Culture of giving

Title of the project: “Develop a culture of giving in Albania”
Duration of the project: May 2020 – January 2021
Donor: The Balkan Trust for Democracy
Overall objective: To support establishing a platform and a culture of giving from Albanian people with good financial stability to women in difficulties and marginalized who have a fragile and insecure financial situation in their families.
Summary: Gender Alliance for Development Center (GADC) with the support of The Balkan Trust for Democracy implemented the project: “Develop a culture of giving in Albania”. The aim of this initiative is to create a bridge between women and men who have a decent income so that they can help women and girls from poor families and marginalized groups.

Key Achievements under the “Develop a Culture of Giving in Albania” Initiative
The project “Develop a Culture of Giving in Albania,” implemented by GADC, created a unique social platform—“Ajo Tregon”—designed to connect women in need with women entrepreneurs and donors in Albania and the diaspora. Through storytelling and direct engagement, the project promoted solidarity and established a new model of social support driven by women for women.

Strategic Engagement and Outreach
- Launched the platform “Ajo Tregon” on Facebook and Instagram to share real stories of women in need, enabling direct donations and contact between beneficiaries and donors.
- Published 25 written stories and produced 4 videos highlighting the lives of women from marginalized backgrounds (e.g., Roma and Egyptian communities, survivors of domestic violence, unemployed women from the garment sector).
- Engaged over 50 women entrepreneurs from Albania and the diaspora through online meetings, informing them about the platform and encouraging direct support for women in need.

Media Engagement and Visibility
GADC presented the initiative in 3 national television interviews (SCAN TV, ABC News, A2), calling on women entrepreneurs and businesses to support vulnerable women.
SCAN TV: The project was presented on the morning program of SCAN TV, a national station focused on business and economic developments. The project coordinator called on women entrepreneurs and businesses to get involved by supporting women in need through the “Ajo Tregon” platform. Watch here
ABC News: On International Women’s Day, GADC joined ABC News to present the “Ajo Tregon” initiative and highlight how the platform helps build direct bridges between successful women and women facing economic hardship. The focus was on women helping women. Watch here
A2: Mirela Arqimandriti, Executive Director of GADC, appeared on “Dita Jonë” to discuss the project's impact and objectives. She emphasized the role of storytelling in fostering a culture of solidarity and support among women. Watch here
- Over 10,000 people reached via social media, with the Facebook page  and Instagram “Ajo Tregon” becoming a key awareness channel for the initiative.
- Coverage in national media portals such as BalkanWeb, emphasizing the impact and human stories behind the project. Read here

Partnerships and Philanthropic Support
- Collaborated with companies such as Ferra & Co and Vigan Group, which provided food packages, clothes, and New Year gifts for women and children in need.
- Engaged organizations such as AWEN, Women’s Economic Chamber, and Pro Export Albania, expanding outreach and sustainability through joint networks.
Community Engagement
- Organized several online meetings with women in need to listen to their concerns and refer them to legal and psychological support services.
- Established dialogue with women entrepreneurs and professionals to promote long-term engagement and partnerships beyond the project duration.