Locations
UN Joint Programme Ending Violence Against Women in Albania Phase II
UNDP Albania
Summary
The United Nations Joint Programme “Ending Violence Against Women in Albania, Phase II” supports national and local efforts to prevent violence, protect survivors, and strengthen institutional accountability. Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented jointly by UN Women, UNDP, and UNFPA, the programme runs from January 2023 to December 2027.
The programme contributes to Sustainable Development Goal target 5.2 on eliminating violence against women and girls and to Outcome 4 on Gender Responsive Governance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2022 to 2026.
It focuses on women and girls who have experienced violence or are at risk, with particular attention to those facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, including LGBTI women, women with disabilities, and Roma and Egyptian women. It also engages men and boys in preventing violence and challenging harmful gender norms.
Working closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, justice institutions, the State Police, municipalities, national human rights institutions, civil society, and grassroots organisations, the programme supports legal reform, coordinated services, professional capacity development, and community engagement. Its extended implementation period includes a dedicated focus on strengthening the accountability and effectiveness of the justice system in addressing violence against women.
During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence 2025, the programme engaged more that 120 from schools in Tirana, Durrës, and Sukth in activities addressing gender based violence and violence facilitated by technology.
Background
Albania has taken important steps to strengthen its response to violence against women and domestic violence. These include establishing Coordinated Referral Mechanisms (CRMs) across all 61 municipalities, improving the REVALB system for recording and managing domestic violence cases, and expanding specialised support for survivors.
The adoption of Law No. 11/2026, “On the Prevention of and Protection from Violence against Women and Domestic Violence,” marks a further step in strengthening the legal framework. Translating legal commitments into effective protection requires sustained investment in institutional capacities, accessible services, and coordination between national and local actors.
Despite progress, violence against women remains a significant challenge. The 2018 National Survey on Violence against Women and Girls found that one in three women had experienced violence during the preceding 12 months. Underreporting, harmful gender norms, uneven access to specialised services, and barriers to justice continue to affect survivors’ ability to seek and receive support.
Building on the achievements and lessons of the first phase, implemented from 2019 to 2022, Phase II combines prevention, services centred on survivors’ needs and rights, institutional coordination, and justice sector accountability to help ensure that women and girls in Albania can live free from violence.
Eleven Local Coordinators against Domestic Violence and three representatives of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare participated in a study visit to Sweden, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences on preventing and responding to violence against women.
Major Achievements
Supporting legal reform. The programme provided technical expertise to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the development of Law No. 11/2026, “On the Prevention of and Protection from Violence against Women and Domestic Violence,” and the supporting sublegal acts, strengthening the legal framework and supporting its implementation.
Strengthening the capacities of judges and prosecutors. In cooperation with the School of Magistrates, the programme provided training for judges and prosecutors to strengthen their capacities to address violence against women and domestic violence.
Supporting the operation of LILIUM in Vlorë. With programme support, the LILIUM Crisis Management Centre for Sexual Violence Cases in Vlorë has begun operating. Training was provided to its multidisciplinary staff to strengthen their capacities to respond to sexual violence cases and deliver coordinated, specialised services.
Strengthening Coordinated Referral Mechanisms. CRM members, including local coordinators, psychologists, teachers, health professionals, lawyers, economic aid specialists, and civil society representatives, received targeted support through training and regional exchanges. A regional CRM meeting was also organised in Gjirokastër, providing an opportunity for professional exchange and cooperation across municipalities.
Supporting newly appointed local coordinators. A training lasting two days was delivered for newly appointed Local Coordinators against Domestic Violence to support them in carrying out their responsibilities within local referral mechanisms.
Strengthening the national network of local coordinators. The programme supports the Network of Local Coordinators against Domestic Violence through national meetings that bring together representatives from Albania’s 61 municipalities. These meetings provide a platform to discuss challenges, exchange practices, and strengthen cooperation in responding to violence.
Facilitating international learning. Eleven Local Coordinators against Domestic Violence and three representatives of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare participated in a study visit to Sweden, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences on preventing and responding to violence against women.
Raising awareness and engaging schools in violence prevention. During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence 2025, the programme engaged more that 120 from schools in Tirana, Durrës, and Sukth in activities addressing gender based violence and violence facilitated by technology. Sessions addressed online harassment, cyberbullying, consent, and responsible digital behaviour, with the involvement of teachers and school psychosocial staff.
Project Outcomes
- Women and girls enjoy more effective preventive measures against violence in Albania
- All women survivors and those at risk are better protected from all forms of violence and have equitable access to services in Albania
- Responsible institutions and actors implement national policies and legislation on VAW in a more comprehensive, inclusive and coordinated way in Albania
