Despite revisions to the law before the June 2013 elections, women continue to be under-represented in public office, including in parliament, international representatives say.
TIRANA, March 19 – International community representatives called on Albania this week to do more to ensure gender equality in the country.
In a joint message — the United States, Sweden, the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe, the National Democratic Institute and the United Nations — said a larger representation of women in in the state administration would help the country move forward to a better future.
The representatives of the international community in Albania and members of the technical working group on women in decision-making said in a letter they have noted the progress made thus far, put pointed out to challenges that remain in achieving gender equality in Albania.
The letter was part of the UN’s International Women’s Day theme for this year “Equality for Women is Progress for All” as greater equality for women translates to greater prosperity for the whole of society, the letter noted.
The group notes that women and girls in Albania must have the right to participate equally in all spheres of public life without discrimination.
Taking effective measures to reinforce the protection of human rights and anti-discrimination policies is a key priority for Albania to move forward in fulfilling its citizens’ European Union aspirations, the letter noted.
A Council of Europe Recommendation from 2003 on balanced participation of women and men in political and public decision making encourages member states to promote the representation of women in political or public life at a level that should not fall below 40 percent.
The representatives of the international community congratulated Tirana for fulfilling the 30 percent quota for women representation in government ministers, a first-ever achievement.
They said that despite revisions to the law before the June 2013 elections regrettably women continue to be under-represented in public office, including in parliament.
“We urge political parties to comply with standing legal provisions concerning the inclusion of women on candidate lists, and when possible surpass minimum standards to demonstrate commitment toward gender equality in decision making. We urge the Parliament, the government, and all political parties to take concrete steps in creating a more enabling environment for Albanian women to advance in political and public positions. We support joint efforts of civil society organizations and women’s groups working on advancing gender equality in Albania,” the statement said.
Next year’s local elections provide an opportunity to do just this, it said, adding that, “the first steps have been made: laws are in place or being drafted. Now it is time to enforce and implement them in all areas where the position of women is in question.”
