On September 29, a member organisation of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN),”Ruka Ruci” (Eng: Hand to hand) held the online workshop: “Whichever list you choose, vote for a woman”, within the four-year-long initiative “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics”, supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosova.

This workshop, held in the run-up to local elections in Kosovo, was attended by activists and representatives of organisations in Serb-majority municipalities in Kosova, which aim to strengthen women’s role in politics.

The Project Coordinator, Nevenka Rikalo, mentioned that the activities of this initiative, which is in its third year of implementation, have helped increase the capacity of women to engage in politics.

“We have worked with assembly members and other women. Women’s journey in politics is not easy, because of the patriarchal attitude of society,” she said.

Furthermore, the workshop moderator and activist Radmila Kapetanović called on women to have self-confidence and to communicate assertively.

“Women are more suitable for the community, but unfortunately gender roles are still valid. “Therefore, in this election, both women and men should support women to take positions”.

While activist Pravda Božović emphasised the reasons why voters should circle the names of women on the ballot.

“Women are more eloquent and powerful. Despite this, they still have difficulty reaching positions, especially those competing for the first time. For this reason, they need support”, she said.

Participants greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss together their concerns and the opportunities for cooperation towards advancing women’s participation in politics.

You can read more about the initiative “Strengthening Women’s Participation in Politics” HERE.