RC-E building Bridges with Leadership Academy in Kosovo

Photo By Maj. Demietrice Pittman | U.S. Army RC-E team members greet the founder of the Leadership Academy, Ms. Njomza Emini, at the meeting held on 5 December 2019 in Pristina, Kosovo.  

KOSOVO

12.31.2019

Story by Maj. Demietrice Pittman 

Task Force Medical

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – On 5 December 2019, Soldiers of the Regional Command East (RC-E) deployed to Kosovo attended the “Launching event of the Academy of Leadership - Empowering women and girls for decision making processes” meeting held at Menza Ramiz Sadiku, Prishtina.

The event was focused on discussing the benefits of the Leadership Academy and how it will be useful for the women and girls of Kosovo. The founder, Ms. Njomza Emini, opened the event by expressing that 40 women have been accepted to the academy and will go through internships with different organizations to learn skills. Also in attendance was the German Ambassador to Kosovo, Christian Heldt who expressed his support for the inclusion of women in government.

“Decisions need female input,” stated Ambassador Heldt. “Leaders can learn a lot from how women think and act.”

In addition discussing the launching of the event, the organizers held a panel discussion and open discussion from the audience. The panel included Ms Albulena Haxhiu, a member of the Parliament of Kosovo, Mr. Qendron Kastrati, Mayor, Kamenica Municipality and Ms. Merita Limani, PhD Researcher on Women and Governance. Some of the topics include psychological benefits of leadership, disabilities and proper childcare laws. The panel and founder expressed joy at having the RC-E and KFOR-26 members in attendance.

“When I see women in uniform, I get excited,’ exclaimed Ms. Emini. “I dreamed of joining the military and hope the academy will help women make their dreams come true and become leaders.”

The event closed with networking time and food. The RC-E Soldiers in attendance discussed issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault and motherhood with many during the networking time. Invitations were extended to attend more events in the future.

“I feel that this is the beginning of a good relationship that can continue for many iterations of the KFOR mission. ” stated MSG Riodrian, the sexual assault response coordinator (SARC)for RC-E. “They are really making a lot of changes for the Women and I feel we both can learn from each other.”

• Date Taken: 12.31.2019
• Date Posted: 12.31.2019 05:19
• Story ID: 357692
• Location: ZZ