Kosovo Women's Network

KWN Protests in Solidarity with the Kurds

19.10.2019

A significant number of citizens and activists joined the #RiseUp4Rojava protest on Saturday, October 19 to defend the Rojava. The event which was held in front on the National Theatre of Kosovo was organized by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN).

Marches and protests were held around the world on October 19 to show support for, and solidarity with, the Kurdish people in Rojava.

“Today, many protests are happening all over the world in solidarity with the Kurdish people. Let’s not forget that Kosovo also went through a similar period under Milosevic. During that time Milosevic killed us, raped us, got us out of our homes, and sent us abroad. We are joining this worldwide protest only to show solidarity with the Kurdish people, with all those Kurdish civilians dying every day, being violated by the Erdogan regime every day,” said Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of KWN.

She continued by stating that it is time for our country to stand in solidarity for those whose basic human rights are being violated.

“When we were subjected to torture, murder, and rape in the Milosevic era, the whole world gathered to protest for us. Therefore, it is time for us to show solidarity to others now,” added Rogova.

Rojava’s feminist movement is regarded as one of the largest feminist initiatives that the world has witnessed in recent years.

Unfortunately, the brutal assassination of Kurdish politician Hevrin Khalaf in northern Syria on October 12 by pro-Turkish forces sparked worldwide protests and turned Rojava into a symbol of protest.

More information about the worldwide RiseUp4Rojava initiative can be found at the link HERE.

# RiseUp4Rojava

# NgrituPërRojavan

03.03.26

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KWN Opens Two Calls for Grants during October

17.10.2019

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) member organizations, as well as other civil society groups from the region, now have two more opportunities to improve the position of women in society and promote gender equality.

This is possible thanks to two grants that were presented in Prishtina by KWN staff on October 17. Approximately 40 potential beneficiaries were introduced to the 14th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) which is supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and UN Women.

Diellza Olluri, KWF Coordinator, initially showed the application procedures with participants urging youth-led organizations to apply.

“The KWF 14th round comes after a long successful collaboration with our member organizations. Throughout the years the fund has supported organizations and increased their capacity. Together this time we will be achieving the best results from your ideas”, said Olluri.

Similar to previous open calls, organizations can apply for two types of grants: an individual advocacy grant for a single organization, and a partnership change advocacy grant where two organizations can apply for a joint initiative.

Participants also gathered on October 17 to learn about the call for applications announced as part of the European Union (EU) funded project “Promoting Women’s Labor Rights” by the Swedish Development Cooperation.

Gentiana Murati, Grants Manager, and Adelina Tërshani, Project Coordinator, presented the guidelines for the application, and shared findings from the report: “Gender Based Discrimination and Employment in the Western Balkans”.

“This report reveals that women’s participation in the labor force remains very low. In view of these troubling results, the Coalition of Women’s Rights Organizations launched this project to demand accountability from relevant institutions for the implementation of anti-discrimination legislation in the labor market. This call is a great opportunity for us to contribute together to increase women’s participation in the labor force,” said Murati.

Sanije Grajqevci, Director of Aureola Organization, appreciated the information.

“The infusion was very clear, now I find it much easier to apply to all EU grants because I finally understood the application process correctly,” said Grajevci.

Implementing partners for this initiative are: Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Reactor – Research in Action from Northern Macedonia, Gender Alliance for Development Center (GADC) from Albania, Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Banja Luka from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Women’s Rights Center from Montenegro, and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation from Sweden through its office in Serbia.

This briefing session will continue in other Western Balkan (PB) countries.

***

Applications for these two types of grants can be found HERE.

On October 24, KWN officially announced the beneficiaries of KGK’s 13th round.

***

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

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KWN Presents in Brussels New Report on Gender-based Discrimination, Labour in Balkans

16.10.2019

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Brussels 15 -16 October 2019

Today a representative of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) presented a new report on Gender-based Discrimination and Labour in the Western Balkans in Brussels during the “10^th Regional Coordination Meeting of the EU Candidate Countries and Potential Countries” organized by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

The research suggests that labour-related gender-based discrimination is a key issue hindering women’s employment, as well as undermining their labour rights in the Western Balkans (WB).

“Are you married? Do you have children? Do you plan to have children? Unfortunately these are common job interview questions in the Western Balkans”, said Nicole Farnsworth, KWN Program Director and Lead Researcher, who presented the report. More than 60% of women research respondents had been asked such questions.

While differing by country, up to one-third of respondents had faced violations of maternity leave rights. Meanwhile, in most countries more than a third of respondents had experienced sexual harassment at work, primarily by male supervisors.

The research report contains several recommendations for WB institutions as well as the European Union (EU), including the adoption and implementation of legal reforms on gender-based discrimination, improved monitoring, awareness-raising of people regarding their rights and the importance of continued support to women right’s organisations.

The report was researched and written by a coalition of women’s rights organisations from the Western Balkans, including the Kosovo Women’s Network , 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 from Sweden through its office in Serbia.

Supported by the EU and the Swedish International Development Agency, the study is part of a broader regional initiative aimed at addressing gender-based discrimination and improving women’s labour rights. The report will inform the initiatives of this coalition and their partners.

The regional report was first launched two weeks ago at the EU in Brussels.

Other topics discussed at today’s event in Brussels included the shrinking space for gender equality and women’s rights organisations; current gender equality priorities in the EU; and development of national Gender Equality Indices in the WB.

Other speakers at the event included: Mira Banerjee, Head of Knowledge Management and Communication Unit, EIGE; Liselotte Isaksson, Head of Sector, Western Balkans Regional Cooperation and Programmes – Civil Society and Social Inclusion, Directorate General for European Neigbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations; Olga Martin Gonzalez, Gender Equality Coordinator, Centre of Thematic Expertise Rule of Law/Fundamental Rights, Democracy, Directorate; Elisa Mincheva, International Relations Officer, Directorate General for Justice, Consumer Rights and Gender Equality; Dragana Dardic, Executive Director, Helsinki Citizens Assembly;Yolanda Iriarte, Regional Programme Manager/Programme Specialist, Ending Violence against Women, UN Women Europe and Central Asia Regional Office; Marry Collins, Senior Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, European Women’s Lobby.

Event participants included representatives of gender equality mechanisms like the Agency for Gender Equality in Kosovo, statistical agencies and EU gender focal points from the WB.

The meeting followed on the official launching of the EU Gender Equality Index yesterday.

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

Gender Equality Index Shows “Snail’s Pace” Progress towards Gender Equality in EU

15.10.2019

Today the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) launched their latest Gender Equality Index for 2019. Representatives of the Government of Kosovo, European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo and the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) attended, among others from throughout the EU, Western Balkans and beyond.

Overall, the newly published data suggest that the EU has progressed towards gender equality at a “snail’s pace”, with EU countries moving only 5.4 points closer to gender equality in the last 12 years.

“Europe is getting closer to gender equality,” Blandine Mollard, Research Officer at EIGE concluded in her presentation of the 2019 Gender Equality Index, “but not everywhere, not in every aspect, and clearly not fast enough.”

With absolute equality at 100, on average the EU scores 67.4. Sweden and Denmark remain leading countries in terms of gender equality. While some countries improved their scores, such as Portugal (+3.9), Estonia (+3.1) and Croatia (+2.5), other countries have regressed since 2015, including Poland (-1.6), Lithuania (-1) and the Netherlands (-0.8).

When looking at specific domains within the index, the greatest gender inequalities exist relating to power, knowledge and time. Slight improvements occurred related to money and work. Gender equality is greatest in relation to health, though inequalities still exist. EIGE identified gender segregation, gender norms around care and gender inequalities in pay as the main factors “stalling” gender equality.

Meanwhile, Virginija Langbakk, EIGE Director, observed that data remains lacking in many important areas, including related to violence, rape and femicide.

Gains in the power domain were strongly linked to legislative changes, namely quotas for women’s participation in politics.

“Where there are binding measures, we see progress”, observed Joanna Maycock, Secretary General of the European Women’s Lobby (EWL). Yet, there is no country in the EU that has achieved gender equality, she said. Beyond gender stereotypes, she attributed continued gender inequalities to austerity measures. She said that austerity measures are a “disaster for the EU on every level: socially, economically, and politically” and particularly for women’s rights. She emphasized the need to “invest in quality services from a gender equality lense”.

This is a responsibility of politicians and institutions to ensure state funds for childcare, early education, elderly care and other services that support the furthering of equality.

Other research by EIGE has found a shrinking space for civil society, which has had consequences for persons who have suffered domestic violence in particular.

EWL also has observed “closing democratic space for women’s organisations … from the Baltics to the Balkans”, Maycock said.

The need to invest in the women’s movement as a clear, key driver of change towards gender equality was observed by several speakers.

They also discussed the importance of reframing the dialogue and showing that supporting gender equality is not an “additional cost”, but rather an “investment” in a better society. There was a call to ensure that the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework for the next seven years be reviewed from a gender perspective and to ensure gender budgeting, a treaty obligation. Long-term measures towards gender equality require long-term financial investments to bring about changes towards gender equality.

In addition to the EU Gender Equality Index, EIGE presented their Work-Life Balance Scoreboard, which examined parental lave, long-term care, childcare, public infrastructure, flexible working arrangements and lifelong learning in the EU. Speakers discussed how infrastructure such as public transport availability and access to childcare services affect gender equality.

For example, only 11 EU countries have reached the Barcelona Objective targets for early childhood education and care availability. Research has shown that childcare facilities have the biggest effect on reducing gender inequalities.

While some WB countries have established the Gender Equality Index, Kosovo is still in the process of developing it. The index can provide key information that supports decision-making by government officials and legislators, towards creating better informed policies that contribute to the wellbeing of both women and men.

03.03.26

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

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Civil Society Invited to Submit Proposals for Furthering Women’s Labour Rights

14.10.2019

A coalition of women’s rights groups in the Western Balkan (WB) welcomes diverse civil society organisations (CSOs) in the region to submit proposals for initiatives that will further women’s labour rights and address gender-based discrimination. An estimated €200,000 is expected to be granted to 14 CSOs for their initiatives to be undertaken between 2020 and 2021.

Throughout the WB, women’s participation in the labour force remains low. Recently released evidence suggests that labour-related gender-based discrimination is widespread and represents a key barrier that undermines women’s participation in the labour force.

To address this, a coalition of women’s rights organisations has initiated a 46-month Action to ‘Empower CSOs in Combatting Discrimination and Furthering Women’s Labour Rights’ in the WB, funded by the European Union and co-funded by Swedish International Development Agency. The Action aims to empower and support diverse CSOs in holding relevant institutions accountable for implementing anti-discrimination legislation related to women’s labour rights.

The partners acknowledge the need to build a broad, diverse coalition to address the several challenges identified and forms of gender-based discrimination detailed in their recent research. Therefore, they are launching a call for proposals that will provide financial support, enabling other CSOs to engage in implementing research recommendations. The grants to be provided will support CSOs’ important work, including:

Legal aid and court monitoring of gender-based discrimination cases
Advocacy for legal/policy changes and/or improved institutional response, as per research recommendations
Awareness-raising and empowering diverse women to report discrimination

Grants will be coupled with tailored support to CSOs and networking opportunities. Interested CSOs are invited to attend an information session at 13:00-15:00 on 17th Oct 2019 at Hotel Sirius – Prishtina

The partners engaged in implementing this action are: Kosovo Women’s Network,  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 from Sweden through its office in Serbia.

The Application deadline: 9 November 2019

For further information please see the Call for Applications, or contact: grants@womensnetwork.org

Press Release for sub-grantees – Call of proposals (1),

28.03.25

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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

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17.10.24

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

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

14.10.2019

18 grants recipients of a total of 16 grants from the 13th grant round of Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), have been officially announced.

This happened today on Thursday, 24 October when KWN organized the Orientation Session and the Press Conference to officially announce recipients of these grants, the total amount of which is 66,429.50 €.

These grants, two of which are partnerships, are funded by European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo and Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

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

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

Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director, during the Press Conference highlighted that “The main purpose of the Fund is to jointly implement the Kosovo Women’s Network Strategy, and you already know that we have the new Strategy 2019-2022 for which we still have a lot of work to do. Given the motivation and commitment you have shown, indeed, it is you who are implementing it. I am confident that we will implement the strategy above 98 percent, and I am confident that we will succeed together again.”

Annette Fath Lihic, Chief Political Adviser/Executive Coordinator of EU Office in Kosovo, EU Special Representative has appreciated KWN’s work toward advancing women’s position in the society.

“We know how hard you have worked throughout all this time and EU is proud of continuing its financial support for such projects and contribute toward advancing women’s situation,” said Lihic.

Arsim Aziri, Head of Administration and Advisor Private Sector, Austrian Development Agency (ADA) said that gender equality should be included in every activity.

“This is the 13th round so far, and we are happy to continue cooperating with KWN. ADA supports KWN in other projects as well, such as activities improving the situation of women and girls, for their interests, for inclusion in politics, their strengthening in politics, and in achieving gender equality. Just like your member organizations, ADA is also focused and pays close attention to include gender equality in every activity and project that we support”, said Aziri.

KWN and its member organizations signed contracts for grants, as following:

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).

Currently, KWF has two other open calls. One of them is the Call for Applications within the 14th grant round of KWF, which is only available for KWN member organizations, which you can access online HERE. The other one is the call for Furthering Women’s Labour Rights, which is open for all civil society organizations from Kosovo and the region too, which you can find online HERE.

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 and UN Women.

Watch a live streaming of this 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

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

11.10.2019

The traveling exhibition had its first stop for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Peja.

Citizens of Peja gathered at Shkëlzen Haradinaj Square for the exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence behind walls” organized by Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) in partnership with Women Shelter Peja.

Adelina Berisha, Advocacy and Research Coordinator on Gender-Based Violence of KWN, opened the exhibition with a speech on how important it is to report domestic violence.

“An estimated 68% of Kosovar women have experienced domestic violence in their lifetimes, while many incidents go unreported” said Berisha.

The event is part of a KWN awareness campaign that has been showcased in major municipalities across the country since June. The exhibition began in Prishtina, Gjakova, Mitrovica and Ferizaj before making its way to Peja for the month of October. The exhibition will continue to travel through other municipalities as well.

“We must remember that every person can be a victim, and unfortunately always the primary need of the victim is shelter” said Ardita Bala, director of Women Shelter. “The shelter is obliged to provide a safe and secure place”.

The exhibition encouraged people to break their silence and to seek support from institutions when violence occurs. The event was organized to raise awareness about different forms of domestic violence and to provide citizens with specific information about local support institutions and how to contact them.

“Over the years we have made progress because domestic violence is being reported unlike previous years” said Sebahate Qorkadiu from the Office for Gender Equality, Municipality of Peja

Exhibition “Break the Silence: Ending Violence Behind Walls” is supported by the European Union (EU) through UN Women (#EVAW) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADASA

Find the exhibition brochure HERE.

Read more about each of these exhibitions:

‘Break the Silence:Ending Violence Behind Walls’ Exhibition tours three Kosovo cities

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 Joins the Call for Revocation of The Nobel Prize to Handke

11.10.2019

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) joins local and international voices by strongly condemning the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2019 to Austrian laureate Peter Handke.

Handke, infamous as a supporter of Slobodan Milosevic’s regime, has openly denied the massacres that took place in the Balkans and opposed the NATO intervention in Kosovo. He participated in the funeral of war criminal Milosevic and publicly suggested that Sarajevo Muslims massacred themselves.

KWN seeks to remind the world that 20,000 people were sexually assaulted during the Milosevic regime in Kosovo. Today, 20 years after the end of the war, over 1,600 people are still missing.

KWN has worked towards equality, freedom and democratic values for more than two decades and believes that by awarding Handke the prestige of the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy has shown disrespect to the victims of Serbian aggression and chauvinism.

Criticism towards the Swedish Academy’s decision is especially strong following a recent sexual harassment scandal and the selection of only 15 female laureate in 120 years.

As a sign of solidarity with those who fight for freedom and equality as core democratic values, KWN joins the call for revocation of this decision by the Swedish Academy.

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

Under the slogan “Whomever Your Heart Beats For”, Prishtina welcomes the Pride Parade

10.10.2019

For the third consecutive year the Pride Walk was hosted by the LGBTI community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex), various activists and human rights defenders.

October 10 brought together hundreds of activists under the slogan “Whomever Your Heart Beats For” at Skenderbeu Square in downtown Pristina.”

“Today is the day where we, after a very long time of being forced to hide, are taking over the streets with great pride for the third time,” said Lend Mustafa, Coordinator of the Center for Equality and Liberty (CEL), after the parade.

He also mentioned the difficulties that women and girls of this community face.

“Our hearts beat for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women who face the patriarchal system of this country every day besides facing homophobia and transphobia,” said Mustafa.

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was part of this parade organized by Center for Social Group Development (CSGD), The Center for Equality and Liberty (CEL) with partner organizations Civil Rights Defenders (CRD) and Youth Initiative Human Rights (YIHR KS).

Pride week offered numerous activities on October 7, 8 and 9th and addressed issues regarding the current situation of LGBTI people in Kosovo as well the many injustices they face in improving their position in Kosovo society.

For more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j91r-GN93aY

#WhomeverYourHeartBeatsFor

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

New Study Reveals Widespread Gender-Based Discrimination at Work in the Western Balkans

04.10.2019

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Today, a new research report by a coalition of women’s rights organisations from the Western Balkans titled ‘Gender-based Discrimination and Labour in the Western Balkans’ was presented at an event in Brussels. Supported by the EU and Swedish International Development Cooperation, the study is part of a broader regional initiative aimed at addressing and tackling gender-based discrimination and improving women’s rights related to labour.

Some key findings of the report presented at the launch-event include:

Gender-based discrimination is widespread, particularly regarding hiring, promotion, maternity leave and sexual harassment.
While relevant international instruments have been ratified, the legal frameworks pertaining to discrimination are fragmented and often inconsistent across the region. Different standards of protection, procedures and sanctions applicable under various laws contribute to the confusion.
Few institutions from the Western Balkans responsible for addressing labour-related gender-based discrimination maintain clear data about its prevalence.
While relevant institutions seem generally knowledgeable about their responsibilities to address gender-based discrimination at work, few cases have been reported so institutions lack practical experience in treating such cases. 
People generally lack awareness on where gender-based discrimination can be reported.

Gender-based discrimination is widespread, particularly regarding hiring, promotion, maternity leave and sexual harassment.

While relevant international instruments have been ratified, the legal frameworks pertaining to discrimination are fragmented and often inconsistent across the region. Different standards of protection, procedures and sanctions applicable under various laws contribute to the confusion.

Few institutions from the Western Balkans responsible for addressing labour-related gender-based discrimination maintain clear data about its prevalence.

While relevant institutions seem generally knowledgeable about their responsibilities to address gender-based discrimination at work, few cases have been reported so institutions lack practical experience in treating such cases.

People generally lack awareness on where gender-based discrimination can be reported.

During the event, Vaska Leshoska, Researcher from Reactor-Research in Action, also presented real, harrowing stories from women in the region, including a woman from Montenegro, who said:

“I was supposed to replace a girl who was on maternity leave. They planned to fire her after. They told me that I was not allowed to get pregnant for two years.”

In addition, the research report entails a number of recommendations for institutions from the Western Balkans as well as for the EU on a variety of topics, including the adoption and implementation of reforms on gender-based discrimination, improved monitoring approaches, and continued support to women right’s organisations.

Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission underlined: “There is an urgent need for more action to tackle gender-based discrimination across the region and at all levels. The EU is working with governments, private sector representatives and civil society towards the necessary reforms and actions in this area, and will continue providing other support to foster gender equality and women’s empowerment in the region. Over the past years, our assistance has already delivered concrete results in important areas, such as the fight against gender-based violence and support to women’s rights organizations.”

Background:

The report was researched and written by a coalition of women’s rights organisations from the Western Balkans, including the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), 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 from Sweden through its office in Serbia.

It includes a comparative analysis of relevant legal frameworks in the Western Balkans, findings on the prevalence and nature of labour-related gender-based discrimination and how institutions have treated such cases, as well as targeted recommendations.

Speakers at the launch event included: Colin Wolfe, Head of Unit for Western Balkans Regional Cooperation and Programmes, European Commission; Lisa Bjuggstam, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Department for Foreign and Security Policy, Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU; Gordon Purvis, Policy Officer – European Integration Negotiator European Commission, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Western Balkans, Montenegro; Christiane Westphal, Policy Officer – International Issues Unit, European Commission Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion; Nicole Farnsworth, Program Director, Lead Researcher, KWN; David Ryan, Co-author, KWN; and Vaska Leshoska, Researcher, Reactor-Research in Action.

The full report is available at: https://womensnetwork.org/publications/gender-based-discrimination-and-labour-in-the-western-balkans/

For further information, please contact: Nicole Farnsworth, KWN Program Director and Lead Researcher at Nicole@womensnetwork.org.

28.03.25