At the meeting with member states on the United Nations Secretary-General's Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Evis Sala, confirmed Albania's strong commitment to advancing policies and reforms that empower women and girls in the country.
In her speech, the minister emphasized that gender equality is a clear priority of the Albanian government and a key element in the process of democratic development and on Albania's path towards membership in the European Union.
She also appreciated the importance of the Gender Equality Profile for Albania, developed in collaboration with the United Nations system and national partners, which provides a detailed analysis of the progress achieved and the challenges that remain.
The Minister underlined that Albania has made important steps in increasing the representation of women in public life, in access to education and in strengthening mechanisms for the protection of women and girls from violence.
At the same time, she emphasized that the government remains committed to addressing other important challenges, such as the economic empowerment of women, a more equitable distribution of unpaid care responsibilities, and the fight against all forms of violence, including those that appear in digital spaces.
"Gender equality is not a privilege granted by one gender to another. It is a fundamental human right and a wise investment in the development of society. Societies that empower women and girls build stronger economies, more inclusive institutions, and more sustainable democracies," the minister said at the end of her speech.
In this regard, the minister also mentioned the recent legal reforms undertaken by Albania, including the new Law on Gender Equality, which strengthens institutional accountability and recognizes the economic and social value of unpaid care work, as well as the new Law on Prevention and Protection from Domestic Violence, which expands institutional protection and response mechanisms.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of cooperation with international and local partners, appreciating the role of the United Nations, the European Union, civil society and independent institutions in advancing gender equality policies and services in Albania.
