Who is Valdete Daka under the EU mission: The Revolutionary Woman of Justice

*The following text is received from the EU's rule of law mission, Elux. Periscope reprints after it became the last target of attacks by Vetevendosje, Albin Kurti's party, and recently has been dismissed by Vjosa Osmani, who has now assumed the position of president of the country. 

Determination, professionalism, sincerity, zeal, courage, and hard work are virtues that make a judge good. Valdete Daka has it all, even more than that.

She is a prominent personality in Kosovo, not only is she among the women initiative, who has taken the role of judge in Kosovo's justice system, but also because she is one of the first women to lead an independent agency in Kosovo, the Central Election Commission (KQZ).

Some probably also recognise him as a former member of the Board of Directors of the Kosovo Judges Association and as a regular trainer of the Kosovo Judiciary Institute in criminal and human rights. It also trains candidates to become judges, and that happens after they have successfully completed the jurisdictional exam. Judge Daka is also a member of the Kosovo Judiciary Council and former member of the Independent Commission for the Election and Name of Judges and Prosecutors.

The woman, alive and social, who has held many important functions, has always been determined to take a role in Kosovo's justice system. This determination and love for the law was nurtured by her father, who was a prominent law professor in Kosovo. “Since I was raised in a law - passionate family and witnessed this desire for law every day, it was natural to choose the law as my profession,” explains Daka, who graduated from law at the University of Pristina.

Its journey began when she was appointed judge at the Municipal Court in Prizren in the field of criminal law, when she had only twenty-five years. Being among the first women in the criminal court was very rewarding, but at the same time you were very difficult,” explains Daka.

The separation of justice as a criminal judge in most cases means that you must face high profile criminals who commit serious crimes, but that did not stop Daka from becoming prominent in her role at an early age. As a criminal judge, in most cases you deprive criminals of freedom and there were cases when my life and my family were threatened and we had to live under police protection,” explains Judge Daka.

However, the passion for separation of justice, commitment, and hard work were its driving force that always strives to reach the top of the profession of righteousness. I've always wanted to be part of developing justice in Kosovo, and I believe I've played an important role in creating the state and institutions of justice. That makes me very proud,” says Dhaka.

In a profession where males dominate, women must be very determined to fight for decision - making positions. The position of women has improved greatly since I was first appointed as a criminal judge in Prizren, but much remains to be done,” says. According to her, women are more powerful, bolder, and less inclined to come under influence, and they should be treated as such.

According to Valdetes, despite numerous challenges, the justice system in Kosovo is currently much better than it has been before. “Reforms have been achieved, and significant changes in laws have been made. It still has to be more. So the new generation of professionals must be very determined,” says Valdet.

It has a message for the younger generation, which is slowly replacing the old generation in the justice system, to be more determined and more focused: never give up, ask for more and offer the best to excel in your professions. ”

During her rich professional career, she has worked alongside law professionals from various international organisations working in Kosovo. I've participated in various panels, different working groups and training. Co-operation with international law professionals has always been very good and has been an excellent opportunity to learn from each other” explains Daka.

Daka's plans for the future are to continue working on Kosovo's justice system for the good of Kosovo citizens.

She says that if he had to choose between his current positions, justice would be the area he would choose each time.

As a professional and judge, Dhaka symbolizes the woman who has overcome great obstacles and has guided other women to a career in justice.