CHALLENGES AND INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO THE SAFETY OF KOSOVO SERBIAN WOMEN

This research analyzes the perspectives of Kosovo Serb women and girls on their safety, the institutional response to gender-based violence, and gender equality within the police and the broader security sector. 

Most survivors of gender-based violence, especially women and girls experiencing domestic violence from different ethnic groups, face a lack of sustainable support at the institutional level. This lack of institutional support, coupled with a patriarchal and criticized institutional approach and treatment of these cases, has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations and activists in Kosovo. In recent years, organized protests have taken place throughout Kosovo in response to gender-based violence and femicide, with particular reference to the alarming number of femicides. 

While the number of reports of domestic violence demonstrates the growing awareness of gender equality in Kosovo, the lack of institutional capacity to prevent gender-based violence is evident. In addition, reported cases are often accompanied by a victim-blaming approach, deeply rooted in the patriarchal fabric of society. The severity of this situation is intensified when one considers the low employment rate of women and their limited financial independence. 

Report is available in serbian language and can be downloaded here: Serbian