Women's rights groups are facing global backlash, from direct threats to deep funding cuts. Amid these challenges, they remain committed to persevere. Among them is the Kosovo Women's Network (KWN), a network of 102 diverse women's organizations working in Kosovo and the Western Balkans. Together, they know they are strong and can contuine to work toward achieving their vision of a Kosovo in which women and men are equal and have equal opportunities for education, employment, political participation, healthcare and a life free from violence.

Just a few examples of their successes in bringing about positive change within their communities include:

Influencing more than 212 laws and policies to better protect women and girls' rights across various sectors from economy to social services to environment.
Engaging more than 6,660 women in decision-making processes at diverse levels - some for the first time.
Inspiring more than 3,000 diverse women and men to advocate for their rights to quality healthcare.
Providing free legal support to more than 120 women survivors of violence.
Monitoring more than 300 court cases to hold institutions accountable.
Advocating successfully for the government to finance shelters and institutions to improve support services.
Informing more than 10,000 women—and directly supporting more than 330—in realizing their inheritance and property rights.
Supporting survivors of sexual violence perpetrated during the war and helping diverse women become economically autonomous in post-conflict Kosovo.
Advocating internationally for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security and monitoring its implementation.

Despite these successes and the urgent need for further work, KWN and its members are facing a financial crisis amid sudden unprecedented funding cuts by their traditional supporters.

Your donation will enable them to continue to realize their vision of a Kosovo in which women and men are equal and have equal opportunities for education, employment, political participation, healthcare, and a life free from violence.

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About the Kosovo Women's Network

Established in 1996, the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) was originally an informal network of women’s groups and organizations from various regions in Kosovo. Since its inception, KWN has developed into a network that advocates on behalf of Kosovar women at the local, regional and international level. KWN staff possess knowledge and expertise in various fields and up to 30 years’ experience in research, advocacy, policy advice, capacity development, legal aid, community development, and public outreach. Representing the interests of its members, including women’s organizations of all ethnic groups from throughout Kosovo, KWN is a leader among civil society organizations in the country and the whole region. KWN cooperates regularly with other women’s groups in the region, both informally and formally.

KWN’s mission is to support, protect and promote the rights and interests of women and girls throughout Kosovo, regardless of their political beliefs, religion, age, level of education, sexual orientation and ability. KWN fulfills its mission through the exchange of experience and information, partnership and networking, research, advocacy, and service.

The East-West Management Institute (EWMI) has partnered with KWN since 2003 and is proud to support this exemplary organization under our Partner Legacy Support Program.