On 26 November 2019, about 30 students gathered at the Law Faculty of the University of Pristina to address how they can contribute to change inequality patterns, combat violence against women and domestic violence and avoid sexism. To inform the debates, participants were presented with the Council of Europe standards on violence against women and domestic violence (in particular the Istanbul Convention), on gender equality and the Council of Ministers Recommendation on preventing and combating sexism adopted in 2019.

Students considered that there are still existing societal negative attitudes and behaviours towards gender equality, and stated that this often results in rather weak response of authorities in combating violence against women and domestic violence. They see their role as young legal professionals in challenging these negative attitudes and behaviours, within and outside the institutions.

This activity was organised in the framework of the Council of Europe’s project on ‘’Reinforcing the Fight Against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence – Phase II’’ and it is one of the initiatives in Kosovo* to mark the 16 days of activitism against violence against women.