American University in Kosovo (AUK) organized a forum on the occasion of the International Women’s Day. The keynote speaker at this event was Mrs. Nezafete Sejdiu, the First Lady of the Republic of Kosovo.
Mrs. Sejdiu addressed the audience and she called on the AUK female students to take on the challenge and the opportunity to bring women issues to the next level. “The women in Kosovar society and culture have been the cornerstone of not only survival and preservation of our culture but have played a crucial role in getting where we are today, Mrs. Sejdiu said.”
On behalf of AUK spoke Ambassador Walker, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AUK. Ambassador Walker revealed some of his memories when Kosovars where in the darkest hours, during the NATO bombing campaign, a time when hundreds of thousands of Kosovar Albanians were forced to flee their homes.
“It was the women of Kosovo who managed to get things in order and continue the life, even in refugee camps. Having seen what these women are capable of, I have no doubt that you will continue to play a crucial role in building the new country, Ambassador Walker said.
The two panelists invited on this occasion, Dr. Flora Brovina, a Member of Parliament and a long time women’s activist, and Sanija Murati, the Executive Director of the NGO “Lady”, offered their perspectives on the role women play in today’s society in Kosovo and about the challenges but also opportunities.
“There has been a lot of progress made in women’s place in our society but there is a lot to do still. We should not stop for a minute in advancing our role and our place in society because we have proven throughout the centuries that we deserve more, Dr. Brovina said.
Mrs. Murati from the NGO “Lady”, who came to live in Kosovo from Bosnia and Hercegovina, offered the students some of her experiences in the new country which she claims it home, and said that “with hard work, everything is possible, and women of Kosovo have proven that are hard workers over and over again.”
Both speakers encouraged the AUK students to become active and not be shy to take their place in the society.
The event was followed by a small reception on this occasion where participants continued their discussion with students and other guests.











