OSCE Mission in Kosovo works with Roma and Ashkali women to improve local-level policies

A workshop organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo for around 20 Roma and Ashkali grassroots activists and civil society organizations from the Gjilan/Gnjilane and Ferizaj/Uroševac municipalities on how to shape better local policies for the benefit of communities concluded on 3 May 2017.

Special focus was put on the ways women activists from these communities can be involved in decision-making and contribute to municipal action plans. These plans derive from the “Strategy for Inclusion of the Roma and Ashkali communities in the Kosovo society 2017-2021,” approved recently by the Government, and cover important aspects such as education, employment, social welfare, health and housing.  

Participants agreed that the lack of involvement of women in decision-making resulted from poor education and limited employment opportunities and suggested that these challenges be addressed through institution-lead interventions.

“If we do not raise our voice, we will continue to face the same problems over and over again,” said Gyltene Osmani, an Ashkali activist from the BRAN non-governmental organization.

The workshop concluded with a set of recommendations to the local institutions to include women activists in processes affecting their communities, and for the activists themselves to take a more proactive role.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights and communities rights protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development. Through tailor-based initiatives and projects, the Mission aims to improve the position of communities and their participation in public life.