In her address, Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu, stated that in the fight against violence, everyone has the opportunity to contribute and make a difference, including institutions, partners, civil society organizations, but first and foremost, each one of us should lead by example.
She went on saying that, “Awareness starts with the individual and the refusal to accept any form of violence, whether directed at oneself, a loved one, a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger on the street.”
Minister Koçiu stated, “In the next five years, we will further strengthen the Social Fund mechanism, a key financial tool, by establishing centers dedicated to women and girls who are victims of violence in all 61 municipal units.”

Koçiu stated that in 2024 alone, as part of the Social Fund 4,200 beneficiaries across the country have accessed dedicated services for victims of violence.

“We want the Social Fund to provide social services not only for gender-based violence victims, but also for other vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities, female heads of households, and the elderly in all 61 municipalities of the country. Today, we can say with full conviction that we offer social services in all 61 municipalities through the Social Fund. The services offered today include safe shelter, healthcare, psycho-social support, legal assistance, and aid from social protection programs,” the Minister continued.

Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu, concluded the speech, saying “We must further strengthen the model of assistance provided in high-risk situation, and increase the number of shelters for victims of violence across the entire country. I believe that we have the right strategies and legal mechanisms in place to take this fight we are engaged in together to the next level. But what we all agree on is that we need a broad, united coalition, where we all speak with one voice in combating gender-based violence.”

The campaign, which started on November 25 and will conclude on December 10, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, is dedicated to all girls and women.

At this event, under the auspices of Minister Koçiu and with the support of UN Women, the exceptional contributions of activists and practitioners in the fields of justice, the State Police, healthcare, education, and service providers for women and girls who are victims of violence were acknowledged, and certificates of appreciation were awarded to them.
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