Prishtina, November 22nd 2019 – President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, participated today at the launching of the study on the Wellbeing and Safety of Women, organised by the OSCE.
President Thaçi said that, after the receiving of the report the initial feeling is that of anguish with the position of the women, with the violence exerted over women, with the threats on their wellbeing and safety in the Kosovar society.
According to the President, deep traumas of the war and genocide, of the repression and discrimination, of the exclusion and denial, stem deep into our society.
“They also touch the position of women and the opportunities of the whole society to face with the deepest and most important of problems,” said President Thaçi.
The head of state added that in this report, he also found reasons for optimism and courage to continue with the development and transformation of the Kosovar society.
He mentioned the three most important achievements of this report.
“The first achievement is that Kosovo has also been included in this important research” said President Thaçi, adding that he is aware” of the obstacles made to the state of Kosovo in international organisations.
President said that he does not want to speak on how unjust this is to the people of Kosovo, but expressed his appreciation for the inclusion of Kosovo in this research.
“I am grateful for your placement of the rights and freedoms of the individuals, of the citizen of Kosovo, above any daily politics and interests of different states or groups”.
President Thaçi further added that the second achievement is that it does not only undertake the mere stating of the situation but looks for causes, analyses causes and consequences and provides recommendations on the improvement of the situation.
“The sample of the respondents, questions, interviews, have all brought to light data which call for debates and substantial discussions in the Kosovar society. Furthermore, the survey which you are publishing today, does not only state the situation, but looks for causes, analyses causes and consequences and provides recommendations on the improvement of the situation. We are talking about the improvement of the position of women in Kosovo, for their empowerment,” added President Thaçi.
Emancipation of the women in Kosovo, said the President, means the emancipation of the whole society.
“Empowerment of women in Kosovo means the empowerment of the principles of freedom, of equality, of the dignity, which are valid for the whole of our society” said President Thaçi, adding that “through your work, you are helping the general social debate in Kosovo and the emancipation of the whole society.”
The head of state said that by organising such conferences, the issue of gender equality and of the needs of women is held at the top of the agenda.
“Data which you will disclose here today will contribute to a more argumentative debate. Your recommendations will help in undertaking of the steps needed to improve the position of the women in Kosovar society. It is true that despite challenges and our history, we have made great steps ahead in empowerment of the women and in the advancement of their role in the society. But, this is just the beginning,” said the President.
President Thaçi also added that we still have a long journey ahead in order to guarantee full gender equality in Kosovo.
“With our dedication, our knowledge, and with your support, we will continue to move ahead until every single woman, every single girl, feels equal in our society. Feels safe, accepted, protected, equal and free,” said President Thaçi.