In recognition of International Women's Day, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo supported a series of impactful activities aimed at empowering women, advancing gender equality, and raising awareness of women's contributions across various fields.
The activities, spanning over the course of the week, included the conference 'Women in Policing - Implementing Gender-Transformative Measures to Empower Women in the Police,' organized in co-operation with the Association of Women in the Kosovo Police (AWKP). Attended by President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu and gathering members of UN Women, Agency for Gender Equality, KFOR, and senior representatives of Kosovo Police, institutions, civil society, as well as key contributors to the gender equality in the security sector, the discussion focused on challenges and measures to strengthen the role of women in the police force.
"The strength and success of the police can never be complete without the inclusion of women at all levels of decision-making, as well as in leading and commanding the police structure in all its organizational and operational components. This is not just a gender objective; it is an institutional necessity, a societal demand, and an essential standard for a modern, effective, and more trustworthy police force," President Osmani said in her opening remarks.
The activities continued with a joint conference with the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, convening local and regional stakeholders to promote dialogue and strengthen networks across the region, and focusing on the challenges and needs of women journalists, followed by a roundtable discussion with representatives of the Ministry of Education, Prishtinë/Priština municipality, Kosovo Police and civil society organizations on overcoming gender stereotypes to achieve gender equality.
Echoing Mission efforts at women empowerment, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Cornelia Taylor said: "Gender equality is an ongoing effort that requires dismantling the remaining barriers and combating discrimination across all sectors of society. Our Mission has been a steadfast partner to institutions and organizations in pursuing this goal for years," she said.
"Moving forward, let us continue to work side by side to break down barriers, foster inclusivity, and ensure that women who dedicate their lives to public safety, exposing wrongdoings and strengthening the legal framework to advance women's rights receive the recognition and support they deserve", Taylor added.
A third event included was organized with Municipality of Prishtinë/Priština and the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and it targeted students with the aim of raising their awareness of the ways and importance of challenging gender stereotypes and preventing gender-based violence toward achieving gender equality.
Mandated with the protection and promotion of human and community rights, and with democratization and public safety sector development, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo has women's empowerment, gender equality and women's rights at the core of all its activities.
Throughout the week, the Mission also supported other activities Kosovo-wide, including public debates, discussions, workshops, and visits to shelters for domestic violence victims. The breadth of the Mission's activities continues to showcase its structural approach to promoting women's rights and gender equality across various sectors.
The Mission remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing gender equality and women's rights, working across all levels to further support a more inclusive and just society where every woman and girl can live free from discrimination and violence.
