04.08.2025. » 15:40

Breaking the Silence: Combating Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence in Northern Kosovo

"Breaking the Silence: Combating Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence in Northern Kosovo" is a project implemented by the non-governmental organization Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture (ACDC), with the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The project will run from August 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, and will be implemented in the municipalities of North Mitrovica, Zvečan, Zubin Potok, Leposavić, and South Mitrovica.

breaking-the-silence-combating-sexual-harassment-and-gender-based-violence-in-northern-kosovo

The project is designed to address the increasing number of cases of sexual harassment and gender-based violence (GBV), with a particular focus on interethnic incidents and the insufficient institutional response. In a context of low public trust in institutions and widespread social stigmatization of victims, the project aims to empower women and girls, increase the visibility of the problem, and improve protection mechanisms.

Project activities include:

  • Research on sexual harassment and GBV – A study on the prevalence, perceptions, and institutional responses in the Mitrovica region, serving as a foundation for all subsequent interventions.
  • Trainings for justice institutions and CSOs – Capacity-building sessions for police officers, prosecutors, judges, and civil society representatives aimed at improving knowledge and practices in handling cases of sexual harassment.
  • Public conference on prevention – A regional event focused on sharing experiences and promoting strategies for the prevention of sexual violence, including the presentation of research findings.
  • Coordination seminar for institutions and civil society – A gathering dedicated to establishing effective referral mechanisms and support systems for victims.
  • Awareness-raising campaign – A video spot, two podcasts, informative leaflets, street actions, and strong activity on social media targeting youth and marginalized groups.
  • Development of a policy paper on sexual harassment – A document with concrete recommendations for improving institutional and legal frameworks, based on the project's findings.

Expected outcomes include:

  • Increased awareness among citizens, especially women and girls, about sexual harassment and available protection mechanisms;
  • Strengthened trust in institutions through better-trained personnel and more accessible reporting systems;
  • Greater community engagement in combating GBV, particularly among youth;
  • Improved cooperation between institutions and civil society for long-term efforts to combat sexual violence.