Partnership and Networking

“Woman to Woman” coordinates work between law enforcement structures and other partner agencies, such as nonprofit organizations involved in the fight against domestic violence and human trafficking, marking strong collaboration with local authorities and partner civil society organizations.

Part of AWEN

“Woman to Woman” coordinates work between law enforcement structures and other partner agencies, such as nonprofit organizations involved in the fight against domestic violence and human trafficking, marking strong collaboration with local authorities and partner civil society organizations.

TOGETHER WE DO IT

Campaigns through years

Advocacy and Lobbying

“Woman to Woman” has been part of advocacy, monitoring, and lobbying processes at both local and national levels. Through its initiative, support, and continuous lobbying with local structures, the opening of a shelter for victims of domestic violence was made possible, in accordance with the Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 505, dated 13.07.2011, on “Standards of Social Care Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, in Public and Nonpublic Residential Centers.” This shelter, located in a space provided by the Municipality of Shkodër, was later renovated with the help of foreign donors.

 

With the approval of the territorial reform, special attention has been given to the functioning of the referral mechanism, primarily within administrative units. “Woman to Woman” is continuously lobbying to further strengthen the referral mechanism in Shkodër and is laying the groundwork for creating such a referral system in the municipalities of Malësia e Madhe, Puka, and Vau Dejës. Additionally, “Woman to Woman” will implement its own strategy for collaboration and engagement with local institutions in carrying out activities and will finalize a specific manual on the functioning of the referral mechanism, including protocols and division of responsibilities based on standard procedures.

 

In addition, “Woman to Woman” has lobbied at the local level for financial support from state bodies to organize and implement joint activities. As a result, the Municipality of Shkodër, as part of a successful partnership with the organization, has financially supported several awareness-raising activities, primarily during sensitization campaigns.

 

At the national level, under the coordination of AWEN (Albanian Women’s Empowerment Network), “Woman to Woman,” along with other organizations in the network, took part in the lobbying process to draft the law on family relations. This included gathering 20,000 signatures that compelled the Albanian parliament to approve it. The law was based on the best Western legislations, and over time, additional bylaws have been created to complement it. One of the most important achievements has been the establishment of a referral mechanism in all local units, assigning specific responsibilities to state employees from the municipal unit, education, health system, police, courts, and other bodies that can contribute to the fight against domestic violence.

 

Furthermore, “Woman to Woman,” under AWEN’s coordination, has participated in various activities and processes related to EU policies and human rights legislation (such as conferences, workshops, etc.) organized and planned by government institutions at the national level. “Woman to Woman” has provided concrete input for the Progress Report of Albania’s Delegation to the EU on women’s rights, specifically concerning women’s participation in political and decision-making processes. It has also been part of advisory groups with the Ministry of Integration, sharing issues related to the inclusion of women’s concerns in civil society consultations for the European Commission’s reports.