Albania publishes the largest range of gender statistics to date

The National Institute of Statistics in Albania (INSTAT) published the largest range of gender statistics to date in Albania. Named Men and Women 2017, the most recent collection of gender statistics in the country provides comprehensive information for better policy making.

“The panorama of gender statistics is more complete and the public now has access to one of our best publications in years,” said Delina Ibrahimaj, Director of INSTAT, presenting the new publication.

“Men and Women 2017,” published for the fifth consecutive year, was supported by UN Women in Albania, with the financial contribution of the Government of Sweden.

“We at UN Women believe on evidence-based decision making, and this publication is an immense source of gender statistics, important for policy and decision making,” said Rezart Xhelo, UN Women Policy Specialist.

This year's publication contains 34 gender indicators under the population statistics, and introduces for the first time, a "Gender Equality Index" for education levels and students with disabilities.

The publication includes the widest range of gender equality statistics in many areas, gathered from INSTAT surveys and from public institutions in the country.

According to the published data, men’s participation in the labour market in Albania is almost 15 per cent higher to women’s. 21,5 per cent of women do not participate in the labour market mainly due to household care, while only 1 per cent of men are not employed because of the same reason.

“Gender statistics are only the first step in defining better policies for men and women in the society. The next step is to understand why differences occur between them and aim to improve gender policies in the country,” said Ms. Ibrahimaj.

The highest representation of women occurred in enterprises with less than 10 employees, while men dominate the management of enterprises with more than 20 employees with a staggering figure of 80 per cent. 33.3 per cent of women manage service companies, while the percentage staggers around 11.7 per cent for goods production companies. The number of women taking out loans increased by 17 per cent in 2016, compared to the previous year, while the number of men taking out loans increased by 28 per cent in the same period.

The data and the comprehensive information of this publication can be used by policy makers, civil society, academia and researches for further analysis in the social and economic areas.