Women of Albania and Serbia: We Can Do It!

WHO: The Together Together CSO  from Belgrade, in co-operation with CEDRA Belgrade, Youth Center Brus, Tedx Tirana, Albanian Institute of Political Studies, Agrinet, and Youth Consultative Border of Pogradec.

WHY: The position of women – their experiences, problems and struggles which they face regardless of  age, nationality, place of residence, education, economic status and other characteristics in Albania and Serbia – is far from equal compared to men. Generally, there is a political will to improve women’s standing, for example, both countries have ratified the Istanbul Convention, however a rise in domestic violence has  been observed at the same time, which indicates that signing the Convention is not enough unless if followed up by developed mechanisms for its implementation.t. Unequal status of women seems to be a common problem for both societies, regardless of differences imposed by the national politics of both sides through socialization and education.

Youth, especially young women, have the potential to make changes in their societies. Co-operation between youth organizations from Albania and Serbia is by itself an important step in ensuring that young people take part in the struggle for more equal societies.

WHAT: The project “Women of Albania and Serbia: We Can Do It!” intends to establish co-operation between young women from Serbia and Albania, to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of gender equality, to enhance youth co-operation, and to initiate dialogue about similar challenges that women in Albania and Serbia face through the production of a documentary film in which women talk about their experiences. The film will consist of interviews with an equal number of women from both countries – women of different ages, backgrounds, educational level, locations, etc. – and will present their lives, include their past, and their current situations, and plans and expectations for the future. Through the film screenings and public debates, young people, as well as organizations and institutions dealing with youth, will be provided opportunities to speak openly about these subjects, and about the relationship between the two countries, which is also an important issue for both sides.

WHERE: various cities in Serbia and Albania.

Multiple screenings of the film will be organized across Albania and Serbia from September 2017. Stay tuned for updates on it and take part in public discussions which will follow.

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