Organized by the Albanian Gender Alliance for Development in collaboration with the Albanian Network for Women’s Empowerment, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the conference brought together representatives from state institutions, civil society organizations, international organizations, and the community of professionals working with and for victims of gender-based violence.

The conference was organized as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, under the national campaign theme: “No Excuse: Together Against Violence Against Women and Girls.”

In the opening session, the speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening national policies and aligning them with international standards.

Etilda Gjonaj, a member of parliament and general rapporteur on violence against women at the Council of Europe, called for better institutional coordination and resource allocation for victims.

Denada Seferi Dibra, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the necessity of an integrated approach to rehabilitation services.

Monika Zach, Ambassador of Austria to Albania, reaffirmed Austria’s support for improving gender equality.

Fiona McCluney, the UN Resident Coordinator in Albania, provided a global perspective on the challenges and solutions related to this issue.

The second session of the conference featured firsthand testimonies from survivors of gender-based violence and shared inspiring experiences from organizations such as the “Rozalba” Center, the Vatra Center, and the National Center for the Treatment of Domestic Violence Victims.

Representatives from the health, social, and justice sectors shared best practices and identified areas for further collaboration.

The conference concluded with the formulation of key recommendations for improving rehabilitation and reintegration services for survivors of gender-based violence. These included strengthening the legal framework and national policies, aligning them with international standards, and adopting integrated, victim-centered approaches that involve the health, social, and justice sectors.

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