Albania focuses on gender equality in police force with new initiatives

Nov 25, 2024 - Albanian Minister of the Interior, Ervin Hoxha, marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by reaffirming the country’s ongoing commitment to gender inclusion within its police force and the broader public security sector.

Speaking at a high-level conference on Gender Equality, Security, and the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Hoxha stressed the importance of initiatives designed to empower women in law enforcement. One significant development is the creation of the “Women’s Association in the State Police,” which promotes gender balance while providing career advancement opportunities for female officers.

"Gender equality is not just a moral principle, but also a necessity to improve the quality of law enforcement services," Hoxha said. 

The Ministry of the Interior has taken concrete steps to further these goals, including continuous training for officers on gender-based violence, human rights, and the fight against violent extremism. These initiatives align with Albania’s 2023–2025 strategy to prevent extremism and combat terrorism.

In addition, reforms in recruitment and promotion processes have helped ensure equal representation of women at all levels of the police force. Hoxha also praised the positive impact of female officers in community policing, where their involvement has strengthened relationships with at-risk groups and improved conflict resolution.

The Albanian government is also building partnerships with international organizations such as UN Women, the OSCE, and local civil society groups. These collaborations have provided valuable resources and specialized training to support the Ministry’s gender equality initiatives.

In his speech, Hoxha stressed the importance of continued cooperation among all stakeholders—government, international partners, and civil society—to create a more inclusive and effective security sector. He reiterated Albania’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence and strengthening support mechanisms for female victims.

The Minister concluded by emphasizing that the inclusion of women at all levels of law enforcement is critical to improving police effectiveness and creating a safer, more equitable society.