Europe

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Sweden 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). In Sweden, we run a leadership training for young women with a migration background who live or work in suburbs where there are problems with segregation, crime and insecurity.

Where we work in Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina

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.

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

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

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.

Sweden

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 »

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

From knowledge to action: Advancing gender equality in the Western Balkans

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

From war trauma to trust-based recovery

Founded during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vive Žene has spent three decades supporting women and children living with trauma.

25 June 2025

Solidarity is Our Strength: Regional Networking and Exchange Forum

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

The Berlin Process: Gender equality key to the Western Balkans’ EU integration

14 October 2024

Combatting sexual violence stigma in Ukraine

Since 2015, D.O.M.48.24 has supported internally displaced persons in Ukraine, later shifting to focus on preventing gender-based violence. Today, they run a daily crisis center, while combatting the stigma and challenges surrounding sexual and domestic violence.

1 October 2024

“I woke up to the sound of bombing”

From bombings in Baghdad to refugee camps in Croatia, Lejla Somun carries multiple experiences from conflict-affected countries with her.

3 September 2024

Last updated or reviewed 19 June 2025