Project Title: Socio-Economic Support for Women Victims of Violence in Shkodra
Duration: December 2023 – November 2024
Lead Organization: Gruaja tek Gruaja (GtG)
In partnership with: CIES
Supported by: Otto per Mille – Chiesa Valdese
Location: Shkodra Region, Northern Albania
Focus Area: Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality (aligned with SDG 5)
About the Project
This project was launched with a clear purpose: to support women survivors of violence in Shkodra on their path to economic independence and personal empowerment. Through targeted interventions in vocational training, job placement, and small business support, we aimed to create real and sustainable opportunities for women facing hardship and discrimination.
Key Objectives
- Promote gender equality and economic empowerment for women in vulnerable situations.
- Improve access to vocational training, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Support survivors of violence in rebuilding self-esteem and accessing services.
What We Achieved
- 🎓 16 women successfully completed vocational training in fields like tailoring, beauty, culinary arts, and hairdressing, in partnership with the State Training Center of Shkodra.
- 🛠️ 6 women completed on-the-job training in local businesses, including retail, catering, and translation services.
- 🌱 2 women-owned microenterprises received financial and mentoring support—one for a floral event design studio and another for a fresh pasta production lab.
- 🧭 All participants were individually supported with counseling and guidance to boost self-esteem, access services, and define their path to autonomy.
Stories of Impact
✨ Edita, a young entrepreneur, expanded her mother’s flower shop into a thriving event decor business—boosting her monthly revenue by 65%.
✨ Jeta, a survivor of domestic violence and a trained chef, opened a fresh pasta workshop, with plans to create a small dining space.
These stories are a testament to the transformative power of combining economic opportunity with personal support and dignity.
Why It Matters
Empowering women economically is a key step in breaking the cycle of violence. When women are supported to learn new skills, find employment, or launch businesses, they not only rebuild their own lives—they strengthen their families, inspire their peers, and create change in their communities.
Partnerships That Make a Difference
The project was implemented through strong collaboration between:
- GtG – Bringing decades of frontline experience with survivors.
- CIES – Providing technical and managerial support.
- Regional Labor Office and State Vocational Training Center – Facilitating placements and course access.
These partnerships ensured effective delivery, local ownership, and long-term sustainability.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
We don’t just aim for short-term impact. This project has laid the groundwork for continued cooperation among local institutions, service providers, and communities to support women’s empowerment and reduce social vulnerability. The women involved are now better equipped not only to shape their own futures—but also to inspire others to seek change.