From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

08.07.2025

From June 23 to 26, 2025, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) organized a four-day workshop for the staff of shelters and organizations providing services to victims of gender-based violence and wartime sexual violence. The workshop aimed to support the emotional and professional well-being of social workers through sustainable supervision and the prevention of burnout.

During these days, participants shared their experiences, reflected on the emotional challenges they face in their daily work, and were equipped with concrete tools for self-care and stress management.

“I thought I wasn’t cut out for this job. After five years, I gave up because I had no one to talk to about the emotional burden I experienced every day,” one participant said during a reflective exercise.

Another participant added: “By trying to appear strong in front of our clients, we often suppress our own feelings. We don’t allow ourselves to feel, just to seem powerful for them.”

During the workshop sessions, topics such as the meaning and symptoms of burnout, building team resilience, clinical and peer supervision, and setting healthy emotional boundaries at work were addressed. A participant from the Serbian community emphasized: “Every time you talk about your experiences, I learn how to act in similar cases. Concrete examples help me reflect on my own challenges.”

The workshop was led by clinical psychologists Melis Bilibani and Tringa Lajqi, who, through their professional approach and interactive exercises, created a supportive space for all participants.

At the end of the training, the participants expressed satisfaction, emphasizing that they felt more energized and readier to continue their daily commitment to protecting women and girls experiencing violence.

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.

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

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“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

01.07.2025

In May, a powerful and thought-provoking play debuted in Drenas, serving as a call for social awareness and reflection. “The Shirt of Freedom,” a production by the Center for Promotion of Women’s Rights (CPWR), began its tour with a strong message: support saves lives. 

Written by playwright Arian Krasniqi and performed by the renowned actresses Safete Rogova, Kumrije Hoxha, and Igballe Qena, the play sensitively and realistically addresses a topic as painful as it is crucial—domestic violence and how society can (and should) respond. 

After Drenas, the tour continued in Mitrovica, Rahovec, Dragash, and Gjakova, while in June, the public had the opportunity to see it in Podujeva, Lipjan, and Prishtina.

This is just the beginning, as the play is scheduled to be performed in other cities throughout the year, in collaboration with local organizations and communities. For instance, in September, the play will be staged in Kline and Obiliq. 

Three Women – Three Stories Reflecting Reality 

At the heart of the play are three women, each representing a common voice in our communities: 

The Mother (Safete Rogova) is a figure of support and courage. She represents the parent who chooses not to remain silent, empowering her daughter to build a life free from fear and violence. 

The Mother-in-Law (Kumrije Hoxha) starts as a critical voice, blaming the victim, but undergoes a journey of reflection and change. Her apology to her daughter-in-law is a pivotal moment that reveals the power of personal transformation. 

The Neighbor (Igballe Qena) is a psychologist and mediator who brings the role of the community to the stage. She urges the audience not to be passive, emphasizing that violence is not a private problem but a societal one that demands action and reporting. 

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

27.06.2025

Freeing Minds through Art: FemArt 2025 Opens with Bold Performances 

Under the theme of identity, memory and coexistence, the 13th edition of the International Festival of Artists and Activists, “FemArt”,hosted by ArtPolis, unfolded over six vibrant days in Prishtina. This year’s motto, “Free Your Mind,” set the tone for a deeply engaging program that kicked off on 16 June with an electrifying opening night at the AMC Hall. The audience was captivated by “Shkodra Elektronike,” an experimental performance that blended electronic music with traditional motifs, creating a powerful multisensory experience. 

In the days that followed, the program featured a series of international theatrical performances. Notably, the Italian collective Biloura presented “Silent Voices,” while “I Am Her” and “The Women of Troy” explored interethnic, multigenerational and multilingual experiences of violence, trauma and women’s empowerment. These performances united artists from Kosovo and Serbia, marking inspirational moments of cross-border artistic and political collaboration. 

Activists Explore Mental Health and Burnout in the Arts and Activism  

This year, the International Conference “Art + Mind: Healing, Mental Health & Burnout in Creative Resistance” addressed an often taboo topic in Kosovo – mental health and burnout. The conference featured three panel discussions exploring art as a healing tool both for individuals and society, mental health challenges within creative industries and burnout among artists and activists, respectively. Panels brought together a diverse group of artists, activists and clinicians from Kosovo, Serbia, Ukraine, France, the UK and the United States. 

One panel featured Adelina Berisha from the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Program Director for Addressing Gender-based Violence. She shared insights into intersections of activism, empathy and emotional resilience. 

Art as Healing and Solidarity: Transcending Pain through Creative Expression 

The opening panel focused on art as a medium for healing. Through dance, theatre, poetry, and painting, panelists expressed how creative practices have helped them process personal and collective pain—from experiences of war and patriarchy to everyday emotional hardships. Many described art as their lifeline, often repeating the powerful phrase: “Art saved me.” 

Beyond individual healing, art was also embraced as a tool for connection and solidarity, as a means connect us all, not just within communities, but globally.  

Through her poetry on dance, Janet Reineck described art as a universal language that transcends borders, helping us reach beyond selfhood and what separates us. In solidarity she declared: “You’re not alone. Dance, rise, speak as one voice so you will be heard… We witness, we embrace, we bring our hearts and our help. We rise together, we jump, we sing out, we dance our sisterhood.”  

Burnout and Beyond: Mental Health and Gendered Systemic Pressures in Creative Work 

The second panel focused on mental health concerns in the creative sector. Approaching it from a more clinical perspective, Dr. Mariel Leclère described burnout as when “you reach the limits of your body psychologically and mentally… it’s an overwhelming state by doing a lot of work and not really listening [to] your needs – mentally and physically.”  She emphasised that it’s the body’s way of signaling the need to slow down, often manifesting as exhaustion, muscle stiffness, depression and anxiety.    

A shared reflection across the panel was how deeply women in particular have been conditioned to keep going – to push through, seek validation, achieve success or people-please- rather than slow down, tune into our emotions and give ourselves time to heal. Panelists highlighted the importance of setting boundaries, creating healing environments and engaging in solidarity and mutual support.   

While burnout was discussed as a personal challenge, it was recognised by all as a systemic issue, with gendered dimensions and structural roots in patriarchy and capitalism. These systems were described as perpetuating structural violence for those in the creative industry and beyond, with burnout emerging as one of its most visible symptoms.  

Burnout, Resilience, and Healing: Navigating the Emotional Toll of Activism 

The theme of burnout carried into the third panel session opened by Shqipe Malushi, a self-proclaimed feminist “since the day she was born”. Like many activists, she took on the responsibility at a young age of “fixing the world and bringing joy”. Working in war zones and experiencing personal tragedy, she suffered burnout. Yet, Malushi offered a powerful reframe: burnout, she said, should not be a source of shame, but an opportunity for growth and reflection. “Burnout is something that has helped me build courage,” she shared, comparing it to “an engine that pushes you to move forward.” She emphasised the importance of self-forgiveness, learning from your mistakes, healing through creative expression and meditation, and acknowledging that grappling with mental health, particularly as an activist, is often a lifelong journey.  

Adelina Berisha expanded on these ideas, drawing from her dual experience as a trained psychologist and gender-based violence expert. She emphasised empathy as central to activism. Activists, she noted, often carry the emotional weight of others’ suffering and feel compelled to make change. For women, particularly those working in gender justice NGOs, this burden is compounded by patriarchal norms, financial precarity, and in Berisha’s case, the emotional toll of working closely with survivors of gender-based violence. The result, she noted, is a perfect storm for burnout. “We need to take care of our feminist activists so they can stay motivated in their work on gender equality,” she said. “Amid these times of uncertainty, when we see shrinking spaces for support for the feminist movement, we should stand together in solidarity and support one another.”  

Berisha reflected on her early years at KWN when there was little awareness about burnout and strategies of self-protection. She stressed the importance of proactively supporting staff mental health, not only for organisational performance, but also for fostering a healthier society. She shared that in recent years, KWN has taken meaningful steps to create a space for their staff’s emotional wellbeing – through workshops, group sessions and access to professional support, even reflecting this commitment in their budgeting. ”KWN provides psychological support for its staff, and we are working closely with shelters and day centers to create safe spaces. These spaces allow them to talk freely about their experiences and help prevent burnout and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can result from long-term work with survivors of gender-based violence and other daily issues affecting women.” 

She added that in the coming days, KWN will support a three-day workshop for shelter workers focused on dealing with emotional distress and preventing burnout, facilitated by psychologists and psychotherapists.  

The panel also spotlighted the struggles faced by marginalised groups, including LGBTIQ+ activists – highlighting the intersectional barriers that arise when defending and promoting human rights amid persistent stigma and discrimination. LGBTIQ+ activist Rajmonda Sylbije spoke candidly about the difficulty in accessing psychological support both for herself and others in her community.   

Overall, the “Art + Mind” conference offered a powerful reminder that healing from and preventing burnout involves both personal effort and political resistance. Caring for our mental health, especially amid the intersecting struggles of those living under gendered oppression, is not a luxury but a necessity. This care must be integrated into our institutions and daily lives, while confronting and transforming the systemic roots of harm.  

Celebrating Life and Art: FemArt’s Uplifting Closing Ceremony 

On the final day, under the open sky of City Park, artists and activists gathered for rest, self-care and solidarity. Janet Reineck and World Dance Kosova led a vibrant and joyful dance event. Movement, laughter and rhythm flowed freely in a collective expression of release and togetherness. 

The closing celebration of FemArt 2025 truly felt like a festival. The final evening program gave space to Fête de la Musique 2025, headlined by the French group “Tentative,” whose performance transformed the conclusion of this six-day journey into a celebration of life, resilience, and the power of art to unite. 

We can’t wait to hear what surprises, solidarity and inspiration FemArt will bring next year! 

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

18.06.2025

On June 13, 2025, a workshop was held on the topic: “Social Services: Social Protection Legislation, Rights, and Complaint Procedures.” This event was part of the project “Improving Civil Society Capacities to Increase Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men,” supported by the EU Civil Society Programme (EU CSF). 

The workshop, hosted at the Kosovo Women’s Network premises, aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of partner organizations OPDMK and Ruka Ruci, along with their local mobilizers. It provided education, support, and mentorship on social protection legislation, the rights derived from this legislation, and the procedures for filing complaints in cases where these rights are violated. 

This activity directly contributed to achieving one of the project’s key outcomes: “Increasing NGO capacities to support and involve diverse women in informing and monitoring social protection reforms.” 

The workshop was led by Prof. Ass. Dr. Avdyl Gashi from the Department of Social Work at the University of Prishtina and Attorney Fitim Gashi. They shared their knowledge and experience on the legal framework governing social and family services in Kosovo. During the interactive sessions, participants had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Law No. 08/L-255 on Social and Family Services, discuss the fundamental principles of social service provision, and learn about complaint mechanisms. 

This collaborative effort contributes to strengthening the role of civil society in implementing and overseeing social protection reforms, with the aim that no woman or man is left behind in accessing fundamental social rights. 

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

12.06.2025

United by shared experiences and dedication to building lasting peace, diverse women’s rights activists, high-level government officials, EU, UN and NATO representatives, as well as conflict survivors from around the world, came together in Pristina on 2-3 June for the third annual Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security, hosted by the President of Kosovo, H.E. Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu. 

President Osmani Sadriu opened the Forum with a powerful truth: peace is not a passive state; rather, it is built, brick by brick, through solidarity, memory, and resolve.  

In her keynote address, she offered not just policy, but poetry grounded in pain and purpose. 

“We do not speak of peace from a distance,” President Osmani Sadriu said. “We speak of peace from the weight of memory with a forced sense of responsibility and to spread the message: Never again,” stressing that peace cannot be sustained without the leadership of women. 

Peace is not what happens when the guns fall silent, she said. It is a process. She spoke of how cyberattacks have become the new battlefield, underscoring the need for new tools for peace, and setting the stage for the Forum’s focus on ‘The Security Code for Our Generation’.  

She emphasised: “Peace is a matter of will, courage, and choice” and “never again” means choosing dialogue over guns, not only in the aftermath of conflict, but to prevent future wars. 

Storytelling as a form of healing, testimonial empowerment and solidarity among women were other key themes that arose, starting with the President’s provision of the Presidential Metal Award to the Mothers of Srebrenica for their courage during the Bosnian genocide. Through telling their story, we collectively recognized their pain, honored their strength and commended their ongoing search for justice.  

The concern of long-lasting psychological and transgenerational trauma reverberated throughout the conference, with the enduring impacts of violence on women and their children emerging as an ongoing issue, common across continents. 

“Trauma does not leave when the fighting stops”, affirmed H.E. Sir Rodney Williams Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. “It spills into the everyday lives of our communities”. He further accentuated that conflict can “fray the fabric of society, and we see the resilience of women who hold that fabric together”, underlining women’s role in safeguarding the well-being of communities, and their adaptability and perseverance in the face of hardship. 

The key role of women and civil society, in particular women’s rights organisations, in furthering peace and protecting those most impacted by war was a recurring theme throughout the Forum, as was recognition of the pressing need to enhance partnerships with and include civil society in all discussions regarding law, policies and their implementation. Several Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) member organisations engaged, sharing their vast expertise and decades-long experience throughout various panels and discussions.  

KWN’s Executive Director, Igballe Rogova, shared how women have consistently organised for peace, even under the threat of Milosevic’s snipers in the 1990s. During a panel on “Lasting Peace in the Western Balkans”, she recalled the crucial role of the Women’s Peace Coalition, through which KWN and Women in Black Network Serbia united diverse women from across the two countries. “We sent joint letters to [Chief Negotiator] Ahtisaari and other actors engaged in the official Kosovo-Serbia negotiations.” she said.  She shared the importance of Women in Black offering the first public apology for crimes committed in their name. Broadcast on RTV21, it was a moment that served as a turning point in forgiveness, healing and trust-building. 

Reflecting on the present situation and the global pushback against women’s rights, Rogova declared: “Women are strong. Women are brave. That’s why the anti-gender movement exists.” 

Sporting her own red shoes, Rogova called for joint action – urging women to come together to wear red shoes on Tuesdays – a symbol of women’s empowerment and strength in unison. She declared: “We stand up with red shoes to show solidarity among women. Without solidarity, there is no way forward.”   

Several discussions revolved around women having a “seat at the table”, particularly in the ongoing Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. In moderating a panel on “Peace-making in the 21st Century: What Does It Take?”, Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, Senior Country Director of the National Democratic Institute in Kosovo, expanded on Chisholm’s encouragement for women to “bring a folding chair”, concluding, “What I’m hearing is that women need to stop asking and just take the chair.” 

Another key recommendation emerging from the Forum, was the urgent need for the EU, NATO and governments to step up and develop a clear strategy – a new Security Code – for addressing technological warfare that targets people’s minds. Both cyberbullying and disinformation were identified as serious risks to society, with digital violence disproportionality affecting women and girls. Disinformation and “information warfare”, in an age of exponential AI growth, were described by many as tools of war and threats to democracy. The double-edged nature of technology, as both a tool for humanity and a tool for harm recurred through the Forum, underscoring the critical need for proper regulation and safeguards. 

Activists from several KWN member organisations engaged in the Forum, sharing insights and lived experiences, including: 

  • Feride Rushiti, Executive Director of the Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims, who spoke on panels “Empowerment as a Pathway to Peace” and “Toward Justice: The Strength and Story of Survivors”, about survival – not as an end, but as a beginning. Her words carried the weight of wounds unseen, insisting that dignity and justice are not optional-they are essential. 
  • Veprore Shehu, Executive Director of Medica Kosova, contributed to “From Ashes to Championing Democracy: Kosovo’s Transformation Story.” Her voice spoke not just of rebuilding a country, but of reimagining it—with women’s leadership as a cornerstone of democratic growth. Hers was a testimony to the power of starting over, together. 
  • Mirlinda Sada, Executive Director of Medica Gjakova, gave an emotionally resonant contribution on “Healing in the Aftermath: Survivors Reclaiming Their Lives.” With quiet strength, she told stories of survivors—broken, yet unbowed—who are reclaiming joy, agency, and voice. Her words reminded all that healing is political, not just personal. 
  • Abetare Gojani, Executive Director of The Foundation House, shared her experience on the panel “Digital Defenders: Technology, Protection, and Rights in Conflict Zones”. 

Together, these leaders, wove together strings of expertise towards establishing a new “security code” for the world: one where memory inspires action, solidarity is a map forward and peace is feminist and lasting. 

As the forum came to a close, one message echoed: peace is not just a dream, it is a duty. And women are not waiting; they are leading. 

The Forum took place amid the global 25th Anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which laid the foundation for the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Its Anniversary also marks 26 years since violence affected Kosovo, and since which women’s rights activists have actively invoked the resolution to call for their greater engagement in peace processes both in Kosovo and the wider region. Given their extensive experience and expertise, Kosovo’s peace-leaders sought to offer global solutions to current world challenges through dialogues among diverse actors at the Forum. 

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

30.05.2025

Governments across the Western Balkans (WB) have committed to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention (IC), promising to provide survivor-centred services for those affected by gender-based violence. But despite these commitments, a major question remains: are they putting their [public] money where their mouth is? Too often, governments fall short, underfunding essential services and leaning heavily on women’s rights civil society organisations (WCSOs) to fill the gap. These organisations play a critical role in supporting survivors, yet they remain underfunded, putting both their sustainability and services for survivors at risk. 

To address this gap, a network of seven WCSOs in WB examining the actual costs of gender-based violence as part of their regional Action “Institutionalising Quality Rehabilitation and Reintegration Services for Violence Survivors II”, supported by the Austrian Development Agency. The initiative aims to strengthen and secure sustainable, quality services for survivors of gender-based violence, using gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) to estimate the real cost of these services. This research covers six WB countries and digs deep into the funding landscape for 2023–2025. It compares what governments planned to spend versus what they actually spent and looks ahead to whether upcoming budgets (2025-2028) are on track to meet the IC’s standards. Crucially, it also calculates what it would cost to deliver these services properly and what support WCSOs need to do their part sustainably. 

Kosovo already is a leader in financing for specialised services. The Government Kosovo has budgeted for shelters, thanks to advocacy efforts by the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) and its members, particularly shelters coupled with efforts by institutions and parliamentarians to allocate a budget. Nevertheless, shelters still require additional financing to be fully sustainable and Kosovo still needs a Rape Crisis Centre, SOS hotline, shelter for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+) persons, and specialised legal services by CSO watchdogs to fulfil IC requirements. 

The methodology for this research draws on best practices in GRB, international guidance for costing social services, and KWN’s internationally recognised costing methodology, estimating the exact costs for service providers and institutions to deliver specialised services for survivors of gender-based violence. Specialised services examined include Rape Crisis Centres, SOS hotlines, shelters, and specialized legal aid. The research will assess the extent to which WB governments allocated and spent sufficient funds for specialised services in line with the IC during 2022-2024, and whether they have planned adequate budgets for 2025-2028. It will also estimate the costs of providing specialised services in line with IC standards, including the costs required to support WCSO service providers, for the period 2026-2028. 

Key questions the research seeks to answer include: Are existing laws and budgets aligned with the Istanbul Convention? Where are the major funding and service delivery gaps? What roles do institutions play in budgeting and service provision? What would it truly cost to deliver high-quality, IC-compliant services? These are some of the critical issues the research will explore through legal and policy analysis, institutional mapping, budget reviews, and costing exercises. The forthcoming research aims to inform evidence-based advocacy to relevant institutions for adequate budget allocations, particularly for medium-term budget frameworks and annual budgets, starting from 2026. Providing comprehensive rehabilitation and integration services to survivors of gender-based violence is essential for healing, wellbeing and prevention of recidivist violence.  

Research began in April and is expected to be published as individual country reports in November. A consolidated regional report comparing results across countries is anticipated in April 2026. 

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

Budget Red Lines: Community Session Calls for Action on Menstrual Poverty 

30.05.2025

On 29 May, a webinar titled ‘Budget Red Lines: Ending Menstrual Poverty Through Gender-Responsive Budgeting’ brought together activists, researchers, educators, and civil society organizations from across the region. The discussion focused on addressing menstrual poverty through policy, advocacy, and budget reform. 

The session was opened by the Coordinator for Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender Responsive Budgeting at the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Elirjeta Beka, who emphasized the importance of continuing the conversation beyond Menstrual Hygiene Day, marked globally on 28 May. 

The session featured insightful contributions from: 

  • Jelena Ružić, Executive Director of Žensko udruženje kolubarskog okruga (moderator) 
  • Marina Sakač Hadžić, anthropologist and Communications Officer at EAEA in Brussels 
  • Danijela Šakota, a professor promoting access to menstrual products in schools 
  • Natasha Dokovska, Program Director at Journalists for Human Rights – JHR 
  • Magbule Hyseni, Executive Director of EcokosWomen 

EcokosWomen, a KWN member organization, presented findings from the first-ever research on the cost of menstrual hygiene products in Kosovo, conducted in Albanian. A corresponding policy brief in English was later developed under a Gender Budget Watchdog Network grant. The brief outlines the financial burden menstruators face and calls for removing the tax on menstrual products and increasing access to free products in schools and public institutions. During the session, Magbule Hyseni shared: 

“We started working on menstrual hygiene management with a small grant from KWN. Even though it was a small amount, when the will is strong, even a small sum can make a difference.” 

All speakers agreed that menstruation remains a taboo topic in many societies, with limited access to information from a young age. Marina Sakač Hadžić reflected on her own experience, recalling that her teacher held a two-hour class about menstrual hygiene with only the girls, while the boys were sent out to play football—an early example of how gender norms shape education. 

The session underscored the urgent need for gender-responsive budgeting to address menstrual poverty and called for evidence-based advocacy and systemic policy change. One of the main challenges that could arise from abolishing the tax is that businesses may not lower the prices of menstrual hygiene products. 

08.07.25

From “Caring for Others” to “Caring for Self”

01.07.25

“The Shirt of Freedom”: A Theater Tour Amplifying Women’s Voices Against Violence 

27.06.25

Art, Activism and Healing Flourish at FemArt 2025  

18.06.25

Workshop Held on Social Services, Rights, and Other Mechanisms 

12.06.25

Activists Engage in President’s Global Forum on Women, Peace and Security  

30.05.25

WCSOs Ask: What’s the Real Cost of Specialised Services for Gender-based Violence?  

The Institutional Crisis Continues to Contribute to Discrimination Against Women 

30.05.2025

On May 27, the Kosovo Women’s Network joined a symbolic civil society action in front of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, on a day that marked the 22nd consecutive failure to constitute the Assembly. 120 empty chairs lined up at the entrance of the country’s highest representative institutions were not merely a symbol of the absence of MPs in their seats—they reflected the void created in the daily lives of women and girls for every day the Assembly remains non-functional. 

Each chair carried a message: a call for accountability, political cooperation, and immediate action. 

Among these messages was the voice of the women of Kosovo—a voice that for years has been calling for the adoption of key laws that directly impact their lives: the labor law, the civil code, the law on public finances, and many others. These are not just legal texts gathering dust in drawers—they are being held hostage by a system that, through a lack of political will, withholds the rights, safety, and well-being of half the population. 

For the Kosovo Women’s Network, this blockade is not a temporary crisis—it is a symptom of a deeper reality, where political interests are placed above the lives and rights of citizens, especially women. For three consecutive months, the Assembly has failed to fulfill its most basic duty—representation. And where there is no representation, there is no decision-making. Without decision-making, there is no progress. And in this vicious cycle, it is women who are affected first and most—at work, in access to justice, in the provision of public services, and in every aspect of daily life. 

The clocks placed among the empty chairs were not only an alarm—they were a reminder of the time we are losing, of the opportunities slipping away, of the rights that are being endlessly delayed. It was a call for awareness, for action, for the restoration of democratic functionality in our institutions. 

The Kosovo Women’s Network, together with other civil society organizations, will continue to be present in every action, in every voice that demands accountability, in every step that seeks equality. Because for us, every empty chair is not merely a physical absence—it is a vacant seat at the table where decisions are made about the lives and futures of women and all the citizens of this country. 

The organizations supporting the action were: Advocacy Training & Resource Center (ATRC) Assist Kosovo, Asociacioni i Mediave të Pavaruara Elektronike të Kosovës (AMPEK), Balkan Green Foundation (BGF), CEL Kosova, Center for Eduction and Community Development-Friends, CIPOF Childproof, Community Building Mitrovica (CBM), Community Development Fund (CDF), Democracy Plus (D+), Demokraci për zhvillim (D4D), Dylberizim, Ekovizioni, Fondacioni Kosovar për Shoqëri Civile (KCSF), Fondi për të Drejtën Humanitare Kosovë, Forumi Kosovar i Aftësisë së Kufizuar, Forumi për Iniciativa Qytetare (FIQ), Hyjneshat, Iniciativa për Progres (INPO), Iniciativa Qytetare Skenderaj, Instituti Demokratik i Kosovës (KDI), Instituti GAP, Instituti i Kosovës për Drejtësi (KLI), Instituti i Prishtinës për Studime Politike (PIPS), Instituti Kosovar për Hulumtim dhe Zhvillim të Politikave (KIPRED), Instituti për Politika Sociale “Musine Kokalari”, Instituti për Politika Zhvillimore (INDEP), Instituti Sekhmet, Këshilli për Mbrojtjen e të Drejtave dhe Lirive të Njeriut, Kosovo Advocacy & Development Centre K-W4W, Leadership Development Association Europe, Lëvizja FOL, New Social Initiative (NSI), Nisma e të Rinjve për të Drejtat e Njeriut – Kosovë, OJQ “ACCESS”, OJQ “Vision02”, OJQ EC Ma Ndryshe, OJQ Fortesa, OJQ Mundësia, OJQ Politeia, OJQ Zana, OJQ Pishtarët, Organizata Bubble, Organizata ÇOHU!, Organizata për Rritjen e Cilësisë në Arsim – ORCA, Qendra Kosova për Rehabilitimin e të Mbijetuarve të Torturës (KRCT), Qendra Kosovare për Studime Gjinore (QKSGJ), Qendra Kosovare për Studime të Sigurisë (QKSS), Qendra Kosovare për Zhvillim të Qëndrueshëm – QKZHQ, Qendra për Arsim e Kosovës – KEC, Qendra për Avokim dhe Kulturë Demokratike (ACDC), Qendra për Barazi dhe Drejtësi, Qendra Për Politika dhe Avokim (QPA), Qendra për Zhvillimin e Grupeve Shoqërore – CSGD, QIKA, Rrjeti i Grave të Kosovës (RrGK), Rrjeti i OJQ-ve AVONET, Rrjeti Qeliza, SHL – Kosova, Syri i Vizionit, The Foundation House (ish-IPKO Foundation), YMCA Movement. 

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Preventing and Protecting Blind Women and Girls in Kosovo from Violence 

29.05.2025

From the outside, violence against women might seem like a problem that affects everyone equally. But in reality, some women are doubly discriminated against, both by gender and by their different abilities. In silence, in the corners of the system and society, blind women and girls in Kosovo live a dual reality: excluded, invisible, and often without hope for protection. 

This is precisely the reality that the Committee of Blind Women of Kosovo (CBWK), led by Bajramshahe Jetullahu, is challenging through a bold and sensitive initiative that aims to build bridges towards knowledge, awareness, and safety for blind women and girls living in Kosovo. 

We have previously informed you about the CBWK’s initiative through the story Empowerment through Education: The Committee of Blind Women and the Endeavor for Support, and now we want to highlight its achievements. 

Considering the daily challenges of this community, CBWK has planned a program that aims to ease the lives of blind women and girls, raise awareness among institutions, and improve societal consciousness. 

“Our objective is clear: to protect and prevent violence against blind women and girls, who are doubly discriminated against; first because of their gender, and second because of their disability,” says Korab Jetullahu, a representative of CBWK. 

The project began as a result of many stories heard over the years from women facing various forms of violence, without institutional support or access to basic information. 

“Considering that blind people have limited access to information, due to scarce materials in Braille or audio, and on the other hand, they don’t have access to technology, we deemed it reasonable to conduct meetings directly with these individuals,” he further explains. 

As part of the project, CBWK engaged a psychologist and a sociologist to conduct training sessions in four regions of Kosovo: Prishtina, Mitrovica, Suhareka, and Gjakova. In each city, three training sessions were held, with the participation of approximately 45 blind women and girls in each city. 

The first and most sensitive topic addressed in these training sessions was violence: what it is, how it manifests, and how blind women and girls can protect themselves from violence. 

“Many women lack knowledge about violence, they don’t know its forms, they don’t know who the perpetrators usually are, what psychological or economic violence is. For this reason, we started from the basic steps,” explains Jetullahu. 

The training sessions also discussed legal frameworks and institutional protection mechanisms, although, as Jetullahu emphasized, the system in practice remains almost closed to women with disabilities. In Kosovo, there is still no shelter with staff trained to work with blind people, so CBWK aimed to inform these participants about protective mechanisms and places where they can seek help. 

“Besides telling you what violence is, I’m also telling you where you can protect yourself,” he says. 

“Violence usually starts in the family,” he begins to explain. 

“It can also happen on the street, but the systematic kind, the one that gnaws at you from within, usually happens at home. And the person who does it is often also the one who accompanies you – you can’t tell them ‘take me to the police,’ or ‘take me to a shelter.’ You are dependent on them,” he recounts with pain. 

Despite these limitations, the project has shown concrete signs of change. One of the participants, a blind woman who experienced physical and psychological violence for years, found the courage to tell her story to a Swedish medium collaborating with the National Association of the Blind of Sweden, a partner of CBWK. The story was published with her identity fully protected. 

She was left alone with her young daughter, excluded from her husband’s family after the violence she had experienced. She lived on only 250 euros per month, which is basic support for first-category blind individuals. Her courage to speak out is not just a personal story; it is a political act, a message for all women who feel they have no voice. 

CBWK’s initiative has shown success, and through the participants’ stories, the organization aims to continue with this idea and approach in other areas of Kosovo, as despite the participation of only some individuals, a large number of blind girls and women still need to be informed about violence and protection from it. 

CBWK’s ongoing work consistently aligns with the work and Strategy of the Kosovo Women’s Network.  

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The Journey of OPED: From Advocating for Drinking Water to Empowering Women and Local Accountability 

29.05.2025

The OPED organization was founded in 2017, driven by the need to raise a strong citizen voice for environmental issues in the village of Orllan, Podujeva municipality. This area, with significant tourism potential, suffered from a lack of drinking water supply and insufficient citizen awareness of its potential. 

In line with the organization’s development and expanding scope, this year the organization changed its name from “Rule of Democracy in Kosovo” to the Organization for Partnership Engagement and Development (OPED), better reflecting its vision for broad engagement in partnerships and inclusive development. This rebranding occurred as the previous name was no longer deemed adequate. 

OPED has received organizational support from the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) multiple times, enabling increased visibility and continuous organizational development. 

Through prior organizational support received from KWN, OPED drafted its organizational strategy, with the strategic goal of increasing institutional accountability and democracy at the local level. 

Due to the lack of women’s organizations in Podujeva municipality, the idea of forming a forum (or similar initiative) arose from the absence of municipal hearings on gender-responsive budgeting and a collective lack of awareness. 

A key outcome of the latest initiative supported by KWN was the creation of the Women’s Forum for Local Development. During this initiative: 

Three public meetings on gender budgeting were held in Podujeva, Shtime, and Dragash. 

Approximately 30 women publicly expressed their needs for a fairer allocation of the municipal budget. 

A work plan for the Forum was drafted, aiming to strengthen dialogue between women and local institutions, as well as partnerships with potential donors. 

Logos and branding were created for the Forum and for two women’s businesses, providing them with identity and increased visibility. 

Today, the Women’s Forum operates as an independent NGO and has secured its first grant from the municipality of Podujeva, while OPED continues to support it with expertise and mentorship. 

As part of this support, OPED has contributed to increasing the visibility of women engaged in economic activities; the organization developed branding for these women’s activities, specifically for two of them and for the Women’s Forum itself. 

Among the organizational supports from KWN was also the enhancement of the organization’s capacities and sustainability. The first organizational support led to the drafting of the strategy and the human resources manual. The latest support resulted in the financial manual and the organization’s active and functional website. 

The launch of the website has contributed to increasing the organization’s credibility and strengthening the capacities of the organization and the work it carries out.  

Increased Capacities and Organizational Sustainability 

With KWN’s support, OPED has significantly advanced in its internal structuring and development. In the initial phases, the organization’s strategy and human resources manual were drafted, while later the financial manual was prepared and the organization’s official website was launched, which has increased credibility and transparency in communication. 

Furthermore, OPED has contributed to increasing the visibility of women involved in economic activities in Podujeva municipality, including in agribusiness, handicrafts, and traditional food production. Women have become active participants in the Women’s Forum and are represented through a program plan that aims to empower them economically, provide information, and build partnerships with local institutions and donors.. 

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