Celebrating achievements in the representation of women in Kosovo’s judiciary

Reflections on International Day of Women Judges

Today marks the International Day of Women Judges, an annual celebration of the vital contributions made by women in the judiciary, and a reminder of the importance of achieving gender diversity in the legal profession. The day was first established by the International Association of Women Judges in 1999 and has since been observed annually around the world.

Women have historically faced significant barriers to entering the legal profession and rising through the ranks of the judiciary, both globally and in Kosovo. Even though Kosovo’s judiciary is relatively young, Kosovo women have been underrepresented and faced similar barriers as many other women in the world. These barriers include discrimination and bias, lack of access to education and training, and gender stereotypes that cast women as less competent or less suited for certain types of legal work. All these factors have contributed to the creation of a judiciary, with men dominating the leadership positions. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of women’s participation in the judiciary and efforts to increase their representation.

To address these issues, the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) and other state and non-state actors are working to promote gender diversity and equality in the legal profession. This includes providing training and mentorship opportunities for women lawyers and working to eliminate gender bias and discrimination in the legal profession.

Despite the challenges, Kosovo has made remarkable progress in achieving gender diversity in the judiciary. Women now are well represented in the justice sector, with approximately 34.5% of judges, according to KJC official data. Additionally, women make up 61.6% of the judicial support staff. This positive trend has been noted, in the past three years, where 241 out of the 455 new jobs created were filled by women, which accounts for 53% of the total new hires.

This increase in women’s participation in the judiciary is an encouraging sign for gender equality in Kosovo and reflects the country’s commitment to promoting women’s rights and creating equal opportunities for all.

There are many factors and efforts that have contributed to this development. One of the key factors driving this progress has been the implementation of gender representation measures for judicial appointments. In 2010, Kosovo amended key judiciary laws to first introduce the requirement that the composition of the judiciary reflect the gender equality principles embedded in the Constitution. This has helped to increase the number of women in the judiciary and ensure that women are represented in decision-making positions.

This increase in women’s participation in the judiciary is important for several reasons. First, it helps to ensure that the judiciary reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. This can help to increase public trust and confidence in the legal system, as people are more likely to see themselves represented in the courts and to feel that their voices are being heard.

Second, women’s participation in the judiciary helps promote gender equality and women’s rights. Female judges are more likely to understand and take seriously issues that disproportionately affect women, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and gender discrimination.

Thirdly, the participation of women in the judiciary has a positive impact on the quality of justice. Studies have shown that diverse groups tend to make better decisions than homogenous groups as they bring a wider range of perspectives and experiences to the table. When women are represented in the judiciary, it promotes a diverse and inclusive decision-making process, which can lead to more balanced, informed, and fair judgments. Additionally, women’s representation in the judiciary can also help to enhance public trust and confidence in the justice system, especially among women and marginalized communities who may feel that their voices are not being heard or that their rights are not being protected.^[1] 

Lastly, women judges can play a vital role in promoting people-centered justice by promoting access to justice and protecting the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, children, and minorities. Through their work, women judges can help to build trust in the justice system and demonstrate the value of a justice system that is responsive to the needs and concerns of ordinary people. Ultimately, the inclusion of more women judges in the judiciary can help to ensure that justice is truly for all, not just for a privileged few. 

Women Judges Encouraging Women in Law

Women now hold a growing number of leadership positions in Kosovo’s judiciary. Throughout this period Kosovo’s Constitutional Court, Basic Courts, and Brach Courts have been led by women.

As we celebrate International Day of Women Judges, we recognize and honor the contributions of women judges who made a positive impact on the sectors and have been in the forefront of efforts to promote rule of law, protect human rights, and advance justice and equality for all.

Women judges in leadership positions have an important role to play in encouraging other women to join the legal profession. As women in positions of influence, they have the ability to empower the next generation of women lawyers, as well as to advocate for policies and initiatives that support women in the legal profession. On the International Day of Women Judges, they send the following messages for the future generations.

• “Despite the progress achieved, we must continue to support and encourage women to pursue careers in the and provide them with opportunities for professional development and advancement. We must also work to eliminate any barriers that prevent women from accessing the legal profession and judiciary.” – Drita Rexha, a prominent judge from Kosovo who serves as a member of the Kosovo Judicial Council and chair of the Normative Committee.

• “Our gender should never limit our ambitions, nor should it diminish our capabilities. I encourage you to follow your passion for justice, to speak up and speak out, to be confident in your abilities, and to never let anyone make you feel small or unworthy. You enhance the legitimacy of courts by sending the powerful signal that your presence as a woman in the legal profession is not just valuable, it is necessary” – Albina Shabani – Rama, President of the Prishtina Basic Court.

• “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be a judge just because you’re a woman. Your voice matters, and Kosovo needs more women judges who bring diverse perspectives, compassion, and fairness to this profession. With hard work, dedication, and a passion for justice, you too can make a difference in people’s lives and help build a more just and equitable society.” – Shpresa Emra, a respected judge from Kosovo who currently serves as the President at the Basic Court of Prizren.

• “Civil and commercial disputes can have far-reaching consequences, not just for the parties involved, but for the broader society and economy as well. As a young lawyer, you have the opportunity to play a crucial role in resolving these disputes fairly and efficiently, by becoming a commercial judge”- Saranda Bogaj – Sheremeti, the Vice-President of the newly established Commercial Court.

Disclaimer: This article was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It was prepared by the USAID Justice Activity, implemented by Chemonics International, Prime Contractor, and ATRC, Subcontractor. The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.