WOMEN IN SECURITY SECTOR

KCSS in partnership with NDI in the framework of the Week of Women organized a panel discussion on the topic: Women in Security Sector.

The aim of this panel discussion was to examine the current situation regarding gender representation in the security sector in Kosovo; Discussion on the importance of  involving women in policy making at security sector; Inspire women to consider career building in the field of security. Special focus in the panel was given to the presentation of women's perceptions on security and justice institutions, and community safety.

Participants of the panel discussion were:

-Florian Qehaja, Director of the Kosovar Center for Security Studies.

-Ganimete Musliu, Member of the Committee on Internal Affairs

-Elmina Mahmuti, Director of Gjilan region –Kosovo Police.

-Flora Macula, Director of UN Women in Kosovo.

-Donika Emini, Researcher at the Kosovar Center for Security Studies.

KCSS Executive Director, Florian Qehaja, in their introductory speech highly appreciated the initiative of NDI in organizing such events. Moreover Florian Qehaja considered partnership with KCSS as a successful step towards increasing the representation and promoting the role of women in the security sector.

Further, Ganimete Musliu and Elmina Mahmuti shared their experiences of working in the security sector by emphasizing the challenges of representation of women in the security sector. During this session was emphasized the importance of involving women in policy making at security sector by also inspiring women to consider career building in the field of security. On the other hand, Flora Macula from UN Women presented challenges of implementation of the UN Resolution 1325 and their work with women in the field..

KCSS researcher, Donika Emini presented the findings from the Kosovo Security Barometer focusing on women's perceptions in the security sector and community safety. Barometer findings show that women generally have positive perceptions towards security institutions, perceiving them as the supporting pillar, therefore it is important to mention that the perception has been built on “wishful thinking" and not based in reality. It is important to note that women contact with security institutions is minimal, very low compared to men. This reflects the supremacy of men in relation to contact with security institutions, leaving women basetheir opinions and perceptions in the media or influenced from family/ relatevies and not from their personal experiences.

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