This project was born as a need to address the project developed by ACMS on mental health, a pilot project funded by the EYF of CoE. The young people participating in that project articulated the need that young people must be educated on the concepts of gender equality and gender-based violence. During a free discussion, it was seen that young people had a lot of difficulties distinguishing between the two and they articulated that the risk of these things being seen as normal and normalized was big in their rural communities. These phenomena and topics have become taboo and are not addressed at all in the homes of young people, communities, or schools. This leaves young people without formal education on the importance of addressing gender equality and gender-based violence. Moreover, the problem in Albania is at extreme levels. The third National Population Survey “Violence Against Women” found in Albania that 65.8% of surveyed women experienced dating violence during their lifetime, 47% have experienced intimate partner domestic violence; 1 in 5 women experienced physical and/or sexual violence and 18.2% of women experienced non-partner violence. The Survey reveals that 18.1% of women experienced sexual harassment during their lifetime and 12.6% of women experienced stalking. The Survey brings data on the acceptance of violence against women among men and women in Albania. Findings revealed that 1 in 2 women believe violence between a husband and wife is a private matter, and 46.5% of women believe that a woman should tolerate some violence to keep her family together; 26.1% of women believe a woman should be ashamed or embarrassed to talk to anyone if she is raped. Those are alarming statistics, and we believe that are important to be addressed. Young people are a cross-sector that comprises the driving force of economic growth, security, education, healthcare, business and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and many more sectors. 43% of the Albanian population comprises young people, aged 15-30 years old. Young girls make up more than 53% of that 43%. Although Albania has made great strides in legislation on violence against young girls and women, the problems of violence remain one of the biggest concerns. In 2021 there were about 563 judicial protection orders against domestic violence, 481 divorces, and 22 murders of women, in the context of domestic abuse. Young girls and women face the violent behaviors of not only their partners or spouses but also relatives within or near their households. These figures are very alarming, and intervention is much needed. Young people need to be educated even more about their rights and how to become factors of social change in their community and beyond, thus directly affecting Albanian society.
The primary purpose of this pilot activity project is to reshape the way young people view and address GBV, thus making change agendas in their communities.
Implemented by:
Albania Committee of Medical Students – ACMS
Supported by:
European Youth Foundation – EYF
Council of Europe