Women's rights activists from Finland organize fundraising for Medica Kosova

16.03.2017, Helsinki

After visiting Medica Kosova and realizing the sensitive work with the survivors of sexual violence during the war, and the funding cutting down for Kosovo during last year, four strong Finnish women Nina Pelkonen, Leila Lehtinen, Ritva-Liisa Luomaranta and Pia Pakarinen organized a fundraising seminar, with the support of Wider Security Network - WISE. The women invited people from the business community to attend the seminar about women in post-war countries and the consequences of sexual violence for the victims. 

Key speakers in this seminar were the former Finnish President Mrs.Tarja Halonen, Member of Parliament Pekka Haavisto, Ambassador of Finland in Afghanistan Ms.Anne Meskanen as former Ambassador in Kosovo, Proffesor of Forensic Odontology Dr.Helena Ranta and Finnish Sergeant Ms.Nina Pelkonen who investigated war crimes in Kosovo while working for EULEX during 2011-2014.

Participants in this event contributed into collection of considerable amount of money for supporting activities of Medica Kosova and a number of survivors with the opportunities to develop entrepreneurship and income-generating activities. 

Medica Kosova staff and the survivors receiving support in the organization are deeply grateful for the contribution of Finnish people and solidarity shown for Kosovo survivors of rape despite many years since the end of the war and less focus of International community support on Kosovo.