Gender Policy and European Integration

Abstract

This article will focus on gender mainstreaming as a strategy for achieving gender equality and the fight against domestic violence, the progressive harmonization of national legislation with the European Community legislation (acquiscommunautaire), the international legal framework as well as national policies and mechanisms for achieving gender equality in Albania.In most modern democracies the concept of equality before the law excludes any possibility of discrimination on the basis (ethnic origin, social, sex, religion, etc.) and it is a cornerstone concept of a democratic development in an emancipated society.Albania's ability to meet the commitments set out in the Stabilization and Association Agreement is the most important criterion to assess its readiness for further advancement towards full membership in the European Community.Fulfillment of commitments under this Agreement, marks the beginning of a comprehensive reform of state governance and society as a whole, in order to adapt to the political, legal, economic and institutional standards of the European Union. Description of the current situation, problems and achievements in the field of gender equality and domestic violence, will be analyzed in this article.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n9p141