On 2 December 2025, Albanian Women in Audiovisual (AWA) and SCiDEV, with the support of the European Union, brought together journalists, media professionals, public institutions, civil society representatives and international partners for the National Conference “Women at the Forefront: Strengthening Inclusive Media in Albania.”
Originally envisioned as a three-day Working Group Conference, the activity was redesigned into a one-day national conference to maximize the participation of senior representatives from media organizations, public institutions, civil society, and international partners. To preserve the collaborative approach, preparatory consultations, bilateral meetings, coordination sessions, and follow-up discussions were conducted over several weeks before and after the conference.
The conference gathered 63 participants, including 54 women and 9 men, creating a platform for dialogue on gender equality, workplace safety, and women’s representation in the Albanian media sector.
The first session presented the project’s key achievements, including research findings on the position of women in media, audiovisual productions developed throughout the project, and the Manual on Gender Equality in the Media, accompanied by a model Gender Equality Policy and practical tools to support media organizations in creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
The second part of the day featured an exclusive masterclass delivered by Annette Young, the award-winning journalist and France 24 news presenter best known for hosting The 51 Percent, the international television programme dedicated to women driving social change around the world.
Drawing on more than three decades of international journalism, Young shared practical insights into gender-sensitive reporting, ethical storytelling, audience engagement, and the importance of increasing the visibility of women’s voices in the media. Participants explored how journalism can challenge stereotypes, improve representation, and contribute to more inclusive public discourse.
The masterclass brought together 35 participants, including 31 women and 4 men, composed of journalists, media professionals, and representatives of civil society organizations working on gender equality.
Combined, the National Conference and Masterclass engaged 98 participants, of whom 85 were women and 13 were men, strengthening professional capacities and fostering dialogue on gender-sensitive journalism and inclusive media practices.
By combining research, policy dialogue, practical tools, and international expertise, the event marked an important milestone in the Breaking the Moulds, Shaping the Future project, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a more inclusive, ethical, and representative media landscape in Albania.
