Tirana, Albania– The Women’s Democracy Network (WDN) Albania Country Chapter recently launched the Women’s Leadership and Political Reform Academywith a subgrant from WDN.  The Academy will ensure that female councilors and mayors elected in the May 2011 local elections have the skills necessary to govern effectively.

The Academy builds on the work the Albania chapter started prior to the May elections, namely increasing the capacity of female candidates.

Over the next nine months, the Academy will hold 18 training workshops on a variety of topics including party finance reform, fighting corruption, effective leadership and reforming the quota law.  

During her keynote remarks at the Academy launch,  Dr. Liri Berisha, wife of Prime Minister Sali Berisha and President of the Albanian Children’s Foundation, called upon participants to “fight to be heard when the older politicians establish the political agenda.” 

Berisha continued, “Today we can identify a lot of successful woman who run businesses, are doctors, teachers, lawyers, economists; but Albania doesn’t only need women who are successful in exerting their profession, Albania needs a new political culture, where women’s voice can be heard and her role be more successful.”

Following Berisha’s speech, participants discussed leadership and effective communication skills, with examples of women leaders from the United States and Europe.  Led by Dr. Briseida Mema, the discussion highlighted the importance of authority and the image of women in politics.  “More capable women need to be identified by political party leadership; not just in major cities, but at the local level,” said Mema. “This Academy will train you on the language of being that leader.”

The Academy provides a venue in Tirana for politically active women to debate issues of importance.  Specifically, during the session on the women’s quota, opinions varied among participants.  Stated a participant, “The capacity and vision of women are more important and impactful that the quota.” 

In response another participant noted, “Quotas help push women into politics.” 

WDN Albania Chapter member and recent mayoral candidate, Erisa Xhixho concluded the training with an overview of her experiences during the electionsand fielded questions from the group.  Providing advice to for those seeking elected office, Xhixho said, “Work double the amount of your male colleagues, maintain your principles and create trust with the public.”

Another Academy participant, newly-elected local councilor Lirika Cocoli, said, “For years I wanted to be involved in politics and thisAcademy supports this by providing models of success. I expect that this Academy will give me the tools and contacts I need to achieve the change I was voted to bring to my district.”

WDN Albania leaders Ema Tershana and Blerta Balilaj designed the Academy in an effort to solidify a women’s forum representing all sectors of society.  “One of the most valuable aspects of these monthly sessions will be the opportunity for participants to meet their colleagues from various backgrounds and find avenues to support each other,” said Tershana.

The launch of the Academy garnered media attention from several outlets, including a segment on national television station Planet TV where Tershana and Balilaj discussed WDN Albania’s goals, the Academy’s workshops and its launch.  Online and print journalists also covered the launch resulting in front page articles quoting Berisha and highlighting the Academy. 

WDN is currently supporting three organizations in Albania, Kenya and Mongolia with sub-grants to conduct activities focused on increasing the participation of women in politics and civil society.