Representation of women in politics and decision-making exchange of experiences

Within dldp program, under the support of women’s representation in politics and decision making, on 6 April 2011 the thematic meeting “representation of women in politics and decision making” was carried out in Tirana, Mondial Hotel.

The meeting brought together 45 participants, representatives of municipality’s councils from both Shkodra and Lezha Qarks, representatives of the Swiss Cooperation Tirana office, Council of Europe representatives (CoE) Associations of Municipalities and Communes directors as well as guests from the other LGs in the national level.

The purpose of this meeting was to share experiences between women candidates for the local elections 2011 and the challenges faced for the women representation in decision making.

Sharing experiences was based on the previous experiences exercised from the women mayors in the past and the current mandate. In this context Mrs. Aferdita Alite, current woman mayor of Shijaku Municipality; Mrs. Mangalina Cane, former woman mayor of Pogradeci Municipality; Mrs. Ermira Balla, current Head of Municipality Council of Kruja as well as Mrs. Flora Lazri, council member of Rrëshen shared their experienced during their leading mandate.
Meanwhile the AAM and AAC Executive Directors Mr. Hodaj and Mr. Haxhimali presented for the participants their experiences and principles for a good governance. 

During the meeting, the candidates for the municipal councils from both Shkodra and Lezha Qarks, expressed their concern regarding women discrimination and non electoral code  respecting from the political parties PD & PS. They concerned on non respecting 30% women representation on the current lists for the councilors.

Based on the final list presented by the two main forces PD and PS, shows that out of 45 presented candidates in lists of PD party, 10 are female and among them only 2 have the chances to be members of Shkodra municipal council. Meanwhile out of 45 presented candidates in lists of PS party, 8 are female and among them only 4 have the chances to be members of Shkodra municipal council.

Such concerns were shared between the participants and this concern was forwarded to the leaders of AAC & AAM of Albania, representatives of the Council of Europe, and dldp program donors present at this meeting.

The meeting concluded with the following conclusions:

• The contribution of women in politics has not been sufficiently appreciated;
• The number of female candidates on electoral lists 2011 is lower compared to 2007 electoral lists;
• Election Code for 30% representation of women in decision making is not met by the major political forces DP and SP;
• Women feel discriminated in relation to their contribution to political life.