If we want to maintain peace, we can only do it if women are at the decision-making tables”, said the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, opening the proceedings of the Forum for Women, Peace and Security. In the framework of this Forum, Ukrainian women were awarded the Presidential Medal.
The forum, known as WPS, is being held for the first time in Kosovo and its organization was a commitment of Kosovo in the framework of the Summit for Democracy that was held in the United States of America in 2021.
In the opening speech, Osmani expressed her sadness over the fact that the former American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, who died in March of this year, cannot see the organization of this forum.
“Mrs. Albright was scheduled to be the keynote speaker. Albright will remain a historical figure for this country for his contribution to security and peace,” said Osmani.
Osmani said that the speakers and panels of this forum aim to discuss women and their role in conflict areas.
“We have here representatives of Ukraine and journalists from Ukraine. What your country is witnessing brings back our memory of the war,” Osmani said, referring to the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24 of this year.
She also mentioned the contribution of Kosovar women before, during and after the war in Kosovo that took place at the end of the 90s, as well as the importance of women’s equality in the progress of states.
“The history of Kosovo is the history of every woman who has removed a stone from the road to equality”, said Osmani.
As part of the Forum, Osmani awarded the Presidential Medal for women in Ukraine.
“This goes for mothers, sisters, daughters, fighters, journalists, activists. This award is a symbol of supporting Kosovo as we stand together so that in the future we can enjoy peace together”, said Osmani.
This award was accepted by the Ukrainian MP, Yevheniya Kravchuk, together with several Ukrainian journalists who are staying in Kosovo as part of a project of the Government of Kosovo for housing Ukrainian journalists.
“Many women of Ukraine are victims of this war, but they are also fighters, journalists, and we will fight,” Kravchuk said.
