On February 1, 2018, at the Imperial Hotel, the Women Center for Development and Culture Albania organized two training sessions on strategic planning. The training was conducted by Mrs. Asma Abbas, an architect and member of UNICEF Denmark, bringing a unique perspective to the session. 40 intellectuals from different municipalities in Albania attended the program.

Objectives of the training:

• To foster capacity building and skills for strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation tools in project implementation.
• To facilitate the developing of a strategic framework: identification of opportunities and obstacles for gender mainstreaming, strengthening gender mainstreaming skills, and building social capital.
• To promote sharing and collaboration: opportunities for networking within and between countries.

The workshop, delivered by Mrs. Asma Abass, yielded significant insights and outcomes on strategic planning and gender mainstreaming initiatives. With 40 engaged participants, the session emphasized their pivotal roles as agents of change. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on their individual contributions and to harness their influence for the successful implementation of gender-focused projects.

A key focus of the workshop was to equip participants with the necessary skills and mindset for integrating gender considerations into their work. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees gained a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the strategic planning process. They also explored the competencies required for effective execution of projects aimed at promoting women’s rights.

Furthermore, the workshop addressed the utilization of social media as a tool for advocacy. Participants examined real-world cases of women’s issues, drawing parallels with local contexts such as recent developments in Albania. This exercise prompted lively discussions and offered practical insights into leveraging social platforms to amplify the message of gender equality.

Feedback from participants indicated a tangible shift in their approach to gender mainstreaming within their respective domains. Many expressed confidences in implementing newfound strategies and integrating gender considerations into the policies and practices of ministries of labor across Europe and beyond. Overall, the workshop fostered a collaborative environment where participants exchanged ideas and developed actionable plans to advance gender equality initiatives.