Albania and the activism against gender violence

TIRANA, Dec 11 – USAID Albaniawill join the global community in observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence during November 25 through December 10th, 2008.
Beginning on the International Day of Eliminating Violence Against Women and ending on the International Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign to provide a forum for advocating for support services for survivors, calling for greater prevention efforts, pressing for legal and judicial reform, and using international human rights instruments to address the issue.
This year the campaign calls particular attention to social attitudes and policies that continue to condone and perpetuate abuses.
As one of the largest donors in Albania focused on anti-trafficking and improving conditions for vulnerable citizens, USAID and its partners use innovative multi-sector approaches to change the laws, systems, and attitudes that perpetuate this violence.
USAID’s successful multi-sector approaches improve the systems that respond to victims and provide them the support and services they need to recover and rebuild their lives. Through creative behavior change communication activities, attention is brought to the roles and behaviors that contribute to the culture of violence.
These programs address the necessary societal, cultural, educational, and health related interventions needed to change mindsets, behaviors, and legal structures.