Remarks by Albania

Agenda item: International Women’s Day, Meeting 1556 of the OSCE Permanent Council 

5 march 2026, Vienna

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

Thank you to Swiss Chairpersonship for marking International Women’s Day at the Permanent Council today.

Excellencies, colleagues,

As we mark International Women’s Day, we recognise the important contributions of women to our societies and economies. The day also offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved in advancing gender equality, while acknowledging the challenges that remain.

At a time when gender equality faces new challenges globally, it is crucial that we protect the gains already achieved and continue building on this progress. Ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of rights by women and girls requires sustained political commitment and continued collective efforts, as it was rightly mentioned by Dr. Schläppi in her intervention.

Albania remains committed to strengthening women’s participation in political and public life. In this context, Albania recently adopted Law (No. 64/2025) on Gender Equality in Society, which strengthens our national framework and reinforces gender mainstreaming across public policies. These efforts are supported by sustained political commitment, institutional reforms and the active engagement of civil society.

At the same time, progress cannot be measured by numbers alone. It also depends on the ability of institutions to ensure that women participate fully and meaningfully in decision-making. Inclusive governance strengthens democratic institutions and improves the quality of policymaking.

Importantly, inclusive reform and women’s leadership reinforce one another. Institutional change creates space for women to lead, while women’s leadership strengthens the quality and sustainability of reform. Strengthening women’s participation in public life is therefore not only a matter of equality, but also an essential element of democratic resilience and effective governance.

In its role as Chair of the Human Dimension Committee, Albania attaches particular importance to this issue. Reflecting this commitment, gender equality has been incorporated into the thematic focus of our work, and we will continue to promote discussions and exchanges aimed at strengthening women’s participation in political and public life across the OSCE region. It will also remain a cross-cutting priority throughout the work of the Committee.

Colleagues,

Across the world, millions of women continue to endure the devastating consequences of war forced to flee and exposed to violence, while sustaining their families and communities. Their strength and resilience remind us that lasting peace and security cannot be achieved without protecting women’s rights and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making.

In Ukraine, the war continues to affect women and girls in many ways, including displacement, economic hardship and increased vulnerabilities. At the same time, Ukrainian women continue to support their communities and demonstrate remarkable resilience in responding to these challenges.

In closing, I would emphasize that promoting gender equality is not only a matter of principle, but also a practical investment in stronger and more resilient societies. Albania remains committed to working together with partners across the OSCE to further advance these efforts.

Thank you.