Kosovo Women's Network

KWN alarmed by another attack on Roma Woman in Ferizaj

31.05.2019

On May 31 Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) through a Press Release expressed its concern about another attack on Roma woman in Ferizaj, and the lack on her protection, a responsibility of institutions in charge of order and security.

KWN called upon the responsible institutions to find a safe place for this woman where she can stay these days till the situation calms down, as well as until the perpetrators of this violence get held responsible for the attack by the competent authorities. We profoundly believe that if there was a proper reaction a day before, when she was first attacked in Lipjan, and if her attackers would have faced with the justice, then it would have conveyed the message that our country does not tolerate violence, even less the violence based on the ethnic background of any citizen.

Furthermore, KWN demanded from the State Prosecution to urgently act in investigating and prosecuting this case in accordance to the Article 141 of the New Penal Code of Kosovo, for both attacks on the Roma woman. In accordance with this article anyone who incites hatred and publicly uses hate speech, disunity, and intolerance must be held responsible by the law. As a society we must come up with a clear message that such kinds of violence and hatred speech should not be tolerated in any way possible.

Read HERE the full Press Release.

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KWN contributes in the Discussion of the World Bank study on Women, Business and Law

31.05.2019

Pristina – At the invitation of the World Bank office in Kosovo on May 23, Simeon Djankov, Director of the World Development Report and Diego Garrido Martin, Senior Operations Officer in World Bank Kosovo Office held a meeting with the Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Igballe Rogova.

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the World Bank study on Women, Business and the Law 2019. Rogova briefed Djankov and Garrdio Martin with the challenges and opportunities for further improving the economic situation of girls and women in Kosovo.

The guests highly appreciated the contribution and work that KWN does in economic empowerment of women, including here also the other areas which contribute to improving the position of girls and women in Kosovar society.

Since 2009, Women, Business and the Law has enhanced the study of gender equality and informed discussions on improving women’s economic opportunities and empowerment. Over the last decade, this study has expanded coverage to 187 economies and 8 topics relevant to women’s economic participation.

The 2019 study Women, Business and Law can be found HERE.

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KWN’s Three-day Workshop Aims to Strengthen Co-operation between Shelters

31.05.2019

The workshop “Strengthening collaboration between the shelters in Kosovo” was held on May 16, 17, and18 in Durrës. Organized by Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), this workshop gathered together representatives of shelters and day-care centres for victims of gender-based violence and those of human trafficking.

Aside from networking and sharing of experiences between the workers of shelters and day-care centres, during this workshop participants also discussed the challenges and problems that they face during work.

Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of KWN said that without the reaction there can be no change.

“We will support each-other, united we will advocate for greater support of your work in order to better support victims of gender-based violence and trafficking victims” said Rogova.

Fidane Hyseni from the Mitrovica’s shelter shared one of the obstacles they face during their work activity.

“A common challenge we are facing is the lack of alimony implementation by the ex-husbands of sheltered women. They (ex-husbands) are switching bank accounts and so it is becoming difficult to track their incomes. This directly is affecting the well-being of women and children, as in addition to the traumatic violence experience, women and children are left without bread and water too”, she stated.

The Serbian feminist activist, Lepa Mladjenovic, broadly spoke about understanding the patriarchal structure and violence as a form of holding manpower.

“Being a woman or a man is a social construct, and the roles interconnected to these two genders are utterly built by the patriarchal system, which is always in favour of man and considers him to be in a higher position than the woman”, Mladjenovic said.

On the third day of the workshop, Ariana Qosaj-Mustafa, the Chairwoman of the KWN’s Board briefed participants on Manual for managing the cases of Domestic Violence Shelters, a manual drafted in harmony with the requirements of the Istanbul Convention.

This workshop was organized by Kosovo Women’s Network and supported by UN Women.

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KWN alarmed by another attack on Roma woman in Ferizaj

31.05.2019

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Although there were reactions and also protests against racist attacks against Roma woman, which was lynched and attacked only because she belongs to this community, through the media today we were informed that the same woman was attacked again by young hooligans in the Municipality of Ferizaj. Through this Press Release, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) expresses its concern about the lack on her protection, a responsibility of institutions in charge of order and security.

From the Kosovo’s Police media statements, we understood that this woman was repatriated from Belgium in 2011. We recall that she does not know the local languages and this may be an additional risk for her life.

Hence we call upon the responsible institutions to find a safe place for this woman where she can stay these days till the situation calms down, as well as until the perpetrators of this violence get held responsible for the attack by the competent authorities. We profoundly believe that if there was a proper reaction a day before, when she was first attacked in Lipjan, and if her attackers would have faced with the justice, then it would have conveyed the message that our country does not tolerate violence, even less the violence based on the ethnic background of any citizen.

Furthermore, we demand from the State Prosecution to urgently act in investigating and prosecuting this case in accordance to the Article 141 of the New Penal Code of Kosovo, for both attacks on the Roma woman. In accordance with this article anyone who incites hatred and publicly uses hate speech, disunity, and intolerance must be held responsible by the law. As a society we must come up with a clear message that such kinds of violence and hatred speech should not be tolerated in any way possible.

We urge all citizens regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity and/or sexual orientation to reflect on our role as citizens in respecting and defending dignity of each-other, and in punishing together racist, homophobic and other attacks intended to undermine a person’s dignity.

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Girls from Pristina Region Learn about Promoting Gender Equality

28.05.2019

“Open Door” and “Ruka Ruci” organizations on May 28 held a workshop on promoting women’s rights, gender equality and prevention of gender-based violence, thus marking the last activity under the initiative What brings me tomorrow.

Belgjyzare Muharremi, Executive Director of the “Open Door” organization initially presented the topics that were discussed during the lecture.

“Our aim is informing the youth with the phenomena such as; gender inequalities, gender stereotypes, sexual harassments and the patriarchy. Both organizations work with women and girls of the Albanian and Serbian communities”, Muharremi said.

Further, Nevenka Rikalo, Executive Director of “Ruka Ruci”has explained for the attendees that the same lectures were also given for young Serbian people.

“During the meetings in schools, pupils have understood the goal of this initiative and have appreciated its importance too. Albanian pupils have also visited the premises of Serbian schools and this is an achievement because it enables pupils to meet and collaborate”, Rikalo said.

Trainer Valentina Bejtullahu held an interactive session with girls talking about the differences between gender and sex, gender roles, inequalities toward girls and gender stereotypes.

Bejtuallhu also discussed about the phenomenon of sexual harassments in schools.

“It is KWN in 2015 that has conducted a research part of which have been interviews with pupils and teachers, where it has been noted that cases of sexual harassments in schools exists”, she said explaining the variety of sexual harassments forms.

During the second part of the workshop was discussed about gender-based violence bullying and its impact on the youth’s mental health.

“Open Door” and “Ruka Ruci” through this initiative have collaborated with women and girls who have had the chance to gain a hands-on experience about women’s rights and their irreplaceable role in social progress.

This initiative was supported Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

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KCRT: Citizens more Open to Discuss Sexual Violence, the Survivors Pursuing Justice

24.05.2019

Pristina – The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) on May 24 participated in the presentation of a survey on Kosovo citizens’ opinions regarding the stigma against wartime sexual violence survivors in Kosovo, as well as the results of the survey with wartime sexual violence survivors, organized by the Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT).

This survey was conducted during January-March 2019, in seven Kosovo regions, with a total of 164 respondents, respectively 30 sexual violence survivors (the status of sexual violence victim is recognized for 15 of them, while the other 15 are pending verification of this status), whilst the peculiarity is that the results got compared with those of the previous year.

The director of KRCT, Feride Rushiti said that they are trying to empower the survivors by abolishing all the prejudices against them.

She revealed that victims listed access to justice among the most important things to attain spiritual serenity.

“We are working together with the institutions and we think that addressing stigma, prejudice, and strengthen of the victims is very important in empowering women and girls to achieve justice, although it is a delayed justice for this sensitive social group”, said Rushiti.

Head of Rehabilitation unit at KRCT, Sebahate Pacolli disclosed more of this research.

“People are now more open to communicate, they are aware that sexual violence has occurred, they do claim that victims are not sufficiently supported by society and institutions. Compared to 2018, in 2019 citizens have increased awareness about the Commission and the verification of the status of the victims” said Pacolli.

Further, it is acknowledged that 55% of citizens recognize the campaigns in support of the survivors, and that approximately 60% of citizens think that only NGOs support sexual violence survivors, protect their rights and their social integration.

According to this research, 60% of sexual violence survivors feel confident and are preparing the application for recognition of status, without being afraid from society or family. Also, data show status recognition has had a positive impact on the lives and family relationships of Kosovo wartime sexual violence survivors.

Amidst other findings of this research are; there is an increased public awareness about sexual violence survivors, society shows a greater support toward them, the survivors have more self-esteem.

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Organizations Seek Dignified Treatment of Wartime Sexual Violence Survivors in Kosovo

20.05.2019

A large number of people, representatives of civil society and public figures gathered on May 20 in the capital’s square “Zahir Pajaziti” to continue marching in front og the Kosovo Assembly Building, in support and solidarity with wartime sexual violence survivors in Kosovo.

The organizers of this march were The Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT), Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Medica Kosova, Medica Gjakova, and Centre for Promotion of Women’s Rights-Drenas, and the organization Justice for All.

This protesting march arose in response to the publication of a photograph by Member of Parliament, Flora Brovina, and an act which KWN strongly condemned as a violation of the dignity of wartime sexual violence survivors in Kosovo.

Executive Director of KRCT, Feride Rushiti said that such images belong in court, however parliament is not a place for them.

“We have gathered here to express anger, deep indignation and to seek responsibility for the images scandal which unfolded in the Kosovo’s Assembly, and also to convey the message of women and men who experienced wartime sexual violence. The survivors need dignity and justice”, she said.

Director of Medica Gjakova, Mirlinda Sada also demanded for a dignified treatment for the survivors of wartime sexual violence.

“This occurrence was a lapse of our work and engagement since post-war to improving the mental and physical health of survivors. Our efforts to provide them access to justice and to integrate them in society have been plagued”, she stated.

Symbolically activists posted in the fences of the Parliament the slogan “Treat me with dignity”, as well as some images of quotes of sexual violence survivors, among which “Do not use my suffering for your own chair”; “You said No when in Parliament discussed about me”; “My suffering, my confession, weren’t these enough for you?”.

The march was also supported by a number of other civil society organizations: Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development –KIPRED, Kosovar Civil Society Foundation –KCSF, ÇOHU, KLI, IKS, Group for Legal and Political Studies –GLPS, Kosova Democratic Institute-KDI, FOL movement, GAP Institute, D4D Institute, , CRP/K, Youth Initative for Human Rights (YIHR)-Kosovo, INTEGRA, Kosovar Gender Studies Centre- KGSC, Center for Counseling, Social Services and Research– SIT, CLARD, Institute for Protection of Democratic Values– IPDV, Kosovo Women 4 Women, Foundation for Education and Development, Riinvest Institute, Art and Community Centre-Artpolis, CEL Kosovo.

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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.

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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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