Pristina turned into the center of a special event on Friday, bringing together some of the most prominent female figures from Albanian-inhabited territories.

They took part in the conference “Albanian Women in Politics,” organized by the Municipality of Pristina, where discussions focused on their contribution to decision-making processes and social development.

Former President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said that Albanian women have carried significant responsibilities during challenging periods and have played an important role in consolidating democratic institutions wherever they have lived.

According to her, a democratic system cannot be considered complete without genuine participation in decision-making, and no society can progress if the contribution of half of its population is treated as secondary.

“At every stage of our history, Albanian women have carried far greater responsibilities than the recognition they have received. They have kept families together in difficult times, defended human dignity in the darkest periods, and strengthened the communities in which they lived by contributing to the building of democratic institutions... The discussion on women’s leadership is a discussion about democracy itself. Democracy can never be complete if women are present only symbolically. Leadership can never be meaningful if women constantly have to defend their right to be part of decision-making. And our societies cannot move forward if the voice of women is treated as secondary in shaping the future. The image of women in politics is of course important because it shapes opportunity itself,” Osmani said.

She called for the creation of an environment where girls and women enjoy equal respect and opportunities, without facing attacks, intimidation, or violence in digital spaces.

According to her, the European path of Albanians is closely linked to respecting democratic standards and ensuring their inclusion in public life.

The chairwoman of the National Alliance of Municipal Councilors of Albania, Alta Azizi-Haluci, described the conference as a call for awareness and unity, highlighting the role of women in preserving language, family, and national identity.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Pristina, Përparim Rama, praised the contribution of Albanian women in governance, economy, diplomacy, education, and entrepreneurship, stressing that presence in institutions must also translate into real influence in decision-making.

“Albanian women are making an extraordinary contribution in politics, local governance, economy, diplomacy, education, and entrepreneurship. They are proving every day that modern leadership is built on responsibility, professionalism, dialogue, and long-term vision. However, there is still much to be done. Representation should not be seen only as a statistic, but must be translated into real impact in decision-making, into more inclusive policies, and into institutions that reflect the full potential and dignity of our society,” he said.

As part of the “Albanian Women in Politics” conference, the Pristina Declaration 2026 is also expected to be adopted, aiming to strengthen their role in governance, increase their presence in institutions, and advance participation in decision-making processes important for the development of society and democracy.