Marking International Women’s Day under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action, for all Women and Girls,” UN Women emphasised the need to end impunity, uphold the rule of law, and make gender equality a reality both in law and in practice.

A high-level conference, organised by the Ministry of Health and Social Care of Albania with the Ministry of Justice of Albania, the Ombudsman of Albania and UN Women, reviewed progress in women’s access to justice amid ongoing judicial reforms and international commitments. The event was supported by the Sweden government and the Delegation of the European Union to Albania.

UN Women noted that, while Albania has strengthened its legal framework on gender equality, women continue to face barriers in practice, especially in cases involving gender-based violence, family law, property and child support. Limited legal representation, high costs, urban-centric courts, and low awareness of legal rights hinder effective access to justice.

Data from a 2025 monitoring report by the Center for Legal Civic Initiatives showed that only 22% of women in 479 domestic violence cases had legal representation, while just seven received state-funded legal aid. Cases with legal support had significantly higher protection outcomes, highlighting the need to expand timely legal assistance.

The Femicides Observatory under the Ombudsman, established in 2024 with UN Women support, recorded extreme violence cases against women, including three femicides in 2024, showing urgent gaps in early risk identification and institutional response.

UN Women stressed that laws alone are insufficient; protection orders must be consistently enforced, risks assessed early, and institutions coordinated to prevent escalation of violence. Accessible legal aid, gender-sensitive justice institutions, reliable data, and survivor support are critical for translating legal rights into reality.

Albania’s ongoing judicial reforms and EU integration process offer an opportunity to strengthen gender considerations in justice systems and ensure timely, effective support for survivors. The country will present its progress during the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, held March 9-19, under the theme of ensuring inclusive and equitable access to justice for all women and girls.

/k.s/j.p/r.e/u.sh/

The Minister of Health and Social Protection Albana Koçiu received Monday Belen Sanz Luque, Regional Director for UN Women Europe and Central Asia.

The meeting takes place ahead of the conference “Charting the Future 30 Years after Beijing,” an international gathering due to take place in Tirana on Tuesday.

Koçiu underlined that Albanian government is implementing new policies and mechanisms designed to increase women’s participation in the decision-making processes.

“Albanian government is totally committed to further advance the gender agenda by implementing new policies and mechanisms that enhance women’s involvement in decision-making and budgeting for women protection and empowerment in the society,” Koçiu said in a post on the social media.

/r.e/u.sh/