Albania Gender-Equality Law Draws Praise and Condemnation

Albania's New Gender-Equality Law Sparks Mixed Reactions

Albanian lawmakers have adopted a significant new gender-equality law that has received both acclaim and criticism. Women's rights organizations praised the legislation as a historic milestone, while opposition parties and traditionalist groups condemned it for challenging conventional values.

Details of the Legislation

The law, approved by Parliament on Thursday, updates prior gender equality measures and introduces stronger protections for women and girls. It prohibits discrimination based on gender, gender identity, or sexual characteristics.

The burden of proof in cases of gender-based violence shifts from victims to offenders.
A gender quota mandates women’s representation between 30% and 50% across parliament, government, public administration, police, diplomatic service, and official boards.
Unpaid work, including childcare and eldercare, is officially recognized as an economic contribution. The government must now measure and incorporate it into budget policies.

Reactions and Ongoing Debate

"Women's rights groups hailed adoption of the new equality law as a historic move – while the opposition Democratic Party and 'pro-family' groups called it an attack on traditional values."

Despite widespread support from the European Union and rights activists, conservative critics argue the law threatens traditional societal norms. Public debate on the measures continued intensely throughout Friday.

"Albanian women’s activists protest for quotas for women MPs in parliament in March 2013."

Summary

This law marks a bold effort by Albania to ensure gender equality through comprehensive measures, though it faces resistance from traditional sectors of society.

Balkan Insight — 2025-11-07

Albania's New Gender-Equality Law Sparks Mixed Reactions

Details of the Legislation

Reactions and Ongoing Debate

Summary

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