From 22 to 25 September 2025, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) organized the second in a series of workshops designed to support the emotional and professional well-being of shelter staff and service providers working with survivors of gender-based and wartime sexual violence.

As in the previous workshop, clinical psychologists Melis Bilibani and Tringa Lajqi led sessions on recognising and preventing burnout, fostering team resilience, practising clinical and peer supervision, and establishing healthy emotional boundaries in the workplace.

The sessions offered participants a safe space to exchange experiences and reflect on the emotional challenges of their work, while also acquiring practical strategies for self-care and stress management.

“During the training, I gained additional professional knowledge and understood the importance and the humanitarian role of the staff working in shelters. I am very honored and feel good to be part of this event,” said Mimozë Sopaj, Psychologist at The Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT).

Participants warmly welcomed the workshop, emphasizing how it strengthened their skills and renewed their commitment to supporting survivors.

“Feminist activists and shelter staff give so much of themselves to support others, often at the expense of their own well-being. These retreat workshops are a chance for them to rest, reflect, and recharge — so they can continue their vital work,” says Adelina Berisha, Program Director on addressing Gender-Based Violence, at KWN.

This activity was developed within the Initiative for Institutionalizing Quality Rehabilitation and Integration Services for Survivors of Violence, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), with funds from Austrian Development Cooperation.