Freedom from Domestic Violence in Rural Albania

In the rural administrative units of Krrabë, Ndroq, Vora, and Baldushk, the Center for Equality and Inclusion (CEI) launched a community-based initiative to support women and girls facing the ongoing threat of domestic violence. Many of these areas are isolated and underserved, where access to legal protection, emotional support, and even basic information about rights is limited. The project reached 100 participants across four open information days, providing essential knowledge on identifying abuse, understanding legal protections, and seeking institutional assistance. Alongside this educational outreach, CEI offered direct aid to six survivors in acute socio-economic distress and supported 11 children with school supply kits, ensuring their right to education was not disrupted by family trauma. Local youth volunteers joined the effort, helping organize events and distribute packages, while cultivating a shared sense of community resilience.

This vital work was made possible through a grant from The Pollination Project, which enabled CEI to respond swiftly and meaningfully to the needs of survivors.

“For many of these women and girls, it was the first time someone had spoken to them directly about their rights,” said Nadia Cobo, Executive Director of CEI. “The TPP grant allowed us not only to provide life-saving information but also to restore dignity through small but deeply impactful acts of care.”

With limited financial resources, the team maximized their reach by working with local partners and volunteers. Funds covered transportation, expert facilitation, refreshments for participants, and the provision of emergency aid packages. Beyond the material support, the grant sparked a powerful emotional and psychological shift. Survivors shared their experiences in safe, inclusive spaces and began building networks of mutual support. As one participant said, “I came here feeling invisible. I’m leaving with the strength of knowing I’m not alone.”

Looking ahead, CEI is committed to building on the momentum sparked by this initiative. Plans are underway to extend outreach to more rural communities within Tirana Municipality and collaborate further with institutions and civil society actors to establish stronger referral and support systems. Lessons learned from this first phase will inform future programs and advocacy efforts, with the goal of creating sustainable, systemic change in how domestic violence is addressed at the local and national levels. As Nadia Cobo noted,

“This is only the beginning. With continued support, we believe these seeds of awareness and solidarity can grow into lasting safety and justice for many more women and girls.”

Nadia Cobo

With over five years of experience in civil society, Nadia has worked extensively with survivors of violence and vulnerable groups through her roles at the National Center for Community Services and the Center for Legal Civic Initiatives. Her work has included coordinating street law campaigns, supervising youth volunteers, organizing community events with Roma women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, and managing public communication around these initiatives. A graduate in political science, Nadia brings both academic insight and grassroots commitment to her leadership, advocating for human rights, gender equity, and inclusive social change.

Join The Pollination Project in seeding a global movement of grassroots change. When we invest in passionate local leaders, small acts of generosity blossom into lasting impact. Every dollar you give takes root in communities, growing into sustainable solutions that touch countless lives.