Venue: University ‘Ismail Qemali’, Vlora

The open debate on gender equality was held at the University ‘Ismail Qemali’ in Vlora. The meeting was attended by Mr. Jurgen van Meirvenne the Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mrs. Vojsava Shkurtaj Chairwoman of the City Council in Vlora, and Prof. Albert Qarri the Rector of the “Ismail Qemali” University “.

The meeting was an open debate on gender concepts and stereotypes in Albanian society aiming to raise awarness of the students that gender-based violence will be reduced and will be eliminated step by step if we are promoting gender equality. This endeavor needs the collaboration of all the society, women and men, boys and girls, into building a quiet and healthy family, a peaceful and friendly community. The Albanian legislation and all International Human Rights Instruments ratified by the Albanian Parliament is an important tool for working in this area and facing the phenomenon.

Lecturers were held by Dr. Ervis Martani and Dr. Erjon Hitaj explaining the Albanian legislation on women’s rights and the international instruments on human rights. Concrete experiences were conveyed by the representative of local association ‘Vatra’, Mrs. Adena Vangjeli and the ‘Halim Xhelo’ high school teacher, Mrs. Adriana Zahaj