In Kosovo, discussions on gender representation in political processes usually focus on the 30% legal quota in legislative institutions, both at the central and local levels. This quota is often used as an argument that women already have sufficient space in politics and that no further progress can be made by the country in this regard.
However, this analysis expands the discussion beyond representation in assemblies. It examines women’s role within the executive branch, especially in appointed positions wielding greater political power and influence, especially in Kosovo’s context. Simultaneously, it considers the manner in which political parties, as key actors in the selection of senior officials, influence gender representation in these positions. The analysis also delivers concrete recommendations on strengthening gender representation policies at the central and local level.
As a first step, the analysis presents the degree of gender representation within the executive, namely the Government of Kosovo, focusing on three key positions that are completely dependent on political parties: Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and Deputy Ministers. This section also breaks down appointments within governing coalitions, as an essential factor to understand barriers and spaces for advancing gender representation.
Secondly, the analysis reviews the municipal level, examining gender representation in municipal directorates, party candidates in mayoral races, as well as appointments to the seat of deputy mayor and speaker of municipal assemblies. Furthermore, internal structures of political parties such as presidencies, steering councils and local branches are analyzed, emphasizing that it is precisely at these levels that the main challenges to gender representation arise, which are then reflected in executive positions and appointments.
The findings reveal the adversity to women’s representation in political leadership positions, while women are often portrayed as culprits for such a situation. Data from several interviews with parliamentary candidates in the 2025 elections, were also used for this analysis.
In conclusion, the analysis seeks to contribute to designing more effective policies for equal gender representation in appointed positions at central and local level, by providing a set of practical recommendations on improving the current situation.