Second OSCE Dialogue Academy for young women from Prishtinë/Pristina and Belgrade, concludes in Austria

The second edition of the OSCE Dialogue Academy for young women leaders from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, organized under the auspices of the “Follow Us” Initiative, was held from 30 September to 9 October at Stadtschlaining, Austria.

The event brought together 23 young women activists from civil society and youth organizations, as well as students and professionals, to discuss the role of women in politics and build advocacy networks. The aim was to encourage them to play a stronger role in promoting women’s rights and contribute to reconciliation.

Through combined lectures from international academics, outdoor team-building activities, participants learned about mediation, conflict analysis and resolution techniques, and engaged in role play with concrete examples of cases in the EU and the Western Balkans.

A delegation of the upcoming Austrian Chairmanship of the OSCE and prominent women from the “Follow Us” Initiative visited the participants to show their support for the Academy. The prominent women shared their experiences in politics, and discussed with participants the common issues affecting women in the region.

“The Academy was a great opportunity for us to focus on similarities and challenges we face as young women in the region,” said participant Liza Gashi. “But beyond understanding, this academy provides room for future joint action-oriented projects that aim to empower young women in politics,” she added. 

The Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Paivi Nikander, awarded certificates to the participants and said she was proud to see a group of strong, committed, young women who decided to overcome barriers to work together. She stated, “They are the future generation of leaders, who will be able to bring to the table a completely new perspective to solve the problems of the past and to face the challenges of the present.”

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 enhance women's participation in dialogue and conflict resolution, as well as in decision making processes. The two missions launched the “Follow Us” Initiative, a dialogue of prominent women from Prishtinë/Pristina and Belgrade, in 2012 and have facilitated it since. The initiative gathers members of parliaments, academia, civil society, and media from both societies.