Opening Doors: Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Workplace Inclusion

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo supported Shtime/Štimlje and Lipjan/Lipljan municipalities to organize a one-day programme for five persons with disabilities to gain hands-on experience in the public and private sectors.

The activity supports the implementation of both municipalities’ strategies and action plans for persons with disabilities, adopted last year with OSCE Mission support, and included practical work in various departments of Shtime/Štimlje municipality, followed by a visit to the “Freesia” private factory in Lipjan/Lipljan, which is known to employ persons with disabilities.

The programme aimed to provide insights into potential employment opportunities, empower participants to develop skills and build confidence, while strengthening co-operation, inclusion, and equal opportunities in the workplace.

Participants arriving at Shtime/Štimlje municipality, Shtime/Štimlje, 30 May 2025. (OSCE/Venla Aalto)

The Mayor of Shtime/Štimlje municipality, Qemajl Aliu, welcoming the participants, Shtime/Štimlje, 30 May 2025. (OSCE/Venla Aalto)

A municipal staff member guides a participant through the municipality’s daily office work, Shtime/Štimlje, 30 May 2025. (OSCE/Venla Aalto)

Participants arriving at “Freesia” private factory, Lipjan/Lipljan, 30 May 2025. (OSCE/Venla Aalto)

Participants visiting various sections of the factory to gain deeper insight into its functions, Lipjan/Lipljan, 30 May 2025. (OSCE/Venla Aalto)

Together with municipal and OSCE staff, participants mark the conclusion of a productive visit in Shtime/Štimlje on 30 May 2025. (OSCE/Venla Aalto)