The new “Women’s Piazza” on Mother Teresa Boulevard in Prishtina innovatively sells women’s products and simultaneously organizes street events to raise awareness about women’s rights.
Starting in summer 2013, the Women’s Piazza, managed by NGO Rikotta, began selling women’s baked goods every day on this busy pedestrian square, located next to the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports. This summer, six women took home profits from sales. One hardworking woman earned up to €780 per month during the three summer months thanks to this initiative.
In addition to helping their women members earn some extra income, Rikotta used this public space to organize three street campaigns on topics including: women who suffered domestic violence and trafficking; children with Down syndrome; and children with Autism.
Rikotta opened the Piazza because they were concerned by the lack of citizen initiatives for furthering women’s rights and participation in public life.
“Citizens’ initiatives are very good tools for promoting solidarity among women’s organizations, as well as gender equality,” said Pranvera Bullaku, Rikotta’s Executive Director.
The Women’s Piazza is a collaborative initiative undertaken with the Municipality of Prishtina, which provided the venue free of charge. Agim Gashi, the Head of the Public Services Department at the Municipality of Prishtina, officially opened the “Women’s Piazza” on 12 August.
“We intend to support all positive initiatives of Prishtina citizens, particularly those focusing on supporting women’s rights and women’s hard work,” said Agim Gashi.
This initiative also received support from the KWN Kosovo Women’s Fund, from which Rikotta received a grant for €2,990 in July 2013.
Building on their positive collaboration with the Mayor, the Women’s Piazza will be able to apply again in June 2014 for a free space on Mother Teresa Square for the summer months.
The publicity and media coverage received by the Women’s Piazza has attracted the attention of other women who are interested in joining this initiative. In 2014 four additional women will become part of the Women’s Piazza’s team.
Even though the Women’s Piazza will not be situated on the square during the winter months, women are committed to continuing their work. To learn more about their initiative and/or to purchase products made by women, you can call +377 (0)44 429 432.
