OSCE Presence in Albania supports women’s political and public participation ahead of 2015 local elections

The first of a series of forums aimed at increasing women’s participation in political and public life took place on 11 June 2014 in Tirana. The nine vertical and 18 horizontal forums – part of a one-year project of the OSCE Presence in Albania – will bring together women that already hold public or political posts as well as those aspiring to enter political life.

These forums, which will be actively supported by the regional task forces of the Albanian National Platform for Women, will provide networking opportunities for elected women officials across the political spectrum, women aspiring to launch political careers and members of civil society. The forums will be used to identify the challenges women face, to raise awareness of the need for gender equality and develop regional activity plans. Special attention will be paid to the participation of women from vulnerable groups, such as Roma.

Despite recent achievements in women’s equality, including an increase in the number of women parliamentarians and ministers, women in general remain underrepresented and disadvantaged in political and public decision-making at all levels. In view of the upcoming 2015 local elections, this capacity-building effort will focus on activities to promote women as political decision-makers and potential candidates, geared towards achieving greater gender equality in the electoral processes.

These activities build upon previous initiatives of the OSCE Presence in Albania in the field of gender equality, in particular on the outcomes of the three-year Enhancing Women’s Participation in Governance project, and contribute to the goals of the OSCE Gender Action Plan.