Page 72 - 80 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER IMPACT WITH FAO

Forestry Protecting forests, rebuilding balance

Anita Shabani

INCLUSION BEGINS WITH OPPORTUNITY

"Despite my disability, my gender or my background, I know that I am a strong
asset to help the world. And we are stronger together," said Anita Shabani.

As a UN Volunteer with FAO in Pristina, Kosovo*, Anita supported gender,
inclusion and community engagement in forestry and agriculture projects. Her
work focused on developing gender-responsive strategies to transform agri-
food systems and promote women’s participation.

68 She joined FAO through a call encouraging people with disabilities to apply. “I
got to support inclusion and gender mainstreaming, serve important initiatives,
meet new people and learn every day,” she said. Anita worked closely with
partners, seamlessly translating between English, Albanian and Serbian, while
supporting legal workshops on forestry.

“Being part of workshops with government and stakeholders was challenging
and exciting. I provided my inputs and successfully conducted the tasks assigned
to me,” she reflected.

Anita also worked with schools, teachers and local leaders to fight discrimination
and promote equal rights. “Our aim is to strengthen the voice of young women
and men, notably through youth organizations,” she explained.

With a background supporting women with disabilities and survivors of
domestic violence, Anita approached her role with compassion, determination
and a deep understanding of the challenges many in her community face.

Anita Shabani, UN Volunteer with FAO in Pristina, during her first field visit to the
Blinaja National Park, in Kosovo*. [Anita Shabani, 2022]

“Volunteer work is where one can make a positive

impact on another’s life even in the simplest of ways.”

*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of
UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).