EU gender talk tackles gender equality in the electoral circle

The third event in the framework of ‘EU Gender Talks’ was held at the EUICC in Pristina on the 25th of March, with Dr. Annette M. Fath Lihic, Chief Political Adviser/Executive Coordinator, EUO/EUSR and Valdete Daka, Chairperson of the Central Electoral Commission as speakers.

Reyes Charle Cuellar, gender adviser at the European Union Office in Kosovo welcomed the participants to discuss a very important topic – gender equality throughout the electoral circle.

Annette M. Fath Lihic stated out that it is difficult in many countries for women to get elected in political decision making positions.

“In Kosovo there are very few women in high political positions: two female ministers and none of the mayors are  female. We as EU have launched a big project to empower women in politics, which will be implemented for four years and with a half million budget. We are willing to travel to remote villages and to encourage women to get involved. We also have a small leadership project with women who have a potential for senior positions in the future” Fath-Lihic pointed out.

She mentioned that no woman wants to be a quota woman, but this mechanism has been proven to be a good one as it can ensure the involvement of women in politics, and also in Kosovo has turned out to be a successful tool.

Valdete Daka, Chair of Central Election Commission and judge of the Supreme Court of Republic of Kosovo, stated that there is a need for more women in politics, having in mind the discrimination women face in Kosovo.

“The good news is that there are today a lot of women deputies who managed to gain the electoral vote out of the quota system. The Law on Gender Equality continues to not be implemented in Kosovo and a lot of institutions do not execute it” Daka told the audience.

Valdete Idrizi, former candidate for Mayor of Mitrovica, pointed out that it is hard for women to survive in politics, amidst an environment that is packed with male figures.

“I believe the society in Kosovo is not accustomed in having women as mayors and prominent political figures, but this will change with time. From my personal view, I can say that each time I talked to people in electoral meetings, they would take me more seriously. The biggest problem is how to keep women in politics, despite all problems” Idrizi pointed out.

The ‘EU gender talks’ take place every month, each time focusing on a different topic ranging from gender in sports, political participation of women, inequality in business, and so on.