Kosovo

Frieda collaborates with local partner organisations in Kosovo to promote the economic, social, and political empowerment of women and young people, as well as to prevent gender-based violence.

After the war against Serbia in the late 1990s, Kosovo declared its independence in 2008. However, Serbia still considers the country a Serbian province. This continues to cause tensions and armed conflicts. The consequences of the war weigh on Kosovo until today and complicate everyday life at various levels.

As a result of Covid-19 and the Ukraine conflict, the economic situation has worsened: in 2023, 21% of the population lived below the poverty line. Unemployment is high, and many young people lack prospects in their country.

Despite equality under the law, women's access to resources is severely limited. Particularly in rural areas, strongly patriarchal norms prevail. Frieda has been working since 2000 with Kosovar partner organisations that argue the case for equality and justice.

Situation of Project Participants

Gender equality in Kosovo is exemplary in law, but its implementation is patchy. According to prevailing patriarchal norms, women are mostly responsible for family and, in rural areas, for the farm. Many are dependent on their husband, father, brother, or in-laws. Kosovar women who experience violence often remain with the perpetrator. Their stigmatisation further restricts their scope for action.

Young people face challenges that make it difficult for them to realise their potential. The education system is outdated, and good connections are necessary to gain a foothold in the job market. As a result, young people are drawn abroad. Frieda's partner organisations work with them to develop new prospects in Kosovo.

Frieda Programme

To create prospects for women and young people in Kosovo, our partner organisations work in the areas of income promotion and vocational training, protection against gender-based violence, and promotion of non-violent coexistence.

In the projects, participants increase their social skills and acquire knowledge about human rights and women's rights. The goal is for women and young people to express their needs, concerns, and demands, claim their rights, and thus actively participate in social change.

In the communities, our partner organisations, together with project participants, raise awareness about equality in their environment. For example, they use campaigns or forum theatre to draw attention to violence against women or discriminatory social stereotypes. Participants can exchange experiences in safe spaces and reinforce networks and communities. The partner organisations argue the case for legal reforms and better implementation of existing laws, and raise awareness among authorities and the public about their concerns.