Berisha wants 30 percent women in decision-making posts

TIRANA, March 1 – Prime Minister Sali Berisha announced, last week, the creation of a national action plan to assure proper representation of women and girls in decision-making positions. Speaking during a workshop entitled, “Women’s Advocacy Program,” organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Berisha promised he would make serious efforts in setting the quotas for participation of women in all the levels of decision-making in the country’s political life, civil society and scientific activity.
“I consider it extremely important to create a national project to quickly transform the current situation. It is the job of all the political parties. Our political forces must separate, once and for all, from these practices that narrow the space for participation of women and girls in decision-making,” said Berisha.
The prime minister stressed that work should begin with the Electoral Code and there must be clearly set quotas for women’s representation in the parliament. “In 1996 there were more women in Parliament than at present. It is very important that women achieve their quotas in the Parliament. This is a decisive factor for them taking their place in the decision-making. I think that setting a 30 percent quota is an indispensable first step,” said Berisha.
The prime minister called on all political parties to see that the quota is met rigorously. “It’s of extreme importance this quota is set. If imposed, it cannot be reduced, but it will achieve higher levels,” emphasized Berisha.
The premier also said it is important this quota be achieved in hiring in the universities.