Restricted Voices: The Impact of Shrinking Civic Space on Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights Advocacy in Albania

In recent years, Albania has experienced a troubling contraction of civic space, defined as the set of conditions that allow individuals and organizations to freely associate, express opinions, assemble peacefully, and engage in advocacy. This space is not only vital for democracy and public accountability but also serves as the foundation upon which civil society actors, particularly those defending human rights, promote gender equality and provide essential services to marginalized communities.

This report, commissioned by the Albanian Women Empowerment Network (AWEN), investigates the scope and impact of shrinking civic space on civil society organizations (CSOs) and Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in Albania. The research specifically focuses on organizations and individuals working at the intersection of gender- based violence (GBV), human rights (HR), LGBTQI+ inclusion, and equality advocacy. These actors have increasingly found themselves at the frontlines of public hostility, institutional neglect, and ideological backlash, yet remain vital to the protection of democratic values and human dignity.

The report explores how civic space restrictions—legal, financial, digital, and cultural—are shaping the landscape in which Albanian civil society operates. It documents not only the challenges but also the resilience, innovation, and continued impact of CSOs and WHRDs. The findings provide a foundation for urgent and actionable recommendations for the Government of Albania, donors, oversight bodies, and civil society itself.

The shrinking of civic space is a global trend that has taken on specific dimensions in Albania, shaped by both international political currents and domestic developments. CSOs working on women’s rights and human rights report rising levels of public hostility, smear campaigns, funding insecurity, and exclusion from decision-making processes. Meanwhile, the anti-gender movement, conservative backlash, and state disengagement have contributed to the delegitimization of feminist and rights-based organizations.

The purpose of this research is to:
• document and analyze the lived experiences of CSOs and WHRDs working in GBV and HR fields.
• assess the impact of shrinking civic space on their operations, safety, and advocacy.
• identify patterns of risk, sources of pressure, and institutional responses.
• provide evidence-based recommendations to improve the enabling environment for rights-based civil society in Albania.