RRGK and KCSGJ condemn sexist language of Kosovo Assembly MPs

The Kosovo Women's Network (KWRN) and the Kosovar Centre for Gender Studies (KCSGJ) condemn the sexist language and approach towards MPs that appeared yesterday during the session of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo.

The RRGK and the JCPSG through this statement express concern about this approach and consider the continuation of the practice of insulting politicians on the basis of gender by male politicians unacceptable. This sexist and misogynistic language and approach, in addition to violating basic human rights, which are the foundation of Kosovo's Constitution, is also denigrating women and their position in society.

The sexist approach manifested in vulgar language by male politicians towards women politicians, for the RRGK and the CCP, dispels discriminatory mentality and threatens the maintenance and reproduction of unequal social, economic and cultural relations between women and men. Which risks undermining the role of women in politics.

Likewise, such extremely discriminatory attitudes towards women fall in deep conflict with the objectives set by the Beijing Declaration and the UN Platform for Action. This poses serious concern to women's organizations over gender progress in Kosovo, which risks regression from sexist practices.

Women continue to be a constructive part of political processes in Kosovo, so any attempt to invalidate their political role through sexist and misogynistic acts is strongly condemned by women's organizations. Also, this practice fundamentally challenges the achievement of an equal, inclusive society, as well as undermines the progressive aspirations of the Republic of Kosovo.

Therefore, through this letter, we demand individual accountability of MPs as well as collective responsibility of political parties for the positions given.