Prishtina, 20 October 2022
Honorable Madame President of the Republic of Kosova, Vjosa Osmani Sadriu,
Honorable President of the Republic of Malta, George Vella
Honorable Vice President of the Republic of Palau, Uduch Sengebau Senior,
Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs of the Government of Montenegro, Jovana Marović,
Honorable Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Artan Grubi,
Dear leaders, experts, academics, civil society representatives,
Dear Members of the Parliament and ministers of the cabinet of Republic of Kosova,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honour to be among you today, at the opening of the Women, Peace and Security Forum. It is a pleasure to be together on this very important topic. “Women, peace and security” is not only a topic but also a mission. It is like an indivisible trinity.
It has often seemed that the call for security is directed at men first. Every day it is seen more and more that this is not correct. Women answer both emergency calls and daily calls for peace and security, as if it is their life’s effort. Because women are the most interested in peace and security policies, perhaps because they are also the most threatened by the absence of these two. Therefore, almost every woman becomes the guardian of this sought-after calmness. Security for women and men everywhere. Peace to all members of society.
Dear attendees,
There has been no stage at which women have not been involved in calls and endeavours for freedom and peace. The engagement of the women and girls of Kosova has also not been absent in state building, and it is not absent in the day-to-day functioning of our state. They have held weapons, bread, pencils, microphones and megaphones in their hands, with the only demand. Peace, but peace for all. For themselves and for their children. For the nation and for the future. And many states defined by democratic values, such as our state, have similar histories.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we watch the war in Ukraine unfold, we go back years in time to our own fight for freedom — women and men, girls and boys together. The participation of women and girls in law enforcement and security institutions transcends itself. It is also a road marker for every girl who follows this path in life with courage and determination.
The number of women and girls currently serving in the Kosova Security Force and the Kosova Police is substantial, but it must be increased further. There is no greater guarantee for peace and security except for it to be realized by women and men together. But there is also no other alternative. It is the fairest, safest and most effective guarantee possible. More women in the armed forces and law enforcement also means better promotion and realization of human rights and minority rights. The growing interest and number of women and girls in the area of security is a good indicator of the direction and future of our country.
The women and girls of Kosova have sacrificed much. They have been both victims and fighters. They have contributed across many different categories. And they’ve contributed ever more to the democratization of the Republic’s institutions. Therefore, it is my duty to support and encourage them.
Current and historical examples are numerous. Women have not only aided security policies but have also led them. Therefore, our people trust women just as much as men when it comes to security issues. As citizens and as institutions, we have designated as Supreme Commander, as President of the Republic, Madam Vjosa Osmani Sadriu.
Dear participants of the Women, Peace and Security Forum,
despite the progress and positive changes we have made as societies and as states, the challenges are also great. We notice everywhere — in every institution, including security institutions — the knowledge, contribution, experience and presence of women. But our aim is much greater than that. Equal participation everywhere.
Therefore, as Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosova, I express my readiness, and my willingness and my full and unsparing support, in strengthening the role of women and increasing their participation. Advancing the realization of rights in decision-making, peace, security and justice, guaranteeing the achievement of gender equality. This is the third Strategic Objective of Kosova’s Program for gender equality 2020-2024, towards the attainment of which we are engaged together in Kosova.
Women’s participation in decision-making, institutions and security forces is a must. Formal involvement alone is not sufficient; active participation is also necessary. Inclusion means that women contribute, but participation means they also benefit. Women contribute, so they should also benefit. Gender equality means liberation, not just integration; it means participation, not just inclusion. If women have no voice in the institutional response to all threats to human security, the response will also be half-hearted and unbalanced. We would then lack the necessary nuances for an effective response, to save lives, dignity, and civic values.
Women must be recognized for their contribution, because that recognition has been denied to them for far too long. And they must participate, because they should have the right and they deserve to do so.
Dear Friends,
when we discuss about peace we end up talking about justice and security; when we discuss about security we end up talking about economy and democracy; when we discuss about democracy we end up talking about women and youth. Therefore, let’s start with women, continue with youth and surely achieve peace and security.
Thank you very much.
Last modified: October 23, 2022