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The Association of Journalists of Kosovo and the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo, in collaboration with the British Embassy in Pristina, the UN Women Office in Kosovo, and the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, organized the first regional conference dedicated to women in media, "Women Journalists in the Spotlight." This event brought together journalists from Kosovo, Albania, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, as well as representatives from local and international organizations, diplomats, and experts, providing a valuable space for discussion and experience-sharing. With three panels and an intensive agenda, the March 8 Conference sent a powerful message for a safer, more equal, and more representative future for women in media.

The conference was opened by the President of the AJK, Xhemajl Rexha, who emphasized the ongoing commitment to supporting women journalists. He highlighted the importance of establishing the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo as a key step towards a more equal and supportive environment for women in media. Given that women make up 65% of AJK’s membership, he stressed that their role and contribution in journalism are extraordinary, demonstrating courage and dedication in holding the powerful accountable.

Vlora Tuzi Nushi, Head of the UN Women Office in Kosovo, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration, highlighting pride in the partnership with AJK and support for the creation of the Network of Women Journalists. She underscored the importance of creating a safer, more inclusive, and equal environment in journalism and reaffirmed the commitment to working until gender equality is achieved.

In her opening remarks, Cornelia Taylor, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, praised the extraordinary courage of Kosovo’s women journalists, mentioning Ardiana Thaçi Mehmeti as an example of bold investigative journalism. She emphasized that women journalists have set new standards in investigative reporting despite threats and gender biases.

Jonathan Hargreaves, the United Kingdom's Ambassador to Kosovo, stressed the importance of women's role in journalism, especially at a time when media freedom and women's rights are being challenged. He pledged to speak up and support the empowerment of women in this field, emphasizing that women and girls will be at the center of the Berlin Process for the Western Balkans.

Maja Sever, President of the European Federation of Journalists, opened her speech with the powerful statement, "Women symbolize resistance!" She spoke about the challenges faced by women journalists, including sexism, threats, low wages, and the gender pay gap, also highlighting the double burden of balancing work at home and in the office. Despite these challenges, she reaffirmed the commitment to achieving gender equality.

Jessica Blitt, Non-Resident Ambassador of Canada to Kosovo, emphasized that media freedom and gender equality are two key priorities for Canada. She introduced Canada’s theme for March 8, "Strength in Every Story!" stressing the importance of creating equal opportunities for women for a sustainable future and economic growth, as well as the crucial role of women’s voices and supportive men.

Nancy Soderberg, Senior Resident Director at NDI Kosovo, cited Madeleine Albright’s famous quote, "It took me a long time to find my voice, and now that I have it, I will not be silent." She stressed that the agenda for women is more important than ever and that the support of male allies is essential. Soderberg also expressed strong appreciation for the courage and work of Kosovo’s women journalists.

The opening speeches concluded with Larisa Halilović, Team Leader of WB Media for Change at the British Council, who expressed her happiness about the creation of the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo, recognizing it as an initiative that brings change. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between men and women to create a better environment, incorporating the voices of young, old, and often unheard generations.

Following the opening speeches, the conference continued with a crucial discussion on the importance of women journalists’ networks and their empowerment through regional cooperation. This panel, moderated by Vlora Tuzi Nushi, Head of the UN Women Office in Kosovo, gathered representatives from various women journalists’ networks in the region: Getoarbë Mulliqi (Kosovo), Elisabeta Bejkova (North Macedonia), Irena Myzeqari (Albania), Djurdja Radulović (Montenegro), Maša Mileusnić (Serbia), and Lajla Zaimović Kurtović (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

The discussion focused on the challenges faced by women in media and how collaboration and networking can create safer and more inclusive spaces for them. Panelists shared experiences from their countries, emphasizing that building strong solidarity among women journalists is key to a fairer and more sustainable media industry. They also highlighted the importance of support mechanisms that help women journalists address professional challenges and practice journalism with greater safety and freedom. Ultimately, the panel served as a platform to create new connections and strengthen the shared commitment to a more equal media environment.

The second panel, themed "Regional Cooperation through the SafeJournalists Network," focused on the importance of cross-border cooperation in protecting journalists and strengthening media freedom. This discussion, moderated by Cornelia Taylor, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, brought different perspectives from experts and representatives of journalist organizations from the region: Xhemajl Rexha (President of AJK), Rade Djuric (Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia), Monika Kutri (Journalists’ Association of Croatia), Lajla Zaimović Kurtović (Association of Journalists of Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Neda Chalovska Dimovska (Head of Research at the SafeJournalists Network).

Panelists discussed the common challenges faced by journalists in the region, emphasizing the importance of SafeJournalists as a key mechanism for ensuring their safety. They shared experiences on threats, pressures, and attacks that journalists endure and stressed the need for raising awareness, reporting cases of violence, and strengthening institutional mechanisms to protect journalists. The discussion highlighted that only through joint commitment and a coordinated regional approach can a safer environment for journalists and stronger media freedom be ensured.

In the final session of the conference, the focus was on women journalists in Kosovo – their role, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen their presence in media. The panel, moderated by Larisa Halilović, Team Leader at WB Media for Change, British Council, featured a distinguished group of journalists and media representatives: Artiola Babuni – Coordinator and Researcher at the Association of Journalists of Kosovo; Leonida Molliqaj – Executive Director at QIKA / Advisory Panel Member of the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo; Dafina Halili – Journalist, Kosovo 2.0; Shqipe Desku – Local Journalist, Radio Alba, Klina; Tatjana Lazarević – Editor-in-Chief, Kossev, North Mitrovica; Gentiana Begolli Pustina – Head of the Department for Communication and International Relations at RTK / Advisory Panel Member of the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo; and Qendresa Tërshani – Journalist, Klan Kosova / Advisory Panel Member of the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo.

The discussion centered on their experiences, bringing examples of the challenges they face in their daily work and the lack of women's representation in decision-making positions in media. Panelists emphasized the need for greater solidarity, networking, and institutional support to ensure a more equal and safe space for women journalists. A special moment of the conference was the sharing of messages from two internationally renowned journalists, Claudia Peschiutta and Amanda Ferguson, who reflected on the challenges and successes of women in journalism through video messages.

The "Women Journalists in the Spotlight" conference served as a platform for sharing ideas and experiences on empowering women in media. The discussions underscored the importance of regional cooperation and joint actions to ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for women journalists. A special thank you to all participants, speakers, and panelists. Together, we continue to empower women journalists and media freedom!