"From Heroines to Equals: The Unfinished Journey of Women in Kosovo"

In honor of International Women’s Day, I want to share some reflections on the evolving role of women in Kosovo—a journey marked by sacrifice, resilience, and the slow but steady push for equality.

The term "heroine" has long been used to describe Albanian women who sacrificed everything in service to others. But as Kosovo transitions into a modern society, the foundations of this term are being shaken. Why? Because women are no longer content to be confined to traditional roles. They are stepping into new spaces, demanding recognition, and redefining what it means to contribute to society.

To understand this shift, let’s start with Prishtina, Kosovo’s capital, as a microcosm of this transformation.

A Historical Perspective: Prishtina and the Weight of Tradition

Prishtina’s history under Ottoman rule reveals a stark reality: women were expected to serve everyone—husbands, children, extended families—while sacrificing their own needs. Historical accounts describe women’s lives as leisurely ( morning routines, hamam baths, and evening routines), but they gloss over the harsh truths. Women bore an average of 8-10 children, managed households, and were held accountable for their children’s education and behavior. They were denied inheritance, silenced in decision-making, and judged harshly if they failed to meet societal expectations.

Virginity was a non-negotiable virtue, and women who couldn’t bear children were often sent back to their families, carrying the shame of their "failure." Patriarchy thrived for 500 years, and while the traditional family structure was celebrated, it came at the expense of women’s autonomy. Even historical records from the Ottoman era tell a revealing story: women weren’t counted in population data. They were invisible in the eyes of the state.

The Socialist Era: A Glimmer of Change

The socialist period brought a seismic shift. Gender equality was promoted, and women entered the workforce en masse. The state saw women as a vital labor force, but this progress came with a caveat: at home, patriarchy persisted. Women now juggled dual roles—breadwinners and caregivers—while facing societal judgment if they fell short in either domain. This duality created tension. Women were expected to excel at work and maintain their traditional roles at home. Any slip-up, and gossip would spread like wildfire.

The War and Post-War Period: A Catalyst for Transformation

The Kosovo War and its aftermath became a turning point. Just as in other war-torn societies, women stepped into roles previously reserved for men. They joined international missions, earned incomes, and gained a newfound sense of independence.

This shift disrupted traditional dynamics. Men could no longer claim sole breadwinner status, and women began to question the unequal distribution of responsibilities. The phrase "I bring the money, you handle everything else" started to lose its grip. But this progress wasn’t without backlash. Even today, successful women face criticism and condescension. Comments like "go climb on the scaffold" under social media posts of accomplished women reveal the deep-seated resistance to change.

The Modern Dilemma: Raising Girls for the 21st Century, But What About the Boys?

Kosovo’s socio-economic challenges—declining birth rates, traditional family structures at risk—are often blamed on women’s emancipation. But the real issue lies elsewhere. As one elderly woman aptly put it: "We are raising girls with a 21st-century mindset but raising boys with a 15th-century mindset." This mismatch creates friction. Women are increasingly aware of their worth and refuse to accept mistreatment. Families are educating their daughters to protect themselves and assert their rights. But unless boys are taught to respect and value these empowered women, the gap will only widen.

The Way Forward: A Call to Action

Kosovo’s future depends on rethinking the role of women. If we want women in institutions, businesses, and leadership roles—if we want them to contribute to the birth rate and the longevity of our society—we must address the systemic inequalities that hold them back.

This isn’t just about women; it’s about society as a whole. Kudos to the men who see women as equals and share the burden of progress. For the rest? It’s time to adapt.

The world is changing, and there’s no turning back. Women are no longer content to be heroines confined to the shadows. They are stepping into the light, demanding equality, and reshaping Kosovo’s future.