Engagement for Joint Action (EJA Kosovo) is a KCSF program that supports civil society initiatives through grants and capacity building with the overall aim to contribute to a democratic and inclusive society in Kosovo, on its path towards integration into the European Union. Designed as a pooled funding mechanism, EJA Kosovo is currently co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Sweden and Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Centering citizen engagement and participation throughout the work of civil society, EJA Kosovo aims to contribute towards two main objectives where: (a) civil society uses and claims spaces for participation in shaping public affairs and (b) civil society organizations have strengthened ties to their constituents and improved accountability and transparency towards the wider public and their constituents.

EJA Kosovo is based on the premise that through tailor-made systems of inclusiveness, transparency and accountability on the one hand, and better access and communication with the community, on the other hand, CSOs will embed the practice of involving citizens in their work, develop an emotional linkage thus directly contribute to strengthening of their constituency. Combined with improved internal governance and increased transparency and accountability, it is expected to increase trust in CSOs as an adequate platform to voice citizens’ concerns.

EJA Kosovo will support initiatives that will focus on addressing the rights and needs of marginalized groups, namely women, people with disabilities, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian, and Serb minorities, LGBTI, elderly and youth. Watchdog activities, monitoring of implementation of policies and legislation, contribution to controversial topics, improvement of representation of marginalized groups, creation and utilization of public spaces, awareness raising and education in combating gender stereotypes and representation of underrepresented groups would be an illustration of some of the initiatives that will be supported and fit within the larger theory of change of the intervention.