With the global theme "Rights, Justice, Action", the Agency for Gender Equality marked March 8 - International Women's Day, emphasizing the importance of advancing gender equality and protecting women's rights in Kosovo.
The Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, said that the way a country treats women and girls shows the level of its values. She emphasized that women's rights are the result of efforts and action over the years.
Haxhiu added that, although Kosovo has made progress in gender equality, many women still face violence, economic inequality, and obstacles in decision-making and the labor market, pledging that the Assembly will strengthen oversight of the implementation of laws.
"The way a country treats its women and girls is the most honest reflection of that country's value. History has taught us that women's rights are not a gift. They are the result of action... Kosovo has made significant progress in building a legal framework for gender equality, but reality reminds us that the work does not end with the adoption of laws. Many women continue to face domestic violence, economic inequality and barriers to access to decision-making, but also in the labor market. As Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, I pledge to strengthen parliamentary oversight mechanisms and remind the relevant institutions of their responsibility in implementing laws. Because ultimately, the goal of all this engagement is for the progress we are talking about to become visible, tangible for the girls and women of this country," she said.
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, stated that equal justice is the responsibility of the Republic of Kosovo and that gender-based violence is not tolerated.
Kurti said that, during his mandate, the empowerment of women and girls has been a concrete priority through policies and the budget.
“It means that domestic violence and discrimination are not tolerated, excused or hidden, but prosecuted and prevented. A democracy cannot be strong if half of its population is underrepresented. It means zero tolerance for gender-based violence. Not just declarations, but enforced protection orders. Perpetrators of violence are held accountable, survivors are supported with accessible legal aid and affordable shelters. It means labor laws that guarantee equal pay for equal work, healthcare that respects women’s dignity, and family law that protects equality. And justice institutions that are free from bias and influence,” he said.
Kosovo has a strong and admirable tradition of women's activism and leadership, said the Deputy Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova.
According to him, although Kosovo has made progress, challenges still remain to ensure that women and girls live free from violence and discrimination.
“Advancing women’s rights, ensuring equal opportunities and protecting women from violence are not only social priorities. They are also indicators of strong democratic institutions and a functioning rule of law. Kosovo has made significant progress over the years. At the same time, major challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that all women and girls live free from violence and discrimination. Recent court decisions in Kosovo have sent important and positive signals in this direction,” he said.
AGE Executive Director, Edi Gusia emphasized that today, more than ever, when the world is seeing a setback in the gender equality agenda, continued support and funding for this cause is necessary.
"Promoting the gender equality agenda requires from all of us daily dedication and commitment to the implementation of the legal framework that guarantees gender equality in a systematic, responsible and accountable manner. Today, more than ever, when globally we are facing a setback in the gender equality agenda, we need systematic support for the path of this agenda. We need to reaffirm our readiness to support, encourage and finance this agenda. Initially, by standing in solidarity with each other, by committing to gender justice and especially by supporting women's organizations", she said. /KP/
