Mitrovica region in the post-war context has continuously struggled with challenges such as poor communication across ethnic lines, both on the institutional and community level. This has been reflected also in the lack of cooperation between the ethnic communities, such as Albanian, Serbian, Bosniak, Turkish, Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian living in this region.

In addition, insufficient institutional integration of the local governments in the North within the Kosovo system entails that the rule of law remains challenging, when it comes to corruption, organised crime, and the conditions for freedom of expression”. 

Moreover, an unequal representation and inclusion of women in decision-making positions within institutions, along with other existing challenges, hinder progress in building a sustainable democratic society in general and building trust among the communities in particular.  MWAHR’s core work extends to seven municipalities in the Mitrovica region, including the Municipality of South Mitrovica, Vushtrina and Skenderaj/Srbica, as well as four municipalities in the north including the municipality of North Mitrovica, Zveçan, Leposaviq/Leposaviq and Zubin Potok.

Civil society organisations (CSOs), and especially women’s civil society organisations (WCSOs) have played a crucial role in bridging the ethnic divide and creating opportunities for communication and cooperation among members of ethnic communities living in the Mitrovicaregion. MWAHR, itself being built upon a multi-ethnic foundation, has spread the message of interethnic coexistence, tolerance, and peace, and has served as a good example of communication, cooperation, and reconciliation across ethnic divides.

The work of MWAHR, along with their Vision, Mission, and Strategic Objectives, has been guided and inspired by the principles and priorities set forth in UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) adopted in 2000, remains the basis of MWAHR’s work.

Nevertheless, the work of MWAHR in Kosovo over the past years would have not been possible without the long-term support and trust by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation. In addition, MWAHR has received short-term project support from the municipality of South Mitrovica, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Community Building Mitrovica (CBM), UNDP, UNMIK, Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, Terres des hommes. As of 2020, MWAHR has been granted European Union (EU) funds for a cross-border joint intervention with Sandglass (Peščanik), a women’s rights association from Serbia.has achieved this primarily by enabling the meaningful participation of women in peace processes in the Mitrovica region and beyond.