The paper today published an opinion piece written by a American University in Kosovo lecturer, Mimoza Mustafa. Tackling the gender issues in Kosovo, Mustafa writes that women deserve to be actively participating in decision-making processes in Kosovo, “not only because they are women, but because they are responsible and dedicated professionals.” According to her, women have to prove it in the Parliament, because that’s where change can start. “Being non-political person, with professional integrity, everything becomes more difficult for women.” Mustafa thinks that unfortunately, women empowerment is not only done through the website listings and different round-table discussions. “Empowerment of women is done by acting and being brave. Strong support for a professional woman also shows a political maturity and an awareness on the issue. Unfortunately this is still not happening in the Parliament of Kosovo.”
Mustafa further notes that the representation of women in decision-making bodies should not remain only a necessary quota, but a necessity of a genuine and open-minded society. “Quotas may be necessary, but should never be enough,” she concludes.
