From 20 to 22 November 2024, Ms. Louise Sperl, Project Manager at WUS Austria and SHER international expert, was present in Kosovo. Over the course of three impactful days, Ms. Sperl worked closely with the SHER team to identify and address current social, human rights, and gender-related needs within the higher education landscape. Her visit was a significant step toward integrating these crucial aspects into relevant developments and initiatives in Kosovo through the SHER Programme.

During her visit, Ms. Sperl engaged with a wide range of key stakeholders to gain deeper insights into the current challenges and opportunities in Kosovo. She held meetings with Ms. Ardita Kastrati from the Center for Students with Special Needs at the University of Prishtina, Ms. Nicole Farnsworth from Kosova Women’s Network, Mr. Orhan Butic from organization Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians (VORAE), Professor Ardiana Gashi (University of Prishtina), and Assistant Professor Denur Pacaku,(University ‘Ukshin Hoti’ in Prizren). These engagements provided a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs and priorities, particularly in promoting inclusion, addressing gender equality, and empowering marginalized groups within the higher education and societal context.

Ms. Sperl concluded her visit with a keynote speech at the International Scientific Conference: Bridge 2024 in University ‘Ukshin Hoti’ in Prizren themed “Bridging Education and Innovation for Advancing Science and Society”. Her presentation, titled “Gender Equality in Higher Education – An International Perspective with Pathways for Kosovo,” highlighted the importance of gender equity in academia and offered actionable insights tailored to Kosovo’s context.