KWN and KJC sign cooperation agreement

02.11.2018

On October 3rd, Igballe Rogova, executive director of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), and Nehat Idrizi, Chair of the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC), signed a cooperation agreement on the monitoring of court proceedings, in order to jointly contribute to the best interest of the public and the judiciary.

This agreement arose as a need after the KWN initiative regarding the monitoring of court hearings of Gender-Based Violence and Gender Discrimination at Work cases, as well as the monitoring of archives for disposed cases, aiming at assessing the trends of convictions in cases from the aforementioned categories.
Through this cooperation agreement, the KJC expressed its commitment to provide full access and cooperation to the KWN in monitoring court hearings conducted in Kosovo Courts, since the KJC provides impartial judiciary services for all Kosovo citizens, and simultaneously works on the capacity building of judges for the protection of persons who have experienced gender-based violence and discrimination.

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KWN shares the experience with UNSCR 1325 in The Hague

02.11.2018

On 11 October, the annual meeting of the signatories of the National Action Plan 1325 (NAP 1325), “Implementing the women peace and security agenda: a joint local and international effort” was organized in The Hague, Netherlands, hosted by the Wo = Men Platform for Gender Equality, where the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was one of the participants.
The NAP signatories come together twice a year in the Netherlands to reflect, share experiences and inspire their engagements for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security. This time, a special meeting was hosted, inviting civil society partners from Yemen, Syria, Kosovo, etc., who participated as speakers at this meeting.
Igballe Rogova, KWN executive director, shared experience with the greatest achievements in the comprehensive peace processes in Kosovo. “Women and men were equal during the war. When the UN mission landed, they removed the women. Thanks to the UNSCR 1325 we were able to bring women’s perspectives into the negotiations,” said Ms. Rogova.

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Rogova attended the Second Annual Meeting of the NATO Advisory Panel on Resolution 1325

02.11.2018

Opened by H.E. Rose Gottemoeller, Deputy Secretary General, NATO, on October 8th at #NATO HQ in Brussels, the two-day NATO Civil Society Advisory Panel (CSAP) on Women, Peace and Security began its third Annual Meeting. CSAP brought together 28 individuals and institutions from countries/areas experiencing conflict, including Afghanistan and Ukraine, as well as countries engaged in supporting peacebuilding. KWN Executive Director Igballe Rogova has been a CSAP member since 2016, and also participated in this meeting.
The Civil Society Advisory Panel discussed new NATO’s policy and action plan for the implementation of UNSCR1325 and related Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security across NATO’s core tasks. It agreed its work methods for advising NATO on the implementation and revision of this policy and action plan and planned a series of activities.

NATO and its partners acknowledge the importance of the civil society role in promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda, women and girls’ empowerment and protection of their rights. Through the Civil Society Advisory Panel on Women, Peace and Security, NATO wishes to systematically benefit from the knowledge and expertise of civil society in order to further develop the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

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“Jeta Vita” marks the month of breast cancer awareness

02.11.2018

On October 20, the “Jeta/Vita” Kosovo Center for Fighting Breast Cancer (KCFBC) hosted the 11th edition of its cultural and outreach event, where many citizens marched together under the “Early Discovery = Survival” motto of the organization, to express solidarity and increase awareness on breast cancer in the Kosovar society.

Citizens, representatives of women organizations and state representatives, gathered on the Prishtina Main Square with pink balloons, ribbons and scarves to support the mission of the Jeta/Vita KCFBC, aiming at using the event to raise social awareness of the risk of breast cancer and to create better conditions for early detection and optimal treatment of this disease in Kosovo.
The participants were greeted with a speech by the Prime Minister of Kosovo Ramush Haradinaj, the former President of Kosovo (2011-2016) Atifete Jahjaga, and the Executive Director of Jeta/Vita, Nafije Latifi, who launched the joint message that these women are not alone, because it is only by coming together that every battle can be won. The event also included ballet and poetry performances by renowned Kosovar actors.
For over 11 years now, Jeta/Vita cooperates with various organizations and institutions in organizing this march and in carrying out numerous advocacy activities for quality health care for women in Kosovo.
Meanwhile, the Kosovo Women’s Network expresses its gratitude to the Mr. Rex brand and the Telecom of Kosovo Vala, for their commitment to supporting the Jeta/Vita KCFB

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Kosovo Women’s Fund Grants 48 thousands Euros to 14 Women-led Organizations

30.10.2018

On 29 Oct., the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) organized the Orientation Session and the Press Conference to officially announce 14 recipients of 12 grants of the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF), two of which are partnerships, amounting 47,992.00€ funded by Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

By supporting these women-led organizations’ initiatives, KWF contributes to changes that they bring about in their communities. KWN, through KWF, also encourages solidarity among women’s rights activists, and working together as a women’s movement towards implementing KWN’s Strategy 2019-2022, which is being compiled and will be approved in accordance with KWN’s member organizations.
Nertila Qarri Gërguri, KWF Coordinator and Besa Shehu, Finance Manager at KWN, during the first part of the meeting, shared detailed information regarding the process of narrative and financial reporting, and 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, in her welcoming speech, recalled the time in which the Kosovo Women’s Fund was established back in 2012. In that time, it came into being because of the great need of women-led organizations for funding, especially for those working in rural areas that did not have access to donors. She expressed her gratitude that KWF now has expanded and is enabling KWN members to implement the strategy.
Meanwhile, Arsim Aziri, Programme Manager Economic Development, said that “through women’s empowerment in economics and education we are trying to achieve a gender balance.”
During the press conference, Resmije Rrahamni from Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo (OPDMK), a beneficiary of this round, said that this is was the fourth time that OPMDK has received grants through KWF. “The grants that we have received from Kosovo Women’s Fund has helped us to improve the lives of people with disabilities, especially to help women to have equal access to healthcare. Throughout the years, Kosovo Women’s Network has been our most powerful voice and we are very thankful for this support,” said Resmije.

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

Advocacy Grants for a Single Organization:

  • Organization of Persons with Muscular Dystrophy of Kosovo with the initiative: (OPDMK) with the initative: “Health for all” (€3,840.00)
  • Women’s Association with the initative: “Advancing the law on Inhertance” (€3,395.00)
  • The Midwives Association of Kosovo with the initative: ”Strengthening the role of midwives’ professional service” (€3,055.00)
  • Handikos Mitrovica with the initiative: “Depression in mothers of children with disabilities and people with disabilities” (€3,346.00).
  • Psychotherapists in Action with the initative: “Advancing palliative care in Kosovo and raising awareness among the community for people with special needs” (€3,351.00)
  • Luna with the initative: “Promoting and protecting women’s rights against gender-based violence” (€3,511).
  • NGO Gruaja Bashkëkohore with the initative: “The Stigma of Society on Sexuality” (€3,164.00)
  • Women’s Alliance for Integration: “Areness raising of health care for Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian women in the municipality of Ferizaj / Urosevac and Lipjan” (€3,665.00)
  • Center for Protection of Women and Chdilren “Raba Voca” with the initative: “Parental leave as a future model in Kosovo” (€2,795.00)
  • Women’s Farmers Association “Krusha e Vogël” with the initative: “Women’s support in menopause (€3,460.00)

Networking for Change Grants:

  • Medica Kosova & Cradle of Smile with the initiative “Use of a community-based approach and trauma to improve the access of survivors of sexual violence during the war during the process of recognizing of their status” (€6,894.00)
  • Open Door& Ruka Ruci with the initative: “What tomorrow brings with me!” (€7,516.00)

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 141 grants, supported 75 organizations, totalling €532,830.50. It has had more than 19,564 beneficiaries, and contributed to at least 29 policy changes towards improving the lives of women and girls in Kosovo. In 2018, the Kosovo Women’s Fund is receiving support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

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Videot Dokumentari i Fondit të Grave të Kosovës, 2015-2017

26.10.2018

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Nobel Recognizes Mukwege, Murad Fight against Sexual Violence

Nobel Recognizes Mukwege, Murad Fight against Sexual Violence

06.10.2018

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) congratulates Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad, the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureates.

Mr. Mukwege is a Congolese gynaecologist who has helped thousands of persons who have suffered rape. Nadia Murad, an Iraqi Yazidi sold into sex slavery by ISIS, refused to remain silent, speaking out about crimes perpetrated against her and other women.

The Nobel committee said: “They have both put their own personal security at risk by courageously combatting war crimes and securing justice for victims.”

We thank the Nobel Peace Prize committee for utilizing this prestigious award to bring attention to sexual violence as a war crime and to those brave human rights defenders who consistently fight for justice. For too long, victims have remained silent due to public pressure and insufficient support. Finally the world is speaking out to support victims and to say, ‘We stand with you for justice. We stand with you for recognition. We stand with you.’

As many women and some men in Kosovo continue to seek justice for the sexual violence crimes that were perpetrated against them, we are pleased that the government of Kosovo finally has taken steps to recognise and support them. We continue to stand with all women and men who have suffered such crimes in Kosovo and beyond. We hope that the recognition given with the most recent Nobel Peace Prize will bring further international awareness and action towards supporting you, too.

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KWN members hold their regular meeting

05.10.2018

 On 10 September 2018, at the Sirius Hotel, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) held its regular membership meeting, which was attended by the representatives of KWN member organizations and supporters.
Igballe Rugova, KWN Executive Director, welcomed the present, especially the new members of the Network, pointing out that the number of member organizations has reached 138.
She informed the attendees that KWN staff was working on a summary of the new strategy and that a one-day meeting with member organizations and the Lobby on Gender Equality would be held to work on Strategy 2019-2022.
Further on, she shared the information that, during this time, the Kosovo Women’s Network has supported the protests against gender-based violence with the motto #BollMa, which was used to say enough to the murdering of women and children, enough to injustices, enough to selective justice.” To date, such protests were held in Gjakova/Đakovica, Pristina, Ferizaj/Uroševac, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Kaçanik/Kačanik, Prizren and Vushtrri/Vučitrn”, Rugova said. She also stressed that the protests have already started to yield results, taking as an example a murder case in Gjakova/Đakovica, where a mother and her daughter were killed by her former husband and father respectively. “Our institutions have not responded to their cry for help, and, as a result of the protests, police officers that were on duty have been suspended now”, she continued.
Later on, Nertila Qarri Gërguri, Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) Coordinator, reported on the first point of the KWN strategy, related to the development of member organization capacities. She shared information about the 12th round of the Kosovo Women’s Fund, which was open from 26 June to 10 July 2018, with a total of 58 applications received, out of which 50 were individual and 8 in partnership. Out of a total of 58 applications, 56 have met the KWF criteria. In this KWF round, the total amount for the grants will be €49,000, of which a maximum amount of €4,000 can be awarded to individual grants, and a total amount of €8.000 can be awarded to partnerships for change. This round will be funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).
In the last part of the meeting, the members had the opportunity to share information about their recent activities and initiatives planned for the future.

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7 Cities protest #enough (#BollMa)

05.10.2018

During the months of August and September, the civil society organizations, supported by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), have organized several protests in several municipalities of Kosovo.
The first protest was organized in Gjakova, after the last case of domestic violence that had a tragic end and in which a woman and a child were killed. According to media reports, the murder has occurred in Brekoc of Gjakova, where the killer, having threatened the victim, a 40-year-old woman, on the phone first, has gone to her home and killed her and her 9-year-old daughter. The same was the husband of the 40-year-old woman.
According to KWN sources, the murderer had been held in detention before (in May 2018) for domestic violence against the late under the charge of criminal offence of “Light Bodily Injury”. Kosovo police were aware of his criminal background, and the court has released him after a month in detention. According to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo, the minimum sentence provided for this criminal offence is 3 months to 5 years of imprisonment. His release has resulted in the murder of the woman and the girl. KWN believes that had the same been convicted in advance, we would not be writing this response today and a woman and a child would still be alive. On the day of the murder, the late has warned the police of the threats that she had already received from her killer, but, as reported in the media, the police have failed to get hold of him.
Angered by the irresponsibility of the law and order authorities, concerned about the indifference to the lives of women and girls in our country, horrified by the macabre killings of women and girls in Kosovo, protests were organized to say #Boll [Enough] to the violence against women and girls in Prishtina, Ferizaj, Vushtrri, Kaçanik, Gjilan and Prizren, in which hundreds and thousands of citizens from all over Kosovo have taken part.
Through these protests, the society has demanded an impartial and objective inquiry into the cases of violence against and killings of women, a meritorious punishment for the murderers and an institutional responsibility in relation to the handling of cases of domestic violence and violence and killings of women in general.
The KWN has through the media conveyed the message: “It is high time for us to react against the killers of women and girls”. It is more than important to bring perpetrators to justice. It is more than important for responsible institutions and individuals acting in these institutions to get the proper punishment from the society. Moral punishment and legal punishment for the defenders of murderers, for the keepers of a patriarchal order, for whom the lives of women and girls have no value.”

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Austrian Delegation visits KWN Offices

05.10.2018

On September 4, an Austrian delegation comprised of Minister for Internal Affairs, Ms. Karoline Edtstadler; Office of the Secretary of State, Mr. Gernot Maier; Dr. Elisabeth Lemmerer form Unit for Bi- and Multilateral Affairs within the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Amb. Gernot Pfandler, Austrian Ambassador to Kosovo; Mr. Gunther Zimmer from ADA; Ms. Dalia El-Hennawi, Police Attaché at the Austrian Embassy and Ms. Martina Berger, Press Officer met with President of Republic of Kosovo Ms. Atifete Jahjaga and activists from KWN. The latter spoke about their work, activities and challenges they face towards women’s empowerment and gender equality in Kosovo expressing the gratitude for Austrian Development Agency that supports the implementation of many KWN Strategic Programs.
During this meeting President Jahjaga spoke about current political affairs in Kosovo, emphasizing the need for justice for approx. 20,000 women who suffered sexual violence during the war in Kosovo, visa-liberalisation to broaden perspectives for youth and attention to domestic violence. While activists talked about their work, activities and challenges they face towards women’s’ empowerment and achieving gender equality in Kosovo.
KWN Executive Director, Igballe Rogova expressed her gratitude for Austrian taxpayers, respectively for Austrian Development Agency, that believes in women’s rights and women’s lead organizations. Through this support it was made possible implementation of many KWN strategy programs towards improvement of life women’s and girls in Kosovo and furthering gender equality in Kosovo.

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