Kosovo Women's Network

KWN held its 15th Annual Assembly of Members

29.12.2017

On December 16^th, starting at 11:00 hrs, at Sirius Hotel in Prishtina, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held its 15^thAnnual Assembly of Members, attended by its members, friends, supporters and representatives of Kosovo institutions. The Assembly was moderated by Nertila Qarri Gërguri, KWN Project Coordinator.

Besnik Leka, Chair of the KWN Board, in the opening speech of the Assembly, among others, said, “My election as Chair of the Board confirmed once again a truth by which the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is guided – the truth that our organization belongs to anyone that is willing and believes in equality. We are ending a year which, more than ever, confirms the relevance and necessity of the work of KWN.”

That KWN cooperates closely with local institutions, was also emphasized by Edi Gjonbalaj Gusia, Chief Executive Officer of the Agency for Gender Equality, who mentioned the continuous cooperation with civil society organizations and organizations led by women. Among others, she added that, “the Agency this year, as always, was engaged in promoting the Law on Gender Equality, commenting and observing its application and obstacles faced for a proper implementation of this Law […] wanting to create a more secure future for women and girls, and men and boys.”

Hilmi Jashari, Ombudsperson, expressing his pleasure to address the members of KWN, said that today is a proper time to talk about opportunities believing that together we can play a very important role as representatives of the people, pushing forward the demands and needs for an equal state. “I congratulate all women for all the work and activism you are doing despite the evils that are happening. I remind you that the Ombudsperson will always be by your side”.

Habit Hajredini, Director of the Office for Good Governance within the Office of the Prime Minister, reminded the activism and cooperation of women-led organizations with the institutions since early 2000s and the processes initiated the deferred jointly. Talking about equality, he added that, “We, the men, should be an example of raising the awareness of others to fight for human rights and against discrimination, in order to achieve progress in the changes that we demand for an equal society”.

To mark the success of initiatives undertaken by the members through the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), a documentary movie was played presenting some of these initiatives. The documentary is available on the KWN website and youtube channel.

Igballe Rogova, KWN Executive Director, speaking of the work of KWN in 2017, of the activism and solidarity of women and men to advance gender issues, stated that, “I would like the motto of this year’s Assembly be that we are not a Network just because we work together, we are a Network because we respect, believe and take care of each other”. She further added that KWN this year as well has worked in achieving its mission to make Kosovo a place where women and men are equal and have equal opportunities to education, employment, political participation, healthcare and a life without violence.

Talking about the solidarity and achievements, Ms. Rugova said that, “I cannot but mention the activists that physically are not amongst us, but I believe that they see us and smile on us. They are Advije Gashi, Drita Vukshinaj, Ajshe Nuhiu, Dua Dauti and the great Sevdije Ahmeti”. She also informed the attendees that starting next year, the Kosovo Women’s Network will start to award Sevdije Ahmeti Award for the most distinguished activist of the year. Furthermore, Ms. Rogova informed that in spring 2018, KWN will hold a meeting with its members in Durres to work on developing and drafting a new KWN Strategy.

Reporting on the work of KWN in 2017 was also made by other staff members, where each one spoke about the part in which she has been engaged during this year.

Later on, outside the agenda, a poetry interpreted by five members of KWN, written by the well-known actress Safete Rogova took place, which was prepared as a surprise by the staff for the 15^thanniversary of the KWN.

During this year, KWN achieved to implement all these activities thanks to the financial support from UN Women, ADA, EU Office in Kosovo, Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, Swiss Contact, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Heart and Hand Foundation, KWN members and individual donors. The KWN Annual Report can be found in the website of KWN.

Following the reporting, KWN continued the tradition with the prize winning game for its members, whereupon Shukrije Gashi from Partners Kosova, Afërdita Zeneli from NGO “Dita, and and Ibadete Maliqi from NGO “Flaka” won prizes.

Further, the attendees were given the opportunity of open discussion about the KWN Annual Report and exchange of information between KWN members and partners.

Zana Hoxha Krasniqi, Executive Director of the Artpolis Center, awarded a letter of appreciation to KWN for the contribution to partnership, commitment and engagement in solidarity with the artists, activists and communities for the achievement of social justice in Kosovo. “Twinning fights inequality”.

After lunch break, the members elected 3 new Board Members and filled in questionnaires to assess the work of staff and KWN in the activities implemented throughout 2017.

The 15^th Assembly of Members was made possible by the support of the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, European Union Office in Kosovo and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

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Amnesty International publishes “Wounds that burn our souls”

29.12.2017

Wounds that burn our souls: Compensation for Kosovo’s Wartime Rape Survivors, But Still No Justice, was an Amnesty International’s report that was launched on December 13^th, at Sirius Hotel in Pristina.

This report discloses the devastating physical and psychological impact caused to the survivors of sexual violence during the war who have so far been marginalized by the society and have not received any support from the Government.

While moderating this presentation, Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), speaking of the survivors of sexual violence during the war, among others, said, “Today they enjoy legal protection and finally the budget for material compensation has been approved. Now, we hope they will trust institutions and apply for it”. She added that Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who carry out campaigns for a world where human rights are enjoyed by everyone.

During the presentation of the report, Sian Jones, a researcher for Kosovo and author of the report called upon responsible institutions to do more for this category which has been neglected for two decades, especially as regards the punishment of perpetrators of these major crimes that occurred in Kosovo.

While Gauri van Gulik, Deputy Director of the Office for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized that, “As of January 2018, the survivors’ legal status will be officially recognized and at the same time they will be able to apply for rewards for the sustained harm […] For many of them it will be too little and too late”.

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Ombudsperson and NGOs marched for human rights

29.12.2017

The Ombudsperson along with several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has undertaken a joint initiative to mark the International Day of Human Rights. In this respect, on 10th of December, they gathered in front of the National Theater to march with the motto “Raise for Human Rights”.
"All of us, as organizations are gathering under the umbrella of the Ombudsperson to jointly raise our voice on human rights. Our human rights and freedoms are not applied as it is stated in the Declaration; however we will not stop, and this is the specific of today when we have come together to raise the voice for the rights of all groups in Kosovo, the women rights, the rights of LGBT communities and all fundamental human rights in Kosovo" Igballe Rogova, Executive Director of Kosovo Women’s Network said in her speech.
Furthermore, Hilmi Jashari – the Ombudsperson said that "It is a special day in Kosovo because all non-governmental organizations are participating. […] the declaration has been signed by 40 organizations so far and they have agreed to approach the public institutions." He also read the Joint Declaration.
The Ombudsperson Institution together with representatives of NGOs has signed a Joint Declaration, pledging to continuously defend the human rights. Through this Declaration, the organizers aimed to strongly convey their demand for comprehensive and inter-institutional commitment to promote and educate for human rights and fundamental freedoms and to undertake joint actions in order to develop an effective cooperation for respecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kosovo.

Photographer: Atdhe Mulla

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Gender Responsive Budgeting discussed under the PPDL Certification Program

29.12.2017

On 15 December, Igballe Rogova – Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) delivered a lecture on "Gender Responsive Budgeting at Local Level" under the PPDL – Cohort 5 training .

Ms. Rogova initially presented a brief history of KWN’s work and the vision that KWN promotes for an equal society. She indicated how the Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) represents integration of gender perspective in all phases of budget planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation, making this process more efficient and equitable for all citizens. Since the Ministry of Finance, through the Budget Circulars and the Law on Gender Equality No. 05/L-020, obliges budget organizations to institutionalize GRB in their budget documents, KWN, among others, cooperated with different Ministries and Municipalities to help this process.

"The Gender Responsive Budgeting does not necessarily require additional budget, it does not require 50-50% split of the budget and is not just for women. Benefits deriving from the GRB help to reduce inequalities; it helps in effectiveness funds allocation, better reporting to the Ministry of Finance and in growth, prosperity and economic development ", said Mrs. Rogova.

As far as GRB is concerned, only in 2017, KWN has published reports on Budgeting on Better Agriculture and Rural Development and Budgeting for Gender Equality Improvement in Diaspora Programs.

Discussions and interactivity after the lecture by various participating officials were quite promising for their further work to reduce existing inequalities.

The American Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded the Foundation of American University in Kosovo a grant for the implementation of the Transformational Leadership Program – Courses for Public Servants. The purpose of the PPDL Certification Program is to assist people and the Government of Kosovo in capacity building for development of public policies and leadership at central and municipal level.

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Women’s Economic Forum Launch National Agenda

29.12.2017

After a yearlong of coming together to discuss current and urgent affairs dealing with women’s economic empowerment, the Women’s Economic Forum presented its National Agenda for the Economic Empowerment of Women on the 18^th of December 2017.

KWN as one of the founders and members of this forum has provided input for this agenda and has been active in advocating for amending Kosovo’s Law on Labour in order to create a more enabling labour environment in which more women can be employed. During this event, after welcoming words by Alban Hashani, Executive Director of Institute Riinvest and James Hope, USAID Kosovo Mission Director, the agenda and its aims were presented. The mains pillars of this national agenda were drafted by all 10 member organizations of the Women’s Economic Forum and evolve around amending the Law on Labour, mostly focussing on introducing new models for maternity leave, paternity leave and shared parental leave.

Secondly, on increasing the number of and establishing new forms of investing in childcare facilities. Thirdly, the agenda focusses on advocacy points related to changing trainings offered at vocational training schools and lastly, on women’s entrepreneurship. The launch of this agenda included a panel discussion with the Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

All governmental representatives welcomed the agenda, expressing its relevance and Kosovo’s need for such a document. According to Mr. Çerkin Dukolli, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, “women are a strategic capital”, expressing his understanding of investing in strategies that would enable more women to become active members of the labour market.

As the agenda is now made public, 2018 awaits an active year full of advocacy efforts towards empowering women economically.

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Artpolis, through forum theater, seeks realization of the rights for survivors of sexual violence during the war

29.12.2017

Since the issue of survivors of sexual violence during the last war in Kosovo is still considered being a taboo for many people, ArtPolis – Art and Community Center, which is also a member of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) continues with its activities to advocate against this phenomenon in our country. This center has presented the performance "Stigma – Demand Your Right" in the framework of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, which on 6 December 2017 was presented at the National Theater. Present were representatives of the country’s institutions, representatives from civil society, students, pupils and others.

Artpolis also presented this show in six Kosovo municipalities, including Lipjan Correctional Center in Peja, Mitrovica, Prizren, and Gjakova while the closing show took place in Pristina.

This performance addresses a rather sensitive topic, that of survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo, which, according to various reports, indicated that are about 20,000 women who have experienced sexual violence during the war.

Through the show were presented lives of two families, one living in Kosovo while the other family living in England. Mira, a show character who was a survivor of sexual violence during the war, had migrated to England after her husband had been killed in the war. She had now created a new life in England but had not yet found the strength to tell her son the horror she had experienced during the war. After her son got acquainted with a girl from Kosovo, Mira comes to Kosovo after 18 years where she met with the girl her son had chosen and with her father. Immediately the father of the girl saw her, recognized her and knowing her story, he asked from her to leave without making bigger issue of it. The characters stayed in their roles and talked to the public. Mira told she was survivor of violence during the war and her son, affected by what his mother had experienced, supported her. Same did the girls but her father did not have the same stance that appeared in a very patriarchal role.

Many of these women, even 18 years after the war, live in miserable conditions. There are women who, because of the unjustly committed violence against them, were forced by their families to marry with mentally ill persons, thus causing to her further psychiatric harm.

The Ombudsman – Hilmi Jashari promised that these women will have his unremitted support and asked other local institutions to carry out with their work with more dedication and the survivors enjoy their rights they belong to.

The message conveyed by this show, among others, presented these women as heroines.

This show was created under the project "Protection and promotion of human rights in Kosovo through active civil society", an EU-funded project managed by the European Union Office in Kosovo under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, implemented by the Kosovo Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED), by the Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) and by Artpolis in partnership with the Ombudsman’s Office.

Also, within the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Artpolis, together with the ‘MIQT community’ and support of local gastronomy company Fëfër, organized a civic and solidarity initiative to support women entrepreneurs from Krusha. Initially, FërFër allocated a donation with the necessary gastronomic tools for those women who deal with food business, while all day long, on 9 December, traditional food was cooked and served by these women and a modest amount was collected as a contribution for the small businesses owned by women of Krusha.

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Addressing sexual harassment in the workplace

29.12.2017

On Dec. 4^th, Kosovar Gender Studies Center (KGSC), a long-time member of Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) organized a panel discussion titled “Sexual Harassment in the workplace in Kosovo”. The panel was moderated by Lavdi Zymberi, KCGS, and comprised of Gresa Rrahmani, KWN, Jeta Berisha, Artpolis and Zana Idrizi, Girls Coding Kosovo.

Idrizi informed the public regarding “Walk Freely” an online application, the first of its kind developed by young women coders in Kosovo. Through this application women and men can report sexual harassment in their phones. Further, Idrizi elaborated the data collected which shows 52 reports of sexual harassment at work, from which 25 were perpetrated by the employer, 15 from work colleagues and 12 by clients. On the other hand, Berisha focused on the continuous work Artpolis has been doing in raising awareness to the public about the harm of sexual harassment though art. Moreover, she shared her personal experience when trying to report sexual harassment to the responsible institutions and their failure to rightfully address them. Rrahmani shared the research data from KWN’s “Sexual Harassment in Kosovo” report, noting how concerning it is that 60% of women have experienced sexual harassment in their lives compared to 30% of men. Briefly addressing the main problems related to the issue from “victim blaming” to “power relations”, she concentrated her presentation in how victims of sexual harassment can report it to the responsible institutions, the procedures they can take and the importance of knowing and exercising your rights.

Ultimately, most people present agreed that although the issue of sexual harassment remains problematic and widespread, it is important to continue talking about it, raising awareness and supporting victims of sexual harassment in their claims. This panel was organized within the 16 days of activism campaign "Leave no one behind: End Violence against Women and Girls", supported by Kvinna till Kvinna and funded by SIDA.

Photo: ©KGSC

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Belgrade – Pristina Dialogue from Women’s Perspective

29.12.2017

Mitrovica Women’s Association for Human Rights and Women’s Association ‘Pescanik’ from Krushevac partnered up for a project supported by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation with the aim of bringing together human and women’s rights activists from Serbia and Kosovo to contribute to processes of peacebuilding.

In this framework, a panel discussion on the EU facilitated dialogue for the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina was organized. Its key aim was to discuss the way in which women’s groups can play a role in making sure that women’s priorities and needs are reflected in these negotiations.

Among panel members was also former Minister of Dialogue for the Government of Kosovo, Ms. Edita Tahire who gave a detailed explanation of the history of the Dialogue, which agreements were made and what this means for Serbia – Kosovo relations. She explained that issues such as repatriation of survivors of sexual violence during the war and missing persons have been deemed to be too sensitive still to include it in the Dialogue but that in the future it will be.

Marija Stankovic from AKTIV, an NGO that operates in Northern Mitrovica, critiqued the Dialogue for not having any substantial positive impact on the lives of Serbian citizens in the north. For example, obtaining official documents in the Serbian language is still an issue or the fact that people feel less secure when crossing the bridge in Mitrovica after the last elections.

Iliriana Banjska from KNW moderated the debate and raised the issue of a lack of consultations organized with diverse women prior to negotiations in order to reflect their needs and priorities in these talks. Ms. Edita Tahiri agreed and stated that “Dialogues as the one today are what is needed to inform the Belgrade – Pristina Dialogue and what is missing in it”.

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