The Balkan Forum is pleased to present its latest research paper, “Women in Kosovo’s Diplomacy: From Representation to Recognition – Remembrance, Visibility and Recognition among Kosovo’s Post-War Generation,” authored by Jeta Abazi Gashi.
The publication explores the role and visibility of women in Kosovo’s diplomacy, examining how their contributions are remembered, recognized, and represented, particularly among younger generations.
Drawing on interviews with 15 young people aged 19–29 and data from the Gender and Diplomacy (GenDip) dataset, the study examines the relationship between public memory, media representation, and women’s participation in Kosovo’s diplomatic service.
The findings reveal a significant gap between women’s contributions to Kosovo’s political and diplomatic development and their recognition in public discourse. While prominent women political leaders are widely recognized, career diplomats and women who contributed during earlier periods remain largely absent from younger generations’ collective memory.
The research also highlights disparities in diplomatic representation. In 2024, women accounted for only 21.88% of Kosovo’s heads of mission, the lowest share among Western Balkan countries.
Beyond representation, the paper raises important questions about how women’s contributions are documented, communicated, and preserved. It offers recommendations for strengthening institutional visibility, educational awareness, and further research into women’s roles in diplomacy.
Through this publication, The Balkan Forum contributes to ongoing discussions on gender, diplomacy, historical memory, and the importance of recognizing the individuals who have shaped Kosovo’s international representation.
Read the full research paper below.
Author: Jeta Abazi Gashi
Published by The Balkan Forum | October 2026
