On 9 July 2025, KMOP highlighted its commitment to building strong, community-based support systems at the event “Tightening up the Victims’ Empowering Systems” in Shkodër, Albania. The event showcased the outcomes of our work dedicated to empowering survivors of violence and trafficking and promoting their social inclusion. The gathering at the Municipal Council Hall brought together over 80 representatives from public institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector, united by a shared goal of fostering inclusive local development.
KMOP’s continued presence in Shkodër has demonstrated how carefully designed, grassroots interventions can bring real and lasting benefits to communities.
How KMOP has made a difference in Shkodër
Drawing on its long-standing experience in Greece, KMOP brought to Shkodër a tested model of integrated support and empowerment for survivors of violence and trafficking. By transferring practical tools and know-how, we have:
- Established the Social Cause Club in Dajç, hosted within the Community Centre for Families—a safe and empowering space where women and girls, especially survivors of violence, can access psychosocial and legal support, participate in skills-building activities, and reconnect with community life. Since its inauguration in December 2023, the Club has supported over 1,695 adults and 352 children, creating real opportunities for social inclusion.
- Facilitated the launch of four women-led social enterprises, helping survivors rebuild their lives through dignified work and economic independence, while actively challenging stigma.
- Delivered capacity-building programmes to 443 professionals, including educators, healthcare workers, and municipal staff, enhancing their ability to support vulnerable groups with knowledge, empathy, and coordinated responses.
Through these initiatives, KMOP has not only empowered individuals but also strengthened the foundations for more inclusive and resilient local systems.
The Club has also served as a dynamic hub for community engagement. More than 80 awareness-raising events have reached 984 young people, students and community members, while 32 structured training sessions have equipped 443 participants with practical skills and knowledge. Creative and educational activities have included 49 sessions at the Tailoring Club attended by 79 women, 35 beauty care workshops for 118 women and girls, and 50 thematic art workshops involving 146 children. The Film Club hosted 15 sessions with 86 children, while music and yoga sessions helped promote expression, confidence and wellbeing.
Further, 34 English language sessions supported 70 children in developing essential communication skills. Fourteen school-based awareness activities reached 254 students, parents and educators. The Social Club has also welcomed 131 visitors during 34 structured visits and facilitated 37 events with school and healthcare professionals to encourage intersectoral collaboration. Four community fairs created additional networking opportunities for 60 participants.
Recognizing the importance of practical support for working mothers, KMOP introduced alternative childcare services that have so far benefited 52 children—33 girls and 19 boys—in Shkodër and Dajç.
During the event, a panel discussion moderated by KMOP’s Esmeralda Xhelilaj focused on how coordinated local systems are key to safeguarding victims’ rights and building sustainable pathways to inclusion. Rozafa Zmijani, Director of AKPA Shkodër, underscored the importance of integrated labour market measures, while Rudina Kruja from the Regional Directorate of Vocational Training highlighted new life-skills programmes and pointed to the ongoing transportation challenges faced by rural women. Silvi Dega, HR Manager at FAMIKO Group, shared how company-based childcare has had a positive effect on staff wellbeing and retention.
Deshira Kolaj, a member of the project team, shared moving stories of women who have started small businesses with the help of economic tools, psychosocial support and mentoring, showcasing the transformative effect of holistic empowerment models. In closing, Arlinda Kruja, Director of Social Services at Shkodër Municipality, praised the collaboration with KMOP and stressed the importance of maintaining the support networks and partnerships established through this initiative.
This action has been implemented by KMOP in close cooperation with the Municipality of Shkodër and Different & Equal (D&E), under the framework of the programme “Support for Social Inclusion in Albania” and received funding from “EuropeAid”. Through this initiative, KMOP has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local capacities, promoting European best practices, and contributing to Albania’s social inclusion agenda.
For more information or to explore opportunities for collaboration, please contact us directly at [email protected].