Derogatory comments against Krelani are not an isolated incident

Location: Kosovo, Pristina
Date: October 2, 2023

Football coach Ismet Munishi diminishes Radio Television of Kosovo sports journalist Qëndresa Krelani. During a TV show, Mushini declared that Krelani should be working as a secretary instead of pursuing a career as a sports journalist. The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns his sexist and discriminatory remarks. We demand an immediate apology from Munishi and call on media organizations and sports institutions to condemn his comments.

"Society has made significant progress in promoting the emancipation of women, but unfortunately, it has not made the same level of effort in helping men comprehend and embrace this newfound freedom for women," Qëndresa Krelani shares with CFWIJ in response to the recent sexist attacks directed at her. 

During a live debate on an RTV Dukagjini show, football coach Ismet Munishi made sexist remarks towards sports journalist Qëndresa Krelani, who was not in the studio. Munishi suggested that Krelani would be better suited to the role of a secretary rather than a sports journalist, perpetuating the harmful stereotype that women are limited to specific societal roles. 

This is not an isolated incident — Krelani has previously been targeted with sexist remarks by the football coach Tahir Batatina, who told her, “You in journalism can only peel newspapers or clean something, but commenting football in this way no. You are not on my level. This is not journalism, starting from your appearance.”

Krelani's experience highlights women's challenges in male-dominated industries such as sports journalism. The sexist remarks towards Krelani are disrespectful and discourage women from pursuing careers in the field.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Qëndresa Krelani. Addressing and challenging these instances of sexism and discrimination is essential to fostering a more inclusive and respectful media industry. We demand Ismet Munishi apologizes for his inappropriate comments. We also encourage media organizations and sports institutions to actively promote gender equality and create safe spaces for women journalists to work without fear of harassment or discrimination.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.