Since 2007, UN Women is present in Albania and supports national partners in the areas of Ending Violence Against Women, Gender-responsive Planning and Budgeting, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Women’s Political Participation and Women, Peace and Security. UN Women builds on its strengths to tackle the structural causes of gender inequality, and to address persisting discriminatory practices. In a country where socio-economic disparities in gender, ethnicity, age, geographic areas and places of residence are persisting, the new SN will maintain a strong Leaving No One Behind focus to ensure that its interventions reach women and girls at greatest risk. The Entity brings unique positioning: 1) support the translation of international norms and standards and the EU gender equality acquis into national policies and legislation; 2) influence gender responsive governance systems and sustainable financing for gender equality; 3) promote a strong feminist agenda to transform social norms, challenge gender stereotypes, and ending violence against women; 4) introduce a gender lens across sectoral areas, and nurture synergies among its programme and partners.
UN Women Albania works closely with the government, public oversight bodies, civil society organisations (CSOs) and other UN agencies. Only in 2021, the office partnered with 16 organisations and delivered almost half of its programme budget through CSOs and UN joint programs. Significant progress was achieved on GRB[1], and on women in leadership and decision-making[2]. Pending challenges include investments for implementation of laws and policies, strengthening of accountability and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the achievement of all gender-related SDG targets and other international commitments.
[1] 9% of 2021 total planned annual budget VS. 1% in 2015.
[2] 35% MPs, 70% Ministers.