Outcome ALB_D_1.3

By 2026, all persons contribute to, gender-responsive governance that strengthens equality and non-discrimination, promotes women’s empowerment and human rights, and reduces violence against women and children (UNSDCF C2).

In 2022, significant progress was made towards the achievement of this outcome. At central leve l, 9% of Medium-term Budget Program 2023-2025 specifically support gender equality results. 47 budget programs of 11 ministries and two state institutions were engendered. Public institutions apply a gender-sensitive approach in their policies in a more regular way, which are better aligned with international standards and the EU gender equality acquis communautaire . Four budget standard instructions issued by the Ministry of Finance and Economy contain gender responsive budgeting (GRB) as part of the budget implementation and for the first time a Gender Budget Statement is officially attached to the draft budget. GRB remained central to the overall planning and design of the state budget, including through the integration of key gender performance indicators in the Albanian Finance Management Information System (AFMIS). UN Women contributed to these efforts thanks to its partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Institute of Statistics and other line ministries, providing continued assistance and mentoring on gender mainstreaming and GRB. The Government of Albania was better equipped to mainstream gender equality at central level. UN Women fostered strategic engagement with the newly formed unit of Strategic Programming Directorate of the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Assistance Coordination (SASPAC) and produced five Gender Mainstreaming Guidance Notes (Justice, Anti-Corruption, DRR, Health, ICT and Digitalization) to ensure that future policy, planning and programming documents align with the EU legal and policy framework on gender equality. Technical support on gender mainstreaming was provided to the National Strategy for Development and European Integration (NSDEI III), the draft National Strategy for Youth 2022-2029 and to the National Strategy on Employment and Skills 2023-2030. At local level, tracking of financing for gender equality was introduced for the first time. This exercise revealed that GRB constitutes 12% of local public finances, all 61 Albanian municipalitiesactively use key gender performance indicators in their budget planning and 33 concrete gender-responsive initiatives were budgeted. These results were achieved thanks to UN Women’s support and capacity building efforts at the local level, including expert mentoring and technical support to municipalities' staff and local councils, which aimed to better equip local government institutions with knowledge to apply gender responsive budgeting principles and gender-responsive indicators. Partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Albanian School of Public Administration was essential in systematically integrating GRB to capacity development of local administration. Gender responsive governance at local level was improved. More women and men benefit from gender sensitive policies tailored to their needs thanks to the finalization of Local Gender Action Plans (LGAPs) In 2022, five municipalities (Tirane, Elbasan, Gramsh, Gjirokaster and Durres) developed LGAP 2022 –2024 andadopted by the local municipal councils. The LGAPs make a significant contribution in implementing the EU Charter for Equality between women and men in local life , as well as the relevant provisions in the National Strategy for Gender Equality (2021-2030) . In addition, the municipality of Lushnje signed the European Charter for Equality between women and men in local life. This was achieved thanks to UN Women’s support in provision of technical expertise, support and training throughout the preparation and adoption of the action plans. Over 1,500 women and girls, including those from rural areas and marginalized communities (Roma and Egyptian women, women living with disabilities and women from the LGBTI community from 20 municipalities) accessed improved specialized services for survivors of all forms of violence. This was possible thanks to increased capacities and knowledge of service providers, both public and non-public, which enabled women and girls to access short and medium-term psycho-social and legal counselling as well as long term economic-reintegration. Public service providers from Coordinated Referral Mechanisms, police, healthcare, social services, child support units improved their response and case management to support and reintegrate survivors of violence. In 11 municipalities affected by the 2019 earthquake, the availability of services for women victims of violence increased as women/girls and men/boys in these communities have more information about GBV and reporting mechanisms. 161 women/girls survivors of domestic violence/GBV benefitted from legal assistance orientation and referral services. 566 women survivors of gender-based violence received concrete support through direct and secondary legal aid services, while 123 women Domestic Violence(DV)/GBV survivors were supported by providing psychological services. UN Women contributed to these results by partnering with women's civil society organizations offering direct access to specialized services and legal support to women and girls experiencing violence. Women's CSOs played a key role also in enhancing institutional capacities, knowledge and expertise in implementing the current legal and policy framework to end violence against women and girls. The 2022, UNCT System Wide Action Plan (SWAP) Scorecard annual report revealed that UN Albania improved its score for UNCT SWAP Performance Indicator 5.2 on Gender Mainstreaming Capacities, meaning that UN personnel in Albania has increased skills to mainstream gender equality across projects and programmes. This is particularly important considering that the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Albania follows a ‘twin-track’ approach to gender mainstreaming through integrating gender across all CF results as well as through a dedicated outcome level result. The UN Women led Gender Thematic and Results Group (GTRG), arguably the most active coordination group in the UNCT, continued to work through an intense workplan and delivered important results, such as a) the first comprehensive gender equality capacity and learning needs assessment in the context of the UNSDCF (and subsequent capacity development plan), b) a dedicated gender screening tool for UN Joint Programs (JPs), c) substantive engagement with key stakeholders on CEDAW state reporting, as well as joint advocacy. The 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, also coordinated by UN Women through the GTRG, was instrumental in expanding public dialogue around gender-based violence. Several activities took place to promote activism for the elimination of violence against women: a dialogue series with five universities in Tirana mobilized some 200 students, increasing their knowledge and awareness about the impact of violence against women in Albania and promoting youth engagement against violence. The campaign was an opportunity to reinforce the UN-wide commitment to eliminate violence against women, which also figures as a UNSDCF output. The start of the campaign was marked by the signing of the second phase of the JP on EVAW, which will be led by UN Women and implemented jointly with UNDP and UNFPA. The next phase, generously supported by the Government of Sweden, will target all women in Albania, specifically those more at risk of being left behind and will focus more strongly on engaging men and boys and supporting stakeholders at the local level in systematically addressing all forms of VAW, beyond domestic violence. These results were achieved with support Sida, the European Union, and the European Commission. Considering progress made so far, the TOC for this outcome comprises the majority of UN Women’s Albania work and remains relevant.

By 2026, all persons contribute to, gender-responsive governance that strengthens equality and non-discrimination, promotes women’s empowerment and human rights, and reduces violence against women and children (UNSDCF C2).

Overall, significant progress was made to improve gender responsive governance in Albania at central and local level and to ensure that the UN system delivers for women and girls. UN Women Albania closely supported the Ministry of Social Protection in taking steps towards actioning various CEDAW Concluding Observations, several of which were priority for the country, including initiating the amendment of the Gender Equality Law in Society in line with international standards and EU requirements. The Law is being revised following a consultative process involving CSOs, media, private sector and led through a dedicated interministerial working group. The amended law is currently being costed with UN Women support and will be approved in the first quarter of 2025. Two strategies included gender equality perspective following UN Women’s inputs and support, namely the National Strategy on Justice and the Anti-Corruption Strategy, which now include gender responsive measures, actions, and indicators. The number of cases of violence reported in REVALB by the Coordinated Referral Mechanism increased to 775, compared to 621 in 2023. UN Women has continued to provide training and capacity building to strengthen the Coordination Referral Mechanism during the year, with almost 284 professionals (of which 46 men) with enhanced skills to handle violence against women cases. A dedicated observatory, the Femicide Watch, is now established to better monitor, measure, and track cases of femicide in Albania, the first of its kind in the Western Balkan region following the global methodology developed by UN Women and UNODC to count femicides. A legal review was initiated, under the leadership of the Parliament, to include and address digital violence in the legal framework. Two municipalities (Elbasan and Lushnja) have increased their budget to provide services to victims of violence, based on the financial gap analysis developed by UN Women. The 16 days campaign reached over 1.7 million people, including through innovative awareness activities including the bike relay, which reached 16 municipalities and over 400 people directly. The regional IMAGINE campaign reached over 4 million people in the Western Balkans, sharing messages on the importance of gender equality, youth participation and social cohesion for lasting peace. Increased efforts were made to produce and collect gender data, with the establishment of an interministerial group on gender statistics with INSTAT and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and with UN Women support, providing a dedicated platform for stakeholders to harmonize gender data systems, align with EU requirements, and strengthen evidence-based policymaking. The UNCT SWAP Comprehensive report indicates a sustained positive performance of UN Albania when it comes to promoting gender equality in accountability mechanisms, programming, joint advocacy, and capacities. 11 out of 15 indicators of the SWAP Scorecard resulted as 'exceeding minimum standards', compared to 8 indicators in the prior comprehensive assessment conducted in 2019, and only 1 indicator was 'missing requirements'. Albania’s integration of Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) into public financial management remains a foundational element of its strategy to advance gender equality. The European Commission’s report highlighted this as a key area of progress. 48 out of 75 budget programs across 11 ministries were evaluated as gender-responsive, showcasing significant strides in aligning national budgets with gender equality goals. At the local level, GRB practices gained momentum, with 10 new initiatives incorporated into municipal budgets. Nevertheless, the report underscored the importance of expanding GRB coverage and deepening its integration into public financial management reforms to ensure sustainable progress. Albania continues to be recognized globally for its leadership in GRB, meeting the requirements of SDG Indicator 5.c.1.

By 2026, all persons contribute to, gender-responsive governance that strengthens equality and non-discrimination, promotes women’s empowerment and human rights, and reduces violence against women and children (UNSDCF C2).

Progress was made under this outcome. Governance in Albania is more gender responsive at central and local level UN Agencies, civil society and national human rights institutions issued key recommendations on the improvement of the anti-discrimination and gender equality legal and policy frameworks, which were taken into consideration by international human rights mechanisms to ensure that upcoming legal and policy updates are aligned with international standards. Further, the Government of Albania expressed a strong commitment to implement the CEDAW Concluding Observations (2023). All line ministries increased their budgetary allocations towards gender equality, which currently amounts to 9.6% in the 2023-2025 MTPB, compared to 9% of the previous year.. 53 out of 128 budgetary programmes are engendered, and Albania is amongst the few countries globally where a system is in place to track budget allocations dedicated to gender equality. All budget instructions include GRB amongst their criteria, and a gender budget statement was attached to project budget. The Gender Sensitive Citizens’ Budget helped ensure the transparency of the budget for all citizens. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MoHSP) has taken on a more active role, advocating for gender key performance indicators in the MTBP. This achievement is a direct outcome of the partnership between UN Women, Ministry of Finance and Economy and Ministry of Health and Social Protection. Additionally, 280 public officials from 11 line ministries and 20 Gender Equality Employees enhanced their capacities on gender mainstreaming, the integration of GRB in MTBP 2023-2025, and gender statistics, through coaching and mentoring provided through this partnership. Members of Parliament have leveraged the findings emerging from the parallel audit focused on rural women’s access to the labour market and unpaid care work to inform their deliberations and decisions. Albania has a stronger institutional framework to promote the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda thanks to the adoption of the second National Action Plan on the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325. A coalition of over 30 CSOs engaged in promoting the gender, peace and security agenda in Albania further contributed to the monitoring of the plan. The plan contributes to the SDGs, the National Strategy for Gender Equality 2021-2030 and the EU Gender Action Plan III. It covers persisting issues pending since the first National Action Plan (2018-2020) and emerging issues such as digital violence and cybercrime. UN Women CO supported the development of the NAP and the coalition. Albania has enhanced visibility of GEWE issues and awareness due to an increase in gender-sensitive media reporting, with 55 gender sensitive media reports issued covering gender responsive budgeting, women’s political participation and violence against women. Over 40 journalists increased their capacities with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively report on the gender dimensions of budgets and their impact on different segments of society, contributing to this result. UN Women conducted these capacity building sessions with the media throughout the year and across thematic areas, including GRB, EVAW and WPP, and through media forums. 10 new municipalities implemented GRB in 2023, and 10 gender sensitive initiatives are now included in the annual budget of municipalities. 30 new gender responsive indicators have been included in the local budget of municipalities following systematic training and mentoring in GRB at local level by UN Women. 249 LGU staff, municipal councils and local gender machinery built their capacity on the application of GRB principles. Three additional Municipalities (Kavaja, Lezha and Vau i Dejës) signed the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, enhancing their commitment to promoting gender equality at the local level. Overall, 33% of Albanian municipalities have signed the Charter (18). UN Women provided tailored support to build their capacities on the European Charter for Equality and also for signing. The 2023 UNCT System Wide Action Plan (SWAP) Scorecard annual report revealed that UN Albania sustained overall positive performance. The UN Women led Gender Thematic and Results Group (GTRG), arguably the most active coordination group in the UNCT, continued to work through an intense workplan and delivered important results, such as a) the first comprehensive gender equality induction package for UN personnel, b) a legal review and set of recommendations on better alignment between the Criminal Code, Family Code and Civil Code of Albania with international standards, which have already been used for advocacy purposes, c) substantive engagement with key stakeholders on CEDAW state reporting which led (63% of CEDAW Concluding Observations being aligned with UNCT recommendations. Public dialogue around gender-based violence expanded as a result of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, coordinated by UN Women through the GTRG. Several activities took place to promote activism for the elimination of violence against women. The campaign was an opportunity to reinforce the UN-wide commitment to eliminate violence against women, which also figures as a UNSDCF output. Partnerships were essential to ensure progress in this outcome, including with the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the gender machinery, the Albanian School of Public Administration, public oversight institutions, the Albanian Institute of Statistics, civil society, media, and academic institutions. The engagement of the civil society continues to remain essential for the CO to effectively deliver its activities and have a sustained impact at local and national level, notably with the members of the Monitoring Network Against Gender Based Violence, which has played a critical role in mobilizing CSOs for joint advocacy on EVAW. The partnerships with UN Agencies, especially in the context of the UN Coordination mandate and the multiple UN JPs that the CO leads or participates in has been essential, to ensure achievement of joint results as expressed in the UNSDCF. The number of cases of violence against women handled by the Coordinated Referral Mechanism increased this year to 621, compared to 550 in 2022. As of October 2023, 4,338 cases of violence were reported by the police with 2,327 Protection orders issued (approx. 53% of cases). UN Women has engaged in key ongoing legal processes that are expected to bear fruits in coming year including the development of the new Criminal Code for Albania, supporting the Ministry of Justice to align the new code with international standards on EVAW, and the development of a standard socio-economic reintegration plan. Several recommendations on EVAW shared by UN Women and its partners were included in the CEDAW Concluding Observations. The CO and partners also strongly engaged in the GREVIO reporting process and supported developing the State report. These efforts will overall lay the groundwork for legal and policy improvements on EVAW in the upcoming years. These results were achieved with support from Sida (including through the Multi-Parter Trust Fund), the European Union and the Peacebuilding Fund. Considering progress made so far, the TOC for this outcome comprises the majority of UN Women’s Albania work and remains fully relevant.