On the occasion of the International Day of Rural Women, the Albanian Network for Rural Development (ANRD), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and with the support of international partners such as UN Women, AICS, European Union, and We Effect, organized the 7th edition of the “Pro Rural Women” event.
The event brought together women and girls from rural areas across Koplik, Shkodra, Vau i Dejës, Dibra, Bulqiza, Elbasan, Kolonja and Tirana, serving as a call for social solidarity to address the inequalities faced by rural women in accessing resources, services and leadership roles.
This year’s edition focused on rural women’s right to land ownership, aiming to raise awareness of their legal rights and advocate for structural changes that ensure equality in land ownership and the distribution of productive resources.
The event was opened by Majlinda Hoxha, Secretary General of ANRD, who stated: Rural women contribute to families, communities and society; they are workers, guardians of natural resources and local traditions, and the silent heroines who ensure quality food for all. Yet, we are often referred to as ‘farmers’ wives,’ when in fact, we are farmers ourselves, mothers of the next generation, and caretakers of rural life. This reflects not only our extraordinary contribution, but also the challenges we face every day.
Andi Salla, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for women and girls in rural communities: Albania is rich in natural, cultural and human resources. To wisely and sustainably use those resources, it is essential to empower women and girls in rural communities. When they have equal opportunities to participate, they become drivers of sustainable and inclusive rural development.
Mario De Rosa, Head of the Economic and Commercial Office at the Italian Embassy in Tirana, highlighted the importance of women’s rights to land and property as a foundation of gender equality: Today’s event, dedicated to women’s rights to land and property, touches upon a fundamental dimension of equality, the right to access, own, and control the resources that enable full participation in economic and social life. As we mark the International Day of Rural Women, we are gathered here not only to celebrate women’s contribution to rural development but also to reaffirm our shared commitment to creating an enabling environment for all women and girls, especially those from rural and marginalized communities.
Letizia Fischioni, Deputy Director of AICS Tirana, underlined the importance of such advocacy platforms for the empowerment of women and girls from local communities: This event represents the culmination of an extraordinary collective effort to amplify the voices of women and girls from rural areas. It highlights their irreplaceable role, not only as agents of change but also as the backbone of wellbeing for thousands of rural families across Albania.
The plenary session “Voices from the Field” featured inspiring stories from women and girls engaged in the agri-food sector, who shared their journeys toward economic independence and the challenges they face in their daily lives. This was followed by interventions from legal experts from UN Women and the Center for Legal and Civic Initiatives, aiming to raise awareness among rural women about their legal rights, practical steps to claim and protect those rights, and the support mechanisms available to them.
A special moment of the event was the presentation of the “Liljana Isakaj Award for Leadership in Empowering Rural Women.” This award honors individuals who have contributed to rural development and the empowerment of women in rural communities, continuing the legacy of activist Liljana Isakaj, who dedicated her life to the economic and social advancement of rural women.
This year, the ANRD and ADAD Malore, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, awarded Flutura Begu from Gjegjan, Puka. Flutura was among the first women to start producing traditional jufka in the early 2000s, challenging social norms and stereotypes of the time. She has become an inspiration for many women and girls in her community who strive for independence through their work.
The event concluded with the fair “Hands That Feed Us”, where participating women showcased traditional agri-food and artisanal products, promoting sustainable food practices and the rich cultural heritage of Albania’s rural areas.
***The 7th edition of “Pro Rural Women” was supported by UN Women through the project “Empowering Women for Rural Development in Northern Albania”, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
