KWN: Publication of wartime sexual violence photos, violation of the dignity of survivors

16.05.2019

Pristina – Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) on May 16 through a Press Release expressed its deep concern due to a publication of a photograph showing a group of soldiers raping a woman in front of her family, which was made public by Member of Parliament Florina Brovina.  

KWN considers that Brovina by this action has violated the principle of dignity of the survivors of the wartime sexual violence , recalling that the body of the survivor of Kosovo Wartime sexual violence is also exposed by this photography. Besides, Mrs.Brovina has violated the Article 23 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, which stipulates that human dignity is inviolable and is the basis of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.  

The picture showing the woman being raped in front of her family, besides being emotionally difficult and disturbing, can also affect the deterioration of this survivor’s emotional and psychological state. Furthermore, it may discourage other wartime sexual violence survivors from  reporting and also serve as a dangerous precedent for all women and girls reporting sexual violence what they can expect from the process.  

Through this Press Release KWN seeks from Kosovo’s Parliament Members that in order to fulfil obligations within their mandate to demand accountability from the Courts, both national and international, for the lack of institutional response and dignified treatment of wartime sexual violence cases committed during the recent war in Kosovo.   

 

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KWN: Publication of wartime sexual violence photos, violation of the dignity of survivors

16.05.2019

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Pristina – Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) followed with concern the today’s publication of a photograph that proves the rape of a woman by Serbian military forces during the wartime in Kosovo, disclosed for public by Member of Parliament Florina Brovina.

KWN considers that Mrs.Brovina by this action has violated the principle of dignity of the survivors, recalling that the body of the survivor of sexual violence during the wartime in Kosovo is also exposed by this photography. Besides, Mrs.Brovina has violated the Article 23 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, which stipulates that human dignity is inviolable and is the basis of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The picture illustrating the woman being raped in front of her family, besides being emotionally difficult and disturbing, can also affect the deterioration of this survivor’s emotional and psychological state. Furthermore, it may discourage other wartime sexual violence survivors from reporting and also serve as a dangerous precedent for all women and girls reporting sexual violence what they can expect from the process.

KWN calls upon the media to remove and stop disseminating this picture which violates the victim’s dignity, protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo which may serve as evidence to the justice institutions, but it should never be circulated in public this way.

KWN calls on everyone’s attention to extend their support to survivors, and to work on preserving their dignity by not re-traumatizing them and their family members. KWN calls upon the Kosovar institutions on their initiatives to be comprehensive, without anyone’s exclusion, such as the voted Resolution in the Assembly of Kosovo. For 20 years, women’s organizations have provided support for those men and women, while institutions for 17 years have remained voiceless.

In a media statement, Mrs.Brovina claims that these evidences were presented to the judiciary, but according to her, neither the Special Prosecution nor EULEX interviewed these victims. If this is the case, KWN strongly and without any reserve supports any institutional path seeking justice for the survivors of sexual violence during the wartime in Kosovo, however this action of Mrs.Brovina has not contributed to achieving justice, finding perpetrators of such crimes or to a dignified treatment of the survivors of sexual violence during the wartime in Kosovo.

Through this Press Release KWN seeks from Kosovo’s Parliament Members that in order to fulfil obligations within their mandate to demand accountability from the Courts, both national and international, for the lack of institutional response and dignified treatment of wartime sexual violence cases committed during the recent war in Kosovo.

 

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INJECT calls on Joint Advocacy for Family Law Implementation  

15.05.2019

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) participated in the workshop organized on 15 May by Initiative for Justice and Equality (INJECT) on advocacy for the implementation of Family Law, within the initiative “My work, my property”.

This workshop was held together with representatives of non-governmental organizations and civil society activists, which gave a joint contribution to the discussion and conveyed their readiness to further advocate to relevant institutions for the Family Law implementation.

Luljeta Aliu, Executive Director of INJECT expressed appreciation for the participants, with whom jointly identified the important allies and actors who will assist in successful advocacy.

In this regard, she also highlighted the significance of the organizations’ support working to advance girls’ and women’s rights.

“Your help is extremely necessary, considering that many civil society organizations have come a long way and have a deep knowledge on the advocacy process. In this matter, women’s organization, and especially Kosovo Women’s Network make for our greatest allies”, said Aliu.

This was the first meeting of this group, called for the purpose of establishing a coalition for cooperation in addressing the issue of institutional accountability regarding the lack of implementation of the Family Law as well as other applicable provisions regulating women’s rights.

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KWN, Shelters Cooperate to Change the Law on Domestic Violence Protection

10.05.2019

On May 10 representatives of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) together with shelter representatives of Safe House-Gjakovë, Hope and Homes for Children, Centre for Protection of Women and Children- Prishtinë, Women’s Wellness Centre, Centre for Protecting Victims and Preventing Trafficking in Human Beings (PVPT), Centre for Protection and Rehabilitation of Women and Children Liria- Gjilan discussed about the amendment of the Law on Domestic Violence Protection.

The focus of this meeting was the establishment of sustainable funding opportunities for shelters and other day-care centres which provide services to victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence.

Nazife Jonuzi, Director of Centre Liria, has shared with the attendees part of her experience from their everyday work.

“In addition to shelter, we also provide meditation, legal advices, and social counselling for women”, she said.

KWN Advocacy Coordinator, Adelina Berisha, emphasized the need for such co-operations to accompany the whole amendment process of this law, in order to achieve as dignified representation of the victims as possible.

“This law will also guarantee that the work of shelters and day-care centres for victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence will find sustainable financial support in order to provide the utmost services to these victims. This is a moment that should be taken advantage of, as your role and experience are fundamental to these recommendations that we will draft today”, Berisha said.

After a fruitful discussion, the participants drafted the recommendations sent to the Committee on Human Rights, Gender Equality, Missing Persons and Petitions of the Assembly of Republic of Kosovo.

The participants agreed with the amendment of Article 31 which they proposed to label: Non-governmental organizations that provide special social and family services. Also, in this article it is proposed to ensure that “shelters will be funded through a separate budget line, within social services, provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW). Whereas in Article 30 “Data Gathering”, it was proposed to “add a definition which would specify that also the children should be considered domestic violence victims or gender-based violence victims, besides women.

This meeting was supported by UN Women.

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Kosovo Student Appreciates Internship Experience at KWN

08.05.2019

Ardita Avdija from Gjakova was a Public Relation (PR) intern at the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) for four months, respectively from September to December 2017. She is currently on the eve of graduation from the Department of Psychology at the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”.

Today, almost a year and a half after Avdija finished her internship at KWN, she is working on her thesis on Gender Roles and Stress. This comes as an inspiration stemming from her hands-on experience at KWN. Her interest and increased engagement on gender equality-related issues is just one of the things she gained from this internship.

“The internship at KWN has better equipped me with professional writing and editing skills. It was a great and an important experience too, especially for a student. Today I feel fortunate to have been part of a great organization such as KWN,” said Avdija while sharing the lessons that she has carried forward from her experience at KWN.

During the time spent at KWN she mainly wrote stories about activities carried out by KWN and its member organizations, dealt with public relations and also supported logistical organizing when needed, in line with the team spirit at KWN, where everyone chips in.

 “Such a commitment was very beneficial for me in order to be able to understand the obstacles that Kosovar girls and women face on a daily basis, in private and public spheres,” she emphasized. She used this experience to enlarge her understanding of what a women’s rights movement looks like, which, without a doubt, made her want to continue her work and career in this area.

Avdija’s internship is among several supported by the Corvallis Branch of Altrusa. Altrusa was established in 1962 as the charitable arm of Altrusa International. It funds the development and implementation of effective community services and leadership programs around the world.

More information about Avdija’s profile and her participation in this internship is available HERE.

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KWN’s Proposal for Heroinat Monument to be Named “Sevdije Ahmeti” discussed

07.05.2019

Pristina – The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) on 19 Feb. 2019 proposed to the mayor of Prishtina Municipality, Shpend Ahmeti that as part of the marking of 20th anniversary of the Kosovo’s liberation following a holy war of Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and NATO’s intervention, to name the square where the Heroines Monument is placed after the name of a woman’s personality, a great contributor to human’s rights, especially to women’s rights, Sevdije Ahmeti (1944-2016).

On this occasion, on May 7 with the invitation of Mayor Ahmeti, a meeting was held between him and the Executive Director of KWN, Igballe Rogova to discuss more about this proposal.

Recalling that Sevdije Ahmeti is among the first activists fighting for women’s rights in Kosovo, a movement that began in the ‘90s vis-à-vis the demand for freedom and independence.

Mayor Ahmeti in principle agreed with the KWN proposal, however this proposal is expected to be discussed and hopefully approved in the Municipal Assembly of Prishtina.

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OPDMK Advocates for the Participation of Women with Disabilities in Politics 

07.05.2019

The Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK) on May 7 in Prizren held its first informative session on the “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics” initiative.  

OPDMK is part of this four-year initiative, which is implemented by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) along with Ruka Ruci organization, and the European Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), and is supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.  

This meeting was attended by 21 female participants, including girls and women with disabilities, representatives from the Association of the Blind People and the Association of the Deaf, both from Prizren, as well as by the mothers of girls with disabilities.  

Director of OPDMK, Antigona Shestan while introducing this initiative, stated that KWN represents a strong supportive voice.  

“This initiative gives us high hope for girls and women with disabilities, this initiative helps us to continue the path where we left it. We will not be part of the politics, but we will be the ones that push politics forward”, she said.  

Whereas, Project Coordinator at KWN, Vesa Zatriqi, revealed the expected results from the implementation of this initiative.  

“Through this collaboration we aim to achieve gender equality. For us to have also women with disabilities as well as women from non-majority communities in decision-making process and in politics”, stated Zatriqi.  

Further, Manager of the Handikos Center in Prizren, Egzona Hoxhaj, said that it is of a crucial importance for people with disabilities, especially for women with disabilities to fight for their rights.  

“It is a pity that when you have a meeting, the biggest concern is how to find a place which is easily accessible. Always advocate for the elevator to exist, for a wheelchair ramp to exist” she said. 

Administrator at one of the schools of Suhareka, Ganimete Morina, shared her experience with the participants.  

“Each day I have to face moving up to the second floor, but slowly they have started to help me every day, they are now accustomed to me, I have become part of them. They have also realized that we need access, wanting to do their utmost to provide access, and this not solely for me, but for everyone”, she said.  

Resmije Rrahmani, OPDMK, brought into a discussion that girls and women are generally discriminated, but girls and women with disabilities face a multiple discrimination. 

“Women with disabilities, especially those from rural areas should engage more in the decision-making process. It is important for us to vote for women, I believe that a woman in local and central assembly can understand us more than a man can understand us”, Rrahmani said.  

At the end, the participants agreed to cooperate as closely as possible with each-other in advancing the rights of women with disabilities.  

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

An information session within this initiative has also held the organization Ruka Ruci, for which you can read more HERE.  

 

 

 

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KWN Marks 1 May by Protesting, Seeks Employment without Discrimination

01.05.2019

Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) joined the 1st of May protest on International Worker’s Day, seeking equal opportunities for employment with a salary that ensures dignified life, health insurance, security at work, and employment without discrimination for all regardless of ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The protest began at 12 PM in the amphitheatre of “Zahir Pajaziti” square in the capital city, to continue parading in front of the institutions that are responsible for respecting worker’s right and improving the working conditions in Kosovo, especially in the private sector. Thus, the protesters marched to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW), the Police, the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Kosovo, Labour Inspectorate, to return again at the meeting point at the square.

“For free and equal society”, “With or without hijab I do the work”, “My clothing, my body”, “We work, they profit”, “1st May is not for celebration, it is for protesting ”, “Employment without discrimination”, were just some of the slogans that the protesters held in their hands.

As revealed by the research report “Gender-based discrimination and Labour in Kosovo” launched this April by KWN in close cooperation with the European Union (EU), the Agency for Gender Equality and Ombudsperson Institution, women workers are more discriminated against, compared to men workers.

Project Coordinator at KWN, Adelina Tërshani, also one of the organizers of this protest, while unveiling the progress of this action, has further revealed why it is necessary for the Kosovar society to continue seeking more rights for the working class, as well as seeking respect for those existing rights.

“Women workers in Kosovo are being paid less than men, they are being harassed in the workplace, their right to maternity leave and work contract is violated, they are being discriminated against just because they are women. Therefore, today we have decided to protest and not to celebrate”, said Tërshani.

Recalling that currently merely 12.3% of Kosovar women are employed, KWN by joining this protest, has raised the voice against gender-based discrimination in employment, against inequalities for work promotion, against unequal pay for equal work, against the violation of the right to maternity leave, against sexual harassments at workplace, against poor working conditions, as well as against of the breach of a contract of employment.

 Among other supporters of this protest were also the Collective of Social Centre Sabota, Collective of Feminist Thought and Action, Pristina Anarcho-Syndicalist Group, Termokiss and National Youth Congress of Kosovo.

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Women’s Rights Centre Launches Report: Gender-based Discrimination and Labour in Montenegro

26.04.2019

Podgorica – On 24 Apr. 2019, at the EU Info Centre in Podgorica, the Women’s Rights Centre (WRC) launched their new report on Gender-based Discrimination and Labour in Montenegro.

The report presented research findings from Montenegro, related to gender-based discrimination in entering the labour force as well as in the workplace.

At this event, WRC presented the methodology, key findings and recommendations resulting from the research, as well as welcomed discussion regarding the findings.

In her opening remarks, Plamena Halacheva, Head of the Political, European Integration and Trade Section at the EU Delegation said that equality between women and men is a fundamental value of the European Union, emphasizing that “this is always a work in progress and Montenegro is no exception.” She noted that Montenegro still needs to implement its legal framework and improve its maintenance of data, including by establishing the EU Gender Equality Index. “Women’s rights are never against some else’s rights; they are not against men’s rights,” she said, adding that “ensuring rights is better for everyone in the society”.

The Deputy Ombudsperson Siniša Bjeković agreed with most of the report recommendations, noting in particular that data management needs to be improved. “We must take this report as an agenda for our work,” he said.

Olivera Komar, Lead Researcher, presented key findings and recommendations. “There’s a feeling that things should be dealt with ‘in house’, before taking cases to institutions,” she observed. Most institutions claimed that they cannot do anything, with some stating that their “hands are tied” and/or expressing scepticism about “proving” gender-based discrimination.

Maja Raičević, Executive Director of WRC, said that this research is “just the beginning” and that WRC will notify stakeholders of forthcoming work to address gender-based discrimination in Montenegro and the region.

Nicole Farnsworth from the Kosovo Women’s Network also presented initial findings from the forthcoming regional report on gender-based discrimination in the Western Balkans.

Other participants engaged in the discussion, including the Gender Adviser from the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, the Union of Free Trade Unions’ representative, mothers engaged in advocacy for their rights to work following government policies that left thousands without work and the Association of Roma, among others.

This action was funded by the European Union and co-funded by Swedish Development Cooperation as part of a regional initiative to address such discrimination in six Western Balkan countries.

26.04.19

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24.04.19

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16.04.19

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15.04.19

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11.04.19

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KWN contributes with recommendations to public consultations about ERA

24.04.2019

Prishtina – Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) on 24 April participated in public consultations with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) hosted by the Ministry of European Integration (MEI) for informing on the priorities due to the implementation of the European Reform Agenda (ERA) II, as well as the determining of further cooperation.

Regarding the good governance and rule of law, KWN recommended a continued Government’s support to the establishing and operationalization of a secure inter-institutional data management system and the system which manages cases, including here disaggregated data by gender by institutions such as Courts, Prosecution and Police. KWN also mentioned the importance of compiling a gender analysis prior to implementing action measures or policies to combat economic informality, and also underlined the importance of further investment in pre-school institutions, with a particular focus on rural areas.

Ricardo Serri, Deputy Chief of the European Union Office (EU) in Kosovo, expressed gratitude to civil society participants for their contribution and further added that among the new additional of ERA II are the incorporation of human rights as well as environmental reforms. He added that ERA’s objectives align Kosovo with the EU.

Both of the representatives of MEI and of the EU Office highly appreciated the KWN contribution through specific recommendations during the phase of public consultation.

MEI announced that this is the first of the consultations planned with civil society in the framework of drafting the ERA Action Plan.

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