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Information released online before January, 2021.
KOSTT operates Kosovo’s electricity transmission and distribution system, which also serves as an important hub for Southeast Europe. In 2019, 18 percent of the company’s 340 employees were women. USAID is proud to work with KOSTT in their commitment to improve gender equality in the energy sector as part of their path to long-term success.
Kosovo has around 960 MW of installed electricity generation capacity, primarily from two coal-fired power plants: Kosovo A and Kosovo B. Renewable energy (mostly hydropower) accounts for approximately five percent (94.6 MW) of installed capacity, which Kosovo intends to increase to 25 percent by 2020 through the National Renewable Energy Action Plan. In early 2018, Kosovo’s Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj announced plans to open the energy market to solar and wind power.
Kosovo’s energy sector remains male-dominated. Only one in five females of working-age are active in Kosovo’s labor market, compared with about 65.7 percent of working-age males. Consequently, Kosovo faces one of the lowest female labor force participation rates in the world – well below other Western Balkan countries. A study by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare found that Kosovar women express nearly the same desire to work that men do, but feel reluctant and doubtful about their opportunities.
USAID is partnering with KOSTT through the Engendering Utilities program to assist in the development and implementation of their tailored action plan to incorporate gender equity into their business practices. Through Engendering Utilities, USAID is providing coaching to KOSTT staff on gender equality and business best practices and select utility personnel participated in a 12-month Gender Equity Executive Leadership Program in collaboration with Georgetown University.
With the support of their dedicated change management coach, KOSTT identified specific areas for improvement, including the need to update their communications strategy and website to attract a more diverse talent pool, engagement of male champions for gender equality, and development of a gender equity policy.
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