more information.

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Six Weeks at KWN, One Remarkable Experience for Beachboard

22.10.2019

Martine Robinson Beachboard’s first time in Kosovo will remain an inspiring, delightful and beneficial experience, in professional and personal capacities.

The six weeks (end of August-beginning of October) spent working closely with the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) were valuable in various ways for Prof. Beachboard, Communication Expert from United States of America (USA), Arizona.

While the clock is ticking and as her time in Prishtina came to an end, Beachboard shared her impressions, emphasizing the range of skills and talents that KWN staff have, and the hospitality of the people of Kosovo generally.

“The first word that comes to my mind is that it has been a privilege”, Beachboard said. “If you are in someone else’s country and they accept you nicely, then you are lucky and grateful. I wanted for a long time to come to Kosovo and work with KWN”.

As part of an 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 in developing strategic communications plans as well.

“I knew KWN was an organization with an important and interesting mission, and the more I researched I understood that this is a large and influential NGO. Once I arrived here, I found that among this staff exists the openness to becoming even stronger at their jobs. They are passionate and enthusiastic about increasing equality in various aspects of daily life, with a particular goal to achieve gender equality.” Beachboard said.

Her presence was very valuable for KWN staff members, who shared their gratitude for gaining hands-on experience from her input.

Public Relations (PR) Intern at KWN, Rudina Voca, appreciates the skills gained by working with Beachboard.

“Working with Prof. Beachboard was very helpful. She has remarkably mentored me in communication skills and the writing process. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to work with such an exemplary and visionary mentor”, Voca said.

Grants Assistant at Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), Mirjeta Dibrani, said that Beachboard was able to simplify communication-related issues.

“Prof. Beachboard manages to make clearer the way communication works; she makes things very comprehensible for all audiences”, Dibrani added.

This feeling seemed mutual, as Beachboard also acknowledged the impact KWN staff had on her professionalism and work.

“Whenever you are teaching, you are also learning. During workshops I had the great chance to learn from KWN staff different perspectives and involve myself in cultural exchange as well. Life is short and you have to make the most out of it”, Beachboard said, complementing this statement with her favourite slogan, “Carpe Diem”.

Beachboard’s schedule at KWN was pretty tight. Yet she fully immersed herself in this unique experience.

“I was impressed with this very effective exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence behind Walls”, which is really professionally done, and I think it is really beautiful to take it around to different municipalities. I had the chance to go to Gjakova for the exhibition, and to Prizren for the “Vote for more women in Parliament” campaign. It is inspiring for me to see people working with passion and good will.” she explained.

Beachboard brought her professional and academic expertise to KWN thanks to the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Prishtina, through Fulbright Foundation World Learning Program which promotes linkages between U.S. academics and professionals and their counterparts at institutions abroad. Her support to KWN was co-funded by the Austrian Development Agency.

Although she has travelled in more than 40 countries, Beachboard now reserves an exceptional corner in her mind and heart for her Kosovo experience.

***

During the time Beachboard spent here she was invited to give a TV interview.

Find here the link to this interview (available in English and Albanian): https://bit.ly/2LXSu8b.

***

03.03.26