Sefedin Avdiaj, a Legal Professional Associate at the court, is not just another justice sector expert—he is the only blind person in Kosovo to have passed the Bar exam. His path to the courtroom has been shaped by perseverance, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to proving that disability is no barrier to excellence.A Life Transformed; A New Path OpenedBorn in 1981, Sefedin had a typical childhood, attending school like any other child. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he lost his sight, forcing him to temporarily put his academic ambitions on hold. The loss was not only physical but also deeply emotional, requiring years to rebuild his confidence and sense of purpose."I had to come to terms with myself when I lost my sight," he recalls. During these years of reflection, he found new ways to navigate the world—learning Braille, mastering orientation skills, and regaining his independence. Determined to continue his education, he enrolled at university, facing new challenges. "Braille literature was very limited," he explains,  "so I had to be innovative." His most valuable tool became a voice recorder, which he used to record lectures, transfer audio files to his computer, and listen to legal texts read by family members and friends.In 2015, he earned his BA degree in law, followed by a MA degree in 2017. Then came his greatest achievement: passing the bar exam on 19 May 2019. However, even after this milestone, he encountered another challenge—finding a job."I was the only blind person in Kosovo admitted to the Bar, but opportunities were scarce," he recalls. Yet, he persevered.. In 2022, he secured a position as a Legal Professional Associate at the Basic Court of Gjakovë/Đakovica, which, along with its two branches, serves the city and 168 surrounding villages. Today, Sefedin's daily routine reflects both efficiency and adaptability. He commutes seven kilometers from his home in Skivjan/e village to the court, always accompanied to the bus station by his wife or family members. "Once I get on the bus, there is always someone who helps me reach the court entrance," he says. He has memorized the layout of the new courthouse building, which opened in August 2024 and offers enhanced accessibility for persons with disabilities—unlike the old facility. His workday starts at 8:00 AM, but he arrives 10 minutes early to settle into his ground-floor office. "First, I check emails—if there is anything urgent, I respond immediately. Otherwise, I proceed with the cases I usually handle."Lately, he has been focusing more on criminal cases, analyzing legal provisions and ensuring that court decisions are properly referenced. "Now, there is a clear system," he explains. "Based on court transcripts, we complete forms and verify that all legal references are accurate. If something is missing, I add or adjust it as needed."A Major Advancement: The Braille Display Device In August 2024, Sefedin’s efficiency improved significantly when, through UNDP , he received a Braille display device. This assistive tool transformed his workflow, allowing him to draft more legal documents while maintaining high-quality standards."Before, I relied solely on audio feedback," he explains. "Now, I can read and edit with great precision. My documents are error-free—no distortions, no omissions. I work faster and with higher accuracy. The judges I work with trust me completely and, if I may say so, I think they even prefer me!" he says, smiling.For Sefedin, this is not just about speed; it is about demonstrating that professionals with disabilities can be just as capable as their peers—especially when provided with the right tools. Beyond the Courtroom: A Vision for InclusionDespite his progress, Sefedin acknowledges that society still has a long way to go in improving conditions for persons with disabilities. "We need basic conditions to showcase our skills," he emphasizes. "Things are improving, but the process needs to accelerate."His long-term goal is clear: "I love my job, my office, my colleagues. I want to do this for my entire career," he says. "When I retire from this job, I want to become a lawyer and represent clients in court. I want to prove that persons with disabilities are independent and valuable members of society."For now, his focus remains on family—his wife and two young children. "The most important things in life are family and work. When you have both, you can achieve anything."  The "Support to Access to Justice and Advancement of Language Rights in Kosovo" project is implemented by UNDP with support from UNMIK.   

Arbnesha Kelmendi Draga, a language teacher and a published poet from Pejë/Peć in Kosovo, wrote these words two days before going into surgery for cervical cancer.Ms, Kelmendi Draga is lucky. She is a cervical cancer survivor.Her cancer was detected and diagnosed at a local public clinic with the ability to conduct Pap tests and qualified medical staff who know when and how to conduct the test. After the cancer was detected, Ms Kelmendi Draga was operated upon within a week. Preventable and curableCervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus and it is the most common cancer among women globally, causing over 300,000 deaths in 2020 alone. It is, however, highly treatable if detected in time and the Pap test is the foremost means of detection. In addition, the HPV vaccine - administered mostly during adolescence , which together with the testing means 90 per cent of women survive cervical cancer. Therefore, the availability of both the test and the vaccine is crucial so that health systems can treat the cancer. It is equally important that women between 21 and 65 get tested at least once a year as part of a regular health check-up.The Kosovo screening programmeUNFPA in Kosovo, together with the Ministry of Health, Institute of Public health, the Board on Cancer Control and our implementing partner NGO Action for Mothers and Children, is running an initiative to establish a cervical cancer screening programme in the primary health care system. The programme involves providing Pap tests and training medical staff to administer it. So far, the programme has been implemented in six municipalities, including the one where Ms. Kelmendi Draga lives.The UNFPA programme has also produced standard operating procedures and has supported the Ministry of Health in developing clinical guidelines and protocols on cervical cancer screening. Awareness raising directed at both the professionals and the general public has also been a crucial component. As a result, since 2016, over 15,000 women have undergone the PAP test, and according to the results obtained, some have been referred for additional tests or treatment as needed. In 2023, 94 women (4.2%) out of 2,246 who underwent the PAP test tested positive for abnormal epithelial cells and were subsequently referred for further tests and treatment.     
     
In addition, UNFPA is substantially engaged in support to the Board on Cancer Control in the process of finalizing the Programme on Cancer Control (NBCC). Beyond the PAP test program and its extension to municipalities across Kosovo, UNFPA’s support in this framework includes assistance in the formal revision of the clinical guidelines pertaining to cervical cancer screening and treatment. This will enhance the quality and efficiency of managing all cases related to cervical cancer, thereby contributing to improved healthcare outcomes in this domain.     Ms Kelmendi Draga has a simple message for other women and girls in Kosovo.“Get checked regularly, early detection saves lives!”  Note: This article was originally published on the UNFPA Kosovo site. It is republished here and made available in Albanian and Serbian. 

Working closely with Kosovo’s young women and men, through initiatives such as skills development and on-the-job training programmes, has been key to their sustainable integration into the job market.   Ten months ago, Arsim Gashi, a 32-year-old craftsman, began his journey at ‘Woodtec Company’ in Janjevë/Janjevo, learning to build a wooden house from scratch. As an assistant craftsman, he oversaw the house's construction process, ensuring everything went according to plan.   Now, as the house is nearly completed and ready for export. Arsim reflects on his professional growth and acquired skills. "I've always been interested in working with wood, but I didn't realize how much discipline it requires to learn the entire process. Today, I have the skills to build a house from beginning to end," says Arsim.In 2023, the "Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Economic Revival of Janjevë/Janjevo" project funded by the European Union in Kosovo and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, included a six-month on-the-job training for six young men of different communities in woodwork and carpentry. Due to the interest from the trainees to continue the training, and the company's need for employees, the training was extended for another six months, until May 2024.  Remzi Shabani, another young man from Janjevë/Janjevo, joined the training programme with no prior skills in woodwork. Through this opportunity, he fulfilled his wish to learn this unique profession through hands-on practice in carpentry. "A few weeks ago, I was in Germany with colleagues from the company to deliver and assemble a house. It's interesting how after only 10 months of my engagement here, I can assemble a house" says Remzi.As much as he enjoyed the experience of going abroad and giving his contribution as part of his engagement at the company, he plans to pursue his career in his hometown and contribute to his family’s well-being.  The trainee's engagement and dedication are continuously praised by Nexhmedin Kryeziu, a master carpenter, who has been with these men from day one as their trainer. He highlights their commitment to work and the respect they show to one another.“They had to learn everything from scratch, including the final assembling of the houses, and look at them now - handling almost everything independently” elaborates Nexhmedin.“They remind me of the old times when I was younger and dedicated to learning every detail of this craft. Myself, I began working in the woodwork industry at my father's home furniture business when I was only 18” says Kryeziu, reminiscing. Simbad Latifi, the other trainer who guided the men through the entire process, beams with pride at their progress and their passion for this craft. He sees not only skilled workers in them but future artisans ready to leave their mark on the world of woodworking."It's inspiring how, even after so many years of working with wood, there are still things to learn from these guys. Creativity and technique – those are magic ingredients of this craft" says Simbad, reflecting on the ever-evolving nature of woodworking and the endless inspiration it provides.The on-the-job training aims to equip young trainees with advanced carpentry skills, that will soon qualify them as future professionals in this esteemed and lucrative profession.   Muhamet Latifi, a 21-year-old training participant, reflects on his journey from the first days when he had no clue how to handle the tools. With the trainer's guidance, he adapted quickly, gained skills, and jointly with his colleagues created lasting memories of his transformation.  On the other hand, there's Erand Konxheli, a diligent young man with aspirations for the future. “Everything is going great; I'm learning new things and improving every day. My ultimate goal is to establish my venture where I can specialise in building small wooden houses" says Erand, expressing his enthusiasm to leverage his skills into a profitable business.Ermal Qose, the production director, and co-owner of ‘Woodtech’, emphasizes the significant role of the six men in meeting the company's production demands, given the workload and diverse range of products."I'm delighted to see how far they've progressed. They've all become skilled assistant craftsmen and will soon be professional carpenters" says Ermal.He adds that Woodtech plans to retain all six men after their on-the-job training concludes in two months’ time, maintaining a long-lasting and sustainable engagement.As UNDP Kosovo celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, it reflects on the significant impact it has had over the years in supporting Kosovo inhabitants through many development programmes and initiatives. With special focus, UNDP has been empowering countless young men and women to enter the labour market through such skill-building initiatives.UNDP and the European Union (EU) are long-standing partners for 20 years, based on shared values enshrined in the UN charter and similar objectives for advancing peace and security, human rights, and development.  Story by: Mimoza KqikuPictures: Xhemail Sllovinja & Mrinë Godanci Note: This story was originally published on UNDP Kosovo Exposure page. It is republished here and also made available in Albanian and Serbian language. 

Meet Lumnije, born in 1970 in Uçë/Uče village, now settled in Mojstir/e, has always been surrounded by livestock most of her life. After raising her children, she thought about giving up dairy farming—but her love for the work made her stay."At first, I just wanted two cows to keep me busy. Then I added a few more, and before I knew it, I had a small dairy business," she says with a laugh.Today, Lumnije manages 17 cows, producing milk and cheese that supply local restaurants and wholesale buyers. During summer, she and her family take the cows to the highlands, where fresh air and rich pastures improve milk quality. With her husband’s help on heavy tasks, she focuses on maintaining the best dairy standards     Through FAO and UN Women training, Lumnije connected with other women in agriculture, realizing that many shared similar challenges. “It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in this,” she says. “We learn from each other, whether it’s about farming, business, or just supporting one another.”Lumnije is currently looking to expand her business slightly, and to do so, she needs a storage facility for livestock food. She hopes that with the knowledge gained and potential grant support, she will be able to achieve this.A Journey from Survival to Sustainable CraftsmanshipSheribane, born in 1968 from Vrelle/Vrele, Istog/k began her journey by collecting wild herbs and plants—a necessity at first, later becoming a passion. What started to provide for her family grew into a specialized skill. "I suffered a stroke many years ago, and my doctor advised me to stay active. Walking in the mountains, gathering herbs, and crafting macrame became my therapy," she explains.Over time, she mastered the art of collecting and drying herbs, like:Cowslip (Primula veris) – harvested in early springElderflower (Sambucus nigra)Linden flowers and young leaves (Tilia spp.)St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)Common Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)Wild Raspberry Leaves (Rubus idaeus)Rosehip (Rosa canina)Juniper (Juniperus communis)Wild Mushrooms. "These are all in high demand and collected by a company that distributes them in the EU," she says. "One can make a living by collecting and drying wild herbs."This year, she is experimenting with wild apple vinegar, hoping to expand into other natural food products.Thanks to FAO and UN Women training, Sheribane now understands the business side of her work—how to calculate costs, plan for future investments, and seek funding. “The biggest challenge is drying herbs properly,” she says. “Now I know exactly what kind of equipment I need, and I’m hoping for support to get an industrial dryer.”Empowered Through Knowledge and CommunityBoth Lumnije and Sheribane found not just skills but a network of like-minded women through the FAO and UN Women initiative. Whether it’s through dairy, herbal products, or handcrafted items, they prove that rural women can be entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers."It’s not just about the economy," Lumnije says. "It’s about feeling capable, independent, and proud of what we do."And in the heart this countryside, their stories of resilience continue to inspire.Lumnije Musaj and Sheribane Rexhaj Blakaj, both from Istog Municipality, have turned their passion into a livelihood—one through dairy farming, the other through foraging and artisanal production. With support from FAO and UN Women, under the "Promoting Rural Women’s Empowerment’ project, they are now expanding their reach and skills.The Promoting Rural Women’s Empowerment project is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation