Albania has kicked off its annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness and fostering action to eliminate violence against women and girls. This year’s slogan, “No Excuse: Together Against Violence Against Women and Girls,” emphasizes collective responsibility in addressing the issue.
In the northern city of Shkodër, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) gathered to mark the start of the campaign. The women’s center Hapat e Lehtë encouraged locals to write messages denouncing gender-based violence. The organization, which has supported around 3,000 women and girls over its 21-year history, hopes these events will inspire communities to take a stand.
“This is a significant number,” said the center’s director, Denada Shpuza. “However, I hope it doesn’t grow. On the contrary, we need to see these numbers decline as more people speak up and seek help.”
Raising voices and breaking silence
The campaign highlights how violence often occurs behind closed doors. Trëndelina Boriçi, head of the association Woman to Woman, noted that awareness is growing, and more women are reporting domestic violence, supported by legal improvements in recent years.
“Unfortunately, the walls of a home have no voice,” Boriçi said. “But women and girls do. They need to speak out, report the violence, and seek professional help to break free.”
The campaign also included a screening of the documentary Beyond Silence, which portrays the story of an abused mother. The film resonates with the experiences of many women who face violence within their families, offering a poignant reminder of the challenges they endure.
Broader participation across Albania
This year’s activism spans all Albanian municipalities, with civil society organizations and public institutions collaborating to host events that shed light on the issue. Through storytelling, educational sessions, and public gatherings, the campaign seeks to build a unified response against gender-based violence.
Since January, Woman to Woman has assisted 330 new cases, not including repeat cases, offering legal and psychological support to those in need.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign, observed globally, runs until December 10, coinciding with International Human Rights Day.
