This draft supersedes the 2008 law, providing a framework better suited to current realities and reflecting the latest standards of the European Union and the United Nations.

While the existing law requires a 30% quota for decision-making positions, international frameworks call for equal gender representation in leadership and management roles.

A key feature of the proposed draft law is the implementation of a gradual gender quota across decision-making levels, aiming for 50:50 equality within a 10-year timeline, in accordance with CEDAW recommendations.

During discussions at the Committee on Economy, Employment, and Finance, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Denada Seferi, stressed that the draft law does not introduce new legal gender categories but takes a comprehensive approach to addressing gender-based discrimination.

She explained that the goal is to eliminate inequalities in all spheres of social and economic life, while maintaining the binary definitions of “man” and “woman.”

The draft law aims to reinforce institutional mechanisms by expanding the role of gender equality officers in public and private institutions and by clearly defining the responsibilities of the National Council for Gender Equality.

For the first time, it introduces a mandatory requirement to integrate a gender perspective into all state policies and programs, including compulsory gender-responsive budgeting and reporting.

In the labour sector, Seferi emphasized that the draft law revises anti-discrimination measures in line with EU directives and ILO Convention C190.

“A specific provision addresses unpaid work, where INSTAT will publish periodic data on time use, and the relevant ministry will issue guidelines for implementing this requirement,” she stated.

The draft law also provides the right to seek compensation for damages caused by discrimination, either through the courts or public authorities, while maintaining the reversed burden of proof.

Sectors such as education, technology, agriculture, media, sports, health, defense, infrastructure, energy, and culture will be required to take concrete measures to promote gender equality.

Through this draft law, Albania aims to achieve national and international gender equality goals and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
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