OSCE Dialogue Academy, focusing on women's involvement in dialogue and policy-making from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, concludes in Austria

The OSCE Dialogue Academy, proposed by a group of prominent women from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade as part of the OSCE-supported “Follow us” initiative, was held from 27 November to 6 December 2015 at Stadtschlaining, Austria.

The Academy provided 22 young women activists from civil society and youth organizations, students and young professionals with an opportunity to discuss the role of women in conflict mediation and politics in the region.

The Academy aimed at encouraging women to play a stronger role in peace-building, negotiation processes and decision-making and to increase their prospects for contributing to the normalization of relations between Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade. Through seminars held by scholars and experts, participants learned about techniques for mediation and negotiations, enhancing gender equality, the role of women and youth in political parties, and the challenges for women's participation in politics.

Prominent women from the "Follow us" Initiative also joined the Dialogue Academy, to share their experience in politics and decision-making, the promotion of dialogue through the Initiative, and discussed issues of concern affecting women in the region.

“We learnt that we have so much in common,” said one of the participants. There are no differences between us and we must continue to work together and for fostering women's role in society.”

The Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Paivi Nikander, addressing the participants at the closing ceremony, said: “We are proud of this overall initiative and what it has become, and we will make sure to support it further.”

The event was organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Serbia as part of their work to promote dialogue and reconciliation and gender equality in public participation.