United Nations in Albania welcomes the adoption of the new Gender Equality Law

The new law updates and strengthens existing legislation to eliminate gender-based discrimination. It seeks to guarantee, protect, and promote gender equality as a fundamental democratic value. By aligning the national legal framework with EU gender equality acquis, the Gender Equality law represents a key milestone in Albania’s journey towards EU accession, and implements a specific recommendation issued to Albania by the UN CEDAW Committee. 

The new law reaffirms the country’s commitment to accelerate the realization of substantive equality between women and men as articulated in the National Strategy on Gender Equality: it identifies measures to eliminate gender discrimination in critical areas such as labour, health and social protection, ICT and the media, agriculture and rural development, while recognizing and valuing unpaid care. Without infringing on merit, the law promotes inclusive and equal participation between women and men in both the public administration and the private sector. 

The gender equality law does not attempt to introduce new genders, regulate the family nor punish men. On the contrary, by creating the conditions for accessing equal opportunities, it strengthens men and women, boys and girls alike, and ultimately the family as a pillar of the country’s social fabric. This law if not for women only. It is for everyone. 

The United Nations in Albania wishes to recognize all those who have contributed to achieving this critical milestone through a long and inclusive process. We are also deeply concerned by the fact that the public debate has been often characterized by misinformation, divisiveness and personal attacks against both women activists and international civil servants.