Validation of the Findings of the Research Report on Gender-Based Violence in Primary Health Care in Albania

Europe House, Tirana
26 June 2025

The Gender Alliance for Development Center (GADC), in partnership with Together for Life (TfL) and the Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA), organized a validation meeting of the findings of the research report entitled:

“Evaluating the Challenges and Institutional Responses to Gender-Based Violence in Primary Healthcare Services in Albania.”

The event was held within the framework of the European Union-funded project “Advancing Gender Equality through Oversight and Reporting in Albania (AGORA)”.

The meeting brought together doctors, nurses, social workers, representatives of the Social Service of the Municipality of Tirana, civil society organizations, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Health Care Services Operator to discuss the key findings of the report and identify joint actions for improving services and institutional responses to gender-based violence.

The main purpose of the event was to present and discuss the study findings, gather feedback and recommendations from participants, and contribute to strengthening primary health care services at both local and national levels in responding to gender-based violence.

The discussions highlighted the importance of enhancing the capacities of health professionals, improving inter-institutional coordination and referral mechanisms, and ensuring timely and effective support for survivors of gender-based violence.

The validation meeting also provided an opportunity for key stakeholders to reflect on the findings of the study and share their perspectives on strengthening institutional responses to gender-based violence.

Ms. Mirela Arqimandriti, Executive Director of the Gender Alliance for Development Center (GADC), emphasized that: “In Albania, gender-based violence remains a major challenge that requires the continuous commitment of all stakeholders. The assessment conducted in Primary Health Care Centres highlights the need for continuous training, improved procedures and documentation, as well as strengthened coordination among responsible institutions. The study underlines the importance of creating a clear and supportive system in which health professionals, social workers and civil society actors work together to guarantee protection and quality services for every survivor.”

Representing the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Ms. Elisabeta Koza stressed the importance of maintaining a long-term institutional commitment to addressing gender-based violence: “In Albania, gender-based violence remains one of the key issues requiring our constant attention. In this regard, the National Strategy for Gender Equality 2021–2030 serves as a clear roadmap. Our objectives include improving the legal framework, strengthening protection mechanisms, and providing specialized support services for survivors of violence, including responses to digital and psychological violence. The Ministry remains committed to continuously improving services and strengthening cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure sustainable support for every survivor.”

Ms. Lorena Muhametaj, representing the Health Care Services Operator, highlighted the critical role of the health sector in identifying and responding to cases of gender-based violence: “This issue is of great importance for our health system, as the active involvement and responsiveness of our structures, particularly at the primary care level, are essential for the prevention, identification and management of cases of gender-based violence. I highly appreciate your work and commitment. The Health Care Services Operator remains dedicated to working closely with all stakeholders to strengthen the response to gender-based violence and reinforce the role of the health system in this area, as it has done so far.”

The next steps will focus on finalizing the report recommendations, developing practical and continuous training programmes for health professionals, strengthening cooperation among relevant institutions, and increasing public awareness in order to ensure a more effective and coordinated response to gender-based violence throughout Albania.

This activity was supported by the European Union and implemented by the Gender Alliance for Development Center (GADC) in partnership with Together for Life (TfL) and the Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA).

This activity was organized with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.