Under the slogan “We March for Each Other,” as every year, people marched through the streets of Pristina on March 8. In the wake of gender-based violence, including rape, physical abuse, and femicide, as well as ongoing gender inequality, the Collectivity “Marshojmë S’festojmë” organized the International Women’s Day March. The march began at Zahir Pajaziti Square and ended in front of the Government building, where a statement was read, outlining specific demands for institutions responsible for addressing gender-based violence.

As women activists, March 8 is always a moment of reflection on the events that have affected women’s lives over the past year. Only in 2024, Erona Cokli was murdered inside the Center for Social Work in Ferizaj, Gjyljeta Ukelli was killed by her husband in Peja, M. Zh. was murdered by her husband in Graçanica, and Sherife Tahiri was shot five times by her husband but survived. All these women were first victims of domestic violence and were killed simply because they were women. Furthermore, in 2024, the Kosovo Police registered 2,959 cases of domestic violence. Women’s lives in Kosovo remain at risk—they are not safe in their own homes or in spaces where they should feel secure.

March 8 reminds us that Kosovan society often normalizes violence, treating it as a private matter. It also highlights the failure of responsible institutions to protect women. This date is a stark reminder that the very institutions tasked with punishing abusers frequently let them go unpunished or impose only symbolic sentences, thus legitimizing violence and enabling repeat offenses. Above all, March 8 is a testament to the relentless efforts of countless activists—women and girls—who work daily to improve the lives of women in Kosovo. It is a day to remember the sacrifices of all the women activists worldwide who fought for the few rights we have today.

This year’s march also protested against the anti-gender movement, patriarchal institutions, and the systemic oppression of women and girls. The fight for gender equality and the right to a dignified life continues until women’s lives are safe in Kosovo, until they inherit property equally, until unpaid labor is recognized, until institutions take women’s concerns seriously, and until violence is adequately punished.

The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) provides free legal advice and representation for all cases of gender-based violence. If you need support, call 048 105 800.