OSCE Mission Head calls for formal status for Women’s Caucus in Assembly of Kosovo

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 7 March 2013 - OSCE Head of Mission in Kosovo Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger is marking international women’s day with a call for a formal status for the central level Women’s Caucus and the appointment of women to senior level posts.

“I call on the Assembly of Kosovo to formalize the status of the central level Women Caucus to  enable its members to more effectively influence the Assembly’s agendas, propose legislative reforms, and engage in the oversight over the work of the executive,” said Schlumberger.

Schlumberger said he was encouraged by the Caucus’ accomplishments, especially their outreach to constituencies and their efforts to present women’s interests through parliamentary questions and public hearings.

But he urged both central and local institutions to ensure equal participation of men and women in the decision-making process, so that every institution reflected the overall composition of Kosovo, with special attention paid to senior level posts.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and security and public safety sector development. It supports women’s empowerment through policy advice and direct assistance to both central and municipal women’s caucuses.