Statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Albania, Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni,
OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation and Permanent Council
Wednesday, 12th of March 2025, Vienna
Thank you, Mister Chairperson,
I would join the others to welcome Ambassador Demirer back at the OSCE.
Thank you to the Spanish and Finish Chair for discussing Women, Peace, and Security in this joint FSC/PC,
On the 25th anniversary of the adoption of this Resolution and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, the WPS agenda remains crucial. Despite advancements in policies and strategies, there’s still a significant gap between written commitments and real-world implementation. Women are often underrepresented in decision-making on peace and security, facing marginalization and impunity for violence and abuses, including sexual violence.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine underscores the importance of the WPS agenda. This conflict has caused immense suffering, with women disproportionately affected by violence and displacement. The WPS framework is essential in addressing these issues and holding perpetrators accountable.
Women’s participation in conflict resolutions, negotiations and peacebuilding are key to sustainable peace and security, and there are examples in the world that illustrate it. To ensure women’s meaningful participation and representation at all levels of decision-making, we need political commitment. Proper funding and investment in women peacebuilders are crucial. We must support grassroots women activists, especially in conflict zones and peace processes. We must create a safer environment for women human rights defenders, civil society representatives, peacebuilders, and journalists. Attacks against them are unacceptable.
The global pushback on women’s and girls’ enjoyment of human rights is alarming. Also, the war and conflicts that are going one on different parts of the world that have disproportionate impact on women and girls, remind us for our commitments and values on gender equality, and women, peace and security agenda. This is why we must make the WPS framework a reality, and we must redouble our efforts to ensure its implementation. There are some steps we need to undertake to ensure its effectiveness. First, we need to increase women representation at all levels of decision-making; second, we need to empower local women leaders, through funding, training, as well as through integrating their work into formal negotiations; third, we need to shift the perception of women in leadership, from “nice to have”, to essential, for lasting and sustainable peace, and finally, we need to hold our governments accountable. Joint efforts of civil society, media, international watchdogs can ensure that gender commitments are fully implemented.
Women should not only be in the room, but at the table where decisions are made.
Mister Chairs,
For Albania, implementing the WPS agenda remains a high priority. We believe putting women and girls at the forefront of peace efforts leads to lasting peace, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
The Albanian Government has undertaken legal and policy reforms to improve gender equality. Albania has significantly increased the women participation in decision-making, in diplomacy, in police and army forces as well. Key public positions, including independent institutions, agencies, and departments, are successfully held by women. And we appreciate their commitment, contribution and expertise, not only for their performance and results, but also for the model of women leaders they are giving to women and girls in Albania.
Albania has approved the second National Action Plan on WPS (2023-2027) and is working on its implementation in partnership with civil society, media, academia and international organizations. Reducing all forms of violence against women and girls, including cyber-violence and femicide, will remain a priority, aiming an inclusive society free of violence. Another area of importance remains education, lifelong learning and vocational training, focusing on economic empowerment of women, as a proactive strategy to prevent domestic violence and trafficking of women and girls.
It is important to keep in mind that we should build up on every achievement, and not take for granted what we have already achieved.
We will continue working towards a more just and equitable society.
Thank you!
