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.
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
We support organisations focusing on the needs and rights of diverse women, including LBTQI women and women with disabilities.
– Ristin Thomasson, Regional Manager for the Western Balkans
Women’s demonstration on 8 March in Skopje, Macedonia. Photo: Emilija Dimoska / Kvinna till Kvinna
23 February 2024
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
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
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
Economic dependence, disability, and fear of losing her children: Leaving her abusive husband of ten years was all but an easy decision for Milijana Krsmanović. After seeking support from a local women’s rights organisation, she found the strength to reclaim her life and independence.
18 December 2023
In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many accounts of sexual violence committed by Russian forces have begun to surface. And while the media and press focus on these atrocities, women in Ukraine face other types of violence that won’t receive nearly as much attention.
12 December 2023