Kosovo Women's Network

Kosovo opens the Regional Center for Women’s Empowerment in Times of Conflict

19.09.2024

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, marked a historic moment with the launch of the Regional Center of Excellence for Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). We, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), congratulate the President and her Cabinet for this important Center, which is the result of global efforts to protect and empower women in conflict zones.

The center was established in close cooperation with civil society, which continues to contribute and also, yesterday, praised the President of Kosovo for good relations with civil society organizations for women’s rights.

KWN and its members welcome and will continue to support this Center in every way, viewing it as a significant step toward advancing women’s rights, peace, and security in Kosovo and beyond. Through ongoing support, the Network will work to ensure that the women of Kosovo are an integral part of peace and security solutions, demonstrating that Kosovo, as a country with experience in these matters, is a contributor to global efforts for a fairer and safer world.

This Center represents a strong commitment to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, not only within Kosovo but also beyond its borders, at both regional and international levels. At a time when women and girls in conflict and war zones face severe challenges, this initiative by the Presidency of Kosovo aims to provide a strong voice for them, highlighting their vital role in such processes.

The Center, opened in Kosovo on September 17, is one of three such centers – one in Indonesia and one in Colombia – each representing a concrete step toward a world where women are recognized not only as victims of conflict but also as key actors in peacebuilding!

We at KWN believe that this initiative is particularly important for Kosovo, as a country with an unforgettable history of war and rich experience in peacebuilding. Women from Kosovo have played an extraordinary role, being on the front lines in defending rights and rebuilding society after the conflict.

Kosovo’s women’s rights activists have over 23 years of experience advocating for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, which we can share with the world to support other activists. Furthermore, Kosovo’s institutions and civil society have collaborated to create innovative ways to support survivors of sexual violence by using a victim-centered approach that ensures their well-being, from which the whole world can learn.

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

“Art Without Limit: Stories that Inspire”

06.09.2024

Art Without Limit (AWL) proudly presents the 5th edition of the “Art Without Limit International Film Festival,”dedicated to showcasing stories of people with different abilities, especially women, and highlighting their challenges, successes, and experiences.

This year’s festival features a dynamic lineup of workshops, training sessions, film screenings, discussions, and international visits, all aimed at empowering artists and women with different abilities.

Ganimete Sava, Executive Director and founder of AWL, shares insights about the festival’s international reach, the impactful films presented, and the ongoing influence of this festival. She emphasizes that the personal stories portrayed on screen serve as powerful inspiration for the community AWL represents.

“The film screen gives you an inner strength to say, yes, I want to share my story too, just as so many others have.”

Ganimete also reflects on AWL’s journey and the profound impact the festival has had, particularly on women within the community.

“Empower Women is one of the festival’s key award categories, celebrating films that portray women’s stories and empowers others through their narrative. This award was inspired by AWL’s origins, which began with just a few women with diverse abilities starting from nothing.”

Art Without Limit International Film Festival is the only festival in the region that screens approximately 50 films from around the world in each edition. It aims to develop talent, raise awareness, create opportunities, empower the community, and inspire people to share their stories.

This year, the festival is expanding its international collaborations, partnering with the Bergamo Film Festival in Italy, Vienna, and Rijeka, enabling filmmakers to share their messages beyond borders. The program will kick off with a visit to Rijeka, Croatia, where selected works from the Art Without Limit Film Festival will be showcased. Discussions with jury members will follow, along with screenings of films across various categories. The festival will run from December 1st to 3rd, closing on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

AWL’s festival serves as a unifying platform for organizations that represent people with different abilities, without distinction. Each film aims to raise awareness and inspire a more inclusive and fair society for all.

In line with this mission, the festival also features animated films for children, created by artists with different abilities. These films effectively convey important messages, reinforcing the idea that awareness and education begin early in life.

Through this initiative, AWL contributes to the implementation of the KWN Strategy for 2022-2026 in two areas: Advancing gender equality through the rule of law and Living a life free from gender-based violence.

This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund with a grant of €9,840.00, funded by the Sigrid Rausing Trust.

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

The Wedding Gift that Keeps on Giving: Gaby and Rob Raise Over €5,000 for Women’s Rights!

30.08.2024

In a heartwarming gesture of solidarity, instead of traditional wedding gifts, Gaby Hagmüller and Rob Lander invited their wedding guests to support women’s rights by donating to the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN).

On their wedding invitation, they wrote “We’re excited for your presence, not presents. Instead, consider donating to the Kosovo Women’s Network, an organization run by people we know and trust, that does amazing work to support, protect, and promote the rights and interests of women and girls throughout Kosovo.”

Gaby and Rob’s request was met with overwhelming support: their friends and family gave more than €5,000 to KWN!

As one guest remarked, “Following Gaby and Rob’s suggestion, we think donating to KWN is a fine way to celebrate their wedding.”

“Our team at KWN is deeply touched by Gaby and Rob’s thoughtfulness and the generosity of their friends and family,” said Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director.

When we asked Gaby and Rob to share what inspired them to undertake such a thoughtful act of kindness, they shared: “Our friends and family had to travel from far to join our wedding celebration. While it is common in our countries to give presents for a wedding, we already have a fully equipped household and felt embarrassed about the idea of receiving money from our friends. So, we thought it would be much nicer to give our guests the option to donate to a charity organization. And since I [Gaby] had worked with KWN in the past, trusted the people behind it, and knew about their impact and activities, this seemed like a perfect solution.”

Such flexible funds as these are rare and incredibly special to KWN. Deposited into KWN’s Sustainability Fund, they support initiatives that traditional donors have not prioritised in Kosovo and enable us to react quickly to urgent needs as they arise, such as reacting to draft legislation that threatens women’s rights. This important support helps KWN make progress towards achieving our Strategic aims to:

Further women’s and girls’ rights with better legislation, budgets, and their implementation

Address gender-based violence

Empower women economically

Improve quality, gender-responsive education, including working with men and boys

Address climate change with a gender-responsive approach

Gaby and Rob’s generous gesture and the kind gifts from their friends and family will continue supporting, protecting, and promoting the rights and interests of women and girls for years to come.

To follow what KWN does and how we utilise such kind gifts, please visit www.womensnetwork.org and/or sign up for our monthly newsletter by emailing info@womensnetwork.org.

If you would like to give to KWN, supporting women and girls’ rights, please visit our website https://womensnetwork.org/donate/.

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

Empowerment through Education: The Committee of Blind Women

29.08.2024

Today, we would like to share a short story of the Committee of Blind Women of Kosovo (CBWK) and their initiative “Prevention and Protection from Violence for Blind Women and Girls of Kosovo,” which will be starting this September.

Considering the daily challenges faced by this community, KGVK has planned a program aimed at easing the lives of blind women and girls, raising awareness among institutions, and improving societal awareness.

Their initiative will join those of other Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) members towards our shared goal of improving women’s lives and achieving a life free from violence for all women and girls. Their effort will also contribute towards transforming gender norms through education, a KWN strategic aim.

Planned activities include training on gender-based violence, involving institutions in training on gender-based violence for blind women and girls, and providing direct support to victims of violence.

According to Bajramshe Jetullahu, CBWK Executive Director, violence against blind women and girls is not only physical.

“A blind woman who experiences psychological violence is affected even more by her blindness,” she said.

Through CBWK’s initiative, they also plan to provide free legal aid for blind women and girls.

Mrs. Bajramshahe Jetullahu emphasised the critical need to educate blind girls and women, to address the lack of necessary resources for their education and readings, and to enhance their awareness of the freedoms and rights to which they are entitled.

“We have a lawyer who will conduct the training, and we will intervene wherever necessary, such as in cases of domestic violence or any other kind of violence. We will also inform blind women where to report violence and how to leave violent situations,” she said about their initiative.

Their action will take place in four regions of Kosovo: Pristina, Mitrovica, Gjilan, and Gjakova. It is supported by KWN’s Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) with a grant of €9,996.

Via KWF, KWN is supporting five of its member organisations with a total of €50,000 from the Sigrid Rausing Trust. We are excited about this initiative and look forward to seeing its impact.

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence? 

Delays in issuing electronic monitoring devices are failing to protect victims of violence

20.08.2024

The Kosovo Women’s Network has expressed deep concern over the incident that occurred this morning in Fushë Kosovë, where a husband attempted to murder his wife. According to media reports, the same man had previously been arrested for domestic violence. This is the second such case within four days. In both instances, the victims had sought help from the authorities. In Fushë Kosovë, four days ago, the attempted murderer was only held in pre-trial detention for 48 hours. Upon release, he tried to kill his wife.

Femicide and recurring cases of gender-based violence are the result of institutional inaction. Kosovo’s legislation mandates that perpetrators of violence undergo rehabilitation programs and be fitted with electronic monitoring devices to protect victims and prevent recidivism. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has thus far failed to finalize this process, and perpetrators are free to roam without any monitoring by the Kosovo police.

Kosovo’s institutions must take urgent measures to ensure the protection of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators of violence against women and girls, as well as gender-based violence, by ensuring the serious implementation of the Istanbul Convention. Prosecutors, in cooperation with the police, should conduct risk assessments and improve inter-institutional cooperation to better manage cases by the police and relevant institutions.

Each case of gender-based violence must be analyzed to identify systemic failures in providing protection and to develop additional preventive measures. A victim-centered approach should provide comprehensive support, while measures to combat the proliferation and illegal use of small arms should be taken immediately. The Kosovo Women’s Network will monitor the institutional response to this case and all cases of gender-based violence. We remain open to cooperation and assistance for victims of gender-based violence, through free legal counseling and referral to relevant institutions. If you need free legal assistance for cases of gender-based violence, or know someone who does, please contact us at: 048 105 800.

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

17.10.24

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

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

The Kosovo Women’s Fund supports five organizations with approximately €50,000

20.08.2024

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) today announced the recipient organizations of the 20th round of
grants from the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF). KWN has provided organizational support to five KWN
member organizations, funded by the Sigrid Rausing Trust, amounting to €50,000.
These grants will directly contribute to the implementation of KWN’s current 2023-2026 Strategy,
developed by KWN members to jointly address the gender inequalities they have identified in Kosovo.

The recipient organizations of the 20th round are:
Art Without Limit – €9,840.00
Committee of Blind Women of Kosovo – €9,996.00
She Solutions / Ajo Zgjidhje – €10,000
Center for the Promotion of Women’s Rights – €9,975.00
Women’s Inclusion Center (Ženski Inkluzivni Centar) – €10,000.00

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

17.10.24

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

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

New Media Commission Law Violates Law on Gender Equality

13.07.2024

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) deplores the parliament’s decision to remove prior commitments to gender equality from the new Law on the Independent Media Commission (IMC), adopted Thursday. 

Article 10 of the prior Law required that at least two of the IMC’s seven members should be female. The new Law contains no such requirement, even though it increased the quota to three instead of two representatives from minority ethnic groups. 

The government and parliament’s failure to require a gender balance in the IMC is in violation of the 2015 Law on Gender Equality, which requires that all bodies in Kosovo maintain a gender balance, defined as 50% of either gender. 

KWN is deeply concerned by the parliament’s failure to ensure that the Law on Gender Equality is implemented. Women’s underrepresentation in decision-making can contribute to women’s voices being insufficiently heard in decision-making processes. As a result, the IMC’s work may not adequately reflect women’s needs and priorities in the future.

We further share the concerns expressed by the European Union and OSCE that the Law does not reflect recommendations made by the Council of Europe.

Recalling our recent research that discusses the harms that social media can inflict on women, girls and LGBTI persons, we are also concerned that the Law does not contain clear criteria and procedures for addressing harmful content such as gender-based cyberviolence.

Therefore, KWN urges the parliament to revisit this Law in close consultation with legal, media, gender, and civil society experts; to amend Article 14, ensuring equal participation of women and men in the IMC; and to establish clearer criteria and procedures for addressing harmful content, particularly gender-based cyberviolence.

Moreover, KWN calls on the government and parliament to ensure implementation of the Law on Gender Equality in future legislation and policies by involving a quota for women and men’s equal (50%) participation in all bodies. This is essential for equality, representation, inclusivity and more democratic decision-making that represents the interests of women and men. KWN further calls for a gender quota with regard to minority groups’ participation in commissions like the IMC and other decision-making bodies so that diverse women and men’s voices are heard.

KWN remains committed to supporting the government and parliament to implement the Law on Gender Equality through evidence-based research, commenting on draft laws and further dialogue. We call upon the government and parliament to better utilize our expertise, as well as that of the other civil society organizations, the Agency for Gender Equality and gender equality officers across ministries and municipalities in policymaking processes towards preventing further such violations of the Law on Gender Equality.

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

17.10.24

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

14.10.24

Reaction: KWN calls for an urgent solution to the strike of technical workers of the Assembly

The Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) is pleased to invite all interested civil society organizations to express their interest in participating in our online information sessions

26.06.2024

The Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) is pleased to invite all interested civil society organizations to express their interest in participating in our online information sessions on July 1, from 2-4pm via Zoom. You can join using the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83287208962?pwd=LCsowlGFjlc3Zb1algavtvWd4tvZs8.1

The aim of these sessions is to provide more information about the Call for Applications for Capacity Building and Sub-Granting in Gender and Climate Change Financing. We will provide details about the call and answer any questions that participants may have. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the GBWN e-academy and sub granting scheme and how it can be used to promote gender equality in the region.

We strongly encourage all interested organizations to express their interest and participate in these online information sessions.

This call is part of the project “STRENGTHENING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN WESTERN BALKANS AND MOLDOVA (GENDER BUDGET WATCHDOG NETWORK, PHASE II), funded by the Austrian Development Agency and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

Please confirm your participation by June 30 by emailing elirjeta@womensnetwork.org.

Call for Proposals in English: https://womensnetwork.org/public-call-for-applications-for-capacity-building-and-sub-granting-in-gender-and-climate-change-financing/

26.06.24

The Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) is pleased to invite all interested civil society organizations to express their interest in participating in our online information sessions

13.06.24

Gender-Responsive Budgeting: A Workshop for Our Members

Public Call for Applications for Capacity Building and Sub-Granting in Gender and Climate Change Financing

21.06.2024

Call Reference No: 2841/06/24

Project: STRENGTHENING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN WESTERN BALKANS AND MOLDOVA (GENDER BUDGET WATCHDOG NETWORK,PHASE II)

Financed by: Austrian Development Agency and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency

Implementing partners: Center for Research and Policy Making, Gender Alliance for Development Centre; Centre for Civil Society Promotion; Kosovo Women’s Network; Women Action; Gender Knowledge Hub, Keystone Moldova

The Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) announces a public Call for Applications for Capacity Building and Sub-Granting in Gender and Climate Change Financing by the Gender Budget Watchdog Network from N. Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Moldova.

Public Call for Applications for Capacity Building and Sub-Granting in Gender and Climate
Change Financing -You can find it Here.

Grant Scheme Application Form and Concept Note -You can find it Here.

21.06.24

Public Call for Applications for Capacity Building and Sub-Granting in Gender and Climate Change Financing

19.12.18

Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK)

19.12.18

Women’s Association “Aureola”

19.12.18

The Midwives Association of Kosovo

19.12.18

Handikos Mitrovica

19.12.18

Psychotherapists in Action

Gender-Responsive Budgeting: A Workshop for Our Members

13.06.2024

Today, KWN organized a workshop on Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) for its members at the Kosovo Women’s Office. This workshop is part of a series that KWN will hold with its member organizations to explain GRB, analyze annual budgets, review the Medium Term Budget Framework, and participate in public hearings.

During the workshop, participants discussed the needs that should be met by municipal budgets in their annual plans. They also shared best practices and knowledge on steps to take when they encounter resistance to their requests. Key points of discussion included issues related to disabled children, transportation, and gender.

Our members came from the municipalities of Novo Bordo, Podujevë, and Obiliq.

If you need support on gender-responsive budgeting, contact elirjeta@womensnetwork.org.

26.06.24

The Gender Budget Watchdog Network (GBWN) is pleased to invite all interested civil society organizations to express their interest in participating in our online information sessions

13.06.24