Embassy of Sweden Extends Partnership with United Nations and Albanian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to End Violence Against Women

The Embassy of Sweden, in partnership with the United Nations and Albania’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has extended the UN Joint Programme to End Violence Against Women (EVAW II) through December 2027. This extension strengthens a shared commitment to ensure women and girls in Albania live free from all forms of violence and can fully exercise their rights.

The UN Joint Programme EVAW II is a collaborative effort led by UN Women and implemented jointly with UNDP and UNFPA. Together, these agencies work closely with Albanian government institutions, civil society, and local communities to prevent violence, protect survivors, and strengthen legal and justice responses.

The signing ceremony was attended by Niklas Ström, Ambassador of Sweden in Albania; Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania; Denada Seferi, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare; other senior representatives from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Michele Ribotta, UN Women Country Representative; Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative; Manuela Bello, UNFPA Head of Office; and officials from the Embassy of Sweden.

Since 2023, EVAW II has played a key role in advancing Albania’s efforts to combat violence against women. With funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the programme has helped establish the Femicide Observatory alongside the Ombudsperson’s office, providing critical data and insight into this issue. It has engaged over 700 men and boys in prevention efforts, challenging harmful social norms and promoting healthier behaviors.

The programme has also focused on building the capacity of more than 1,000 professionals—including police officers, health workers, and municipal staff—through coordinated referral mechanisms that ensure survivors receive timely and effective support. Nearly 350 women survivors have been supported with socio-economic reintegration packages, helping them rebuild their lives.

In addition, EVAW II has expanded vital support services by launching the second LILIUM crisis center in Vlora, while actively driving legal reforms to strengthen domestic violence laws and policies. Increased local government funding and dedicated workplace policies have further reinforced prevention and protection efforts. 

Ambassador Niklas Ström highlighted, “Our continued partnership is vital in building a safer Albania where every woman and girl can live free from violence. Together, we are turning commitments into real, lasting change.”

UN Resident Coordinator Ingrid Macdonald added, “This programme embodies a whole-of-society approach, engaging communities, government, and justice systems to ensure protection, accountability, and empowerment for women and girls.”

The extended partnership will focus on sustaining referral mechanisms, legal reform, justice system responsiveness, and transforming harmful social norms through continued engagement with men and boys.