Summery
In Albania, gender equality and media freedom are closely connected. When women’s voices are silenced or overlooked, they lose the opportunity to fully express themselves and influence society. Women working in media face serious challenges: they are underrepresented, often invisible, and frequently lack basic protections such as maternity leave and social security. Harassment—both online and offline—further complicates their work, threatening not only their freedom but also their safety and dignity.
“Breaking the Moulds – Shaping the Future”, a project by Albanian Women in Audiovisual (AWA) and SCiDEV, with the support of the European Commission, envisions a media landscape where women’s voices are not just heard but celebrated. This project is not only about improving representation but also about transforming media professionalism and raising ethical standards. At its core, the project highlights women’s stories as an essential part of public narratives, addressing issues such as gender-based violence with accuracy and sensitivity.
Partner:
Financed by:
European Union
Objective
- Strengthen media professionalism and gender-sensitive reporting by launching new media platforms and fostering networks for women in media.
Impact
Key Points
Training and Capacity Building
Conduct 10 extensive training sessions on gender-sensitive content creation, benefiting 70 journalists and 100 students.
Mentorship and Network Building
Develop a mentorship program to build collective power and safety among 100 women journalists.
Media Platform Launch
Create and promote new platforms for content dissemination and professional networking among media workers focusing on gender equality.
Content Production
Produce 10 TEDx-type video stories, 30 podcasts, 10 short films, and 10 documentaries to showcase women's roles in media and society.
22 subgrants
for journalists and journalism or multimedia students to create impactful, gender-sensitive content.
Outreach and Engagement
Implement communication strategies to engage stakeholders and the public, enhancing the impact of media content on gender issues.
One Mapping
1 Mapping and Needs Assessment Report offered value information regarding capacities of
Gender Equality Policy
Gender Equality Policy formulated during a 3-day working group conference, with the active involvement of over 50 participants.
Activities
Study Report on “Gender-Sensitive Journalism in Albania: A Skills Assessment”
Gender-sensitive reporting plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and accurate representation of all genders, challenging stereotypes, and promoting equality in media. In Albania, while media professionals express confidence in their awareness and skills regarding gender-sensitive journalism, qualitative findings suggest gaps in understanding and application. The SCiDEV report, “Gender-Sensitive Journalism in Albania: A Skills Assessment,” highlights the need for targeted training, editorial guidelines, and stronger advocacy efforts to address persistent biases. By fostering systematic changes, media organizations, civil society, and policymakers can work together to create a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.
Masterclass — 60 Trained Students
60 students participated in theoretical and practical sessions, enhancing their skills and knowledge in gender-sensitive reporting, pre-production planning, and filming techniques. The masterclass took place over two days online and two days in person, held in Shkodra, Durrës, and Tirana.
On the third day, students carried out filming and post-production for their projects, while on the final day, the outcomes were presented in a closing event.
In addition to the training, participants had the opportunity to apply for Mini Sub-Grants, which will support them in producing audiovisual projects focused on gender equality.
Bootcamp
Next Events
📣 Voices of the MEDIA — But who tells the stories of the journalists themselves?
🎙️ Have you ever wondered who tells the stories of those who bring us everyone else’s stories? What are the challenges, emotions, and moments that happen behind the microphone? On October 29th, at the Experimental Theatre, ten women who have shaped Albanian media will share their own stories — the ones that are rarely heard. 📅 October 29, 2025 | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 📍 Experimental Theatre, Tirana