The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, participated today in the international forum “Women, Peace and Security” organized in Pristina by the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani.
During his speech, President Begaj appreciated the international commitment of Kosovo for strengthening the role of women, for gender equality and equal opportunities, as well as for addressing challenges, while proposing to turn this forum into a platform of alliances that support and ensure the empowerment and role of women in society around the world.
“The same alliances must be formed to end violence against women” – continued President Begaj, – according to whom, this violence is not only a fact of civil, ethnic, regional or global conflicts, but also of life daily lives of hundreds and thousands of families in which women face mistreatment.
Faced with this challenge, collective efforts are needed, – said President Begaj, who called for an intensive campaign to ensure that violence against women is unacceptable, unforgivable, punishable.
In the assessment of President Begaj, women’s education is a fundamental element, an investment that increases capacities, opens up new opportunities, gives them the strength, courage and resources they need to challenge mentalities and approaches in the family and in political and social processes.
“By supporting women’s education, we invest in the future leaders of challenging fields”, said President Begaj.
While recalling the bloody past of the Balkans, the President of the Republic recalled the suffering of women, who, as he said, have borne the heaviest burden, as they have been treated as targets of violence and torture, with the aim of humiliating communities and ethnic cleansing.
The Head of State demanded the punishment of the perpetrators while praising the courage of women who survived the war who witnessed the horrors experienced.
“We are today together in Kosovo to reiterate our steadfast determination for cooperation, progress and sustainable development for peace and security in the Western Balkans. This forum is not only an act of collective memory of historical and current violence against women in conflicts, but also the common aspiration for a future where peace and security are strengthened by the role and leadership of women”, – declared President Begaj.
He also focused on the achievements of Albanian women, who are represented at high decision-making levels, and especially congratulated Kosovo for electing two women at the head of the state during the first 15 years of its independence.
