Albania: Gender Alliance for Development Center

“[Our] library currently holds more than 2,000 volumes on gender issues in psychology, sociology, political sciences and social work. It is the only one of its kind in Albania.” - GADC

Our Bodies, Ourselves Project

Gender Alliance for Development Center (GADC) published an adaptation of "Our Bodies, Ourselves" in 2006. Supported by the Soros Foundation, GADC distributed more than 1,000 copies in Albania and Kosovo, which has a large Albanian population.

“Ne Dhe Trupiynë, në Shekullin e ri” provides a full range of health information across the life cycle. Topics include: physiology and anatomy, body image, nutrition, emotional health, effects of work and the environment on health, sexuality, relationships (with men and women), violence, birth control, sexually transmitted infections and abortion.

The book also addresses the specific needs of older women and provides information on assisted reproductive technologies and other emerging medical procedures.

“Ne Dhe Trupiynë, në Shekullin e ri” was designed as a tool for action, with chapters on politics and global movements related to women’s health and human rights.

The OBOS Global Initiative helped increase access to this resource by distributing copies to organizations serving Albanian immigrants in the United States and by posting excerpts on select topics online. These excerpts are still available to read (see below).

Online Content

The following Albanian chapters are available in PDF format.

• Të kuptojmë trupin tonë: anatomia seksuale, riprodhimi dhe cikli selsual  (“Sexual and Reproductive Physiology and Anatomy”)
• Seksualiteti (“Sex and Sexuality”)
• Kontrolli i lindjeve (“Birth Control”)
• Aborti (“Abortion”)
• Shtatëzania e paplanifikuar: Të zbulosh se je shtatzënë dhe të vendosësh c’të bësh (“Unplanned Pregnancy”)
• Sëmundjet Seksualisht të Transmetuara (“Sexually Transmitted Infections”)
• HIV-i, AIDS-i dhe Gratë (“HIV/AIDS and Women”)
• Dhuna kundër grave (“Violence Against Women”)
• Imazhi i Trupit (“Body Image”)
• Ndikimi i mjedisit dhe i punës te Shëndeti (“Effect of Work Environment on Women’s Health”)
• Gratë kur plaken (“Getting Older”)
• Kontakte të nevojshme (“Resources”)

How to Obtain a Print Copy

For information on obtaining copies of “Ne Dhe Trupiynë, në Shekullin e ri,” please contact Mirela Arqimandriti, executive director of the Gender Alliance for Development Center: [email protected]

Community Action & Activism

Gender Alliance for Development Center was established in 1995 as part of a project called “Refleksione” (Reflections) funded by the Open Society Institute for Albania.

One of GADC’s primary goals is to advance gender equality by developing and distributing evidence-based information. The Albanian adaptation of "Our Bodies, Ourselves" is one of many resources published by the organization to engage grassroots communities and institutional stakeholders.

Since 1995, GADC has implemented more than 50 projects related to women’s health and human rights, ranging from securing women’s livelihoods and increasing participation in politics and public policy, to initiatives that focus on peace building and gender-based violence.

To advance a broader agenda, the GADC serves as a key reviewer for the Albanian government on laws and policies related to gender, and it regularly conducts outreach with policy makers. In addition, GADC collaborates extensively with international agencies such as UNIFEM, UNICEF, UNDP, the European Commission, the U.S. Embassy to Albania, and OSCE, as well as the Universities of Tirana and Shkodër. The organization boasts a large professional and student network of volunteers.

Contact

Mirela Arqimandriti
Email: [email protected]
Street: “Abdyl Frasheri”, P.10/1, Ap.3, Shk.1, Tirana, Albania
Phone: +355-42-255-514
Fax: +355-42-255-515