UNSCR 1325 In Action: The Game-Changing Impact of Women in Postwar Kosovo

Historically, women have been underrepresented in peace negotiations and decision-making processes, despite being disproportionately affected by conflict. In Kosovo, this disparity was evident during the immediate post-war period, where women’s voices were largely absent from formal peace talks and political dialogues. This exclusion undermined the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts, as women's perspectives and needs were not adequately considered.

Thanks to the implementation of the Kosovo National Action Plan (KNAP), and its strong base on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, inclusion of women was enhanced- and resulted in measurable improvements in peacebuilding, representation and social cohesion.

What happened in Kosovo?

The Kosovo War erupted in 1998 and lasted until the end of 1999, with scenes of horror impossible to forget. This war, fought between the Republic of Yugoslavia who controlled the territory prior to the war and the Kosovo Albanian separatist militia, was a war marked by massive violence, ethnic cleansing, and serious human rights abuses. The conflict only ended through the intervention of NATO, resulting in the withdrawal of Yugoslav forces from Kosovo.

In its aftermath, there was a need not only for physical rebuilding but also for social and political reconstruction. Central to this has been the role of women, an issue highlighted significantly through the Kosovo National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325, adopted in 2014.

UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and The Kosovo National Action Plan (KNAP)

UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted on October 31, 2000, marked a significant step for the inclusion of women in negotiations of peace and security. It called for women's participation in decision-making, protection of women and girls, and a gender perspective on all peace and security initiatives.

KNAP was a strategy for implementing the principles of UNSCR 1325 in Kosovo. It aimed to increase the role of women in peace and security, protect them in times of conflict and post-conflict, and achieve full equality in all fields of society. KNAP included several critical components drawing upon UNSCR 1325 principles:

• Political Participation: KNAP supported women to stand in elections and run for office, emphasizing gender equality among political parties and the number of women at all levels of decision-making.

• Peacebuilding Roles: It ensured that women were actively involved in peace-building and reconciliation meetings at community and national levels to reinforce leadership roles in peace negotiations and conflict transformation.

• Legal Reforms: KNAP recommended strengthening laws and policies to protect the rights of women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and trafficking in persons.

• Support Services: KNAP paved the way for establishing and developing services for survivors of gender-based violence, such as shelters, hotlines, and counseling centers. It promoted specialized police units to address cases involving women and children.

Palpable Changes in Kosovo

The KNAP was implemented by the Government of Kosovo, in cooperation with international organizations and civil society groups. It served as a critical tool for realizing UNSCR 1325 principles in Kosovo, promoting gender perspectives in all sectors and supporting women's needs in post-conflict reconstruction. This inclusive approach provided a more stable and peaceful society and led to several palpable changes:

1. Increased Female Representation in Politics: Since the implementation of KNAP, the number of women in the Kosovo Assembly has increased from 10% to 30%. This rise has led to more gender-sensitive policies and greater attention to issues affecting women and children.

2. Community Reconciliation Efforts: Women’s involvement in community-level peacebuilding initiatives has significantly contributed to reconciliation efforts. For instance, women's groups have been instrumental in organizing dialogue sessions between different ethnic communities, leading to a 20% reduction in local conflicts and increased trust among previously adversarial groups

3. Enhanced Social Cohesion: Women's participation in peacebuilding activities has fostered a sense of unity and cooperation within communities. Initiatives led by women have focused on rebuilding social fabric, such as through joint economic projects and cultural exchange programs, which have helped to mend divisions and promote lasting peace.

4. Holistic Peacebuilding Approaches: Women have introduced more comprehensive and inclusive approaches to peacebuilding that address the root causes of conflict. For example, women's organizations have been key in implementing educational programs that promote peace, tolerance, and mutual respect among young people, contributing to a more peaceful and stable society over the long term.

5. Improved Security and Safety: The inclusion of women in security sector reforms has led to more community-focused and human-centric security measures. This includes the establishment of community policing initiatives that have improved public safety and security, particularly for vulnerable populations, thereby creating a more stable and secure environment for sustainable peace.

6. Economic Stability and Development: Women’s economic empowerment initiatives have had a stabilizing effect on post-conflict Kosovo. By supporting women in entrepreneurship and local business development, these initiatives have contributed to economic recovery and reduced poverty, which are crucial for maintaining long-term peace.

7. Health and Well-being: Women’s leadership in health initiatives has improved community health outcomes, which are essential for sustaining peace. Programs focusing on mental health support for war survivors, particularly women and children, have helped communities heal from the trauma of conflict, thus fostering a more peaceful society.

The efforts to include women in Kosovo’s peace and security initiatives have demonstrated the vital role that women play in creating sustainable peace and rebuilding war-torn societies. While challenges remain, the progress made through the implementation of KNAP and UNSCR 1325 is a testament to the importance of women's involvement in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.