Official Grant Award Ceremony: Launching a Partnership for Change under the AGORA Project

Europe House, Tirana
17 July 2025

Today, we had the privilege of recognizing 12 outstanding civil society organizations selected as grant beneficiaries under the AGORA project – Advancing Gender Equality through Oversight and Reporting in Albania, 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).

AGORA aims to strengthen local responses to gender-based violence and enhance institutional accountability in six municipalities, Tirana, Elbasan, Korçë, Fier, Lezhë, and Kukës, by empowering local organizations and promoting active community engagement. One of the project’s key target groups is health professionals, who play a critical role in the identification, referral, and protection of survivors of gender-based violence.

At a time when violence against women and girls remains a persistent challenge, these grants represent more than financial support for activities. They are an investment in the people, organizations, and structures that drive meaningful change at the local level.

The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Mr. Miha Pezelj, Head of the Social Development Section at the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, who highlighted the importance of supporting local civil society organizations and fostering cooperation with institutions to achieve sustainable and long-term change.

Today, we did more than sign grant agreements, we launched a partnership for collective action in support of gender equality and human rights. The AGORA grant beneficiaries are now part of a dynamic network that will work closely with communities and local institutions to strengthen responses to gender-based violence and amplify the voices of women and girls.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the European Union for its continued support and to all partners who contributed to making this important milestone possible.

This activity was implemented within the framework of the project “Advancing Gender Equality through Oversight and Reporting in Albania (AGORA)”, funded 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 authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.