Kosovar Women Parliamentarians Lead the Fight against Domestic Violence and Engage Citizens in Debate on Gender Issues

One year after declaring independence from Serbia, Kosovo still struggles to prove itself as a modern and inclusive democracy. While one-third of seats in the Assembly of Kosovo are legally reserved for women, women members of parliament (MPs) have not historically enjoyed a high level of influence or engagement in Kosovar governing structures. In July 2005, NDI assisted 36 women MPs in convening the first informal caucus of women parlimentarians. Today, the multi-party, multi-ethnic Women’s Informal Group (WIG) is now the largest cross-party grouping in the Assembly.

In November 2008, the WIG embarked on an unprecedented one-year television debate program aimed at putting issues of particular importance to women on the national policy agenda and increasing women’s political participation.

The live series airs on national network television, engaging WIG members of various parties in constructive policy dialogue and promoting their involvement in decision-making structures. In advance of the first debates, NDI conducted a two-day workshop on public relations and communication skills to prepare the WIG members for their appearance before a national audience. The inaugural programs in the debate series addressed the subjects of women’s leadership and domestic violence in Kosovo. At the latter event, MPs discussed some of the leading causes of domestic violence, pointing to a legacy of conflict in the region and a challenging economic environment.

The broadcast of the second WIG debate coincided with the official launch of the WIG’s informational brochure, The Constitution Protects You, a guide to how the new Kosovar constitution addresses women’s rights and protection from domestic violence. The brochure was published in both Albanian and Serbian for Kosovo’s two primary ethnic communities, and has been distributed to all Kosovar women’s NGOs, the Assembly library and the Assembly’s constituency relations offices.

Throughout 2009, the WIG will continue to air television debate programs, expanding the discussion of issues and policies of particular interest to women from the corridors of power into citizens’ homes. With NDI’s support, the WIG will continue to promote and encourage the increased participation of women in political decision-making and serve as a model of women’s leadership as Kosovo embarks on a new chapter in its democratic development.

Pictured above: Members of the Women’s Informal Group participate in a debate on domestic violence in Kosovo.