EU gender talk focuses on youth and gender

On the 23rd of April, the 4th EU Gender Talk was held this time for the first time in North Mitrovica, at the EU Info Center.

Reyes Charle Cuellar – gender adviser at the EU Office in Kosovo/EUSR chaired the meeting with more than 40 civil society representatives from Pristina and North Mitrovica, on the topic of the link between gender and youth, including the do’s and dont’s and the obstacle that may arise in our society.

Youth from various communities have stressed the importance of their activism in challenging the mentality, gender roles and stereotypes in today’s society. As real agents of change, youth has outlined the importance of their role in lobbying for implementation of gender equality and youth related legislation, increased efforts to be part of the decision making and establishing dialogue between various interest groups.

Lendi, a transgender from Pristina, reflected upon his transition period while also pointing out how his family is changing the expectation they have from him now that he wants to be known as a man and is going through the process of transitioning.

Filip from Mitrovica, part of the participants group, told the group of participants, reflected on the fact that a lot of governments in the Balkans are run by men and it is of no surprise that women should work twice as hard in order to gain power within decision-making of high profile processes.

EU Gender Talks, ‘Because We Make a Difference’, is a series of discussions organized by the EU Office in Kosovo/ EUSR and EUICC. A publication will follow up around the end of the year, consisting of summary of all talks and several interviews with successful women in certain fields.