Through agriculture, handicrafts, and the promotion of local products, Duart e Arta Llapjane creates opportunities for women’s work and skills to be recognized and valued. 

Founded in 2023 and led by Director Shukrije Neziri, the organization supports and advises women in the Municipality of Podujeva in developing their activities. 

Duart e Arta Llapjane began its journey with 20 members and now has more than 150. According to its representatives, it is the largest women’s association in Podujeva. The rapid growth in membership shows that women have placed their trust in the organization and found a space where they can collaborate, develop their skills, and support one another. 

“I want to see women more connected with one another and helping each other. Their willingness and cooperation motivate me every day,” said Neziri. 

The organization’s work focuses on agriculture, economic empowerment, and gender equality. Its members prepare traditional foods, sweets, and pickled vegetables, as well as handmade crafts and other artisanal products. 

Fairs and cultural activities are among the main ways through which the organization promotes women and their products. During fairs, members distribute business cards and contact information, creating opportunities for citizens to order their products even after the activities have ended. 

On 24 and 25 June 2026, Duart e Arta Llapjane collaborated in organizing a fair in Podujeva to promote traditional and handicraft products. The activity served as a platform to promote women producers, support local producers, and showcase authentic products from the Llap region. 

Through such fairs, work that women often carry out within their homes becomes more visible in the public sphere. These activities create opportunities to promote and sell products, exchange experiences, and build new connections, while also contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage. 

Alongside its direct work with women, Duart e Arta Llapjane advocates with institutions for support to help women develop their businesses, promote local products, and create new opportunities for entrepreneurship. 

Another activity that brought together women’s empowerment and the preservation of tradition was “FLI FEST 2026,” held on 16 August in Podujeva. Duart e Arta Llapjane contributed to the organization of the festival, which celebrated Llap’s gastronomy, culture, and hospitality. 

During the festival, five women prepared and presented five traditional flija dishes, showcasing their skills, dedication, and knowledge. The activity brought together citizens, institutional representatives, and members of the diaspora, turning tradition into a meeting point between the local community and the diaspora. 

For Duart e Arta Llapjane, the preservation of tradition is closely linked to women’s economic empowerment. Skills in agriculture, handicrafts, and the preparation of traditional products can be transformed into opportunities to generate income, develop businesses, and increase women’s economic independence. 

The organization’s work is supported by a three-person staff and a three-member board. Due to the renovation of the police station, the organization has temporarily had to vacate the space where it operated, and it is currently working with the Municipality to address this issue. 

During the meeting with Shukrije Neziri, Director of Duart e Arta Llapjane, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) discussed the organization’s development, membership growth, ways of promoting products, and plans to create more opportunities for women. 

In 2026, Duart e Arta Llapjane joined KWN as one of its newest member organizations. Membership creates opportunities to exchange experiences with other women’s organizations, build new connections, and participate in joint initiatives aimed at women’s economic empowerment and the advancement of women’s rights. 

KWN welcomes Duart e Arta Llapjane to the Network and will support its engagement within KWN, strengthening collaboration and amplifying the voices of women from the Llap region in joint initiatives and processes. 

You can learn more about the work and activities of Duart e Arta Llapjane on its Facebook page. For information about its products and the members who make them, you can contact the organization directly through its page.