10/09/2015
Kosovar Center for Security Studies (KCSS) with the support of the European Union Office in Kosovo/ Special Representative of the EU, on 10th of September 2015, on behalf of the project: “A tale of two cities, radicalization and counter narratives in Vushtrri and Mitrovica” has organized the debate on the topic: "The role of women in countering violent extremism in Kosovo”.
During the debate, which has been attended by representatives of local and central institutions, security sector, the Islamic community, civil society, KFOR and embassies, were discussed about the challenges in preventing violent extremism in Kosovo, especially the involvement of women in the battle against extremism. The involvement of women especially their awareness in identifying and reporting of extremist elements within their family remains one of the crucial factors in the prevention of extremism.
KCSS’s Researcher, Donika Emini said that the woman remains an important element for the proper education, including religion which contributes to raise awareness against extremism.
Regional deputy of the Kosovo Police in Mitrovica, Afërdita Mikullovci said that the role of women, especially in the early identification and reporting of extremist elements within families is one of the primary factors in the battle against extremism. According to the Directorate of Counterterrorism at the Kosovo Police so far, at least 20 women have joined their husbands in Syria and Iraq, taking with them their children’s.
Remzije Zekolli, gender officer in Vushtrri said that intensification of cooperation is needed between all the institutional bodies to countering extremist propaganda networks and especially the students' awareness about the danger of extremism.
Shemsi Rrahimi, head of the Islamic Community in Vushtrri said that women should try to explain to their children and other family members that extremism and ISIS does not have anything to do with Islam or Jihad.
This debate is part the project A tale of two cities: "Radicalism and counternarratives in Vushtrri and Mitrovica". The projects’ general aim is to raise awareness and citizen activism in preventing the spread of extremism, as well as contributing to counteract against dissemination of propaganda of extremist groups in Kosovo.
