The Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) carries out the mission to support, protect and promote the rights and interests of women and young women throughout Kosovo, including through professional cooperation with Kosovo institutions, managing to be one of the key parties in the consultation process for drafting important documents that are Kosovo’s guides in many areas. In this context, KWN has recently managed to successfully address very important issues in the National Plan for the Implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (NPSAA) 2020 – 2024, which was approved by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo one month ago. 

Almost 80% of KWN’s recommendations being taken to the consideration shows a great success. With work and commitment, we achieved to address important issues and be part of an important document, such as NPSAA. 

This document aims to implement all reforms for the adoption of the acquis of the European Union (EU) in national legislation in all its chapters: economic, political criteria and European standards. Each body of the state administration is responsible for the implementation of the Program and monitoring its implementation within the scope of its competencies. The Stabilization and Association Agreement itself defines a very important process in the creation of the rule of law and economic development. 

In the framework of these measures and priorities set for each section of the Program, which are also related to the Network programs, are recommended additions of the NPSAA in order for these measures and priorities to ensure equal participation of women in politics and decision-making, economic empowerment of women, improving access to quality and gender-sensitive education, proper institutional treatment and taking measures to eliminate domestic violence. 

Specifically, the recommendations that were addresses are, such as: 

• non-selective implementation of gender equality legislation; 

• inclusion of gender perspective in legislation; 

• genuine professional analysis for responsible gender budgeting and responsible gender budgeting implemented in all phases of design, planning and monitoring of project implementation; 

• harmonization with the acquis for the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women in access and supply of goods and services; 

• equality in electoral lists and 50% representation of women; 

• public administration that respects the principles of merit, transparency and fair and equal representation, and strengthens the capacity of institutions to ensure the prevalence of these principles; 

• providing the necessary data regarding the gender implications of informality in the economy and serving to plan measures to reduce the gender pay gap; 

• establishing an effective and equal system of property rights determination that contributes to women’s financial independence in Kosovo; 

• allocation of funds for key sectors (such as energy) ensuring transparency and gender equality; 

• legalization of women’s participation in the labour market, especially in the informal sector where they work without contracts; 

• facilitating procedures for access to credit and non-restriction of funds for women-owned enterprises; 

• implementation of legal provisions that can help reduce gender inequality in public procurement processes; 

• non-discrimination in employment and social policy; 

• Reforming the maternity and maternity leave system to avoid obstruction in women’s recruitment procedures, especially in the private sector; 

• the adoption of the new law on protection against domestic violence and the applicable legislation that supports the dignified management of cases of domestic violence, including rehabilitation and reintegration within the social services of persons experiencing violence; 

• creating a permanent budget line for sustainable financing of shelters, to ensure coverage of all expenses necessary for the functioning of these social centres; and, 

• Improving the political and strategic framework for research and innovation, ensuring equal gender representation and reflecting on gender aspects. 

Regarding the issues raised, KWN has recommended undertaking concrete actions within certain areas to ensure compliance and promotion of gender equality under applicable laws in Kosovo. 

KWN estimates that the successful implementation of this program as well as the entire relevant gender equality legislation will help Kosovo become a country with equal women and men and with equal opportunities in education, employment, participation in politics, health, 

KWN will continue to monitor and contribute to important processes towards European integration through the provision of gender analysis, advocacy and cooperation.