Today there was held the ceremonial opening of the global campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence”, which this year is being held under the motto “The Right is hers. Today and every day”.

In addition to the Acting Minister of Justice, Blerim Sallahu, this ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Albulena Haxhiu, the Deputy Chairperson of the Kosovo Judicial Council, Arjeta Sadiku, the National Coordinator on Domestic Violence, Laura Pula, institutional representatives, civil society organizations and international partners, demonstrating the joint commitment to equality and protection of the women and girls’ rights.

In his speech, the acting Minister of Justice, Blerim Sallahu, emphasized that gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence remain inseparable priorities of the justice institutions. He underlined that equality in property and the economic empowerment of women are key elements for independence, security and protection from violence, while unjust exclusion from property often creates dependence that feeds mechanisms of violence. In this context, he highlighted the reforms undertaken, including the toughening of penalties for domestic violence, the establishment of inter-institutional mechanisms and the continuous support of victims.

Minister Sallahu recalled that justice is not measured only by laws and strategies, but by real change in people’s lives. He emphasized that these 16 days are not just an awareness campaign, but a renewal of the commitment of institutions to ensure that every woman and girl is free, equal and safe. The Ministry of Justice will continue to lead institutional efforts in protecting human dignity, equality and justice for all.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, in his opening speech stated that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has worked with dedication to strengthen the mechanisms of protection and justice. He added that in addition to the law, social courage is needed, because as he said, domestic violence is not a private problem, but a crime, a violation of public safety, a violation of democracy and rights.

At the ceremony of the 5^th year of marking the campaign, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, stated that, despite the great work over the years, many women and children still face violence, as she conveyed the message that “we put an end to violence only when we speak openly and courageously, we trust the victims, we do not silence them, we do not prejudice them and we do not turn our backs on them”.

The global campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” will continue with the implementation of the planned activities until 10 December.