In the words of Adivije Hoxha: "We are more than the limitations society places on us.”
Adivije Hoxha is an advocate, changemaker, and a voice for inclusion. At 52, she chairs the Association of Para- and Tetraplegics for the Durrës region and has long been a dedicated champion for the rights of persons with disabilities. As a member of the National Council on Disability working alongside policymakers, she has helped shape conversations on accessibility and equality. Beyond her activism, Adivije is a poet at heart. Her five published poetry books have resonated with many readers. In 2023, she took her commitment a step further by running for the local council, hoping to drive change from within the system. Though she was not elected, she remains determined. The intersection of being a woman and a person with a disability in politics presents significant challenges, yet she continues to push for greater representation and inclusion. Adivije is among the 135 women across the country participating in UN Women’s training sessions aiming to strengthen women’s voices in political decision-making. Her journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of advocacy.
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“Fifteen years ago, when I first arrived in Durrës, Albania’s second-largest city, I was just another woman in a wheelchair, among many others in this bustling metropolis. For me, however, it was the opening of a new world. I had come from a small town in northern Albania, where I was mostly self-taught, studying at home, by myself. Despite the challenges, I completed three years of high school on my own. When I moved to Durrës, my goal was simple: to complete my fourth and final year of secondary education and earn my high school diploma. But back then, the city had no accessible schools with ramps for people with disabilities. The reality was discouraging. Now, 15 years later, the landscape has started to change. I am finally able to return to school and complete my education at one of the newly-built schools in Durrës. Yet, despite the progress made, I still encounter daily difficulties, such as struggling to find dedicated parking for people with disabilities, to mention but one of the many challenges that remain.
Despite the persistent obstacles, I refused to let them diminish my passion for life. Instead, they fueled my determination. I worked tirelessly to ensure that people saw me for who I truly am, my character, my strength, not just the wheelchair I use.
This is why I passionately advocate for change, focusing on the two biggest challenges that people with disabilities face in every aspect of life: physical barriers and the lack of proper social care. We constantly meet with obstacles, whether it is struggling to move freely and access essential services or confronting society's narrow-mindedness. Opportunities often feel just out of reach. One of the most frustrating experiences is when we ask for a service and, instead of addressing us, the person on the other side directs their questions to our companion. At that moment it feels as if we are invisible.
It was precisely these everyday struggles that inspired me to run for municipal councilor in the 2023 local elections. While I didn’t win, the fact that a political party included me on their list was a significant step forward. I had proven my worth as a candidate. But as the campaign unfolded, I sensed hesitation. Despite my repeated requests to participate in electoral meetings, I was often left out. The reluctance to fully include me was evident.
The journey has been full of setbacks, but I refuse to let any of them define me. I’ve faced challenges before, big and small, but each time I remind myself: "Adi, you can do this." That same unshakeable belief in myself drives me forward today as I prepare for the next local election. I will not be held back. Women with disabilities often face immense barriers in politics, but I am determined to show that we belong, that our voices matter, and that we have the strength to drive change.
To every woman with a disability who dreams of making a difference in politics I say, “Do not let the obstacles of today stand in the way of your future. We are more than the limitations society places on us. We are powerful, resilient, and capable of transforming our communities and our country. Together we will rise, and we will make sure our voices are heard!”