Albania launches the 2025 Country Gender Equality Profile: Progress made but problems persist for women and girls
Date:
Tirana, 16 December 2025 - The United Nations, UN Women, the EU in Albania and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare presented today the Country Gender Equality Profile of Albania. The report - funded by the EU and produced in close collaboration with public institutions, civil society and academia - provides evidence of recent achievements and remaining challenges faced by women and girls across key areas.
The Country Profile shows that Albania has made progress in strengthening its legal and policy framework on gender equality, in accordance with global commitments and EU requirements. Implementation of laws and policies however remains uneven, leaving many women behind. Women in Albania continue to face barriers in accessing economic opportunities and are victims of several forms of violence.
The event was attended by high level officials UN Resident Coordinator Ingrid Macdonald, EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala, who at a panel discussed the findings of the report.
UN Resident Coordinator Ingrid Macdonald highlighted the urgency of moving from commitments to concrete action:
"The Country Gender Equality Profile for Albania shows that whilst there are strong commitments, too many women and girls still face critical barriers that limit their rights and choices, which in turn undermines the country’s overall social and economic progress. So today is a pivotal moment for collective action to get gender equality on track. If we want Albania to accelerate sustainable development, and benefit from the EU reforms, it is imperative to invest in the systems and services that promote and empower women and men, boys and girls equally.”
EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato stressed that gender equality is fundamental to Albania’s future and its EU aspirations:
“Gender-based violence is a serious human rights issue in Albania. The right to live free from violence is a fundamental human right and an essential component of Albania’s EU accession negotiation process. To achieve real change in society, we need an effective implementation of the new laws and the creation of an efficient and supportive system for victims. We must also join forces to change mindsets that tolerate violent behaviour and stigmatise victims, so that women and girls can feel safe and protected in Albania.”
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, prof. Evis Sala emphasized the central role of recent legislative reforms in strengthening Albania’s response to gender inequality and ensuring equitable protection and opportunities for all women and girls.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare:
"The new Law on Gender Equality and the implementation of the National Strategy for Gender Equality 2021–2030, together with gender-responsive budgeting, which now accounts for 10% of the national budget, demonstrate that Albania is transforming gender equality from a principle into concrete policy"
The Country Profile underscores that increased investments for the implementation of the new Gender Equality Law, and the upcoming Law on Violence Against Women and Girls and Domestic Violence are essential to close gaps. To address these issues, the report includes several recommendations, such as for example: strengthening institutional capacity to address violence against women, improving data and evidence on gender equality, investing in services that reduce and redistribute unpaid care work, promoting women active contributions to the economy and to decision making at the local level.
The Country Gender Equality Profile is an important tool for broader, coordinated efforts to advance gender equality in Albania. As the country moves closer to EU accession, the Profile offers a roadmap for aligning policies and legislation to EU gender equality standards, and for accelerated action on SDG 5 - the global goal on gender equality - so that every woman and girl living in Albania can fully realise their rights and potential.
Key figures at a glance: https://albania.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2025-12/cgep_infographic_eng.pdf