• Sexual and reproductive health and rights
• What does it mean?
• Key debates
  • Key debates
  • Obstacles to realising sexual and reproductive health and rights
  • Public health vs rights based approaches
  • The role of new technologies
• A more positive approach
  • A more positive approach
  • Challenging negative views
  • Challenging gender stereotypes
  • Talking about pleasure
  • Linking sexuality, health and human rights
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Sexual and reproductive health and rights

What do prominent Kosovar activists and representatives of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international organisations say about gender based violence (GBV) during pre-war, wartime (1998-1999) and post-war periods? This report begins with a socio-economic profile of the country, and then offers several broad analyses on GBV including women's exposure to it, and critiques the responses by both governmental and NGOs to it. It then presents findings in a thematic fashion. For example, the need for anonymity and to counter problems of stigma should be recognised, to ensure that victims' grievances are humanely redressed. The health-sector should be strengthened to help to identify abuse early, to treat victims and to refer women for appropriate and informed care. Promoting awareness of judicial reforms introduced after the conflict to address gender discrimination is important to raise awareness about rights. Local activists noted that international support needs rejuvenating and funding should respond more to the actual needs of Kosovo's people. Authorities need to do more to support civil society organisations as complementary mechanisms to fill the gaps that official institutions cannot fill. Local human rights activists need support to implement positive and sustained media campaigns and gender-sensitive education, to challenge stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate traditional gender roles. In particular, data collection efforts need to be expanded and analysis improved to build a comprehensive picture of gender-based violence and its effects on Kosovo society.

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