In honor of International Women’s Day, EPOKA University hosted an engaging open forum titled Gender Equality: From Myth to Reality, on March 6, 2025. The event featured Ms. Adena Vangjeli, Executive Director of the Center for Gender Justice in Albania, and Dr. Eglantina Farruku, Lecturer at the Department of Law; organized by the Epoka Student Club Human Rights and Women's Leadership, in collaboration with the Department of Law.

Key Highlights of the Forum

The forum critically examined the gap between the ideal of gender equality and the realities of persistent inequality. Ms. Vangjeli presented compelling data and insights, emphasizing the importance of overcoming institutional biases, cultural stereotypes, and power dynamics to achieve true equality in workplaces, education, and society.

Insights

Definition of Gender Equality: According to the Council of Europe, gender equality means the visibility, empowerment, and participation of both sexes in all spheres of public and private life. It involves recognizing and valuing the differences between men and women while addressing social status, public opinion, religious beliefs, ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation.
 

Global Commitment to Equality: In 2015, 193 UN member states approved the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Goal 5 focusing on achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls worldwide by 2030.
 

Alarming Statistics in Albania:

• 52.9% of Albanian women have experienced one or more forms of violence during their lifetime.
• 36.6% of women are currently experiencing violence.
• Only 19.1% of private properties are registered in the names of women, while 80.9% belong to men.
• A mere 8% of women own land.

Challenges in Reporting Violence:

• 13.6% of the population lacks trust in the police.
• 43.5% do not trust the prosecution's work.
• 45.9% have no confidence in the judiciary.
• Economic assistance for domestic violence victims is minimal, around 10,000 lekë per month.
• Perpetrators often receive lenient sentences, with 80% of convictions not exceeding six months of imprisonment.

Call to Action

Ms. Vangjeli emphasized the need for practical, evidence-based strategies to foster inclusivity and equity in organizational settings. She called on institutions and communities to address these disparities and support victims of violence through enhanced legal protections and economic support.

The forum concluded with a vibrant discussion, allowing participants to share their experiences and propose actionable solutions to bridge the gender equality gap. The event marked a significant step toward raising awareness and promoting meaningful change within Albanian society.