On 15 October 2025, the SHER Programme successfully organized the Workshop on Gender Equality in Higher Education in Kosovo, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to promoting gender equality and inclusion within the country’s higher education sector. The workshop was officially opened and addressed by Ms. Merita Jonuzi, Head of Science Division, Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Mr. Aqim Emurli, Team Leader, SHER Programme and Ms. Louise Sperl, Head of Projects, WUS Austria.

The workshop served as an important platform to present the findings of the Baseline Assessment on Gender Equality Mechanisms across public higher education institutions in Kosovo. The event convened representatives from MESTI, public universities, the Agency for Gender Equality, UN Women Kosovo, the Kosova Women’s Network, students, and civil society organizations, all united by a shared commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusion in higher education.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in insightful discussions and knowledge exchange, focusing on practical ways to integrate gender perspectives across teaching, learning, and research. Participants shared institutional experiences and presented their ongoing or newly developed Gender Equality Plans, highlighting the progress and challenges faced in embedding gender equality at the institutional level. The workshop also showcased innovative initiatives supported through the SHER Social Dimension Small Grant Scheme, including Gender-Inclusive Design, EmpowerHER, and Words Matter. These projects demonstrated creative and practical approaches to embedding gender equality into academic and campus life, serving as inspiring examples for future collaboration and replication.

The workshop concluded with a forward-looking reflection session, emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation, institutional commitment, and strategic policy alignment to ensure that gender equality becomes an integral part of Kosovo’s higher education system. Through continued partnership and dialogue, the SHER Programme and its collaborators reaffirmed their dedication to supporting higher education institutions in creating environments where equality, diversity, and inclusion are not only guiding principles but lived realities.