Our programme in depth

WOMANKIND has been working with our partners on women's issues and rights in the Balkans since 1999. We have supported the implementation of a programme that aims to increase capacity, support for and numbers of women represented in policy, leadership and decision-making roles in Albania.

Our work in Albania includes:

Training women candidates from different political parties in skills such as campaigning and public speaking. Our workshops also enable women to sit down together and talk about how they could work to improve the lives of other women
Encouraging journalists to give unbiased coverage to female candidates. Support from the media has already led to a noticeably greater public acceptance of women leaders
Educating the next generation, in order to secure lasting results. We train male and female students to talk to their peers about issues affecting women, such as domestic violence

Women participating in the programme have taken part in a number of events that helped them to build their own capacity and encouraged solidarity amongst women leaders. A trip to Kosovo allowed the exchange of experiences and training in the practicalities of running a campaign, such as building a constituency and working with the media.

Cross-party women candidates and MPs have overcome their political differences to work together on these exchanges and training sessions, and to participate in a series of televised debates where they were visibly supportive of one another.

In addition, staff from our Albanian partner organisations undertook a learning exchange with WOMANKIND's partners in South Africa, who work on similar issues. This has helped staff members share strategies for increasing women's political participation.

A summer school for potential women leaders is soon to be established at the University of Tirana by our partners, filling a training gap in traditional education.