33 Countries of Origin’ Profiles

11 beverage of raki, which would be rude to turn down; remember though that it can be quite strong, so sip carefully. At sit down restaurants with a server, a tip of about 10% is expected. Drinks Tea is very common in Kosovo and it is generally served as the Russians serve it: in two separate containers, one with hot water and one with strong pre-made tea at room temperature. Lemonade and mineral water, generally carbonated are also very common drinks in Kosovo, but others, such as soft drinks and coffee are also accessible. Although Kosovo's majority (ethnic Albanians) are Muslims, most citizens do drink alcohol. Although not exceedingly popular, raki is a popular distilled brandy (generally made from grapes) found throughout the peninsula and is a regional specialty. Wines are growing in popularity and hard liquors are also available, but beer dominates the market in Kosovo. Generally speaking, the tap water is safe to drink in Kosovo, but check with locals for any particular regional differences. Also, many people may have troubles adjusting to the local tap water, as it will most certainly be different from what your system is used to. ABOUT KOSOVO’S PATH TO GENDER EQUALITY Akela Lacy Celebrating only five years of independence and following recent fanfare surrounding its struggle to achieve recognition by 100 members of the United Nations, Kosovo may not necessarily be the first country that comes to mind in contemporary discussions of women in diplomatic leadership. Often characterized in terms of its one-way relationship (or lack thereof) with neighboring Serbia, the country has much more to offer than its anecdotal history of ethnic conflict would suggest—specifically in lessons of development as a post-conflict nation in the often overlooked regions of southeastern Europe. At the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars, Director of the Center‘s Women in Public Service Project Dr. Rangita de Silva de Alwis welcomed four female delegates from Kosovo to discuss the changing role and impact of women at the helm of lawmaking in their country. Panelists included Senior Legal Officer at Kosovo‘s Ministry of Justice Venera Kabashi; Council Member for the Capital Municipality of Prishtina Meliza Haradinaj; UN Populations Fund Project Coordinator Linda Abazi- Morina; and Chief of Cabinet for Kosovo‘s Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Local Government Administration Blerta Miftari.