It Begins with Belief: EmPOWERing Women, Changing Kosovo
By Besarta Halimi
For Arijeta Qafleshi Skeraj, politics has never been just about holding office—it has always been about making a meaningful difference in her community.
“Given the opportunity and responsibility that comes with being a municipal assembly member, I knew this was where I needed to be,” says Arijeta, who began her political journey in 2009 in Dragash/Dragaš—a municipality where traditional norms and conservative views on women’s roles still hold influence in some communities.
But the road was far from easy.
“Being a woman in politics means facing challenges that go beyond elections,” she explains. “The gap between men and women—in political representation, economic opportunities, and decision-making—is significant. But with perseverance and support, I overcome them.”
Today, Arijeta serves as the Chairwoman of the Dragash/Dragaš Municipal Assembly—a position of great responsibility. She has built a strong network of women in politics and has led women-focused initiatives for over eight years. Her journey—further strengthened by participating in two consecutive editions of EmPOWER Local Women Politicians Programme, a capacity-building initiative of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo—reflects persistence, leadership, and purpose.
As the first woman to hold the position of Chairperson of the Dragash/Dragaš Municipal Assembly, she credits the EmPOWER Programme with sharpening her leadership skills and reinforcing her commitment to public service.
Transforming barriers into leadership
Despite the opportunities provided by the existing legal frameworks—such as the Electoral Code’s 30% quota for women on electoral lists and the Law on Gender Equality’s 50/50 gender representation requirement—structural barriers continue to hinder women’s full participation in public life. These include financial insecurity, inflexible work environments, limited institutional support, and persistent gender stereotypes.
Women remain significantly underrepresented in executive and decision-making positions, particularly at the municipal level. In the 2021 local elections, only 14 of 167 certified candidates for mayoral positions were women, with just two ultimately elected. Additionally, only 6 out of 38 municipal assembly chairpersons are women, reflecting a stark and persistent gap between legal commitments and actual representation.
Meanwhile, violence against women in politics—including online harassment and abuse— remains widespread yet largely underreported, discouraging many women from entering or staying in the political sphere.
Recognizing the urgency, earlier this year 66 Members of Parliament endorsed the Declaration on Violence Against Women in Politics and Public Life—a milestone developed with the extensive support of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo to the Assembly of Kosovo Women Committee Chairs. The declaration reaffirms zero tolerance for violence or intimidation against women in politics, underscoring that such acts have no place in a democratic society.
As one MP put it: “It’s time to create a safer, more supportive space for everyone to participate.”
Against this backdrop, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo continues to play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality in politics —both by supporting individual leaders like Arijeta through structured initiatives such as the multi-month EmPOWER Programme, and strengthening Local Women’s Caucuses (LWCs) across the Kosovo.
Building a sustainable network of women leaders
Since its launch in 2022, EmPOWER has equipped over 125 women politicians with skills to lead, promoted cross-party collaboration, and boosted women’s visibility in political life.
As a result, seven programme participants ran in the 2025 parliamentary elections, with Drita Pajaziti securing a seat in the Assembly of Kosovo.
“The EmPOWER Programme has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life,” says Drita. “It has sharpened my skills and gave me the confidence to lead.”
Workshops on leadership, public speaking and civic engagement empowered Drita to refine her political voice. “The one-on-one mentoring with the programme’s trainer pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me believe in my ability to drive change,” she says. Beyond skill-building, EmPOWER fostered connections between women from different levels of government—creating a support network crucial for sustained leadership.
Complementing this, the OSCE Mission’s long-standing support to LWCs has been instrumental in institutionalizing gender-responsive local governance. Rooted in a shared commitment to advancing gender equality, LWCs unite women across party lines around shared priorities. collaboration by uniting women around common priorities beyond political affiliation. These platforms review municipal policies through a gender lens, advocate for gender-responsive budgeting, and promote inclusive decision-making at the local.
With OSCE support since 2013, many LWCs have adopted strategic plans and become vocal advocates. In Kamenicë/Kamenica, LWC-led initiatives facilitated over €100,000 in grants for women entrepreneurs. In Dragash/Dragaš, where Arijeta was part of the LWC, groundbreaking outcomes include the municipality’s first childcare center and the recruitment of its first woman police officer—improving services and safety for women and girls in traditionally underserved areas.
“Through EmPOWER, I built connections with inspiring women across Kosovo, sharing experiences and strengthening our collective advocacy,” says Arijeta. “The programme helped refine my leadership skills and reinforced the importance of mentoring others.”
A ripple effect of change
For Arijeta, balancing public office, community leadership, and family life has required determination. She credits her success to perseverance—and the unwavering support of her family.
“I have four children, and I was fortunate to have the support of my in-laws and husband,” she shares. “Many women in my municipality don’t have this kind of support, which is why programmes like EmPOWER are vital. They provide women with the tools, networks, and encouragement needed to push for meaningful change.”
The impact of EmPOWER extends beyond individual success stories. It is helping to build a sustainable ecosystem of women leaders who are shaping policy, influencing institutions, and creating a more inclusive society.
Stories like Arijeta’s—where the support of her husband and family played a key role—highlight how EmPOWER not only advances women’s participation in politics but also promotes change at the household and community levels. By indirectly encouraging men to share caregiving responsibilities and support women’s leadership, the programme contributes reshape traditional family narratives and foster a more equitable social fabric.
As the 2025 local elections approach, and with renewed momentum behind LWCs, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo remains committed to supporting women’s political empowerment at every level.
“Women belong in politics,” Arijeta affirms. “To be a woman in politics, you must believe in yourself, work with integrity and purpose, and have the right support.”
Now in its 4th edition, the EmPOWER programme continues to prove a vital truth: when women are empowered to lead, they bring progress, equity, and hope—not just to their communities, but to all of society.
The EmPOWER Programme is a catalyst for change—equipping women in politics with the skills, confidence, and solidarity they need to lead with purpose. By bringing together women from across Kosovo and across party lines, it helps transform individual ambition into collective progress.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the initiative, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Mr. Gerard McGurk, notes:
“The powerful stories emerging from this programme—like Arijeta and Drita’s—demonstrate that when women are empowered to lead, they uplift entire communities. They shape the lives of many and make a difference. This is how sustainable, inclusive governance begins: with self-belief, with opportunity, and with unwavering support and commitment. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will stand shoulder to shoulder with our EmPOWER supporters.”