The event, Women at the Center: Strengthening Media through an Inclusive Approach in Albania, organized by SCiDEV and AWA with EU backing, presented findings from the project Breaking Stereotypes, Shaping the Future. The initiative aims to promote gender-sensitive reporting, expand the role of women in media, and enhance journalist safety.

Main opposition Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Jorida Tabaku, chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Public Information, said gender equality should be a fundamental principle, not a decorative measure. She outlined efforts to strengthen protections for journalists, including proposed amendments to Albania’s Penal Code to combat SLAPP lawsuits, which are used to suppress critical reporting.

Tabaku highlighted the contributions of women across media, business, agriculture, education, and migration, describing them as a key force for national development and calling for a fairer, more transparent society with equal opportunities.

Armela Krasniqi, head of the Audiovisual Media Authority, presented three years of data on gender balance in Albania’s audiovisual sector, noting general parity except during election campaigns, where male dominance persists.

Gonzato said Albanian media should better reflect social diversity and provide more opportunities for female journalists. He also stressed the need for transparency and open dialogue among editors, journalists, and institutions to safeguard media independence and strengthen professional standards.

The conference featured France 24 journalist Annette Young, who shared her experience in international media and offered perspectives on advancing women’s role in the sector.

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In a statement, the World Bank reaffirmed commitment to a more inclusive future, saying that “when women lead and participate, economies grow, policies improve, and communities prosper.”

Underlining importance of gender quality and women’s leadership in executive and management posts, WB shared facts and figures on delivering on this commitment.

According to WB, 83 percent of Bank’s staff members are women, who contribute to policy design, project management, and development impact.

“Since 1992, 4 out of 9 World Bank Albania Country Managers have been women, a step toward true gender balance at the management level,” WB Albania office said in a post on the social media.

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In his remarks, President Begaj praised Kosovo’s international role in empowering women, commitment to gender equality and equal opportunities, as well in addressing the challenges, while proposing that this forum becomes a platform of alliances that support and ensure women’s empowerment and role in society worldwide.

Same alliances must be formed to end violence against women – President Begaj went on saying – underlining that “violence against women is a reality not only in civil, ethnic, regional or global conflicts, but also in everyday life of hundreds and thousands of families.”

The head of state called for collective efforts to cope with the challenge and an intense campaign to ensure that violence against women becomes unacceptable, unforgivable and condemnable.

President Begaj noted that education is an essential element that enhances their capacities and opens up new opportunities for women and girls to challenge mindset and join political and social processes.

Begaj also lauded Kosovo for electing two women to serve as the head of state since the country declared its independence 15 years ago, underlining high participation rate of women in the political life both in Kosovo and Albania.

The International Forum for Women, Peace and Security (WPS Forum) brings leaders, experts, academics, civil society representatives, influencers, youth and others groups of interest together in the heart of the Western Balkans to discuss current global challenges posed to the WPS Agenda during these uncertain times, as well as, to elaborate on the underlying importance of this agenda for enduring, equitable and sustainable peace.

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