04/07/2026
Building Stronger Communities Starts with Inclusive Policymaking
WDN Albania was proud to convene the National Conference on Community-Responsive Policymaking: Strengthening Local Leadership and Women’s Political Participation, bringing together Members of Parliament, local government representatives, public institutions, civil society organizations, and experts to discuss practical solutions for more inclusive, participatory, and responsive governance in Albania.
The conference was organized as part of WDN Albania’s efforts to strengthen community-responsive policymaking, foster dialogue between national and local institutions, promote meaningful citizen participation in public decision-making, and advance women’s political leadership.
We were honored to welcome Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Albania, Ms. Klodiana Spahiu who addressed the importance of gender equality, women’s meaningful participation in decision-making, and the need to prevent and address violence against women in politics. Her contribution highlighted the importance of creating an environment in which women can participate fully, safely, and equally at every level of political and public life.
Ms. Gerta Meta Executive Director of the Society for Democratic Culture, presented concrete recommendations on electoral and territorial reform, political financing, and opportunities to increase women’s representation in politics. She emphasized the importance of inclusive reforms that strengthen local democracy, improve political representation, and create greater opportunities for women to participate and lead.
Ms. Bruna Menalla civil society expert, contributed to the discussion on gender equality in electoral processes and political financing, highlighting key recommendations for strengthening women’s participation and influence in political life. The discussion emphasized the need to move beyond numerical representation and ensure that women have real opportunities to influence policies and decision-making processes.
Bringing an important perspective on women’s economic and social empowerment, Ms.Alketa Binjaku, Adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture, addressed the importance of increasing women’s participation in economic and public life, supporting women farmers and entrepreneurs, and ensuring the inclusion of women from marginalized groups in decision-making processes. She also highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation between central and local institutions to create equal opportunities for women across Albania.
Ms. Entela Binjaku, Board Director of WDN EuroAsia, presented the regional network, its mission, role, and activities in supporting women’s leadership and democratic participation across the region. She also highlighted key recommendations emerging from the conference and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and solidarity among women leaders and democratic actors.
A central part of the conference focused on turning local voices into public policies. Representatives from the municipalities of Kamëz, Pogradec, Librazhd, and Cërrik presented experiences, challenges, and policy initiatives developed through the project.
The discussions showcased practical local policy initiatives, including local development and local migration planning in Kamëz, tourism development strategy in Pogradec Municipality, social inclusion and community services for elderly in Librazhd, and the development of a new Local Gender Equality Plan in Cërrik.
Municipal representatives also reflected on how training, community consultation, and dialogue with local stakeholders can help identify real community priorities and translate them into strategic documents and practical policy solutions.
The conference discussions generated concrete recommendations on strengthening citizen participation, improving cooperation between municipalities and communities, increasing the involvement of women, young people, and marginalized groups in local decision-making, and ensuring that municipalities have the competencies, tools, and resources necessary to provide more effective services.
A key outcome of the initiative will be the development and submission of concrete policy recommendations. WDN Albania will present the recommendations emerging from the local trainings, consultations, and National Conference to the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform and the Committee responsible for Territorial Reform, ensuring that local experiences, community priorities, and the perspectives of women and civil society contribute to the ongoing reform processes.
The conference reaffirmed that stronger local governance begins with listening to communities, translating local priorities into public policies, and ensuring that communities including women have equal opportunities not only to participate, but also to influence decisions and lead.
WDN Albania remains committed to working with Parliament, national institutions, local governments, civil society, and regional partners to transform these recommendations into concrete actions that strengthen democratic governance across Albania.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all speakers, panelists, municipal representatives, partners, and participants whose expertise, ideas, and commitment contributed to the success of this conference. Together, we continue working toward stronger democratic institutions, more responsive local governance, empowered communities, and greater opportunities for women to shape Albania’s future.
The iniciative and the conference was organized by WDN Albania with the support of the Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) at the International Republican Institute (IRI), whose continued support helps advance women’s leadership, inclusive governance, and community-responsive policymaking in Albania.
Women's Democracy Network WDN-Europe/Eurasia Regional Network
