Ida Ismail
A report by the “Së Bashku” Foundation on accessibility in Albania has highlighted the difficult reality faced by people with disabilities, especially women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence. From the lack of functional ramps and elevators, to the lack of information in Braille (a tactile literacy system) or communication in sign language, public institutions continue to fall far short of minimum standards of inclusion and equality.
In this context, the PakTabu.org platform was introduced, a comprehensive and accessible space that aims to provide information on sexual and reproductive health, as well as support for people with disabilities, creating a safe environment for information, communication and empowerment.
A survey conducted in the municipalities of Tirana, Dibër and Vlora revealed a significant lack of accessibility in infrastructure, information and communication in the institutions responsible for handling cases of gender-based violence. In total, the survey included 94 institutions, 48 in Tirana, 15 in Dibër and 31 in Vlora. The monitoring took place in municipalities, courts, police stations, health centers, shelters and free legal aid centers.
According to the findings, no institution was fully accessible to people with disabilities. In Tirana, only 35.4% of institutions are partially accessible, in Dibër only 26.7%, while in Vlora only 19.4%.
Even institutions that are considered partially accessible lack basic elements for independent movement such as adapted toilets, functional elevators, and tactile elements for orientation of visually impaired persons.
The report also highlights a significant lack of access to information and communication for women and girls with disabilities who are victims of violence. In Tirana: 79.2% of institutions do not provide materials in Braille, audio versions, visual instructions, videos with subtitles, and communication in sign language are missing. While in Dibër and Vlorë, access to information and communication is almost non-existent. Another problem identified is the lack of data disaggregated by type of disability at the institutional level, which makes it difficult to analyze and specifically address the needs of different categories.
Report recommendations
The "Together" Foundation proposes immediate and long-term measures to improve the situation, including the installation of functional ramps, basic signage, adapted counters and toilets, and information materials in accessible formats.
The report also recommends training staff of institutions that are part of the chain of response to violence, on ethical and inclusive communication with persons with disabilities. According to the findings, such training had not been conducted during the last 12 months.
Deputy Minister of Health, Ina Majko, emphasized the importance of accessibility as a fundamental right: “Accessibility is not an additional element, but a fundamental right. Building inclusive systems means that every individual has access to Services, information and protection without barriers.” She highlighted the upcoming reforms, including the new Accessibility Law and the National Plan 2026-2030, which aim to strengthen inclusive and gender-responsive Services in Albania.
While Letizia Fischioni stated: "For Italian Development Cooperation, strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities and the fight against gender-based violence are closely linked and constitute cross-cutting priorities that require an integrated, multisectoral and comprehensive approach."
Regarding this issue, Mario De Rosa, First Secretary at the Italian Embassy in Tirana, stated: “Inclusion is not just about access, it is about participation, voice and dignity. By working together to remove barriers, we not only support people with disabilities, but also strengthen our societies.”
On the other hand, Elsona Agolli from UNFPA Albania emphasized the importance of access to inclusive information and Services: “We believe that ensuring access to inclusive, rights-based information and Services is essential to leaving no one behind. Persons with disabilities, especially women and girls, must be empowered to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives, free from violence and discrimination.”
The activity emphasized the need to integrate accessibility into all sectors, strengthen gender-responsive governance, and ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.
This is the result of the survey organized by the “Sё Bashku” Foundation, an initiative of the project “Reducing Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices through Gender Responsive Governance”, funded by the Government of Italy and implemented by UNFPA in Albania in partnership with the Albanian Government./acqj.al
