A human rights and gender expert with a diploma from the Law Faculty in Pristina, Violeta Rexha has for decades campaigned tirelessly for promoting and advancing human rights in Kosovo. Motivated by a strong interest in inspiring real institutional changes, Violeta is working as the gender advisor at the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo.

Violeta’s main duty is to provide strategic advice on mainstreaming gender issues throughout the Mission’s activities, from providing input for the Mission’s documents, participating in numerous steering committees and working groups focused on the promotion of gender equality, to drafting international reports on Kosovo’s gender issues and providing advice on topics related to gender and women’s rights, particularly in the context of rule of law and transitional justice  issues to the Mission’s Management.

“I also provide assistance to Kosovo institutions on the implementation of international and national documents related to gender issues, gender equality and women’s rights,” explains Violeta.

Violeta has a varied professional background. She worked at the Kosovo Ombudsperson office for eight years. “I was very lucky to work for the Ombudsperson office since the establishment of this institution. The international community invested great efforts to build the sustainability and independence of this office so it could adequately defend the human rights of Kosovo citizens”, Violeta points out.

Whilst working for the Ombudsperson, Violeta had the opportunity to be directly acquainted with the everyday problems of Kosovo’s citizens. “I had the opportunity to meet women who were victims of physical violence largely by their partners. Some were evicted from the houses, separated and deprived of contact with their children. I believe that when you closely observe these cases, you get motivation and inspiration to change things over here. I believe I could make a difference in my work.” she says.

“We live in a new country where there is still a weakness of the rule of law and where the citizens have difficulties to address their problems and have proper access to justice”, she points.

Empowering Women!

According to Violeta, dealing with gender issues overall in the Balkans can be a bit challenging. She has learned to take in sometimes inspiring, sometimes irritating, comments about her job.

Regarding the equal opportunities for women in Kosovo, Violeta admits that still more work needs to be done.  “Family is the basic source of the empowerment of women, not only as a way of creating substantial opportunities in education, but also in professional life,” states Violeta.

The gender equality issue is often the subject of debates, which is good because it contributes in raising awareness for this issue. The awareness often goes against the traditional norms of society, where gender is stereotyped. In the Balkans, there is still a hesitation to trust women in their leadership roles, no matter how capable they may be.

“It is clear that gender equality is an internationally recognized value. Lack of equality and imbalance of power between men and women affects economic development and in the end overall democracy in the society”, says Violeta.

Although the work is being done to improve the current situation, the institutional commitment is not enough. “All actors of society need to be engaged in order to have a significant progress in Kosovo’s womens’ rights”, Violeta says

What really motivates Violeta is the courage of women and young girls to challenge the inequalities and their gender roles defined by the society. “Young girls and women increasingly challenge their traditional roles. They are willing to change society. That is what really gets me inspired to give my utmost for this cause”, Violeta indicates. Perhaps, some of the motivation also comes from the Violeta’s inner being which is emotional and moved by injustice.

 “If I wouldn’t be a Gender Expert, then I would definitely work within the justice system, as a judge or a prosecutor,” she says. 

For the time being, Violeta’s main goal is to help empower Kosovo women and improve their access to justice.

Violeta encourages Kosovo’s ambitious women to actively seek their rightful place in the society. Through her dedication, hard work and commitment, she is certain that she is making a contribution for the protection of women’s rights in Kosovo. Which, after all is a worthy cause!