On the International Day of the Girl Child, UNFPA Kosovo and IPKO Foundation joined hands to initiate the "Te Gëzoheni Me Fëmijë" Campaign, a movement aimed at addressing the grave issue of selective abortion and, more importantly, advocating for the education and empowerment of girls in Kosovo. This campaign, supported by key figures such as Prime Minister Albin Kurti, sends a clear message: we must stand against the preference for boys, eradicating this harmful practice of gender discrimination that disrupts the natural balance in childbirth.
The launch of the "Te Gëzoheni Me Fëmijë" Campaign received notable support from the highest echelons of Kosovo's government. Prime Minister Albin Kurti's endorsement emphasized the urgency of this issue. Gender preference and selective abortion have no place in a progressive society like Kosovo. The Minister of Health, Arben Vitia, and the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Arbërie Nagavci, also pledged their commitment to addressing this sensitive issue. This united front from the government showcases the determination to tackle gender discrimination at its roots.
During the campaign launch, attendees had the opportunity to view a portion of a documentary by journalist and human rights activist Kaltrina Rexhepi Dragusha. This documentary shed light on the harrowing phenomenon of selective abortion in Kosovo, making it clear that this issue demands urgent attention.
Moreover, the event featured a panel discussion on combating selective abortion through education. Panelists included Avni Kastrati, the Director of the Department for Social and Population Statistics from the Kosovo Statistics Agency; Leonida Molliqaj, Executive Director of the QIKA organization; Dr. Memli Morina, a respected gynecologist/obstetrician; and Venera Demukaj, an Assistant Professor of Economics at RIT Kosovo. The discussion emphasized the importance of a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders to address the challenges faced by girls in Kosovo. This collective approach is essential to ensure a brighter future for girls in the years to come.
UNFPA and IPKO Foundation remain unwavering in their commitment to the "Te Gëzoheni Me Fëmijë" Campaign. The mission is to raise awareness of the challenges that girls in Kosovo encounter daily and to underscore the critical need for their empowerment. By working together and focusing on education and gender equality, the campaign aims to pave the way for a more favorable and equitable environment for girls in Kosovo.
In conclusion, the "Te Gëzoheni Me Fëmijë" Campaign is not just a campaign; it is a resounding call to action. It is a reminder that we must break down the barriers that hold girls back, giving them the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society. The united front presented by UNFPA Kosovo, IPKO Foundation, and the government of Kosovo is a beacon of hope, promising a brighter future where girls are empowered, and gender discrimination becomes a thing of the past. Together, we can work toward a more inclusive and equitable society where every girl's potential is fully realized.
