21/06/2023
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies today hosted a meeting on Gender, Peace, and Security in partnership with the Municipality of Hani i Elezit. The event aimed to promote gender equality and to tackle the security challenges faced by women of this municipality. The meeting brought together various stakeholders, including the mayor Mr. Mehmet Ballazhi, municipal directors, youth activists, women from the community, representatives from the OSCE, and local police officers.
The meeting started with discussing this municipality's efforts and commitment to gender equality and women's security. As a step towards inclusivity, the municipality appointed an equal number of women and men in managerial positions, ensuring a balanced representation. This approach aimed to promote fair and inclusive decision-making processes within the municipality. Some of the key results of this inclusion were the annual budget hearings for women, improving infrastructure to ensure safety for women in this municipality, and improving gender sensitive language.
The initiative for the gendered budget hearings to specifically address women's needs is a very important step taken from this municipality. Recognizing that women often face distinct challenges in security contexts, these hearings will provide an opportunity to allocate resources and develop strategies that prioritize the safety and well-being of women in Hani i Elezit. This approach acknowledges the importance of tailored interventions to create an environment where women feel safe and equal.
However, this municipality lacks an appointed official for Gender Equality, because of budget limitations from the Ministry of Finance, Transfers and Labor. Municipal officials are continuously advocating for appointing an official which would work exclusively with gender equality and lead the Local Mechanism against GBV.
Additionally, of the other key points, was the importance of women representation in security institutions to improve women's safety in Hani i Elezit. The meeting emphasized the significance of integrating gender perspectives into security policies and practices, creating an environment where women feel safe and empowered.
Youth empowerment was also a key theme during the meeting. Attendees recognized the positive role young individuals can play in creating an inclusive and secure society. They highlighted the need to involve and empower youth activists as drivers of positive change.
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) is supported by the program of the Kosovo Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) 'EJA Kosovo', co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Sweden and the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
