“To fight sexism, we need to make sure that women have a say in the decision-making process. Political participation of women is essential for equality and democracy,” underlined Jelena Drenjanin, (Sweden, L, EPP), Chair of the Congress Governance Committee and Thematic Spokesperson on Gender Equality, in her address in the International Conference on Combatting Sexism organised by Kosovo NGO Artpolis in Pristina on 4 October 2021.

Ms Drenjanin highlighted the Congress thematic priorities of reducing inequalities, upholding gender equality and ending sexist behaviour and stressed that the Congress of the Council of Europe works together with local authorities through its resolutions, recommendations, guidelines and co-operation activities to eliminate any form of harassment and sexism at the local level. “As the level of governance closest to the citizens, local authorities are strategically placed to work on these matters, changing the realities in the communities for the better”, concluded Ms Drenjanin.

Zana Hoxha, Executive Director of Artpolis issued a call to promote a society free of discrimination, sexism and harassment.

The Congress implements the project “Promoting local democracy in Kosovo*” within the framework of the Council of Europe co‑operation with Kosovo*. The project aims to improve local self-government and the quality of local democracy by fostering multilevel dialogue and strengthening the capacities of local authorities on political integrity, public ethics and open government principles.

*All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.