Albania urged to do more on gender equality, Roma issues

TIRANA, April 4 – Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Gender Issues June Zeitlin and ODIHR Senior Adviser on Roma and Sinti issues Mirjam Karoly paid a three-day country visit to Albania last week to discuss with the country’s officials and personalities on women’s political participation, violence against women and issues related to Roma women.
The OSCE will issue a report, which will include specific recommendations on how to improve the implementation of gender-related commitments.
“I was impressed by the policy commitments on gender equality and the strong representation of women in the Council of Ministers and the parliament of Albania,” Zeitlin said.
The joint visit with ODIHR’s Senior Adviser on Roma and Sinti issues is particularly important in view of the OSCE ministerial decision adopted in Kyiv last December on enhancing OSCE efforts to implementation the Action Plan on improving the situation of Roma and Sinti, with a particular focus on Roma and Sinti women, youth and children.
“There is still a long way to go when it comes to local integration and equal opportunities for Roma and Egyptians, and even more so for women of these communities,” Karoly said. “They face multiple forms of discrimination based on their gender, ethnicity and poverty and are often not aware where to find remedy or support services.”
The OSCE is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality this year.