OSCE Mission, ODIHR promote gender-responsive local governance and women’s participation in decision-making in Kosovo
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo in co-operation with the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) conducted on 10 and 11 May 2022 a two-day workshop on gender-responsive local governance and the role of women in municipal decision-making processes.
The workshop targeted newly elected women officials and those appointed to municipal government posts, and focused on how women in decision-making positions can leverage their authority to advance gender equality in their communities. It included concrete tools and best practice models to further frame the conversation, such as illustrations on how gender-responsive budgeting can be used to produce more inclusive, gender-sensitive municipal governance practices.
In his address, the Deputy Head of Mission Kilian Wahl, said that there is clear evidence that gender-responsive governance is more effective, leading to better decisions and making municipalities more successful. Mr. Wahl pledged that the OSCE Mission in Kosovo will continue to support municipal officials, both women and men, to further enhance their skills and capacities in this field.
“During the workshop, it was confirmed to us that it is essential to use gender equality tools and mechanisms in order to enhance a more effective and gender-responsive governance, for instance through drafting and implementing municipal gender action plans and gender budgeting,” said Marqe Selmanaj, the Deputy Mayor of Klinë/Klina municipality.
Discussions revealed challenges women face in their daily work, such as superiors’ lack of trust in assigning meaningful responsibilities or growth opportunities to women decision-makers and lack of solidarity amongst women, with participants noting that greater unity among women officials could lead to positive change.
“Including women’s voices in policy and planning contributes to the sustainable building of local communities that allows all to thrive equally, as gender-sensitive policies benefit both women and men by creating transformational potential where perceptions, practices and values are developed to serve local communities’ wellbeing,” said Dr. Yulia Netesova, ODIHR Chief of the Democratic Governance and Gender Unit.