TIRANA, November 25/ATA/ On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with UN Women Albania, partner civil society organizations, young people activists across the country, launched the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, with the theme “No Excuse for Online Abuse”.
This year, the focus is on the growing threat of digital violence, for which Albania is making large-scale efforts and commitments, aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing communities for action.
At the campaign’s opening event, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala underlined that preventing and responding to violence against women, including in digital spaces, requires clear policies, strong institutions and collective will.
“Albania is among the first countries to address violence caused by technology. The new draft law on the prevention and protection from violence on women and domestic violence, as well as the proposals for the respective improvement of the Criminal Code, are a good basis for the legislative framework. We are building the capacities of law enforcement institutions, by clearly defining the roles of state institutions in preventing and dealing with cyber violence. We will also provide specialized support for victims of digital violence, while we are building bridges of cooperation with digital platforms, technology companies and the private sector”, the minister underlined.
On her part, Permanent Representative of the United Nations Ingrid Macdonald emphasized that, “In Albania, 41% of women have faced digital violence, while globally 1.8 billion women continue to lack legal protection. Every woman deserves safety, dignity and the freedom to live free from violence in all aspects of life – whether online or offline”.
Also, during this event, there were presented 10 recognition awards to representatives from various fields of society, in recognition of their contribution to the protection of women, as well as in the struggle against violence. During the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, throughout the country there will be held educational activities, youth-led activities, school initiatives, community forums and artistic performances, aiming to challenge harmful norms and promoting a culture of safety and estimation, both online and offline. /k.s/r.e/p.s./
