The '16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence' launched in Kosovo on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, as well as the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign which ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day. Every year, this campaign calls for global action to raise awareness around the world about preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls, also is a moment for the world to come together and take action.

Violence against women remains one of the most widespread violations of human rights. Reports showed an alarming increase during past months, in the already existing pandemic of violence against women, especially physical, psychological, sexual and economic forms of domestic violence, fueled by household economic and food insecurity and confined living conditions. Police reports show nearly 650 cases of domestic violence to have been reported across Kosovo in 2020, which represents a 22% increase compared to the same period of 2019. This year in a big step forward, the Kosovo Assembly, voted for the direct applicability of the Istanbul Convention in the Kosovo Constitution. The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and  Domestic Violence, or better known as the “Istanbul Convention”  is a benchmark to combat violence against women, and will strengthen the commitment of Kosovo towards addressing gender-based violence in all its forms, by taking measures to prevent violence against women, protect its victims and prosecute the perpetrators.

This year, to launch the campaign, UN Women, jointly with the European Union Office/ EU Special Representative, UNKT, UNDP and IOM organized a visit in the Gjakova Municipality. The visit started with a meeting with Gjakova Municipality Mayor, Ardian Gjini. It then continued to the “Safe House” shelter for survivors of domestic violence and the bakery owned by the shelter, emphasizing the importance of support for the survivors, especially in pandemic times, when their economic empowerment and reintegration are at risk. This visit highlighted the support of the European Union and the United Nations to women’s organizations in their work towards the prevention and elimination of violence against women. “Survivors of gender-based violence need to be at the centre of the policies. They need to feel that they are not alone. Violence against women affects the whole society, so we all should be involved in eliminating it “said EU Special Representative Tomáš Szunyog.

"Gender-based violence is one of the most cynic forms of violence, and it happens where women should feel the most safe. We should join forces, women and men, local and central level institutions, and civil society organizations to double our efforts towards the elimination all forms of violence against women" stated Ulrika Richardson, UN Development Coordinator in Kosovo.

The activity also included a visit to the business of a woman entrepreneur from the Egyptian Community, organized by IOM. Terzi and Tabak Bridges were turned orange jointly by UNDP and the EU.  On this occasion, Tomáš Szunyog, Head of EU Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative and Maria Suokko, UNDP Resident Representative signed the project agreement on “Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Intercommunity Dialogue and Social Cohesion” which allows for continued cooperation in this area over the next two years where women and youth feature prominently.

The lightning of iconic buildings around the world in orange is a key part of the “16 Days of Activism” Campaign. The colour orange symbolizes a bright future without violence against women and girls. On November 25th, throughout Kosovo, many buildings and cultural heritage monuments were lit up in orange, including the Assembly Building, Ministry of Justice, Cathedral in Pristina, European Union Office Building, the Bill Clinton Street and more.

Kosovo has been part of the global “16 Days of Activism” campaign for several years now through the UN Women Office in Kosovo, which co-ordinates the campaign through the multi-stakeholder Security and Gender Group (SGG).

Women and girls in Kosovo, an all over the world, continue facing unimaginable challenges, with COVID-19 deepening existing inequalities, including gender inequality. We are already seeing a reversal of progress on gender equality and women’s rights, which even before the pandemic was fragile. This is the time to ensure that gender equality concerns are fully embedded in our short-term responses and longer-term recovery to build the more equal and resilient societies that we will need coming out of this crisis.

The '16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence' launched in Kosovo on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women | United Nations in Kosovo