Albania Expands Its Commitment to Gender Equality at the Local Level

The municipalities of Vlora and Maliq have officially signed the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, marking a significant step toward building more inclusive, fair, and equitable communities. The signing is part of the “EU for Gender Equality” project, implemented by UN Women and funded by the European Union in Albania.

With this commitment, the two municipalities join a growing European network of 2,044 municipalities across 36 European countries, including 21 in Albania, that are working to strengthen gender equality at the local level. The Charter offers the opportunity for local authorities to take meaningful, practical actions that enhance rights, representation, and opportunities for both women and men in all areas of public life.

The next step for Vlora and Maliq municipalities now is to develop their own Local Gender Equality Action Plans that will outline practical measures, allocate resources, and define clear priorities to ensure long-term progress. For Maliq Municipality, the very signing of the Charter already signals a deep commitment, as expressed by Mayor Gezim Topçiu:

“This act is not a mere formality but a profound testimony of our municipality’s commitment to advancing the principles of gender equality in every aspect of community life. Our duty is to turn this principle into a tangible reality across all areas and for all Maliq residents.”

Highlighting the broader significance of the EU charter, Ermal Dredha, Mayor of Vlora, stated:

“We are so proud that Vlora has joined this large group of municipalities across the country that have already started the process of advancing gender equality at the local level. For us, this is not just a commitment, it’s a responsibility. By signing the Charter, we are aligning with the European values of equality and inclusion. It is the first important step toward developing our local action plan, which will serve as a roadmap to achieve our goals with clear priorities and dedicated human resources.”

In Albania, persistent gender inequalities across municipalities affect key areas such as violence against women, political and public life, education, employment, and health, particularly for rural women and those in remote communities. By developing Local Gender Equality Action Plans, municipalities can turn national and international commitments into context-specific, measurable progress—ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind.

Michele Ribotta, UN Women Representative in Albania, emphasized the opportunity this brings to build more inclusive and resilient communities:

“The European Charter for Gender Equality that Vlora is signing today will provide an opportunity to further advance inclusion and equality between women and men in the community, boosting women’s economic empowerment, their participation in decision-making, and access to services. The Local Gender Action Plan that will derive from the Charter will also help the Municipality assess the financial investments required to sustain progress and make equality a lived reality in the Vlora region.”

The European Charter includes 39 guiding principles that support local governments in tackling inequalities. As implementation begins, Vlora and Maliq will benefit from European best practices and reaffirm a shared vision: to ensure that women and men of all ages and backgrounds enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and participation in every part of life.

More municipalities in Albania are expected to follow this path in the coming months, reinforcing the country’s commitment to gender equality as part of its EU integration path.