The UNDP Gender Equality Programme supports the implementation of appropriate policies and mechanisms that promote human rights and advance women's empowerment. The Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Programme is a joint United Nations initiative that addresses the important issues of gender equality, non-discrimination and human rights advancement. The Programme works with a wide array of
public authorities, civil society organizations, the media and citizens at large in order to improve national capacities on gender issues as well as to increase public demand for human rights and gender equality. The Albanian society and its institutions would benefit considerably from a collaborative action towards proper implementation of laws, competent and well informed public officials and active citizens that know their rights and make efforts to fight discrimination, achieve gender equality, and to put an end to violence against women and girls. The Gender Equality Programme assists the Albanian lawmakers to improve their monitoring capacities in the implementation of gender equality and human rights legislation. It provides technical assistance to crucial independent institutions such as the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the People’s Advocate to enable them to be more efficient in their daily work. Awareness raising activities with men and women, youth, marginalized groups and communities at large are expected to increase the interaction between public authorities and Albanian citizens. Through the establishment of a scorecard system, women in local communities are enabled to voice their concerns as to the quality of services provided by local governments thus establishing a healthy dialogue with their elected officials. Continuous support is being provided to the Albanian Government in terms of gender mainstreaming and legislative changes that will make the country fully compliant with international standards. The Programme provides training for judges and prosecutors so that the judiciary improves the understanding and the application of gender equality commitments and guarantee of women’s rights. Combating gender-based and domestic violence through the Coordinated Community Response against domestic violence remains a priority. The Coordinated Community Response, supported by the Programme, is a referral mechanism that involves the entire community, from local government units to law enforcement agencies, health care providers, judges and prosecutors. The Gender Equality Programme assists vulnerable women with awareness activities about their economic rights. It supports women advancement through vocational training and employment opportunities by promoting women's entrepreneurship. For more information about UNDP Albania’s Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Programme, please visit: www.undp.org.al
