Fight for a better life

In Albania, women and children are among the weakest segments of the society. Their needs are hardly ever noticed. In the context of high unemployment rates, high poverty among large sections of the population and a strong patriarchal role perception the phenomenon of domestic violence is widespread.

Althoug removal of the taboo has already begun, in many sections of the society, especially in rural areas, it is still tolerated as normal. Many young women have no possibilities to escape from the narrow and closely controlled life in their family and from forced marriages, except via women trafficking.

The project has a strong focus on raising awareness of women and their daughters in rural areas. In so-called village meetings and group discussions they are informed about topics such as domestic violence, gender and women's rights and women trafficking. In health centres, social workers counsel women affected by domestic violence. Thereby, cooperation with the health centres is strengthened and women easily overcome their inhibition for seeking advice. Public events on the theme of violence against women are held to generate general awareness among the public.

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