International Women’s Day is a historic event for many reasons. This day aims to recognize the cultural, political and socio-economic achievements of women. Above all, March 8 is not and should not be just a festivity. This date should be used to raise the voice against gender inequality, reproductive rights and against violence against women.

History of March 8th

Since the beginning of the last century many women movements around the world have been demanding equal rights in society. From the early 1900s different countries of the world celebrated Women’s Day, but not on the same date. In the United States, for example, this day was celebrated on February 28th. But various events that took place on this continent or even in other countries, makes March 8 to be designated as International Women’s Day.

The UN began the celebration of this day in 1975, a year that was designated as the International Year of Women. In 1977, the UN General Assembly invited member states to establish March 8 as the official day for women’s rights. Since that period, the UN sets a specific theme in honor of this date.

This year the main theme is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, in honor of the recognition of the efforts that many women are making as leaders in the cause of climate change.

March 8 and Kosovo

A theme for each March 8 is set in Kosovo as well. Many non-governmental organizations dealing with women’s rights organize protests and marches in many cities in Kosovo. The theme for this year is “March Against the Murder of Women” – as a revolt against the systematic violence and murder against girls and women.

Women and Politics

In Kosovo, political parties are legally required to have a minimum of 30% of women on electoral lists. A gender quota that all political parties strictly implement, never exceeding this percentage.

But, even though political parties have only 30 percent women on their lists, in the 2021 parliamentary elections, more than ever, women managed to become MPs without the need for a quota.

Out of 120 seats in the Assembly of Kosovo, 44 of them are women. Also for the second time our country has a woman as the first of the country. On the 4th of April 2021, Vjosa Osmani was elected President of the country, with 71 votes in favor.

GERMIN and Women

Although our organization has a different sphere for its primary role, it has always tried to help women through various projects.

GERMIN’s newest project, in regard to helping women, is called “Diaspora for Women Entrepreneurs”. This project aims to provide assistance to women entrepreneurs. We will strive to provide women entrepreneurs with the help they need to expand their business through a mentoring program by diaspora experts.

For more details about this call you can click on this link: https://bit.ly/3hQr0k2