Across Europe, women’s rights organisations face shrinking space for civil society, rising anti-gender mobilisation and the consequences of ongoing conflicts.
The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation works with women’s rights organisations in Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Sweden and Ukraine. Together, we prevent gender-based violence and support women’s participation in peacebuilding and democratic processes.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues to have far-reaching consequences across Europe. Unresolved conflicts, corruption and weak rule of law remain significant challenges in several contexts. In this environment, supporting locally rooted women’s rights organisations is essential to building lasting peace, democracy and equality.
Kvinna till Kvinna has worked in Armenia since 2004. We promote women’s equal participation, raise awareness of women’s rights and offer free health care.
The violent legacy of the 1992–1995 war continues to shape everyday life in Bosnia and Herzegovina—through political instability and unresolved injustices. In the face of this, women’s movements across the country are doing powerful work: supporting survivors of sexual wartime violence and confronting the systems that keep tensions alive.
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.
Despite some progress in legislative reforms related to women's rights, the advancement is being undermined by a strong anti-democratic movement, with recent developments indicating a concerning regression. Our partners combat gender-based violence, support peacebuilding efforts and increase women’s political participation.
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 gender-based violence, supporting victims/survivors and promoting peacebuilding.
In Sweden, we run a leadership training course for young women with a migration background who live or work in suburbs where there are problems with segregation, crime and insecurity. Read more on our Swedish website »
We support organisations focusing on the needs and rights of diverse women, including LBTQI women and women with disabilities.
We and our partner organisations engage with EU institutions to ensure that women’s rights and safety remain a priority for EU foreign policy.
EU accession is high on the agenda across the Western Balkans. Together with partners, we use this opportunity to advocate for women’s rights and to ensure that women’s perspectives are prioritised in the enlargement process.
– Ristin Thomasson, Regional Director for the Western Balkans
Women’s demonstration on 8 March in Skopje, North Macedonia. Photo: Emilija Dimoska / Kvinna till Kvinna
For seven years, the International Training Programme has strengthened institutions and professionals working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence across five countries. Its legacy lives on through stronger systems, deeper cooperation and long-term networks.
3 February 2026
United Women Banja Luka’s work has helped women escape violence and reclaim their voices. Through a 24-hour SOS hotline and safe house, they offer protection and hope for women and children fleeing abuse.
28 October 2025
In wartime Ukraine, UFPH’s halfway houses have become lifelines. For women fleeing violence and loss, they offer safety, support and a path back to independence.
10 October 2025
In a shifting political and social landscape, spaces for shared learning and exchange are becoming increasingly important for sustaining and advancing gender equality. The regional training "Gender Equality Education for Practitioners – From Theory to Policy Implementation" brought together participants from across the Western Balkans to reflect, connect, and explore how feminist knowledge can inform everyday work and long-term change.
26 June 2025
Founded during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vive Žene has spent three decades supporting women and children living with trauma.
25 June 2025
At a time when the challenges faced by women’s rights activists are intensifying, the call for feminist solidarity and collaboration has never been more urgent, as highlighted at the recent Regional Networking and Exchange Forum for Feminist Strategies — “Solidarity is Our Strength.” The Forum was organised by The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
20 February 2025