EcoKosWomen, a member organization of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), organized the Traditional Women Farmers’ Fair on 21 October 2026 at Zahir Pajaziti Square in Prishtina, bringing together women farmers from across Kosovo to showcase their produce and create new opportunities for collaboration. 

The fair was organized as part of activities highlighting rural women’s contributions to agriculture, food security, and rural development, in recognition of the International Day of Rural Women, observed on 15 October. Through their agricultural products, homemade food, and work, the women had an opportunity to connect with citizens, institutions, and businesses. 

At the opening of the fair, Danijella Çoça from EcoKosWomen emphasized the important role women play in agriculture and rural development. 

“We are marking a special day that brings us together to honour the irreplaceable role of women in agriculture, rural development, and the sustainability of our communities,” she said. 

Çoça stressed that supporting rural women is essential to building a more equal and sustainable future. She noted that the fair goes beyond promoting local products, recognizing the knowledge, creativity, and dedication of women who contribute to household economies, rural development, and the preservation of traditions. 

However, women’s contributions to agriculture and household economies often remain unrecognized and unregistered. This can limit their access to financing, support schemes, and opportunities to develop their economic activities. 

During the fair, KWN also met with Shpresa Gosalci Mjekiqi from EcoKosWomen, who highlighted the importance of recognizing rural women’s work and addressing informality. She pointed out that although many women engage daily in agricultural activities and household work, their contributions are not always recognized as economic activity. 

The fair aims to raise awareness of this issue while creating opportunities for women to promote their products, reach new customers, and establish partnerships with businesses and institutions. 

The Traditional Women Farmers’ Fair serves as a reminder that the economic empowerment of rural women requires more than symbolic recognition. It requires equal opportunities, access to financing and training, and participation in decision-making processes. Recognizing their work and providing concrete support are essential to enabling women farmers to develop their activities and participate fully in economic and social life.