The conference for Ukrainian journalists "Women, memory and media: lessons from Kosovo for Ukraine" was held in Pristina. The representative of the "Association of Democratic Development", journalist Iryna Synelnyk, also joined the event. For two days, the participants from Ukraine discussed the situation of women in Kosovo, injuries and sexual violence during the war, the impact of the experience on later life, ethics and professional approaches in the work of journalists with the best invited experts, how the lessons of Kosovo can be useful for Ukraine.
According to official data, the employment rate of women in this Balkan country reaches 21% (2024 statistics), for men - 56%. Mostly women, as is characteristic of patriarchal societies, perform unpaid care work, taking care of children and older relatives. Only 12% of women in Kosovo owned property in 2010, and 18% in 2018. However, this country has three female presidents. The meeting with the first president of Kosovo, Atifete Yahʼyaga, who is now the founder of the foundation of the same name, which supports women and develops youth leadership, was memorable and inspired.
Ms. Atifete, who has extensive experience in the police and the rank of general, spoke about her path in politics, the challenges she had to overcome as a woman in the highest public position, as well as the consistent and effective activities to overcome the stigma in society regarding the recognition of the status of all victims of sexual violence during the war.
She urged Ukrainians not to repeat Kosovo's mistakes and therefore already now:
- to speak openly about the war crimes committed by the Russian military in Ukraine on international platforms, demanding a fair punishment for the perpetrators;
- provide the necessary psychological assistance and comprehensive support to victims;
- document crimes, forming an evidence base for fair trials.
