What we do

All human development and human rights issues have gender dimensions. UN Women focuses on priority areas that are fundamental to women’s equality, and that can unlock progress across the board.

Photo: UN Women Albania/Violana Murataj. Saudita Marku, a beekeeper and certified tourist guide in Albania
Economic empowerment
Providing access to employment and better income opportunities are among the most effective ways to empower women. Yet, the main challenges for women in Albania remain the persistent gender pay gap, few opportunities in the labor market, lack of skilled entrepreneurs and their access to services and credit.
Photo: UN Women Albania/Violana Murataj. Woman voting at 2017 parliamentary elections in Albania
Leadership and political participation
Albanian women’s participation and representation in the political decision-making remains limited and below international benchmarks. Women made up 29 per cent of the Parliament at the end of 2017, the highest ever in Albania.
Photo: UN Women. Participants at the regional conference on Gender Responsive Budgeting in Skopje
National planning and budgeting
The Albanian government has embarked on reforms over the past few years to improve legal, policy and institutional gender equality mechanisms. The National Strategy and Action Plan on Gender Equality 2016-2020 provides a strong gender equality vision, though financial and human resources to ensure the proper implementation are currently insufficient.
Photo: UN Women Albania/Violana Murataj. Girls during the launching of the 16 days campaign in Albania
Ending violence against women
Violence against women, which is one of the most serious forms of human rights violations, is quite common in Albania, with almost 60 per cent of women aged 15-49 having experienced it.
Photo: UN in Albania. Students in Albania participate at the Global Goals Week event
Sustainable Development Goals
On 1 January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, officially came into force. The new agenda is an action plan for people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership.
Photo: UN Women Albania/Violana Murataj. HeForShe in stadiums campaign in Albania
HeForShe
Albania joined the HeForShe movement in September 2014, which soon became a cool and recognizable brand among young people in Albania. HeForShe was embraced by civil society, politicians, public institutions, international actors, athletes, sport and cultural activists to raise awareness and invite people to take a stance for gender equality.
Intergovernmental support
In intergovernmental forums at the United Nations, Member States come together to debate and seek agreement on global gender equality norms and standards.
UN system coordination
When different parts of the multilateral system act together, they can deliver greater results—and maximize the use of scarce resources. Within the UN system, UN Women is mandated to lead, promote and coordinate efforts to advance the full realization of women’s rights and opportunities.