Gender Equality in Albania in the limelight of EU Law

Abstract Gender equality has evolved significantly over time, shaped by social movements, legal reforms, and cultural change. Historically, gender roles limited women’s access to education, employment, and political participation. Over centuries, activists and reformers challenged these restrictions, leading to major milestones such as women’s suffrage, expanded labor rights, and legal protections against discrimination. Despite progress, gender inequality continues to exist globally, particularly in areas such as wage equity, leadership representation, and access to education. This paper examines the historical evolution of gender equality, key movements that advanced it, and ongoing challenges in achieving full equality. Gender equality is a fundamental principle of the European Union (EU) and a core requirement for countries seeking EU membership. Albania, as an EU candidate country, has undertaken significant legal and institutional reforms to align its national framework with EU gender equality standards. This paper examines the concept of gender equality under EU law and analyzes Albania’s progress in harmonizing its legislation and policies with EU requirements. While Albania has made notable advancements, particularly in legal alignment and political representation, challenges remain in implementation, enforcement, and social attitudes.