For three days in a row, (December 13, 14 and 15, 2019), WBA Organization in North Mitrovica held a workshop on the importance of the Gender Equality Index.
Participants in this workshop were representatives from the Office for Communities and Return, Gender Equality Officers, representatives from the Office for Social Welfare and Health and representatives of civil society from this municipality as well.
“Change comes slowly, changes will come when everyone realizes that equality is a right that belongs to every woman and girl. Gender budgeting is not only for women, but it is for both genders”, said Radmila Kapetanovic, a lecturer at this workshop.
Although gender equality index is a relatively new concept in Kosovo, its importance was acknowledged by participants who through an interactive discussion understood more about basic concepts, differences between gender and, the role of women and men in society as well as stereotypes that have traditionally prevailed among us.
A discussion on legal provision followed the activity, including these local and international that regulate and protect gender equality.
One of the conclusions drawn from the workshop was that women have significantly less free time than men. Hence, lack of women in public life, active citizenship, in decision-making processes as well as in cultural and social life became clearer.
“We do not have many women in decision-making positions, we should not compete for positions but rather support each other, show solidarity. Women should contribute to their positions”, said former minister Adrijana Hodžić.
This initiative was welcomed by the hostess as well. “In the course of working on the project, the organization had the great challenge of bringing what is unknown and applicable in other countries closer to the institution, the non-governmental sector. The benefit of the project is to promote the work of the NGO in the field of integrating gender perspective and the tools that should be used toward advancing it”, said Olivera Milosevic, Executive Director of WBA.
Participants expressed their gratitude for having the opportunity to be a part of this extremely useful activity for their work and for furthering gender equality in Kosovo.
This initiative is supported by the Kosovo Women’s Fund (KWF) and funded by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo.
