Within the framework of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at the United Nations, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Evis Sala, participated in the event organized by Albania and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in partnership with Poland, on the topic “Gender Equality Laws as Accelerators of Equal Participation and Gender-Sensitive Governance.”
In her speech, Minister Sala emphasized that gender equality legislation is not a peripheral instrument of public policies, but a structural pillar of democratic governance and the strengthening of institutions.
Focusing on the latest developments in Albania, she highlighted the adoption in 2025 of the new Law on Gender Equality, which builds on more than 15 years of implementation experience. According to her, the reform aims to address institutional gaps, improve inter-institutional coordination and strengthen legal clarity in gender equality policies.
Minister Sala announced that the new law maintains the minimum threshold of 30% balanced gender representation in elected and appointed bodies, as a legal obligation, while aiming for the progressive achievement of full gender equality as a long-term strategic objective.
She also emphasized that the reform ensures full compliance with the European Union acquis on gender equality.
In her speech, Minister Sala pointed out several key elements that, according to the Albanian experience, make gender equality legislation effective: balanced representation as a legal requirement in public institutions; integrating gender impact assessment into the legislative process; strengthening gender-sensitive budgeting in public finance management; and improving institutional coordination and accountability mechanisms.
Minister Sala also underlined the importance of recognizing unpaid care work and housework as structural factors that affect women's participation in economic and public life.
She underlined that the adoption of this law was accompanied by a broad public debate, which is a natural part of democratic processes, emphasizing that equality standards must be based on institutional dialogue, legal clarity and sustainable implementation.
The Minister also appreciated the cooperation with international partners and civil society, especially with UN Women and other organizations, which contributed to the design and advancement of the reform.
The event brought together representatives of international institutions, gender equality experts and representatives of national equality institutions, providing a platform for the exchange of experiences and best practices in strengthening gender equality legislation and policies.
