Tackling Gender-Based Violence through Victim Support and Community Engagement

Project Period: January 2024 – December 2026

Implementing Organization: Woman to Woman (WtW)

Target Area: Shkoder, Malesi e Madhe, Vau Dejes

Project financially supported by AWEN /SIDA

Summary in English

The “Tackling Gender-Based Violence through Victim Support and Community Engagement” project aims to address the persistent issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in northern Albania, with a specific focus on Shkoder, Malesi e Madhe, and Vau Dejes. This initiative is designed to enhance protection mechanisms, raise awareness, and provide critical services to survivors of gender-based violence while engaging communities in the fight against such violence.

Key Components of the Project:

  1. Provision of Essential Services:
    • Psychological counseling, legal assistance, and emergency shelter for victims of violence.
    • Counseling and rehabilitation programs for perpetrators to address and change violent behaviors.
  2. Community Engagement and Awareness-Raising:
    • Informative sessions for women and girls in rural areas to increase awareness of their rights and access to services.
    • Annual events, such as the “Duje” initiative and the “16 Days of Activism,” to promote gender equality and celebrate women’s power and contribution to society.
  3. Focus on Environmental Sustainability:
    • Integrating women’s role in environmental protection and sustainability into awareness programs.

Target Beneficiaries:

  • Direct Beneficiaries:
    • 200 women and girls receiving psychological counseling.
    • 50 survivors benefiting from legal assistance.
    • 30 survivors accommodated in an emergency shelter.
    • 20 perpetrators participating in rehabilitation programs.
    • 150 women and girls educated on gender equality and environmental protection.

Key Outputs and Impact:

  • Enhanced access to protection and reintegration services for survivors of violence.
  • Raised awareness among communities about gender equality and environmental sustainability.
  • Strengthened collaboration with local service providers to improve response mechanisms for VAWG cases.

Through this intervention, Woman to Woman aims to foster long-term change by empowering women and girls, reshaping community attitudes towards gender-based violence, and addressing patriarchal norms to build a safer and more equitable society.