Views of Kosovo Women Often Unheard on TV, Attacked Online

On Twitter, Avdiu was mentioned in 334 comments within 24 hours of the T7 post - 55 per cent contained sexual content, 30 per cent constituted harassment, and only two per cent were supportive. Analysis showed that only one of the Twitter accounts was fake; the rest were real.

And Avdiu is not alone.

Zana Avdiu, a women's rights activist. Photo: Courtesy of Zana Avdiu.

Gender inequality remains prevalent in Kosovo, where women who engage in public discourse face, on one hand, being hounded, threatened and harassed on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, and on the other often denied the right to participate in public discussion, particularly in televised talkshows.

It is a fact that not only perpetuates the marginalisation of women in public life but also hinders progress towards gender equality.

"The harsh language against women in Kosovo for their public statements, the attacks and lynchings are only because they are women, with the idea of ​​eliminating them from the public scene," Avdiu told BIRN. "And the other reason they are attacked is that they are an easier target."

Shouted down

According to journalism professor Milazim Krasniqi, political debate in Kosovo is "gladiatorial", with the emphasis on fierce competition and showmanship rather than constructive argument. It's an approach reflected in the media, which often lacks seriousness and substance, Krasniqi told BIRN.

Those who appear on TV defend the 'truths' of their own political option, "and not the truth as such," he said. And in trying to defend their own "compromised" position, they resort to "shouting, cursing, insulting."

Milazim Krasniqi, journalism professor. Photo: Courtesy of Milazim...