GENDER EQUALITY LAW IN ALBANIA: POSITIONS, RESISTANCE AND ADVOCACY OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS

On November 6, 2025, Albania approved the new law "On Gender Equality," with 77 votes in favor and 36 against, after months of debates and consultations between civil society
organizations, experts, and institutions. This law improves that of 2008 by updating it with European Union standards and the Istanbul Convention. The public consultation remained open for one month in the electronic register, where more than 1400 visitors were registered. Civil society organizations including women's advocacy networks, human rights groups, experts, and activists sent comments and suggestions and also became active participants in public hearings in parliamentary committees.
An informative letter was delivered to all 140 members of parliament, and meetings were held with independent institutions such as the Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination.
The real objectives of the law were communicated publicly in social and traditional media, in response to disinformation campaigns.
Over 20 organizations published open letters and participated in press conferences to show that the battle for gender equality is a shared commitment.
An open letter was addressed to the President of the Republic, as a call for the decree of the law and the protection of its principles.
The battle for this law is a battle for the dignity and safety of every person who has felt invisible, mocked, unprotected.
In this document you will find all the above steps reflected, which AWEN together with other civil society organizations has undertaken.