Launching of the project “Inclusion of Women at the Negotiating Table in Kosovo”
European Union Office in Kosovo and New Social Initiative launched on Wednesday a new project – “Inclusion of Women at the Negotiating Table in Kosovo” – with a whole-day event in Pristina.
The project was launched by the EU Ambassador, Tomáš Szunyog, who stressed that positive progress in terms of gender equality is not a result of natural progression, but efforts of many and called for these efforts to be extended.
The project activities are designed in a way to look closely at UNSC Resolution 1325 and its implementation in Kosovo, especially the pillar focused on the participation of women in peacebuilding initiatives and negotiations.
The project is a continuation of the EUSR project (2019-2020) “Women in Politics. Confidence, Influence and Effective Leadership. Ensuring Gender-responsive and Inclusive Political Dialogue Processes,” the overall objective of which is to improve the ability of the target group of women to access positions of responsibility in negotiations as well as to engage in, and advocate for the inclusion of women in high-level negotiations and political dialogues, as well enable the EUSR to keep the dialogue on gender equality and women empowerment with relevant partners from local civil society, professional associations, Kosovo institutions and international community presence in Kosovo.
First Panel at the “Inclusion of Women at Negotiating Table in Kosovo” launch
The all-day event also included a panel discussion with Besa Ismaili, Professor of English and Gender Studies, Raba Gjoshi, Researcher on Human Rights and Transitional Justice, and NSI Project Manager, Milica Andrić Rakić moderated by journalist Gentiana Begolli. The panelist discussed the Women in Peace and Security Agenda in Kosovo and the implementation of Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security.
Second Panel at the “Inclusion of Women at Negotiating Table in Kosovo” launch
Over 20 female participants from the political and civil society sector, some part of a study visit to Brussels and EU bodies organized in 2019 under the project “Women in Politics, Confidence, Influence and Effective Leadership” also discussed on Wednesday the upcoming six diversified events – training, discussions, debates and learning-sharing sessions that will be used to compile recommendations on the inclusion of women in negotiating tables. The findings will be made public and presented in the final report to the decision-makers.
The discussion on the follow-up activities was led by EUSR Gender Advisor Reyes Charle, United Women’s Association Director Vlora Hoti, and NSI Director Jovana Radosavljević.
