Kosovo takes stronger steps to advance the leadership of women and girls in science and academia

For the first time in its history, a woman has been appointed President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo¹, marking an important milestone for the academic leadership. Justina Shiroka-Pula, 73, is a distinguished economist, professor, and academician whose career has been defined by pioneering work in operational research and advocating for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

To mark the occasion, more than 100 women leaders, academics, and professionals gathered at the Academy of Sciences and Arts to take stock of how far Kosovo has come, how much further there is to go, and what it will truly take to open the doors of science and academia to women and girls. Organized by the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo with the support of UN Women, the event served as a space for dialogue, reflection, and joint action towards a more inclusive academic community.

The event comes at a time when women in Kosovo are posting strong results in higher education. According to the Kosovo Gender Country Profile, developed by UN Women and funded by the European Union, women account for 70 per cent of bachelor’s graduates, 64 per cent of master’s graduates, and 56 per cent of PhD graduates. Yet these gains have not automatically translated into equal opportunities in leadership and decision-making. Women make up 44 per cent of central-level public administration and 33 per cent at the local level, yet held just 22.5 per cent of decision-making positions overall in 2022. The same gap shows up in academia: only one of its 25 regular members is a woman.

“The talent and potential of women and girls are there, but the path to leadership is still not fully open. The issue is not a lack of girls in science, it’s a lack of space and opportunity for them to advance,” said Justina Shiroka-Pula.

The event also honoured the trailblazers who paved the way before them, reaffirming their contributions to building opportunities for future generations.

Vlora Tuzi Nushi, Head of UN Women Office, spoke about the importance of sustained cooperation and institutional will to support women and girls in these fields.

“This cooperation marks an important milestone in advancing women’s role in academia in Kosovo. For the first time, the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo is led by a woman, a powerful step forward for women’s leadership in science, research, and public life.”

The event made clear that advancing gender equality in science and academia requires sustained institutional commitment, visible women’s leadership and stronger cooperation across academia, public institutions and partners.

“Creating enabling environments for women and girls in these fields is not only a matter of equal opportunity, but it is also a prerequisite for more innovative, representative and inclusive societies,” Tuzi Nushi added.

Beyond the Academy event, UN Women has been working with institutions across Kosovo to advance gender equality in education and public life. In partnership with the University of Prishtina, UN Women supported the development of its first-ever Gender Action Plan, designed to build a more equal and inclusive environment for staff and students.

“The Action Plan sets a clear strategic direction: balanced gender representation, a safe and respectful environment for everyone, and gender perspectives integrated into curricula, teaching, and research. Through this Plan, the University of Pristina aims to become a leading gender-equal institution, one that helps shape a future workforce deeply committed to gender equality,” said Ardiana Gashi, professor of Economics at the University of Prishtina and the Plan’s lead drafter.

The plan was supported through the regional programme “Transformative Financing for Gender Equality Towards More Transparent, Inclusive and Accountable Governance in the Western Balkans,” implemented by UN Women between 2020 and 2025 and funded by Sida.

¹References to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).