Supporting Gender Equality: EU-Funded Project Launches in Kosovo

PRISTINA, 13 June 2023 – Today, the Gender Equality Facility (GEF) project was officially launched in Kosovo, representing a significant step towards mainstreaming gender equality across sectors in Kosovo. Funded by the European Union and implemented by UN Women in Kosovo, this initiative aims to strengthen the gender equality mechanism and foster more equitable socio-economic development outcomes for women, men, girls, and boys in Kosovo.

The Gender Equality Facility project marks a milestone in the commitment to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls in line with Kosovo's legislative framework and the EU Gender Equality acquis. With an  investment of 1.5 million euros from the European Union, this project will serve as a catalyst for transformative change, fostering inclusive societies that recognize and promote the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender.

Speaking at the launching event, Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti stated that the project will facilitate the process of Kosovo’s EU integration and will support government’s work on advancing gender parity.

"The Gender Equality Facility project funded by the European Union and implemented by the UN Women office in Kosovo, will be our right hand in achieving the objectives to ensure that we are in line with the EU directives for gender equality" .

Confirming the European Union's unwavering support for promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, Head of Cooperation Section in EU Office in Kosovo, Johannes Stenbaek Madsen expressed his optimism about Kosovo's significant advancements in advancing the rights of women and girls. Speaking at an event, he said

“In the past two years, Kosovo has made notable strides in addressing gender-based violence, enhancing women's representation in decision-making positions, and implementing measures to foster women's economic empowerment. While progress has been made, Kosovo's institutions must improve their functioning. Implementation of laws and policies is poor, and gender mainstreaming in the administration needs enhancement. A commitment to advancing equality is necessary, considering women constitute 50% of the population, including during the Kosovo stabilization and association process."

Further, Arnhild Spence the United Nations Development Coordinator, said that this project significantly contributes to Kosovo's journey towards integration into the European Union, providing substantial benefits to its citizens.

“The Gender Equality Facility is a great example of a triangular partnership between the UN, EU, and the Government of Kosovo. By working together, we are advancing SDG 5 – Gender Equality – and Kosovo’s progress towards meeting EU accession benchmarks, including its harmonization with the EU directive on work-life balance”.

Vlora Tuzi Nushi, the Head of Office of UN Women, expressed her confidence in the tangible results that Kosovo will witness through the implementation of the Gender Equality Facility in the coming years. Nushi emphasized that this project will forge a close partnership with key institutions, focusing on sector reforms, strategies, development programs, and plans to ensure alignment with the Gender Equality acquis of the European Union.

“GEF Project in Kosovo is designed to be implemented through three distinct components, strategically aimed at promoting the seamless integration of a gender perspective across all sectors of planning in Kosovo. This approach ensures that every new document, strategy, and policy developed aligns with the European Union's legal framework, thereby establishing a solid groundwork for Kosovo's path towards integration into the EU.”

The Gender Equality Facility will serve as a critical resource for government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders seeking to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality.

By facilitating knowledge exchange, providing technical assistance, and supporting innovative initiatives, the facility will strengthen the capacity of actors at all levels to drive gender-responsive policies and programs nation-wide.