Women's Rights in the Labour Market

Title of the project: “Ensure decent working conditions for women workers in the garment and footwear factories in Albania "
Duration:  January 2021- December 2021
Donor: Olof Palme International Center, with funds of the Swedish Embassy in Albania
Overall objective: Ensuring decent working conditions for women workers in the garment and footwear industry and promote the respect of international labor standards in the garment and footwear industry in Albania.
Summary: "Gender Alliance for Development Center” (GADC) with the support of Olof Palme International Center, with funds of the Swedish Embassy in Albania implemented the project: “Ensure decent working conditions for women workers in the garment and footwear factories in Albania". The aim of this is to analyze the situation of women who work in the textile and footwear sector as well as bringing positive change to their working conditions and beyond.

Key Achievements of the Project

Empowered 129 women through 10 informative sessions on labor rights, health and safety, maternity leave, contracts, and anti-discrimination practices across 10 cities.
Launched and promoted the toll-free number 0800 1818, receiving 25 reports from women, 5 of which led to legal action and representation in court, including the first collective lawsuit for unpaid social insurance in Albania.
Established 4 active women’s groups in factories (Bathore, Tirana, and Korça), enhancing local advocacy and peer support.
Organized national roundtables with over 35 institutional stakeholders including the Labour Inspectorate, National Employment Agency, and private sector, improving accountability and multi-actor dialogue.
Strengthened institutional cooperation through an active Memorandum of Understanding with the Labour Inspectorate and ongoing engagement with the Commissioner for Protection against Discrimination.
Represented 8 legal cases in court, including a landmark victory for a woman who experienced sexual harassment at work—setting a national precedent.
Ran a nationwide awareness campaign via social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), reaching over 16,000 individuals and promoting women's rights in the workplace.
Co-developed a regional initiative with Glasen Tekstilec (North Macedonia), including a joint occupational diseases questionnaire in the textile sector.
Mobilized workers’ voices and created conditions for sustainable change in a previously neglected sector through advocacy, training, and legal aid.

Strategic Engagement with Institutions and Stakeholders

National Conference in Tirana 
This roundtable brought together key institutional actors and private sector representatives to discuss women workers' rights in the garment and footwear sector, the impact of COVID-19, and the “Made in Albania” production model. The event served as a platform for accountability, dialogue, and planning future cooperation. 

National Roundtable in Shkodra 
A national roundtable was organized in Shkodra with the participation of 17 stakeholders, including representatives from the Labour Inspectorate, the State Health Inspectorate, the National Employment and Skills Agency, and the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination. Discussions focused on workplace violations reported by women, institutional coordination, and the challenges faced by workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Roundtable in Tirana 
Held in Tirana, this roundtable brought together 18 participants from institutions and the private sector to discuss systemic issues in the garment and footwear industry. Focus was placed on the "Made in Albania" production policy, labour conditions, and how institutions can jointly address workers’ rights violations and improve coordination.

Joint Meeting with Glasen Tekstilec (North Macedonia) – June 10, 2021
GADC organized a joint meeting with Glasen Tekstilec to exchange experiences and discuss the development of a regional initiative on occupational diseases in the textile and footwear industry. This collaboration led to a jointly designed questionnaire and policy work aimed at improving workers’ health and safety conditions.

Media Engagement and Awareness Campaigns

TV Interview on Working Conditions in the Sector
A GADC representative appeared on national television to discuss working conditions, wages, and the impact of COVID-19 in the textile and footwear sector. The interview helped raise public awareness on issues faced by women workers and promoted institutional accountability.

Awareness Video Featuring a Success Story Reported via 0800 1818
GADC produced and shared a video telling the real story of a woman who successfully reported a workplace violation via the toll-free number 0800 1818. The video aimed to inspire other women to speak up and seek justice.

Promotional Video for the Toll-Free Number 0800 1818
A short video was created to promote the use of the 0800 1818 hotline for free legal assistance regarding workplace violations. The campaign was disseminated across GADC’s social media platforms.

Social Media Reactions and Advocacy Posts
GADC used its online platforms to react publicly to harmful political rhetoric and to advocate for gender equality and respect for workers’ rights. These posts sparked public engagement and reinforced GADC’s role as a watchdog in the sector.