Representatives of the Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) have called for amendments to Kosovo’s Criminal Code to explicitly include femicide and technology-facilitated violence, during a meeting with Kosovo Assembly Speaker Albulena Haxhiu.
The meeting focused on concrete steps the Assembly could take to prevent violence against women and gender-based killings, according to a statement from the organization.
The delegation, led by KWN Executive Director Nicole Farnsworth and including board members Nermin Mahmuti, Maria Berishaj and Antigona Baxhaku Idrizi, presented several recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional responses to violence against women.
Among the key demands were amendments to the Criminal Code to recognize femicide and violence carried out through technology, stronger mechanisms for protecting victims and handling cases of violence, and adequate funding for social workers and specialized services supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
The representatives also stressed the importance of supporting women’s rights organizations and ensuring their participation in decision-making processes.
As part of its advocacy efforts, KWN said it had delivered 120 envelopes directly to members of parliament, alongside letters addressed to the prime minister and relevant ministers. The materials contain specific recommendations on measures institutions can take to prevent and address gender-based violence.
The recommendations are based on the network’s research, expertise and years of work in the field.
KWN said it would continue cooperating with the Assembly and other Kosovo institutions to advance the proposals and promote reforms aimed at protecting the lives and rights of women and girls.
