The OGA in Action
UNMIK
Implementation Plan of UNSCR 1325
The OGA elaborated the “UNMIK Implementation Plan of UNSCR 1325 for 2004-2006”, where gender concerns included in the Standards for Kosovo and their Implementation Plan are crossed with relevant articles of UNSCR 1325. The document consolidated the results of a strategy that, according to its mandate, the OGA has successfully carried out to place gender equality at the top of the Kosovo political agenda, translating UNSCR 1325 into practice, and, at the same time, laying the basis for engaging UNMIK as a whole in its execution.
In May, 2004, the SRSG has formally requested the heads of Pillar I, II, II and IV to assume the achievement of the objectives of this Implementation Plan as a core issue for the Mission and common responsibility for which the entire Mission will be held accountable. (SRSG Memo 26/05/2004)(SRSG Memo 26/05/2004)
Standards for Kosovo
Both the Standards for Kosovo and Standards Implementation Plan with gender concerns highlighted, were shared as a working tool by the SRSG with the heads of Pillar I, II, III and IV.
Introduced in December 2003, the Standards for Kosovo were launched by UNMIK as an effective means of measuring the progress of the PISGs within the “standards before status” policy. Prepared in close consultation with the PISG and all major local political parties, the Standards are monitored through quarterly assessments.
The OGA advocated for the inclusion of gender equality goals in the Standards for Kosovo, centralizing gender within the Kosovo political agenda. For this purpose, the OGA successfully liaised with key actors within UNMIK and the PISGs, positioning itself as the mission-wide advisory unit of gender issues. The incorporation of a gender focus in the process represents a crucial achievement for the advancement of gender equality agenda in Kosovo and an historical improvement from previous benchmarks
Conference on Gender Equality Mechanisms
The Office of Gender Affairs, together with the Advisory Office on Good Governance, Human Rights, Equal Opportunities and Gender Issues in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Kosovo Women’s Network, UNIFEM and OSCE organized a conference on Gender Equality Mechanisms in Kosovo.
The conference, inaugurated by the Principal Deputy SRSG, was devised as a follow-up to the promulgation of the Law on Gender Equality in Kosovo (UNMIK Regulation No. 2004/18, 7 June 2004). It focused on the implementation of the law at the central and local level, including the creation of a full-fledged women’s machinery, ad hoc mechanisms for gender mainstreaming in ministries and municipalities, as well as in the Ombudsperson Institution. The recommendations that arose from the working groups, were brought to the attention of the PISG. The conference proceedings, including all speeches and recommendations, are being complied by the OGA for publication, and will be widely disseminated.
Domestic Violence Campaign
The Office of Gender Affairs, in partnership with UNICEF, has taken the initiative of leading a qualitative assessment on youth’s perception of gender-based violence, which will serve as the basis of public awareness campaign. The campaign will focus on the vital function that youngsters of both sexes can play in transforming behaviours that are conducive to violent practices based on gender discrimination. The approach will stimulate youth to opt for a society characterised by equal opportunities for men and women, reject acquired stereotyped gender models and educate their parents, relatives and friends on respect for diversity, tolerance and gender equality.
The assessment was conducted by two NGOs working with youth, and was carried out through 14 focus groups held around Kosovo that included youth from different ethnic, economic and social backgrounds. The results of the assessment will be used to implement a public awareness campaign.
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