Furthering Women’s Labour Rights and Protection

Project title: Furthering Women’s Labour Rights and Protection, with a special focus on women workers in the garment sector. 
Duration of the project: January - December 2024
Donor: Olof Palme International Center 
Main Objective: Improvement of working conditions through empowerment and protection of the labor rights of women workers in the garment and footwear sector in Albania.

Specific Objectives:
SO1. Expanding free legal aid and assistance offered for women working in the garment and footwear sector.
SO2. Empowerment of women working in the garment and footwear sector in Albania through capacity building and advocacy actions all over Albania.
SO3. Strengthen the relationship between GADC and other actors such as the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, Ombudsperson, Commissioner, Inspectorate of Labour, Trade Unions, Councils of Safety and Health; State Health Inspectorate.

Key Results and Achievements:
Enhanced Legal Aid and Case Resolutions: Eight reported violations were addressed through the Labour Inspectorate, resulting in quicker resolutions and empowering women workers to take legal action, improving their trust in institutional support.
Women Workers in Garment Network: Ten information sessions were held, with total of 133 women workers in the garment sector, fostering solidarity and advocacy among participants.
Collaboration with Citizen Channel on Labor Investigations: GADC partnered with Citizen Channel to investigate labor practices in factories producing for international brands, raising awareness about labor abuses and advocating for fair labor standards.
Health and Safety Advocacy: A roundtable with the Institute of Public Health and the Labour Inspectorate led to actionable recommendations for improving health and safety standards in garment factories, focusing on occupational health professionals.
Improved Reporting of Labor Violations: The 0800 1818 hotline saw an increase in reported cases, demonstrating greater confidence among women workers to seek help and report violations.
Support for Legal Cases: Legal aid efforts prioritized cases like two Xibertex cases, where the second group of plaintiffs won the case and now we have proceed to state enforcement office, highlighting the project’s role in ensuring accountability despite judicial delays.

Key Conferences and Activities
On May 1, 2023, the Coalition for Labour Rights — which includes civil society organizations and trade unions such as GADC — organized a peaceful gathering on Murat Toptani pedestrian street. The event aimed to raise awareness of workers’ rights and called for urgent government action to improve working conditions in Albania. Click here to read more
On May 25, 2023, GADC held one of several meetings organized this year with women working in the garment and footwear sector in Shkodra, focusing on low wages and unfair production quotas. The discussion emphasized the urgent need for decent pay and equal treatment for all women workers. Click here to read more
On July 25, 2023, GADC organized a roundtable on women, wages, and social security in the garment and footwear sector in Albania. The event gathered institutional representatives, industry actors, trade unions, and workers to discuss key challenges and call for cooperation to improve working conditions for women in the sector. Click here to read more
GADC Supports the Protest of Garment Factory Workers in Fier Click here to read more