On this day, EULEX celebrates International Women’s Day by honouring the achievements of women in the Rule of Law sector, both within EULEX and across Kosovo. In promoting the experiences of these inspiring women through the publication of the ‘Women in the Rule of Law’ book released today, EULEX puts policy into practice, highlighting the steady – though not fast enough – progress of Kosovo women towards gender equality.

Kosovo has already come a long way on this road. This is evident with the recent law amendment and implementation allowing for financial reparations to conflict-related sexual violence survivors. Additionally, the Forum of Women Judges and Prosecutors of Kosovo and the Association of Women in the Kosovo Police have created support systems for women and are agents for change in Rule of Law institutions. These are significant steps forward and everyone – both individually and from within relevant institutions – should keep on pressing for progress to achieve equal opportunities for women and men.

However, despite the progress made there is still much work to do to achieve gender equality.  In striving towards justice for all citizens, there is still a strong necessity to empower women.

EULEX Head of Mission Alexandra Papadopoulou said, “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must commit ourselves to working together towards effective change. We remain proud of our collective achievements and progress thus far, especially within the rule of law, but we must redouble efforts to focus on the path that still lies ahead”.

EULEX strongly advocates the participation of women in peace-building as foreseen in UNSCR 1325, which calls for the full and equal involvement of women in all efforts to maintain and promote peace and security. As such, the Mission will continue to mainstream a gender perspective in its day-to-day activities, including through the work of its Gender Focal Point network.

On this International Women’s Day, but also on every other day, EULEX makes a commitment to the ‘Press for Progress’ movement and calls for equal rights and opportunities for all.

To mark this occasion, EULEX Press and Public Information Office has released a publication celebrating Women in the Rule of Law. Click here to read the book: http://www.eulex-kosovo.eu/eul/repository/docs/WomenInTheRuleOfLaw.pdf