/ cfd projects in Kosovo
In Kosovo, cfd supports women's organisations that combat discrimination and violence against women, and work towards equal access for both sexes to rights and resources. An empowerment approach encourages women to use their influence within their families and on the broader public, making the most of what scope of action they have. The women's organisations challenge patriarchal structures by lancing political initiatives for gender equality, putting pressure on key players in political and professional fields.
Against Gender-Specific Violence
With empowerment projects for women, awareness campaigns and political lobbying, women's organisations have initiated a public debate on domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Largely thanks to their efforts, these crimes are now acknowledged as violations of law. However, in practice, institutional and cultural constraints make it difficult to protect the victims of violence, or to realise an effective policy against violence. The experience of war and a lack of earning opportunities have strengthened the position of the greater family unit as a place of refuge and protection. Within these family units women have a subordinate position and frequently experience physical and psychological abuse. There has also been a marked increase of the sexual exploitation of young girls for commercial reasons. Women's organisations hold the dismal economic prospects responsible, as well as the patriarchal structures. Money is short, and the young women hope to find some means of distancing themselves from the family system. In an attempt to curb the trafficking in human beings, NGO's are training the public authorities, sensitising teachers and pupils to these issues, as well as working directly with the heads of families.
Gender Equality in Peace Building
After the war, by exerting constant pressure on the international administration and the local authorities, women's organisations were able to greatly improve the political status of women. To a large extent, this was possible thanks to their close cooperation with networks like the 'Kosovo Women's Network'. All of cfd's partner organisations have joined this network of Kosovar, Serb, Romany and Ashkali women's organisations. At present they are working towards a better representation and greater influence of women in the political bodies negotiating the status of Kosovo. To this end they can invoke the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. This resolution calls upon everyone working for peace and security to ensure that women can participate in the political negotiation process as equal partners, and to pay attention to gender-specific issues.
Strengthening Civil Society
In the foreseeable future, the big international organisations and sponsors will be reducing their financial involvement in Kosovo. For this reason, besides monitoring the various projects, cfd is intensely involved in supporting her partner organisations, helping with organisational development and with the planning of long-term financial strategies. Whatever the outcome of the status negotiations might be, a strong civil society is vital to de-militarise the political situation, to strengthen the process of democratisation and to ensure respect for the Rights of Women.