In Kosovo, a traditionally patriarchal society, freedom of girls and women is precarious. They face harassment and sexual harassment daily, even in spaces that should be safe and protected, such as public universities. Unfortunately, lack of consequential institutional action and mistrust in institutions has caused girls and women in Kosovo to remain silent and not report cases.
Their tools of choice in their fight are art, workshops, reports, discussions, and trainings. Artpolis has invested significant efforts to establish the necessary infrastructure to increase the public trust—especially of women and girls, in institutions, so that sexual harassment and violence against women and girls is reported and investigated by relevant institutions, holding perpetrators to account. In a series of workshops and meetings, held by the partner organisation over the years, students from different municipalities in Kosovo were familiarised with the challenges, opportunities and psychological consequences resulting from sexual violence and harassment.
They were trained to identify negative behaviours and relevant legal frameworks pertaining to the topics at stake, so that they can take right action when needed. This was a historic triumph that came 52 years after the establishment of the University of Pristina.
Prior to this there were no guidelines, regulations or any type of document, or procedure that addressed the issue of sexual harassment at universities, let alone encouraged students to report harassment and discriminatory behaviours.
After the adoption of the regulation, Artpolis and the University of Pristina held fourteen workshops for students at the University addressing harassment and sexual harassment.
