The Kosovo Journalists Association (AGK) and the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo, in collaboration with the British Embassy Pristina, UNWomen Kosovo, and the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, organized the first regional conference dedicated to women in the 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 8th Conference delivered a powerful message for a safer, more equal, and more representative future for women in the media.
The conference was opened by the Chairman of AGK, Xhemajl Rexha, who emphasized the continuous commitment to supporting women journalists. He highlighted the importance of creating the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo as a key step towards a more equal and supportive environment for female journalists in the media. Noting that women make up 65% of AGK’s membership, he emphasized that their role and contribution to journalism are extraordinary, showing courage and dedication in holding the powerful accountable.
Further, Vlora Tuzi Nushi, Head of the UN Women Office in Kosovo, expressed her pleasure in the collaboration, stressing pride in the partnership with AGK and supporting the creation of the Network of Women Journalists. She emphasized the importance of creating a safer, more inclusive, and equal environment in journalism, reaffirming the commitment to continue the work until gender equality is achieved.
In her opening speech, the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Cornelia Taylor, praised the extraordinary courage of journalists in Kosovo, citing 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 prejudices.
Jonathan Hargreaves, the British Ambassador to Kosovo, highlighted the importance of women’s role in journalism, especially at a time when media freedom and women’s rights are being challenged. He committed to speaking out and supporting 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, began 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 gap, also highlighting the double burden of 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 top priorities for Canada. She presented Canada’s theme for March 8th, “Strength in Every Story!” highlighting the importance of creating equal opportunities for women for a sustainable future and economic growth, as well as the significant role of supportive voices from both women and men.
Nancy Soderberg, Senior Resident Director of NDI Kosovo, quoted Madeleine Albright’s famous saying, “It took me a long time to earn my voice, and now that I have it, I won’t be silent.” She emphasized that the agenda for women is more important than ever, and the support of male allies is essential. Soderberg also expressed strong appreciation for the courage and work of Kosovo’s journalists.
The opening speeches were concluded by Larisa Halilović, Head of the WB Media for Change Team at the British Council, who expressed happiness for the creation of the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo, thanking it as an initiative to bring about change. She highlighted the importance of collaboration between men and women to create a better environment, including the voices of both young and old generations and those who are often unheard.
After the opening speeches, the conference continued with a vital discussion on the importance of women journalist 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 journalist 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 women face in the media and how collaboration and networking can create safer and more inclusive spaces for them. The panelists shared experiences from their countries, emphasizing that building strong solidarity among women journalists is the key to a fairer and more sustainable media industry. The importance of support mechanisms that help women journalists address professional challenges and practice journalism with greater security and freedom was also highlighted. In the end, the panel served as a platform to create new connections and strengthen the joint commitment for more equal media.
The second panel, titled “Regional Cooperation through the SafeJournalists Network,” focused on the importance of cross-border cooperation for the protection of 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 journalistic organizations from the region: Xhemajl Rexha (Chairman of AGK), Rade Djuric (Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia), Monika Kutri (Journalists’ Association of Croatia), Lajla Zaimović Kurtović (Journalists’ Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Neda Chalovska Dimovska (Head of Research at the SafeJournalists Network).
The panelists discussed the common challenges faced by journalists in the region, highlighting the importance of SafeJournalists as a key mechanism for ensuring their safety. They shared experiences regarding threats, pressures, and attacks faced by journalists and stressed the need for raising awareness, reporting cases of violence, and strengthening institutional mechanisms for journalist protection. The discussion emphasized that only through a joint commitment and a coordinated approach at the regional level 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 the media. The panel was moderated by Larisa Halilović, Head of the WB Media for Change Team, British Council, and brought together a distinguished group of journalists and media representatives: Artiola Babuni – Coordinator and Researcher at the Kosovo Journalists Association; Leonida Molliqaj – Executive Director at QIKA / Member of the Advisory Panel of the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo; Dafina Halili – Journalist, Kosovo 2.0; Shqipe Desku – Local Journalist, Radio Alba, Klinë; Tatjana Lazarević – Editor-in-Chief, Kossev, North Mitrovica; Gentiana Begolli Pustina – Head of the Department for Communication and International Relations at RTK / Member of the Advisory Panel of the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo; and Qendresa Tërshani – Journalist, Klan Kosova / Member of the Advisory Panel of the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo.
The discussion focused on their experiences, providing examples of the challenges they face in their daily work and the lack of women’s representation in decision-making positions in the media. The panelists emphasized the need for more solidarity, networking, and institutional support to ensure a more equal and safe space for women journalists. A special moment from the conference was also the sharing of messages from two well-known international journalists, Claudia Peschiutta and Amanda Ferguson, who, through video messages, shared reflections on the challenges and successes of women in journalism.
The “Women Journalists in the Spotlight” conference served as a space for sharing ideas and experiences on empowering women in the media. The discussions highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and joint actions to ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for women journalists. A special thanks to all participants, speakers, and panelists. Together, we continue to empower women journalists and media freedom!