Presevo Valley: Women's representation in local assemblies has not reached 35 percent

According to this change, 40 percent of the political parties' lists toʹi are envisioned by women. In local and parliamentary elections, held in 2020 and in 2021 with this change, Albanian parties, which extend to three municipalities in southern Serbia -- in Presevo, Bujanoc and Medvedja.

However, after the election process ends, the number of women representatives in local assemblies and those in leadership positions leaves little to wish for.

Out of 41 councilors as overall as the Bujanoc Assembly, only 14 seats in recent elections have met women. The same in Presevo from 38 asembrists as the whole assembly is, only 13 are women.

It means that representation of women in local congregations has not reached 35 percent.

The state of gender inequality in these two cities is also noted in the division of leading positions.

For the first time, the post of municipal Assembly Secretary in Bujanoc is led by Nermine Aliu, who is alone in terms of other key positions in local government.

She has said that women have enough room to operate only during election campaigns.

There is enough space for everyone to act, but only during the election campaign. When it comes to dividing positions and responsibilities, women are always left to the side, thinking they can't get out”, Aliu said.

Out of six public institutions as long as there is local power in Bujanoc, none is led by women.

“In all public institutions in Bujanoc are in the men's leadership positions, so we have violations of the principle of gender equality and the same option”, Aliu has indicated.

According to the head of the nongovernmental organisation “Beyond” with headquarters in Bujanoc, Bekiye Borici-Liman, women are often to blame for the situation.