About the Event

In Mirditë Municipality, out of a population of just over 13,600 people, 1,774 individuals live with some form of disability — including those who are blind, paraplegic/tetraplegic, or otherwise work-disabled. Among them, 636 are women and girls who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Due to a lack of formal support systems and persistent social stigma, these women are often excluded from education, employment opportunities, family roles, and community life.

Deep-rooted social and structural barriers continue to limit their participation in public life. Many families are left to navigate these challenges without institutional assistance, while the voices of women with disabilities remain underrepresented in policy discussions and community development processes.

Event Objectives

This People-to-People (P2P) event, organised by the Opportunity and Balance CSO with support from the EU TACSO 3 project, seeks to address this urgent issue through inclusive dialogue, storytelling, and action planning. The event will:

1. Raise awareness among young people, families, institutions, and local stakeholders about the realities and discrimination faced by girls and women with disabilities.

2. Empower women with disabilities by creating a safe and open space for them to share experiences, challenges, and success stories, building visibility and community support.

3. Advocate for inclusive policy reform, working with local authorities, employment services, civil society, and businesses to promote laws and practices that protect the rights of women with disabilities.

4. Strengthen cooperation among community actors—schools, employers, social services, and NGOs—to support the inclusion of women with disabilities in education, employment, and decision-making processes.

5. Generate concrete solutions through interactive workshops, roundtables, and collaborative planning to improve accessibility and ensure long-term change.

Who Will Take Part

The event will bring together up to 60 participants, including:

• Women and girls with disabilities from the Mirditë region, including those who are blind, paraplegic/tetraplegic, or with cognitive or physical disabilities.

• Family members and caregivers who support women with disabilities.

• Local authorities and policymakers, including representatives of the Municipality and the State Employment Office.

• Teachers, social workers, and training centre representatives involved in education and community support.

• Civil society organisations and activists working on disability rights, gender equality, and inclusion.

• Employers and business leaders interested in creating inclusive workplaces.

• Community influencers and local media who shape public opinion and attitudes.