Topic: 2024-Gender Equality in Rural Areas
Country: Albania
Delegate Name: Stella Yakima
Gender equality is an ever-pressing issue. This is a well-known fact yet little has been done about it, especially in rural areas. Typically, working women in rural areas receive less pay for their work than men and only hold part-time or low-wage jobs. Not only is gender inequality very present in the working world but also in education, especially the early years. Roughly 40% of women ages 18 and above have completed secondary school according to the gender analysis consensus from Albania. Not only are women and girls making less money and working fewer hours than the average man, but they also lack the education and resources to change that.
During Albania’s socialist arc, many poor men lost their land. This was, and still is, a huge issue. Over half of the population depends on agriculture so taking away land means taking away money from those who already have little to none. Even after all of this, Albania was still struggling so they turned to communism which benefitted them greatly– economically for a short time. During this time, many were asked to leave their job, imprisoned in forced-labor camps, and even executed, which meant fewer people to stimulate the economy, let alone the agricultural sector. No one was allowed to travel abroad and all places of worship were closed. After the communist rule ended, Albania returned to democracy and officially joined NATO in 2001. All this to say, the Albanian economy has gone through many highs and many lows yet no matter what, the people are still treated poorly.
In Albania, women make 18¢ less than every dollar a man makes, according to the UN Women of Europe and Central Asia. This number is double for women living in rural areas– who make up nearly half of Albania’s population. Over half of the women ages 15-49 have experienced some form of domestic violence according to the UN Women. Not only does Albania recognize the gender discrimination that is going on in our nation but we are also willing to work to fix it. Women are continuing to grow in numbers in government roles. These women will hopefully become advocates for all women in Albania who are facing discrimination. Albania is also working on schools and education in general and making it more accessible for all because of the high rates of children who do not go to school.
The United Nations has been working with the Albanian government, private sectors, and civil societies very closely to find a solution for the issue of gender discrimination. Albania has been encouraged by the United Nations to work to continue to improve upon the legal and political aspects that affect gender equality along with the social aspects of it. Albania has also been working to provide better access to employment opportunities for women, especially women who live in rural areas. Albania has been uplifted by the United Nations in hopes to work towards ending violence against women. This includes expanding services that are used to help survivors of domestic violence, advocating for free legal aid, improving economic opportunities for trafficking survivors, and even promoting awareness in the media and education for zero-tolerance regarding violence against women.
Gender discrimination and the lack of equality affects Albania directly. Albania needs women to work and even further needs women to work for the same amount of money that men make. But how can we do this? Albania proposes to the United Nations the creation of a system that separates female and male workers. They would work the same jobs for the same time and the same pay yet separately. This will help women to learn how to support themselves and teach others while also keeping them safe. As previously stated, domestic violence is a huge problem that most Albanian women face. Keeping men and women separate will lower the time they spend around each other and ultimately lower the chance of domestic violence. Albania looks forward to working with fellow delegates in committee to achieve an effective solution to this issue.
Works Cited
“Albania.” UN Women | Europe and Central Asia, eca.unwomen.org/en/where-we-are/albania.
“Economic Empowerment.” UN Women | Europe and Central Asia, eca.unwomen.org/en/where-we-are/albania/economic-empowerment.
Elez Biberaj, and Peter R Prifti. “Albania | History, Geography, Customs, & Traditions.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 8 Mar. 2019, www.britannica.com/place/Albania.
“Ending Violence against Women.” UN Women – Europe and Central Asia, eca.unwomen.org/en/where-we-are/albania/ending-violence-against-women.
“Facts & Figures.” UN Women, 2012, www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/commission-on-the-status-of-women-2012/facts-and-figures.
“Leadership and Political Participation.” UN Women – Europe and Central Asia, eca.unwomen.org/en/where-we-are/albania/leadership-and-political-participation.
Taylor-Braçe, Alice . “Albania Grapples with Gender Equality at Home, Work, Politics.” Www.euractiv.com, 4 May 2023, www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/albania-grapples-with-gender-equality-at-home-work-politics/. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
