In the first initiative of its kind in Albania, UNIFEM, through the support of the Austrian Development Cooperation, has partnered with the Municipality of Elbasan to provide citizens, particularly women, with the opportunity to define and prioritize local needs and jointly decide how a percentage of local revenue is allocated.

Reflecting on her involvement, Mirela Gjoni, who participated in the public forums for the first time this year, noted that thanks to the training provided by UNIFEM, “women as well as men where able to discuss the problems that exist in our neighbourhood; even the women who raised these issues where respected, which is something new and positive.”

Ms. Gjoni highlighted that “following the meeting, my name was put forward to act as a representative of the community during the implementation of local projects next year”. Ms. Gjoni concluded by commenting “I see myself more involved in the future, not just myself but other women and girls who can play an active part in public life.”

Diamanta Vito, General Director of Economic and Strategic Development Policies, Municipality of Elbasan highlighted that “the greatest benefit for the municipality is that by working in this way we are more transparent with our citizens.” “I think that both citizens and the municipality benefit from this process”.

Ms. Vito went on to note that “with the help of the UN, we have not only realized an increase in women’s participation during meetings, but the capacity building of municipal staff through this programme will help us to better define policies that meet the needs of both women and men in our community in the future.”

In 2008, approximately 10% to 20% of participants in the town hall discussions on the participatory budget allocation were women. Through the support of the UN, in 2009, participation rose to 30% to 50%, depending on the meeting. In addition, the committee appointed by citizens to make the final budgetary allocation within this process has witnessed a marked increase in women’s participation. In 2008, of the 22 members, only 3 were women. This year, 11 women were selected to represent their communities’ needs.

In Albania there is increased understanding among decision-makers about the linkages between the advancement of gender equality and the realization of democratic governance and sustainable development.

The One UN Joint Programme on Gender Equality partners the UN agencies UNIFEM, UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA and supports the coordinated implementation of Albania’s National Strategy for Gender Equality and Domestic Violence (NSGE-DV) as part of the Government of Albania’s National Strategy for Development and Integration (NSDI).

A video short on the empowerment of women in Elbasan can be viewed here.

Photo: A woman makes her voice heard during on of the participatory budgeting meetings in Elbasan.

For further information, please contact

Nora Kushti,
Communications Manager, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Albania
nora.kushti@undp.org

Ermira Lubani
UNIFEM National Programme Coordinator - GRB
ermira.lubani@unifem.org

Source: un.org.al