Regional conference on Parliamentary Perspectives on Gender Equality and Demographic Resilience in the Western Balkans

With UNFPA support, a regional conference on Parliamentary Perspectives on Gender Equality and Demographic Resilience in the Western Balkans was convened in Pristina on December 23 by Dr. Fatmire Kollçaku, MP and chair of the Assembly of Kosovo’s Sustainable Development Council. 

The conference provided an opportunity to discuss gender-inclusive and family-friendly policies promoted in Kosovo by UNFPA and partners, notably including the Assembly’s SD Council, as well as exchange views and hear the experiences of MPs and other stakeholders from the broader region. 

 

As regards Kosovo, in addition to Dr. Kollçaku it was a pleasure to hear the perspectives and commitments from Assembly of Kosovo Speaker Glauk Konjufca and Deputy Prime Minister Emilija Redžepi.

 

In her opening remarks, Dr. Kollçaku stressed that "gender-sensitive policies are the best measures to enable proper family planning and address concerns – mostly held by women – that starting a family or having children will undermine or completely cease professional careers."

 

On his part, Assembly Speaker Glauk Konjufca inter alia noted that "the foundation of our existence lies in the equality between men and women. It is a long and arduous battle, one that must not tolerate any compromises. Policies that promote equal coordination of work and family life for both men and women are now more crucial than ever in combating gender discrimination and achieving true equality."

 

DPM Emilija Redžepi elaborated on the Kosovo Government's commitment to gender equality, whereby she stated, "I can confirm the Government and the full institutional spectrum in Kosovo are fully committed to the agenda. Beyond the number of women in the cabinet, this Government has indeed placed gender equality and the rights of women high on the agenda."

 

Our Head of Office, Dr. Visare Mujko-Nimani, provided an overview of the achievements and future plans concerning gender equality in the workplace. During the conference, Dr. Mujko-Nimani had the opportunity to engage with a panel of experts, including Toma Šutić from the European Commission, Marina Morozova from the Parliament of Moldova, and Marie Toulemonde from the regional UNFPA's gender specialist pool. Particularly engaging were also the perspectives of MPs and other guests from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. 

 

Dr. Mujko-Nimani focused on the challenges faced by individuals, particularly women, in balancing career and family responsibilities: "We are well aware that combining both career and family responsibilities comes at a substantial cost for most individuals, particularly women, in terms of financial implications and limited opportunities. For many, it is a near-impossible task, forcing them, particularly women, to make a choice between their careers and starting a family."

 

The conference was held under the auspices of UNFPA's Expanding Choices project, supported by the Austrian Development Cooperation. The project promotes gender equality and enhanced work and family life balance in line with UN SDGs and the 2019 EU Directive on Work-Life Balance.