2021 Public Perceptions of Gender Equality and Violence Against Women

Author: Nora Jusufi - IDRA Research and Consulting – Kosova
Editors: Luljeta Demolli and Dafina Prekazi- Kosovar Gender Studies Center

Gender (in)equality and violence against women are complex issues that need to be addressed through a multi-dimensional approach. It has been established that strict gender roles, which become the norm within a society, and the respective attributes associated with such roles are contributors to gender inequality and violence against women. In most societies, men and women face strict social expectations based on their gender. Men are often expected to be tough, breadwinners, head of the family, aggressive, etc., while women are often thought of as submissive, supportive, gentle, and caregivers, among others.

Many organizations are trying to help societies re-shape gender roles and create a safe environment for all humans to thrive without the burden of social expectations. Therefore, the Kosovar Gender Studies Center (KGSC), supported by UN Women, commissioned IDRA Research and Consulting – Kosovo* to conduct a survey that assessed Kosovar citizens’ knowledge, opinions, perceptions, attitudes and beliefs regarding gender equality and violence against women and girls.

The questionnaire was designed to capture Kosovar citizens’ knowledge of the legal framework on gender equality and violence against women, to understand their perceptions of gender-based roles and expectations for women and men at home, and to examine their attitudes towards changing or improving gender equality, violence against women, and domestic violence. An additional portion of the questionnaire assessed whether the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Kosovo were reached through a door-to-door campaign recently launched by the Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women's Organizations of Kosovo (NRAEWOK) to prevent child, early and forced marriage.