With the upcoming elections scheduled for February 9, 2025, civil society has prepared a Manifesto for the Implementation of Human Rights and Gender Equality in Kosovo.
Twelve civil society organizations have signed this Manifesto, which calls on all political parties in Kosovo to prioritize and protect women’s rights, and finally, it will be delivered to all political leaders.
“Our future depends on our commitment to equality, justice, and respect for all citizens. This manifesto outlines the essential demands that should be respected and integrated into the policies of political parties. We also call on all political parties to address our demands in their party programs,” the joint appeal states.
This Manifesto outlines nine key points, where civil society is focused and calls for: an election campaign without hate speech; voting for and respecting the Labor Law; voting for the Civil Code that protects human rights; implementation of Gender Responsive Budgeting in accordance with the Law on Gender Equality; implementation of the Law on Violence against Women; increasing access to public kindergartens, including in rural areas; ensuring access to health, health insurance, and reproductive health; empowering an education system that changes gender norms; and respecting the principles of the Law on Gender Equality towards increasing women’s participation in politics.
Through this Manifesto, civil society organizations call on all political parties to adopt these principles and demonstrate their commitment to women’s rights through their actions and policies. But of course, they also call on voters to hold political leaders accountable and support candidates who prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment.
For all the details contained in this Manifesto, read the full version HERE.
The Manifesto is signed by:
Artpolis – Art and Community
Kosovo Initiative for Stability – KIS
Riinvest Institute
Kosova – Women 4 Women
Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS)
Kosovo Center for Gender Studies
CEL Kosova
QIKA
Csgd Kosovo
Kosovo Women’s Network
Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations of Kosovo
The Foundation House