Deputy Chief of Mission Colleen Hyland spent the day in Dragash/Dragaš on May 31^st, including meetings on two USAID priorities in the municipality: countering violent extremism and supporting women’s property rights.  Regarding property rights, DCM Hyland met with a multi-ethnic NGO to discuss their efforts to help women in Dragash/Dragaš to overcome antiquated norms to fully exercise their property rights.  This is the first program of this type in Dragash/Dragaš, and the Municipal Gender Officer, Lindita Kozmaqi-Piraj, is working with USAID on the design of the program.  DCM Hyland also met with the multi-ethnic NGO Avoko to discuss their “Act Smart!” project aimed at preventing the radicalization of youth who fall prey to extremist messages.  The project will target 300 young Albanians and Gorani in Dragash/Dragaš, helping them to become active in the decision-making processes in eight village councils.  AVOKO is one of only a few active CSOs in Dragash/Dragaš and this nine-month, $18,000 USAID Engagement for Equity grant is the first program of this type in the municipality.