UN Women Europe and Central Asia Regional Director visits Albania- strategic partnerships and initiatives to advance gender equality

From 23 to 25 September, UN Women Europe and Central Asia Regional Director, Belen Sanz Luque, and the Deputy Regional Director, Elisa Fernandez Saenz conducted their first visit to Tirana to participate in the Beijing+30 International Conference and meet government representatives and funding partners in the country.

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On the first day they met with the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu, where the discussed the progress and challenges in advancing gender equality in the country. The Regional Director congratulated Minister Koçiu for the efforts being done to review the Law on Gender Equality, as per CEDAW recommendations. Belen Sanz Luque highlighted that this legislation can make a real difference and that this is a unique opportunity to raise the bar higher for women empowerment and participation in public life. The Regional Director assured UN Women’s commitment and support for the sustainability of joint initiatives in the country and strengthen the capacities of national institutions.

The UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia met with UN Resident Coordinator in Albania, Fiona McCluney, to discuss collaborative efforts, joint programming, and advocacy among UN agencies. Their focus is on achieving tangible progress for the lives of women and girls in the country.

Belen Sanz Luque, and the Deputy Regional Director, Elisa Fernandez Saenz met with the Head of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Erik Illes where they discussed the vital support of the Government of Sweden in Albania to advancing gender equality. There has been continued partnership through the Gender Responsive programme and Women Count, in addition to the yearlong financial support to the Joint UN Programme on ending violence against women and girls. The Regional Director highlighted that UN Women Albania is a success story regarding the flexible funding that the Government of Sweden has provided to support the national strategic programming.

Another productive meeting took place with Hubert Perr, the Head of Development Cooperation at the EU Delegation. UN Women Regional Director Belen Sanz Luque emphasized that the EU's support has been crucial in advancing women’s rights in Albania. She highlighted regional initiatives aimed at ending violence against women, as well as local projects like “EU 4 Gender Equality.” Additionally, they discussed the new multi-year program, “Gender Equality Facility,” which aims to provide technical assistance for aligning the country’s laws and policies with EU standards.

AICS representatives to Albania and UN Women Europe and Central Asia Deputy Regional Director, Elisa Fernandez Saenz. Photo: UN Women
AICS representatives to Albania and UN Women Europe and Central Asia Deputy Regional Director, Elisa Fernandez Saenz. Photo: UN Women

UN Women Europe and Central Asia Deputy Regional Director, Elisa Fernandez Saenz met with Deputy Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Letizia Fischioni. Italy is a strategic donor and partner for UN Women Albania, contributing to the “Gender Rural Equality and Tourism” project, as well as a new initiative focused on empowering women in northern Albania.

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