For Albania, the empowerment of women and the progress achieved in the framework of gender equality remain some of the main priorities.
This is what the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, said at the meeting “Women in diplomacy: Why does it matter?”, organized by MEPJ in the framework of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
Minister Hasani emphasized that by ensuring the meaningful participation of women at all levels, our country has seen real benefits of a society that knows how to use the energy and unique creativity of women to contribute to development and progress significantly in the long term.
“Women play a key role in promoting Albania’s foreign policy interests. 54.9% of all MEPJ staff consists of women and girls. Their work in the field of diplomacy has enabled Albania to strengthen its position in the international arena, promoting gender equality and the human rights of women and girls”, said the Albanian chief diplomat.
Also present at this meeting was the UN Permanent Coordinator for Albania, Fiona Mc Cluney, who praised Albania’s achievements in strengthening the role of women in decision-making positions and beyond.
“I express my gratitude to all the women who do their best in the name of Albania. I had the opportunity to talk with many representatives of Albania in the world and they are in very important positions of international institutions. I was introduced to the great work they do in different countries of the world. You have quite dignified representatives in international diplomacy”, she said.
The Chairperson of the Committee for Foreign Policy, Mimi Kodheli, emphasized that the more women there are in decision-making, in diplomacy or in various services for our country, the better the future will be for everyone.
“When it comes to decision-making from the point of view, if we don’t help other women, nothing will change. And that’s something we have to do and we have to do it even better than anyone else who might be in our position,” she said.
The chairwoman of the Commission for European Affairs, Jorida Tabaku, stated that young professionals have a difficult path towards inclusion in the field of politics, as she underlined that there can be no advancement without their support.
“Perhaps for this reason political representation today is not at the best level. But I am confident that if we take into account this involvement of many, many women in politics and diplomacy, I am sure that the future will be brighter, better than today”, she declared.
In her speech, the ambassador of France accredited in Tirana, Catherine Suard, said that the protection of women’s rights everywhere in the world is a priority of the French government.
“For us, feminism is universalism, therefore French diplomacy is a feminist diplomacy. France is one of the first countries that has increasingly encouraged this aspect”, said Ambassador Suard.
The meeting was also greeted by Xavier Bettel, former Prime Minister, currently Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg.
The ambassadors accredited in Tirana of the countries of the Feminist Foreign Policy Network, of which Albania is a member, were also present at this meeting