Mrs. Delina Fico

Contribution to the Gender Alliance for Development Center

Delina Fico was the first and only employee of the Women’s Center (now the Gender Alliance for Development Center) when it was established in August 1994. She served as the Women’s Center Coordinator until January 1997. Key accomplishments of the Women’s Center during those two years include:

Established and coordinated a network of 12-15 women’s NGOs, the first successful effort to bring to the same table people of different political leanings. The network members met regularly to exchange information and plan for joint actions.
Established and coordinated the Women’s Legal Group, with lawyers representing various members of the network. Among other initiatives, the group provided expertise to the network in reviewing and advocating for a pro-choice reproductive law in Albania.
Organized two national conferences on women and the media to highlight concerns about women’s image in the media and women journalists place in the media.
In cooperation with UNDP, recruited and assisted in establishing the first group of advanced women trainers on gender issues, organizational and strategic development, as well as management. 
Raised the profile of women’s issues and women’s organizations in Albania vis-à-vis the donor community that was reflected also in the fact that the Women’s Center budget grew from $14,000 in 1994 to $100,000 in 1996, with funding coming from various donors.