On the ground witnessing progress and challenges on ending violence against women in Albania

Members of the Steering Committee of the UN Joint Programme on Ending Violence Against Women in Albania, financed by the Government of Sweden, organized a field visit to Northern Albania to assess progress on the ground. The participants included Petra Burcher, Head of the Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA), Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, World Vision, and representatives from the three UN implementing agencies: UN Women, UNDP, and UNFPA.

During their visit, participants exchanged information with partners in the Vau i Dejes municipality, including Deputy Mayor Aleksandra Gjoni and Head of Social Services, Cuka Babani, who highlighted best practices and key challenges in addressing cases of domestic violence, particularly with reference to psychological, legal, and other essential services for survivors. 

The Steering Committee members also met with members of the Coordinated Referral Mechanism in Vau i Dejes during a training session aiming to increase their capacities to effectively handle cases of violence. This multidisciplinary team of community professionals has institutional responsibility to respond to and address the various needs of survivors of domestic violence, adopting a victim-centered approach. MS. Burcher commended their efforts, stating, “You are saving the lives of women and girls. You are the ones holding the future of the referral mechanism.”

The second stop was in Shkodra, where participants engaged with university students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The students had just completed a series of training workshops on toxic masculinities, violence against women, and healthy relationships, organized by the local NGO “Woman to Woman” as part of the Joint Programme efforts to engage men and boys in violence prevention. The students reported how these workshops helped them reflect on their future roles as partners and parents, emphasizing the importance of challenging gender stereotypes.

“With this programme, students reflected on their memories and how they were parented, embracing the theme of "fatherhood." Challenging the stereotype of uninvolved fathers inspired and motivated them to leave a positive impact on their children, creating footprints to follow rather than shadows to fear”, Fatjon Taipi, trainer of “Woman to Woman” NGO said. 

The final visit was to the 'Be a Man Club' at ARKA Youth Centre in Shkodra, one of ten such clubs established across Albania. These clubs promote change amongst high school students by engaging young boys as key allies in modeling nonviolent, healthy communities and relationships. Activities focus on four key areas: gender attitudes, violence, sexual reproductive health, and alcohol and drug use. These clubs are established and run by the implementing partner Act for Society.

During a lively discussion, young participants expressed how the programme's activities help them advocate for a more gender-equal, healthier, and non-violent lifestyle. 

Amela Muslija, Youth worker at ARKA Youth Centre said, “In Albania, many parents ignore topics such as sexual education, gender-based violence, or gender roles, but these are crucial issues that must be addressed early on. This requires training for parents and primary school teachers.”

The UN Joint Programme on ending violence against women and girls in Albania, currently in its second phase, places a stronger focus on engaging men and boys to prevent and address violence against women, and works with local actors to strengthen a coordinated response for cases.