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. Participants at the regional conference on Gender Responsive Budgeting in Skopje
Governance and Participation in Public Life
National plans, policies and budgets are strategic opportunities for governments to turn their commitments into practical steps for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women by 2030, a central commitment within the Sustainable Development Goals.
Photo: UN Women Albania/Violana Murataj. Saudita Marku, a beekeeper and certified tourist guide in Albania
Women’s Economic Empowerment and Resilience
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 high levels of informality, few opportunities in the labor market, lack of skilled entrepreneurs and their access to services and credit.
Photo: UN Women Albania/Eduard Pagria
Ending violence against women and girls
In recent years, Albania has made progress in improving its legal, policy and institutional frameworks to end domestic violence and violence against women (VAW). However, the prevalence of violence against women remains high with one in three women reporting having experienced violence.
Photo: UN Women Albania
Women, Peace and Security, Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction
As the United Nations Secretary General has stated, the world is facing the highest number of violent conflicts since 1945. These conflicts, coupled with natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, have impacted Albania as well. These challenges undermine women’s security, economic development and rights.
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.