The Problem
Despite progress, solidarity among women in Kosovo remains limited. Misunderstandings about feminism, along with fear and stigma, continue to pose barriers to broader engagement and activism. The feminist movement also faces resource constraints, with inflexible donor funding and limited legal incentives for private financial support. Misinformation and anti-gender campaigns further undermine progress, while few efforts have translated feminist theory into practical political strategies. Patriarchal norms place heavy caregiving burdens on women, contributing to burnout and high staff turnover in women’s CSOs. While KWN provides psychotherapy, wider attention to self-care remains essential.
KWN’s Strategy
Strengthening the feminist movement in Kosovo, the region, and beyond, realized through:
- Increasing solidarity and wellbeing among women’s organizations and activists.
- Improving the funding climate for women’s rights organizations.
Main Activities
- Engage more women, men, girls, and boys in the feminist movement by: Continuing regular networking events that connect diverse activists; Involving diverse women and men in advocacy for their own priorities, as well as awareness campaigns and other initiatives; and Offering internships and volunteer opportunities for young people to gain experience with KWN and its member organizations.
- Continue with a sustainable feminist movement advocating on citizens’ – especially women and girls’ – behalf.
- Continue the cooperation with member organizations and with women’s rights groups in the region.
- Enhance self-care and security of women’s rights activists, including through women’s forums on wellness, self-care, and security, as well as psychotherapy for all KWN staff.
- Continue cooperation and coordination of its support for WCSOs with other actors seeking to increase the capacities of civil society, such as the EU, development agencies, and civil society foundations.
- Improve knowledge and understanding among relevant funders regarding the types of support that diverse WCSOs need, including through meeting with donors and writing advocacy letters based on KWN research, as well as engaging in international advocacy coalitions.
Our Achievements
- Provided regular, continuous communication and cooperation among KWN members and other stakeholders through networking meetings. Meetings created a space for women activists to discuss issues, strategize, and build solidarity as a feminist movement.
- Improved the institutional and advocacy capacities of KWN and its members, towards long-term sustainability. Stronger organisations contribute to a stronger movement.
- Increased cooperation among women in the region and collaborated with regional and international networks like The Coalition for Gender Equality in the European Union Accession Process and The Gender Budget Watchdog Network.
- Engaged a total of 7,579 youth and volunteers in the movement, through activities, internships, and volunteer work at KWN.
- Welcomed support from a total of 138 individual donors and received over €6,000 from a wedding fundraiser. Contributions also continued in memory of Cathy Frischmann.
- Supported over 5,874 Women Human Rights Defenders since inception.
- Provided psychotherapy that helped 90% of participating staff improve self-care.
We at the Kosovo Women’s Network call on individuals from all backgrounds, ages, and communities to actively engage in strengthen the feminist movement in Kosovo. When more people step forward, more voices are heard, and real change becomes possible. Through our Volunteer Program, we offer space for learning, advocacy, and action, whether you’re a student, an activist, a researcher, or simply someone passionate about human rights. If you represent an organization working for gender equality, consider joining KWN. As part of our diverse network, you’ll help amplify voices, build solidarity, and advance a more just and inclusive society.
