As part of ongoing cooperation to advance gender-responsive budgeting, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) met with representatives of the Directorate of Social Welfare of the Municipality of Prishtina, Ms. Adelina Sahiti and Mr. Premtim Fazliu. 

The meeting focused on municipal budget planning and allocation in line with the needs of women and other groups in need, with particular emphasis on financing social services and supporting survivors of domestic violence. It also served to identify and document good practices that can be shared with other municipalities. 

The Municipality of Prishtina has undertaken several concrete measures to improve support for survivors of domestic violence and other people in situations of social need. Among these is the approval of financial assistance of up to €500 per month for survivors of domestic violence. According to the Decision on Financial Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence, this assistance consists of three components: a housing subsidy of up to €250 per month, a €150 monthly living allowance, and an additional up to €100 per month for survivors caring for children. The support is initially provided for six months and, based on an assessment by the responsible institutions, may be extended for up to two years.¹ 

The Municipality has also allocated €10,000 from its goods and services budget to provide emergency assistance. This support has benefited not only survivors of domestic violence but also other individuals in situations of social need, including people experiencing homelessness. The fund covers three main categories of assistance: food, hygiene products, and clothing. 

The Municipality of Prishtina has also increased the number of staff at the Centre for Social Work (CSW) and invested in improving infrastructure and logistical capacities. In addition, the Municipality supports civil society organizations focused on the empowerment and support of women and continues to provide psychological support services for older women through day-care centres. 

These measures represent important steps toward implementing gender-responsive budgeting and improving social services. However, current financing remains insufficient and partly dependent on temporary solutions. Like other municipalities, the Municipality of Prishtina has, for five consecutive years, called for the establishment of a Specific Grant for Social Services, similar to the existing grants for education and healthcare. Costing social services is an important step toward determining the actual financial needs and creating such a grant. A dedicated funding mechanism would ensure more sustainable, predictable, and equitable financing for social services across all municipalities. 

Sahiti also highlighted the strong cooperation between the Municipality and KWN, emphasizing the importance of continuing their joint initiatives. 

“The Municipality of Prishtina has an excellent partnership with the Kosovo Women’s Network and highly values KWN’s initiatives aimed at improving the lives and well-being of girls and women in Kosovo,” said Sahiti. 

She added: 

“We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Municipality of Prishtina, particularly with the Department of Social Welfare, to achieve our shared goals of improving the quality of social services for women and men from diverse backgrounds.” 

This initiative is part of KWN’s Strategy and is supported by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI) and the European Union in Kosovo.