Outcome KOS_D_1.3

All women and men in Kosovo enjoy more accountable, innovative, effective, transparent, and gender-responsive institutions at all levels ensuring digital access to justice, digitalization, equality and participation for all, as well as sector reforms, strategies, development programs, and plans in line with EU GE acquis norms and standards ((UNSDCF Outcome 1)

During 2024 Kosovo continued to mark progress against the Outcome as following: Strengthening Digital Access to Justice The development of the two (2) draft sector-/policy area-specific gender mainstreaming guidance documents in the priority areas: digitalization and the justice sector, which commenced during the year, are designed to strengthen institutional accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to gender equality and align them with EU Gender Equality acquis . By addressing key areas such as digital access to justice and equitable participation, the guidance will ensure that public services are inclusive, and will help reduce barriers to justice, promote innovative approaches through digital transformation, and encourage the active involvement of all citizens in governance processes. Advancing Gender-Responsive Governance Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) : significant progress was observed in relation to gender-responsive governance in Kosovo, both at central and local level. The Ministry of Finance has initiated substantial changes in integrating Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) into the Public Financial Management (PFM) legal framework. This included harmonization and drafting of a gender-responsive Procurement Law, Law on Audits an Organic Budget Law, and GRB-specific legislation led by the Agency for Gender Equality (AGE). To strengthen institutional capacities, hands-on training was provided to 30 budget users and staff from four-line ministries, and 35 budget users from 16 Municipalities enhancing their ability to develop Gender Budget Declaration and comply with Budget Circular requirements mandating gender analysis in 2024. Simultaneously, AGE initiated several gender impact assessments across various sectors, while the Ministry of Local Government Administration (MLGA) introduced standardized reporting mechanisms and updated performance indicators to ensure accountability in in gender equality outcomes. As a result of insights gained from these analyses, twenty (20) women farmers from the Municipality of Prishtina have successfully utilized digital innovation tools to enhance their agricultural businesses. This achievement was made possible through a specialized training initiative designed to equip participants with practical skills in utilizing technology for improved productivity, market access, and sustainability. Sectoral Reforms and Gender Impact Assessments (GIAs) : The Agency for Gender Equality (AGE) has enhanced its ability to provide EU-aligned gender mainstreaming support across multiple policy areas and has conducted GIAs across key sectors, including public procurement, including laws on energy, social housing, business organizations, and free legal aid; administrative instruction on residential services; strategic programs such as the Kosovo Program for Economic Reform; Reform Agenda – Growth and Reform Facility; European Integration 2024–2028; and Programs and their Action Plans for Public Administration Reform and Administrative Burden Reduction 2025-2028. Municipal Gender Action Plans : At the local level, 13 municipalities endorsed three year/s Gender Action Plans, marking a key milestone in advancing gender equality at the local governance level. With these endorsements, the total number of municipalities with approved Gender Action Plans now stands at sixteen (16). These plans were developed through inclusive stakeholder engagement processes, ensuring representation and input from various community groups and gender equality advocates. These plans incorporate gender-sensitive activities addressing critical issues such as employment opportunities for women, access to education, and agricultural development. To support effective implementation, municipal assemblies approved allocated budgets, ensuring that these plans move beyond policy to tangible, actionable results. By embedding these approaches into local governance frameworks, they provide a structured mechanism to address persistent inequalities while aligning local efforts with national and EU gender equality acquis standards and specifically the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life . Cross-Sector Collaboration Training and Peer-to-Peer Exchanges : Capacity-building initiatives engaged over 190 municipal employees, enhancing their understanding of gender-sensitive governance. Peer-to-peer exchanges with Albanian municipalities facilitated knowledge sharing on implementing the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life. Additionally, a high-level delegation from Kosovo benefited from a visit to Croatia t o exchange best practices on aligning gender strategies with EU standards, focusing on integrating gender equality into governance processes. Public Awareness and Advocacy Kosovo Country Gender Profile : Published in November 2024, the Kosovo Country Gender Profile serves as a foundational document for guiding development programs and shaping gender-sensitive policies in Kosovo. This comprehensive profile provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of gender equality, highlighting key disparities across critical sectors such as education, employment, health, and governance. It identifies systemic challenges and barriers that hinder gender equality and provides evidence-based, actionable recommendations tailored to policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders. The profile is aligned with the EU Gender Action Plan III (GAP III) and Kosovo's strategic priorities, ensuring a cohesive approach to advancing gender equality. Additionally, it serves as a critical resource for the ongoing drafting process of Kosovo Gender Equality Program (2025–2035), by offering insights to develop long-term strategies that address inequalities and promote sustainable, inclusive socio-economic development. Through its publication and dissemination, the Kosovo Country Gender Profile contributes to raising public awareness and fostering dialogue among stakeholders, encouraging collective action to close the gender gap and strengthen institutional commitments to equality. The above achievements, reached largely through UN Women contribution with technical assistance, emphasize Kosovo’s dedication to integrate gender equality and digital justice principles into governance structures. In this regard, women will benefit from better access to justice, increased economic opportunities, and greater participation in decision-making, while men will benefit from more transparent and efficient systems that support shared responsibilities. These initiatives promote a more inclusive society for all and align with EU integration priorities to pave the way for more inclusive and equitable socio-economic future development.