A roundtable organized by the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo and the “UN Women” Office in Kosovo recognized the achievements of women and girls in science and academia, but noted that much more must be done to help them reach high-level decision-making roles.

The conference chair, Academy President Justina Shiroka-Pula, stated that while the talent and potential of women and girls exist, the path to leadership is still not fully open. She emphasized that the issue is not a lack of girls in science, but a lack of space for them. Following remarks from Academician Shiroka-Pula and activist Flora Macula, the former head of the “UN Women” Office in Kosovo, the event continued with its panel discussions.

In one panel, moderated by Vlora Tuzi-Nushi, Head of the “UN Women” Office in Kosovo, a group of distinguished women shared the results of their work and their experiences confronting the country's patriarchal mindset. Participants included Prof. Albana Berisha-Qehaja, Vice-Rector for Budget, Finance, and Public-Private Cooperation; Prof. Rozafa Basha, Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Academic Development; Myzafere Limani, Kosovo's first female STEM professor and Chair of the National Science Council; former Constitutional Court Judge Gjyljeta Mushkolaj; and Academy President Justina Shiroka-Pula.

Vice-Rector Albana Berisha-Qehaja highlighted significant recent steps toward gender equality at the University of Prishtina. She noted the current composition of the Steering Council, which now includes six women out of nine members. Furthermore, the university's leadership structure consists of three female and two male vice-rectors. She committed to advancing the mission of women's progress in science and academia, stressing the need to also educate boys and men about gender equality to shift the prevailing mindset.

Vice-Rector Rozafa Basha argued that despite positive developments, gender equality must be seen as an ongoing process, not a one-time goal. She stressed that at UP, gender equality is not a side issue, but a key indicator of the university's quality, social relevance, and seriousness. She pointed out that the university currently offers 17 courses on gender equality.

In a tribute, flowers were presented to Kosovo's pioneering female professors: Gjyldane Mula, Afërdita Nura-Lama, Esma Lleshi-Rugova, Meleke Behluli-Nimani, and Salë Ahmetaj. The event also featured artistic performances by professors Lule Elezi, Arbënesha Grabovci-Nixha, and Antonio Gashi.