With an atmosphere full of energy, today at the Global Open Day for Women, Peace and Security Preparations, a series of powerful statements and reflections were given on the role of women in Kosovo’s journey towards peace and security. 

Today, May 14, 2025, at the Emerald Hotel in Pristina, this event focused on the vital role of women in building peace and security. This day took place on the eve of the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, with the theme: “Women, Peace and Security: Lessons Learned and Ways Forward”. 

Caroline Ziadah, Head of UNMIK, emphasized the vital role that women play as heroines and builders during conflicts. She addressed the women present directly, saying: “Progress is yours – more and more girls and women are being educated thanks to you.” 

However, she acknowledged that sexual violence and gender-based violence still remain as shadows, but emphasized that such violence is always unacceptable. Ziadah stressed the need for economic empowerment of women so that they can continue to flourish in peace. She also noted the importance of respecting linguistic diversity and that the media should reflect reality without manipulation. “Justice that excludes women is not justice at all,” she declared. Her concluding message was powerful: “When women rise, Kosovo rises.” 

The Executive Director of the Agency for Gender Equality, Edi Gusia, reflected on Kosovo’s progress in gender equality, mentioning the establishment of the Agency for Gender Equality in 2005 and the creation of the Action Plan for Resolution 1325 in 2013. Gusia highlighted the 79% success rate in the implementation of activities from the plan, a rare achievement compared to other strategic documents. She mentioned the establishment of a Commission for the verification of the status of victims of sexual violence during the war, the licensing of four NGOs, and Kosovo’s commitment to providing €11.3 million to support survivors. 

However, she emphasized the importance of giving Kosovo the opportunity to present the gender equality agenda before the UN CEDAW committee. 

The Executive Director of the Kosovo Women’s Network, Igballe Rogova, shared a strong criticism of the way Resolution 1325 has been implemented. She emphasized that although the resolution was created to support women’s organizations, recognizing them as key agents for building peace and stability, those who signed it did not respect it. 

Rogova recalled that in the post-war period, the international community often overlooked the inclusion of women. Ironically, many of the meetings organized around this resolution were held without any women present – a painful contradiction for a resolution that has at its core the inclusion and empowerment of women. At that time, one of the strongest allies was Ambassador Chowdhury, who pushed forward Resolution 1325 until it was adopted. 

Rogova spoke of the disappointment at the exclusion of women during the Kosovo-Serbia negotiations, mentioning regional initiatives such as the Women’s Coalition for Peace, a coalition between KWN and Women in Black, bringing the perspectives of women who were absent during the negotiations. 

Rogova also called for stronger solidarity among women and emphasized several times that international organizations should not compete with local ones, but support and cooperate with them. 

“Kosovo institutions should not close their doors to women’s organizations, while women should be more in solidarity with each other,” said Rogova. 

Emilija Rexhepi mentioned that women in Kosovo have shown leadership in peacebuilding. 

The Executive Director of the NGO Žensko Pravo (Women’s Right), Ružica Simić, emphasized the lack of education and dialogue as essential elements for building a better future. 

The Executive Director of the Kosovo Gender Studies Center (KGSC), Luljeta Demolli, emphasized the importance of integrating women’s issues at all levels of the system. She mentioned that Kosovo’s progress serves as a model for the entire region. 

Finally, Sanija Murati, Executive Director of the NGO Lady, gave advice to women, especially those from other regions: “Learn the language of the country where you live,” she said. She also spoke about misunderstandings and misinformation about Kosovo and its people in the region, noting that politics often divides everyday life. “In Kosovo, I have no enemies,” she said firmly, emphasizing the power of choice and unity. 

Throughout the event, participants also had the opportunity to visit an exhibition of handicrafts made by women, promoting local creativity and entrepreneurship as an important part of peacebuilding. 

These voices at the Global Preparatory Open Day presented a picture of the ongoing efforts and extraordinary resilience of the women of Kosovo. The message was clear: continued solidarity, support, and active participation in both local and global platforms will be essential for building sustainable peace and equality.