The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, on the first day of her visit to Portugal, in her address to the Global Summit of Women, pointed out that the pandemic has augmented the inequalities that women face every day both at work and at home.
But, according to Madam President, the women did not stop. “What we are witnessing today is extraordinary. An increasing trend of women and girls who do not take 'NO' for an answer; women and girls who do not give up. “Instead, we see more and more women and girls who fight hard, stand up for what’s right, stand up for each other, and most importantly – they speak up” said President Osmani at the Summit, which this year addresses the role of women in transforming the economy.
In this context, President Osmani mentioned the commitment of the women of Krushë, who despite the suffering they face, did manage to triumph.
“I want to share with you for a moment a homegrown story of resilience and triumph of women from the village of Krushë. Fahrije Hoti, whose husband is among the 1,600 forcibly disappeared, still missing since the war, managed to turn this war-torn village into a history of economic empowerment. She’s made it while defying gender stereotypes and demonstrating outstanding courage, perseverance, and resilience. “Not only has she managed to turn her pain into hard work, but today she stands behind more than 100 jobs created for the women of the village of Krushë”, President Osmani emphasized. According to her, the story of the women of Krushë is the best example of the transformative power of women who unite and stand up for each other.
“Her life and struggle are masterfully portrayed in the film “Hive”, Kosovo's official Oscar nominee and triple- award winner at the Sundance Festival awards. I invite you all to watch it!” President Osmani added in front of women participants from all over the world at this Summit.
During her address, President Osmani also emphasized the empowerment of women in decision-making processes.
“Finally, it is by now clear that when women participate in high-level political and state circles, they contribute to more balanced, gender-sensitive, environmentally friendly and progressive policies.”It is only through such a policymaking approach that we stand a chance to deliver on our promise of building societies centered on people’s needs and the economic systems fit to the needs of the future,” said President Osmani.
During the proceedings of the Summit, President Osmani also met with various representatives of participating countries.