Below find the opinion piece by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, published today in Zeri.
8th March is celebrated internationally as women’s day.
I have to admit, the first time I spent 8 March in Kosovo, I was surprised by the tradition. The day is not really celebrated in Britain, and I had not seen this practiced before.
But I am glad that it is marked in Kosovo.
Women around the world face problems due to their gender. This is true in Britain, just as it is true in Kosovo. It is the responsibility of all of us to do something about that. A country can only be free when all of its citizens, men and women, enjoy the same rights and the same opportunities. A country can only be prosperous when men and women have the same property rights, and the same access to the labour market. A country can only be safe when all its citizens are protected and have access to justice.
The recognition one day of women’s contribution to our societies will not solve all these challenges. But it does give us a chance to reflect on what needs to be done, and to find the energy to do it.
And when Kosovars find the energy to change the lives of Kosovan women, the British Government is ready to support.
That’s why we have worked with volunteers promoting maternal healthcare for some of the poorest women in the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities.
That’s why we have worked with NGO’s across Kosovo to support women entrepreneurs who are bringing jobs to their communities.
And that’s why we will keep on working with NGOs and volunteers working with victims of sexual violence during conflict, to ensure that they get the support, and the justice, that they deserve.
So this 8 March, I will remember in particular the women, and men, across Kosovo, working tirelessly to improve the lives of women across the country. They will shape Kosovo’s future; and we are here to help.
