A gender analysis of 477 government socio-economic policy responses adopted in 18 countries and territories in Europe and Central Asia over the first year of COVID-19, reveals that only 7 per cent specifically reference women and can be classified as gender-sensitive. This calls for governments to prioritize gender-responsive policy responses in the context of COVID-19 and emergencies. Measures recorded were in relation to social protection, labour market, and economic, fiscal and business stimulus.

This report examines the wage differential between women and men in Albania. It finds that the gap is due largely to labour market rewards – men being able to charge more, experience loss by women, occupational segregation, lack of child care and part-time work – that disadvantage women and reduce their wages. It notes a reduction in the wage gap from 36 per cent in 2005 to 17.63 per cent in 2008.