US ambassador leads discussion on violence against women

TIRANA, Dec. 11 – U.S. Ambassador John L. Withers II led a roundtable discussion at the University of Tirana Law Faculty in conclusion of the “Sixteen Days of Activism” to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25-December 10).
The roundtable included members of civil society, student activists, judges and other active participants in discussing the implementation of the mechanisms available in Albania for women’s empowerment. Present in the audience were also women lawmakers Lajla P쳮aska and Valentina Leskaj, Integration Minister Majlinda Bregu, Socialist Party Spokeswoman Mimi Kodheli and Socialist Movement for Integration International Secretary Brunilda Paskali.
Ambassador Withers stressed that there should not be only one day to commemorate the fight against domestic violence; every day should be about combating the “pestilence” of violence against women which “strikes against the intrinsic values of the family.” The Ambassador stressed the importance of the well-being of the family for the overall progress of society.
The discussion took stock of the status of the implementation of the recently passed anti-domestic violence law and the need for better implementation, as well as the need for better coordination with law enforcement agencies. Judge Mirela Fana of the Tirana District court highlighted the need for further legislative measures. The need for better coordination among nonprofit organizations was also discussed.