Gender Responsive Governance

Albania has made notable progress on GE, with a strong legal framework and improvements in key gender indices, outperforming global averages. Significant challenges persist, particularly in GBV, women's economic participation, and access to justice. Despite a legal framework addressing domestic violence (DV) and GE, VAW remains widespread, and marginalized groups such as Roma, Egyptian and LGBTI+ women face additional forms of discrimination and violence. Women's labour market participation remains low, especially in rural areas, and women’s economic empowerment is hindered by unpaid work and limited access to resources.

While there have been advances in women’s political participation and gender-responsive budgeting (GRB), societal norms and stereotypes continue to impede true equality. Implementation of laws related to GE and child protection remains inconsistent, with child marriage and VAW remaining pressing issues. Recent reforms, including legal changes to combat violence and improve women's representation in politics, have made progress, but challenges such as online violence and the inadequacy of mental health services for survivors of violence persist. Lack of comprehensive support services for victims and the high prevalence of violence in both the home and online spaces underscore the urgent need for continued investment in GE, awareness raising and comprehensive support systems.

1152 Kilometers of Hope: Cycling Across Albania in 16 Days for a Violence-Free Future for Women and Girls

From the northern peaks to the southern coasts, cyclists Mejdin Melhani, trainer of the Albanian Cyclist Team, and Bjarke Vodder Nielsen led the journey, demonstrating the strength and determination needed to confront societal challenges

Over 16 days, a bold initiative swept through Albania, blending the power of sport with a compelling message to end gender-based violence. The Bike Relay, organized by UNDP, UN Women, and UNFPA, in collaboration with We Bike Albania, spanned 1152 kilometers across 16 municipalities promoting the message #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. Sport, as a universal language, became a powerful tool for social awareness and transformation throughout this campaign.

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End Violence Against Women and Children

Violence against women in Albania remains a significant challenge despite legal and institutional progress. Women, particularly those from marginalized groups such as Roma, LGBTI+ and women with disabilities, continue to face GBV that is often underreported due to social, cultural and economic barriers. Although reforms in the Criminal Code and Gender Equality Law are being introduced, challenges persist in enforcement, institutional capacity and addressing deeply rooted gender stereotypes. The EU Report on Albania (2024) recommends further alignment of GBV laws with the Istanbul Convention and enhanced accountability measures. Additionally, the first GREVIO thematic report highlights persistent gaps in institutional response mechanisms, data harmonization, and services for women with disabilities.

‘Stop’ there is ‘No Excuse’—the powerful message for 2024 #16Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

In 2024, the UN engaged in policy advocacy and institutional strengthening to combat GBV. Following UN and partner advocacy efforts, a dedicated department within MoHSP was established to focus on VAW. A comprehensive analysis of digital violence was conducted in partnership with Parliament, setting the stage for upcoming legal reforms. Additionally, the Femicide Watch was established under the Ombudsperson of Albania, making it amongst the first national entity to apply global methodologies in tracking femicide trends, with its initial report released during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

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The UN supported several initiatives to enhance institutional capacity and survivor support mechanisms. The national anti-trafficking helpline (#116 006) continued operations with the Ministry of Interior, ensuring survivors had access to immediate assistance. Nearly 1,250 Coordinated Referral Mechanism (CRM) professionals – including DV coordinators, social workers, health professionals, teachers and NGO representatives – were trained in responding to violence against women and girls, enhancing multi-sectoral response networks.

Law enforcement capacity was strengthened through specialized training for 256 police officers from 27 police stations, focusing on DV legislation and victim-centred approaches. In parallel, 775 cases of violence were processed through the Recording Violence in Albania (REVALB) system, with 750 cases addressed via CRMs, ensuring 37 institutions had improved capacities to provide essential GBV services. Direct legal and psychological support reached over 1,300 survivors, including 130 Roma and Egyptian women, 389 rural women and 100 women with disabilities. Socio-economic reintegration services supported 341 women and 220 children, offering housing, employment assistance, legal aid, and psychological counselling.

Expanding support for youth mental health, 155 adolescents accessed online counselling and mental health services. The UN’s partnership with national and local actors led to the establishment of Resilience Centres in Durres, Kurbin and Lezha, enhancing institutional responses to gender-based discrimination and violence. Within these municipalities, 10 Needs Assessment and Referral Units were established to identify and address intersectional vulnerabilities, benefiting 165 staff (145 women, 20 men) trained to improve case management of GBV survivors.

Advocacy and Social Mobilization
Public awareness efforts engaged over one million individuals, with 645,000 people reached through innovative initiatives, including a bike relay during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. 43 journalists (2 men) were trained to develop gender-sensitive media reports, promoting nuanced public discourse. Meanwhile, an ILO Convention 190 awareness campaign engaged 20 private companies, fostering safer work environments and equitable labour practices.

Youth engagement was a key focus, with five new ‘Be a Man’ clubs established in Cerrik, Kavaja, Klos, Patos and Rrogozhina, expanding to a total of 14 operational clubs nationwide. These clubs engaged 685 youth (363 female, 322 male) in peer education and advocacy. The We Bike for Gender Equality campaign mobilized 407 youth (217 female, 190 male), amplifying community voices on GBV prevention.

Strengthening Community and Faith-Based Networks (FBOs)
Mapping and engagement with FBOs in Durres, Fier and Shkoder facilitated dialogue between Muslim, Catholic, Orthodox and Evangelical communities on their role in GBV prevention. Efforts included discussions around an MoU to create a sustainable network for joint advocacy activities. Two workshops, in Pogradec and Vlora, strengthened collaboration between religious leaders and the CRM, engaging 43 participants.

The UN played a critical role in strengthening child protection mechanisms. One-Stop Centres in Fier and Shkoder provided specialized services to 27 child victims of DV, while 85 high-risk children received emergency shelter and protection services. Additionally, 563 children in contact with the law received legal aid, psychological counselling, and case management, including 224 children in conflict with the law, 139 witnesses of abuse and 200 survivors of violence.

To further reinforce systemic response, the UN facilitated workshops on digital literacy and violence prevention, reaching 99 youth and teachers. Technical support was provided to the Ministry of Education and Sports to develop an action plan on school-based violence and bullying prevention, ensuring a safe learning environment for children.

Addressing Human Trafficking
The UN strengthened its collaboration with anti-trafficking shelters, ensuring 22 children (14 female, 8 male) survivors of trafficking and 23 dependents received reintegration support. Mobile units operating in Diber, Kukes, Shkoder and Tirana identified 32 trafficked children and 8 dependents, enhancing early identification and case management. Multifunctional Community Centres delivered human trafficking prevention messages to 1,055 individuals and engaged 337 youth in psycho-social counselling and participatory research.

Albania has taken significant steps in addressing GBV, enhancing legal protections, institutional responses and public awareness. The establishment of specialized support centres has expanded legal aid services and nationwide advocacy campaigns have contributed to a more survivor-centred approach than previously. However, sustained investment in mental health services, outreach to marginalized groups and long-term policy alignment with international frameworks remain critical to achieving transformative change and ensuring a violence-free society for all.

Addressing Gender Stereotypes and Harmful Norms and Practices

Despite the prohibition of child marriage in Albania, the practice persists, especially among Roma and Egyptian communities and in remote rural areas, driven by gender inequality, poverty and social exclusion. There is a need for more effective enforcement of existing laws and the development of targeted policies to address this issue. Additionally, persistent gender stereotypes and discriminatory practices hinder social cohesion and GE, as highlighted in a recent UN Women study. The study suggests solutions such as using technology and social media for raising awareness, promoting equal access to education and labour and ensuring equal representation in decision making to foster civic engagement and social cohesion.

Women and men activists and officials from justice and local support services are honored for their contribution to prevention of violence against women and girls

To address these systemic challenges, the UN implemented a range of strategic initiatives aimed at dismantling harmful gender norms and stereotypes. Through the regional campaign ‘Imagine’ influencers and activists engaged more than four million people across the Western Balkans, fostering widespread awareness of GBV and discriminatory practices. In addition, the campaign trained 135 young men and boys to serve as peer educators on GE, amplifying community-level change. The UN also supported a dedicated study on GE and women’s participation in sports in Albania. The study provides more evidence and analysis of the legal, policy and institutional frameworks around GE and sports in the country and offers guidance and best practices on integrating gender perspectives across all aspects of sports. The study was used to increase awareness of gender and sports for 80 sports teachers (9 men) at the University of Sports and across the media, including 18 sports journalists (9 women), and through dedicated TV discussions.

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Efforts to reshape societal attitudes extended to 56 students in Elbasan, Shkoder and Vlora, who participated in ‘Fatherhood Reinvented: Empowering Modern Dads’ forums. These discussions raised awareness of gender roles in parenting and family dynamics, promoting positive fatherhood models. Furthermore, 400 local changemakers were trained to lead GE initiatives, positioning them as role models within their communities.

A transformative bootcamp, ‘Change Begins with You’, convened 21 university students (14 women, 7 men) from various disciplines, including journalism, IT, law, social sciences, and finance. Participants developed five innovative solutions to combat GBV, demonstrating cross-sectoral engagement in addressing gender norms.

To amplify youth voices, the UN launched the Global U-Report initiative, providing an interactive platform for discussions on gender norms. This effort empowered 26 young peacebuilders – 20 of whom were women – to tackle gender-based discrimination in crisis situations. Additionally, a national needs assessment on teenage pregnancies engaged 200 young women, identifying gaps in reproductive health awareness and underscoring the need for comprehensive education programmes targeting adolescents and their families.

The study ‘Perception of Men and Boys Regarding Gender Equality’ was presented at the Fifth National Forum on Men and Boys Who Inspire for Gender Equality, which brought together representatives from NGOs, donor communities, local governments, academia and youth networks. The study involved a representative sample of 626 young men of age 15–29 years from 12 cities across Albania, offering critical insights into male perspectives on GE.

The ‘Boys and Men Who Inspire, V’ Forum, held on 17 December 2024, brought together stakeholders from government, faith-based communities, academia and civil society. The increased participation of men and boys in this year’s forum marked a growing commitment to GE advocacy. The event convened multiple stakeholders from local and national institutions.

Albania has made measurable progress in challenging gender stereotypes and dismantling harmful norms through policy interventions, community engagement and youth empowerment initiatives. The expansion of awareness campaigns, gender-responsive research, and educational programmes is essential for the creation of a more inclusive society. Sustained investments and cross-sector collaboration will be crucial in ensuring transformative change and gender equality for future generations.

Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting

Albania has taken significant strides in strengthening gender-responsive planning and budgeting at both the central and local government levels. Institutional capacities have improved, allowing for better integration of gender equality and women’s empowerment priorities into fiscal policies and budgetary processes. Since 2022, the number of government institutions applying GRB has increased from 10 to 24, demonstrating a systemic shift toward equity-focused resource allocation.

Meeting on gender-responsive budgeting

A major milestone in 2024 was the finalization of the GRB annex for the 2025–2027 Medium-Term Budget Programme. This annex aligns with the National Strategy on Gender Equality 2021–2030, embedding gender objectives into Albania’s fiscal planning across social protection, education, health and rural development. With 59 per cent of budgetary programmes for 2025 incorporating gender-specific objectives, GRB is now driving more equitable resource distribution and policy implementation.

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To enhance institutional capacity, 120 officials from line ministries and budgetary institutions received training in integrating gender objectives and performance indicators into fiscal processes. These initiatives have strengthened gender-sensitive public investment management and informed Albania’s broader Public Financial Management Strategy. Mechanisms for ex-ante and ex-post gender analyses of public expenditures were introduced, enabling data-driven evaluations of fiscal policies’ gender impact.

The financial impact of GRB reforms has been substantial. In 2024, 9.1 per cent of Albania’s public funding was allocated to GE-related policies, supporting:
• Services for 29,000+ women survivors of violence
• Economic assistance for 8,090 female-headed households
• Maternal and child health programmes benefiting 51,500 mothers and children.

Strengthening Institutional Accountability
Albania’s first gender audit methodology was developed in collaboration with the State Supreme Audit, providing a systematic framework for evaluating gender considerations in public policies and expenditures. This initiative ensures greater transparency and compliance with GE commitments.
Moreover, two municipalities (Elbasan and Lushnja) increased their budget for delivering VAW services following an analysis of the municipalities’ financial gap for effectively addressing VAW cases, with a total increase of ALL 2,500,000.00 in the municipalities’ budget, which will be considered as an example and best practice for replication in other municipalities and supports gender responsive budgeting at local level.

Public awareness efforts have also been instrumental in promoting GRB. Two media training sessions for journalists resulted in 70 articles and broadcasts on the transformative potential of GRB. These reports addressed critical issues such as unpaid care work, rural women’s economic rights, and public sector accountability.

Evidence-Based Policymaking and Child Budgeting
The UN played a key role in strengthening gender-disaggregated data collection, ensuring evidence-based policymaking. Training sessions engaged stakeholders from the justice, healthcare and education sectors, equipping them with tools to collect and utilize gender-sensitive data aligned with Albania’s SDG commitments.

The UN supported analysis of public spending on children, applying budget markers for child-focused allocations in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. Findings from this analysis underscored the need for increased investment in basic social services – particularly in health, education and social protection – to drive sustainable child-responsive budgeting.

By embedding gender-sensitive approaches into fiscal policies and planning, Albania is making substantial progress toward GE and inclusive governance. Continued investment in capacity building, policy alignment and public sector accountability will be key to fully institutionalizing GRB practices and ensuring equitable resource allocation for all.

Gender Equality Mechanisms, Leadership and Participation

Albania has made notable progress in promoting GE, with strong achievements in GRB and women’s representation in politics and leadership, surpassing the EU average in the GE Index. Women hold 35.7 per cent of parliamentary seats, lead half of the Assembly’s permanent commissions and constitute more than half of ministerial roles. However, significant challenges remain, including GBV, underrepresentation in the labour market and limited access to resources such as land, especially in rural areas. Traditional gender norms and systemic inequalities continue to hinder women’s personal and professional development, underscoring the need for improved gender statistics, strengthened institutional coordination and expanded support services to address disparities effectively.

Group exercise during the Training of Trainers on women’s political participation

In 2024, Albania is strengthening its GE framework through revision of the law ‘On Gender Equality in Society’, enhancing political quotas and institutional mechanisms. The country also hosted a regional conference on the Beijing Platform for Action, reaffirming its commitment to advancing GE and enhancing national GE structures.

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At the local governance level, the UN played a key role in supporting women’s participation in decision making. The programme ‘Improving Community Resilience’, implemented by the UN, provided capacity building for women municipal councillors, strengthening their roles in advocating for social care policies that benefit vulnerable populations. This effort has empowered women leaders to take an active role in municipal planning, decision making and oversight processes, fostering greater inclusivity in governance.

Women’s leadership initiatives also resulted in the training of 30 expert trainers (29 women, 1 man) to support women candidates in the 2025 central elections and build capacities of local women councillors across Albania. UN Women supported specialized training for newly elected councillors, ensuring they are equipped to navigate governance structures effectively.

Gender Equality in Agriculture and Land Rights
GE in agriculture and rural development advanced through policy recommendations based on EU best practices. Workshops were conducted to enhance rural women's skills in traditional product development and market engagement, supporting their economic empowerment. Additionally, advocacy efforts strengthened gender-specific land indicators, ensuring that data-sharing mechanisms improve accountability and monitoring.

Through continued advocacy, awareness among 58 national and regional officials (41 women, 17 men) on gender-sensitive land-related SDG indicators (5.a.1 and 5.a.2) was improved. Two workshops and training sessions increased knowledge on the importance of monitoring and reporting gender-sensitive land ownership. Additionally, through sustained collaboration with SASPAC, gender-responsive land indicators were incorporated into the draft SDG Roadmap 2030.
Albania has made substantial progress in GE, leadership and economic participation, with strong policy commitments and institutional reforms. However, continued investment, multi-sectoral collaboration and gender-disaggregated data collection will be critical in ensuring transformative and lasting change. By further embedding gender-responsive policies into governance and economic structures, Albania is well-positioned to achieve greater inclusivity and equity for all women and girls.

1152 Kilometers of Hope: Cycling Across Albania in 16 Days for a Violence-Free Future for Women and Girls

End Violence Against Women and Children

Addressing Gender Stereotypes and Harmful Norms and Practices

Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting

Gender Equality Mechanisms, Leadership and Participation

Highlights of Results on Gender Responsive Governance, Implementing Agencies and Contributing Partners