On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, delivered a message on the essential role of women in the processes of state building, peace and global security. Through a public address, the head of state emphasized that the history of Kosovo is a living proof of the fact that freedom and democratic institutions cannot be established without the equal participation of women.
Emphasizing the country’s historical heritage, President Osmani recalled that Kosovo’s road to independence was paved by joint efforts.
“Our road to freedom and citizenship was not written by men alone. It was shaped by women and men standing side by side,” said Osmani, appreciating the women who led the peaceful resistance, those who endured the weight of the war, as well as those who turned into the moral force for the reconstruction of institutions in the post-war period. She described these women as “moral compass” of the state of Kosovo.
A non-negotiable condition for security and democracy
A central part of its articulation focused on contemporary security processes. The winner of the 2025 Women for Peace and Security Award from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, warned that any peace process or security system that excludes women’s voices is destined to be unstable and incomplete.
According to the President, women should no longer be treated as observers of social progress, but as its leaders in every sphere—from political life and diplomacy, to the economy and security forces.
A global call against the status quo
Beyond the local context, Osmani raised concern about the harsh reality still faced by millions of women around the world who are subjected to violence, marginalization and injustice. She described the advancement of women’s rights not simply as a matter of justice, but as a vital element for the health of democracies themselves and the protection of human dignity.
“Women’s voices should never be silenced or ignored. Their leadership should not be treated as optional and inequality should not be accepted as the status quo,” emphasized Osmani at the end of her message. “When equality is real, peace becomes more sustainable.”
