European Commissioner Marta Kos Visits EU-Funded RISE HER Program, Implemented by World Vision Albania

TIRANË - European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, visited Albania from March 12 to 14, where she discussed the current status of the EU accession process with Albanian authorities and civil society, particularly the progress made in key reforms. During her visit, she also participated in a significant event hosted by World Vision Albania, focusing on survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. The event, held in Elbasan, was part of the EU-funded Rise Her project, which is implemented by World Vision Albania in partnership with the Women’s Forum Elbasan, and with the support of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

Commissioner Kos and Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu, engaged in a meaningful conversation with women survivors of domestic violence, providing them with a supportive and safe space to share their personal stories.

(In the photo, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu, Executive Director of World Vision Albania, Eljona Elmazi, and the implementing staff of the RISE HER project.)

During the meeting, Commissioner Kos emphasised the European Union’s steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality and combating gender-based violence across the region. She highlighted the critical role played by EU funding in supporting initiatives like Rise Her, which empower women and help them overcome the trauma of violence, fostering safer and more inclusive communities.

"I spoke to survivors of domestic violence overcoming their past with EU & World Vision Albania help. We stand by them for safer, more inclusive communities," Commissioner Kos shared on her social media following the event.

https://twitter.com/MartaKosEU/status/1900498639161565411 

The session, titled "Blooming After the Storm," provided survivors with the opportunity to share their experiences and offer recommendations for improving services and policies for victims of gender-based violence. Eljona Elmazi, Executive Director of World Vision Albania, underscored the organisation's dedication to empowering women and girls, ensuring they can lead independent, violence-free lives.

This visit highlighted the importance of the EU-funded Rise Her project, demonstrating the EU’s continued commitment to tackling gender-based violence and promoting gender equality. It also showcased World Vision Albania’s vital role in implementing the project and providing direct, life-changing support to survivors.

Rise Her Project:

The Rise Her project (Revitalise Independence and Solid Empowerment for Her) is funded by the European Union with a EUR 0.5 million grant and is implemented by World Vision Albania in collaboration with the Women’s Forum Elbasan, with support from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. The initiative provides life-saving services to survivors of gender-based violence in Elbasan and surrounding municipalities, focusing on supporting the independence and empowerment of women and girls through shelter, legal assistance, psychological support, and social services.

By Alfons Çupaj - PR and Communications Specialist, World Vision Albania