Europe

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine

Kvinna till Kvinna supports women’s rights organisations in Europe. We have offices in Belgrade, Sarajevo and Skopje.

The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, with the first 8 years including the Russian annexation of Crimea, and the war in Donbas. On February 24th 2022 Russia initiated the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and since then on-ground and air strikes have terrorised the citizens of the country, resulting in devastating numbers of killed and injured civilians, and millions of internally displaced persons.

Photo: Denija Hidić/Cure Foundation

The Western Balkans region provides a tough context: it is marred by rising nationalism, corruption and low public trust. Speaking up here can be dangerous: many activists face violent opposition.

Together with our partners, we prevent gender-based violence and support victims and survivors. We advocate for peace, reconciliation and minority rights. We work to ensure gender mainstreaming is part of countries’ road to EU membership.

We also have our head office based in Stockholm, and an office in Brussels focused on EU Advocacy (on all our programme countries and themes globally, including those in Europe).

Where we work in Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The end of the war in Former Yugoslavia left Bosnia and Herzegovina ethnically divided and unstable. The country's women's movement promotes peace, reconciliation and gender equality, and advocates for redress for victims/survivors of violence.

Kosovo

Despite Kosovo's ongoing dispute with Serbia and recurring ethnic tensions, Kosovo's women's movement has booked remarkable successes. It has united women across ethnic lines and achieved recognition for victims/survivors of wartime sexual violence.

North Macedonia

Political changes in 2017 provided new opportunities to put women’s rights on the agenda of North Macedonia’s EU accession process. Our partners combat gender-based violence, support peacebuilding efforts and increase women’s political participation.

Serbia

Serbia is characterised by a troubled wartime past, strong nationalism and tension with Kosovo. As women's rights receive little attention, our partners continue combatting domestic violence, supporting victims/survivors and promoting peacebuilding.

Ukraine

We support organisations focusing on the needs and rights of diverse women, including LBTQI women and women with disabilities.

Kvinna till Kvinna with members from partner organisations outside the European parliament. Photo: Johanna de Tessieres

Advocating towards the EU—how Kvinna till Kvinna and partners make a difference for women in the Western Balkans

"Supporting a strong and independent women's movement is a wise investment in a peaceful and democratic future for the Balkans."

– Ristin Thomasson, Regional Manager for the Western Balkans

Women’s demonstration on 8 March in Skopje, Macedonia. Photo: Emilija Dimoska / Kvinna till Kvinna

News from Europe

Gender equality training for young civil and public sectors practitioners in Western Balkans

The need to educate new generations of practitioners about women’s rights and gender equality, and how to best put the knowledge into practice, in line with fostering democracy and EU values in the Western Balkans persists.

16 July 2024

EU must pressure to stop Foreign Agent Law in Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

15 May 2024

No end in sight—the women of Ukraine need our continued commitment

23 February 2024

Providing psychological support to survivors of gender-based violence

For many victims and survivors of gender-based violence, having access to a safe space and receiving psychological support is vital to help them move forward. In Grozdana Panić’s experience as a psychologist, the work to assist survivors throughout their process can be both challenging and fulfilling.

7 February 2024

“We are really saving lives”

A better and safer world for women—that was the goal when the organisation Slavic Heart was founded. Today, they offer legal and psychosocial support to victims and survivors of gender-based violence in Ukraine.

22 December 2023

Fighting gender-based violence in western Ukraine

Amid Russian air raids, Women’s Perspectives in Ukraine continue to help women who have suffered from gender-based violence. They fear that violence against women won’t be a priority once the full-scale invasion ends.

21 December 2023