Ministry of Defence and UNDP launch new policy and procedures against sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Armed Forces

Published: Tuesday, 03 March 2020 18:29

The Ministry of Defense has already a policy and procedures dedicated to the fight against sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Ministry and in the Armed Forces. In cooperation with UNDP Albania, in a special event, the “Policy and procedures against harassment and sexual harassment” was introduced, with the participation of Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka, the Ambassador of Sweden in Tirana; Mrs. Elsa Håstad; the UNDP Permanent Representative in our country, Ms. Limya Eltayeb; representatives of the Armed Forces, line ministries, woman's rights associations in Albania, etc

Issues related to sexual assault, sexual harassment that rose during the public functions are already a concern identified in various reports and studies. To ensure a safe workplace without molestations and sexual harassment, Ministry of Defence, including the Armed Forces, engaged themselves in designing and applying a specific policy, ranking the second public institution that already has a dedicated policy against sexual harassment.
Defense Minister Olta Xhacka, described this package as an important step towards the modernization and emancipation of the Armed Forces, turning them into a safer working environment.

"This package is one of the core stones of the transformation of the Armed Forces, turning them into a modern, emancipated forces. Policies and procedures against harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace in public administration contribute to a safe work environment. Violence and sexual harassment, are unfortunately a phenomenon that strikes even more modern and much more disciplined and professional armed forces than the Albanian Armed Forces. AAF today is an organization that has changed radically from those years. We have a modern force that is evolving and professionalizing day by day. I am proud to say that the trend of recent years involving women and girls is on the right track. Today, 18.2% of the civilian and military personnel in the Armed Forces are women and young ladies. This package is a must today. It is an essential part of our effort to create a force where women and young ladies feel really good. Every woman who wants to contribute to her country by joining the Armed Forces today has a guarantee, one of the same level as in most modern and emancipated NATO Armies.
As far as I am concerned as Defence Minister, I will keep up with my personal efforts and commitment to supporting the authority of young ladies and women as the vigorous engine of our Armed Forces.”

The Ambassador of Sweden in Albania, Elsa Håstad, also praised the package as a greater boost for youngsters who want to join the Armed Forces. "This policy and procedure in the fight against harassment and sexual harassment approved by the Ministry of Defense, gives a strong message to the staff of MoD and the Armed Forces, and young people aspiring to join the Armed Forces."

For the UNDP Permanent Representative in our country, Limya Eltayeb, the document gives importance to Gender Equality and enhances the working environment for women and young ladies. "I am very happy to present “Policy and procedures against harassment and sexual harassment” to the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces - an important document that will further develop a culture of responsibility and awareness among the staff of these institutions and will contribute to a safer work environment. This event is organized as part of International Women's Day, a moment to reflect on the progress made, to celebrate the courageous actions undertaken by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in Albania's history and beyond, and calling for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.”

The event organized by the Ministry of Defense with the support of UNDP Albania, came within the framework of the United Nations Joint Program "To End Violence Against Women in Albania", funded by the Government of Sweden, implemented by UNDP, UN Women and UNFPA.