FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
Albania
Address
Street /Rruga e Murgeshave, No.6, Gjuhadol, Shkoder, AlbaniaCountry
City
ShkoderProvince
ShkoderStreet address 2
Near Shkodra CathedralMobile Phone
+355674060021Telephone
-Telephone (other)
069 875 7660E-Mail (2)
denadashpuza@yahoo.comE-Mail (3)
stelaqghl@gmail.comE-Mail (4)
anamila30@yahoo.itWebsite
Click HereYear of Establishment
2003Contact Person1
Denada ShpuzaJob Title 1
PresidentContact Person 2
Stela MatiJob Title 2
FinancierOrganisation Type
Non-Governmental OrganizationFields of Activity
Democracy and community development, Gender, Human rights, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Youth and educationGeneral Information
The Women’s Centre “Light Steps” was established in April 2001 in Shkodra, thanks to the collaboration of three Albanian associations—“Independent Forum of Women,” “Family Planning,” and “Refleksione”—alongside the Italian organization COSPE. The initiative was funded by the Italian Cooperation and the UNOPS Program.
Each organization contributed its unique expertise and resources, shaped by years of experience in women’s empowerment and social development. Through their representatives, they brought to the Centre a distinct professional profile and identity.
At its inception, the Centre formed a Directive Committee composed of representatives from the three Albanian partner organizations and a coordinator from COSPE. This committee was responsible for both strategic direction and technical support, ensuring the Centre’s activities were well-coordinated and impactful.
This collaborative process was successfully implemented, leaving the Centre with a strong legacy: a robust network and institutional relationships with key local actors across Shkodra.
Today, the Women’s Centre operates as a nonprofit organization with 25 active members working toward a shared mission in an atmosphere of collaboration and collective responsibility. The current Directive Committee consists of nine members and a president, including two representatives from the neighborhoods where the Centre is active.
A core goal—ensuring direct participation of beneficiaries in decision-making and empowering them as community leaders—has been carefully and successfully achieved.
Alongside the Centre’s establishment, the Directive Committee and women managers initiated several efforts to strengthen institutional relationships. As a result of this work, the Women’s Office was created within the Municipality, and a social services map for women in Shkodra was developed.
This collaboration has continued throughout the Centre’s existence and remains a driving force behind its activities to improve social conditions and services for women in the city of Shkodra.
Mission and Objectives
The association upholds the principles of justice and social and economic solidarity, democratic participation in community life, and the promotion of civil, social, and human rights. Its core values include: respect for human dignity, development, solidarity, non-partisanship, fair distribution of economic resources, work that is not based on exploitation, internal and external democracy, commitment, self-determination, self-management, and a balanced distribution of responsibilities with respect for individual roles.
The association grounds its activities in full respect for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the freedoms and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, and the laws and international agreements ratified according to legal procedures.
It is committed to peaceful social policies and, in particular, to supporting processes that empower women.
In its operations, the association also promotes the development of its activities with respect for diverse political, religious, cultural, and racial identities.
Main Projects / Activities
Our Core Areas of Work
1. Domestic Violence Support Services
Assistance for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence; Legal counseling and representation in court; Psychological support and accompaniment in the community
2. Day Services for Children
Care and support for children in need; Educational and social activities
3. Socio-Economic Empowerment
Professional and informational training; Feminist library as a space for knowledge and reflection; Social enterprise for women facing economic hardship
Additional Activities
In the Community
Decentralized services in marginalized and remote areas; Direct outreach in territories underserved by public institutions
With Institutions
Advocacy and lobbying for accountability and gender equality; Training of public officials on human rights and gender-based violence
At the Individual Level
Socio-economic empowerment through direct support; Capacity building and self-confidence development
Gender Equality Education from Early Childhood
Activities with schools, children, and boys; Awareness and inclusion of men as part of the solution; Early education to break the cycle of inequality
Our Project Themes Include:
Gender equality; Mental health; Employment promotion for women and girls; Environment and 3R methods (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle); Youth skills development for the labor market; Non-formal education through school-based socialization; Sustainable and circular economy; Equal representation of women and men in decision-making; Cultural heritage
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
Contribution of the Women’s Center “Light Steps” to the National Network
The Women’s Center “Light Steps” is uniquely positioned to contribute to the national network through its deep-rooted community engagement, innovative gender-responsive models, and strategic advocacy. Our approach is holistic, inclusive, and grounded in the lived realities of women and children—especially those in marginalized and underserved areas of Albania.
1. Grassroots Implementation of Network Goals
We translate national and international gender equality strategies into tangible, locally adapted actions. Through our work, we:
Deliver essential services to survivors of domestic violence, including legal aid, psychological support, and territorial accompaniment; Operate a day center for children, offering care, education, and social inclusion; Empower women economically through training, feminist education, and social enterprise development
These interventions directly support the Network’s mission to promote gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
2. Outreach in Marginalized Communities
Our model of decentralized service delivery ensures that women in remote and underserved areas—where public services are often absent—receive support. We:
Establish satellite services in peripheral neighborhoods; Build trust through long-term presence and culturally sensitive engagement; Identify and respond to emerging needs through participatory methods
This grassroots presence strengthens the Network’s reach and relevance across Albania.
3. Advocacy and Institutional Accountability
We actively engage in advocacy to hold institutions accountable for their gender equality commitments. Our contributions include:
Lobbying for inclusive policies and transparent governance; Training public officials on human rights and gender-based violence; Facilitating dialogue between civil society and government actors
By bridging community voices with institutional frameworks, we help the Network influence systemic change.
4. Innovative Models for Empowerment
We pilot and scale innovative approaches, such as:
Gender-responsive circular economy projects (e.g., OKLIN composting); Environmental education using the 3R method (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle); Feminist libraries and non-formal education programs for children and youth
These models can be replicated by other Network members, fostering innovation and sustainability.
5. Inclusive Education and Cultural Transformation
We believe that gender equality must begin early and include all genders. Our initiatives:
Engage boys and men as allies in gender justice; Promote gender-sensitive education in schools; Use cultural heritage and creative methods to challenge stereotypes
This work contributes to long-term cultural transformation, aligned with the Network’s vision.
6. Strategic Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
We are committed to co-creation and shared learning. Within the Network, we offer:
Practical tools for project design, monitoring, and evaluation; Experience in donor-funded program implementation; A collaborative spirit that values feedback, iteration, and mutual support
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
The Women’s Center “Light Steps” aspires to join the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) Network to amplify its mission of empowering women, promoting gender equality, and fostering inclusive, sustainable communities across Albania. Our work is deeply aligned with the ALF’s values of intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, and grassroots transformation.
Shared Vision for Inclusive Societies
We believe that true social progress begins with inclusion. Our Center works daily to support women and children affected by domestic violence, socio-economic hardship, and systemic marginalization. By joining the ALF Network, we aim to connect with like-minded organizations that share our commitment to human rights, gender justice, and community resilience.
Strengthening Intercultural Dialogue
Our feminist library, non-formal education programs, and community-based initiatives foster critical thinking and cultural awareness—especially among youth. Through the ALF Network, we can exchange methodologies, co-create educational content, and contribute to intercultural understanding across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Scaling Innovation Through Collaboration
We have successfully piloted gender-responsive circular economy models, such as the OKLIN composting initiative, which links environmental sustainability with women’s empowerment. As part of the ALF Network, we seek to share these innovations, learn from others, and adapt best practices to local realities.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
Our Center is actively engaged in advocacy and institutional dialogue, promoting accountability and gender equality in public policy. Through the ALF Network, we can strengthen our voice, participate in regional campaigns, and contribute to shaping inclusive policies at national and transnational levels.
Youth Engagement and Cultural Transformation
We work with schools, children, and boys to promote gender equality from early childhood, recognizing that lasting change requires cultural transformation. The ALF Network offers a platform to expand these efforts, engage youth across borders, and build a new generation of changemakers.
Mutual Learning and Solidarity
We value co-creation, iterative learning, and genuine partnership. Joining the ALF Network would allow us to:
Share our experiences from marginalized communities; Learn from diverse approaches across the region; Build solidarity and collective impact through shared projects
In essence, the Women’s Center “Light Steps” seeks to join the ALF Network not only to grow, but to contribute, to bring the voices of Albanian women and communities into a broader dialogue, and to walk together, step by step, toward a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Additional Information
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