Imagine a world where every woman and girl live free from fear, harm, and discrimination. This vision drives the United Nations Development Programme  and its partners during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, taking a stand to say: There is no excuse for gender-based violence (GBV).

In Albania and beyond, GBV remains a harsh reality for too many. With a bold lineup of events, UNDP is rallying communities, sparking conversations, and driving change with a clear message:  violence against women and girls must never be tolerated or ignored.

UNDP’s campaign has brought youth into the fight against GBV. A dedicated boot camp invited students to use design thinking to develop creative solutions addressing sexual harassment and violence. This initiative is not just about education—it’s about empowerment and action.

By equipping young people with the tools to think critically and act boldly, UNDP is investing in a future where violence is not just reduced but eradicated. Five teams from the boot camp will present their proposals, and two winning projects will receive financial support for implementation over three months, translating ideas into action. To ensure sustainability, the selected projects will benefit from ongoing mentoring, monitoring, and opportunities for scaling up their initiatives.

Orange, the color symbolizing a brighter future free from violence, has swept across Albania. Through an Orange Relay Cycling Event, UNDP, together with UN Women and UNFPA, and support from Sida is literally taking the message on the road. Cyclists traverse municipalities to raise awareness about GBV, connecting towns and cities in a shared commitment to end violence against women and girls. 

With each pedal stroke, the message grows louder: Ending GBV is everyone’s responsibility. At each relay stop, community meetings are organized, bringing together local leaders, citizens, and activists to foster deeper conversations on GBV.

In Albania’s quieter corners, where resources may be limited, theater is breaking barriers. UNDP supports performances of Five Kinds of Silence, a moving play that confronts the harsh realities of domestic violence.

By bringing this production to remote areas, the campaign ensures no community is left behind. The play not only spreads awareness but encourages action, proving that violence must be reported, addressed, and ended. Post-performance discussions provide attendees with resources on reporting mechanisms, support services, and community-led initiatives to combat GBV.

With support from USAID Albania and in partnership with the “Today for the Future” “World Vision Albania” and “Different and Equal”, a series of events will bring together communities to address gender-based violence (GBV) and promote resilience.

House of Hope: This safe space serves as a platform for participants to share personal stories and inspiring messages, complemented by motivational speeches from prominent figures urging collective action.

Theatre Forum: Youth performers will deliver compelling artistic presentations, shedding light on the profound impacts of GBV and sparking meaningful dialogue.

Lighting Ceremony: A powerful symbolic act of unity and hope, emphasizing solidarity in the fight against violence.

In Lezha’s city center, children and youth from the Resilience Center will perform an empowering flash mob. Guided by a professional choreographer, this creative performance will engage students, teachers, and local institutions in raising awareness.

Meanwhile, at a Laçi football match, players wore anti-GBV slogans, release orange balloons, and distribute advocacy materials, transforming sports arenas into platforms for change.

For the first time Durrës, Lezha and Kurbin, Berat, Malesi e Madhe and Skrapar municipalities are developing a dedicated policy and procedures to safeguard the workplace from sexual harrasment, harresment and any form of violence against personnel and citizens accessing services at municipalities.

From municipalities glowing orange to grassroots events, the campaign underscores the collective power of partnerships. Supported by Sida and USAID and implemented by UNDP, UN Women, and UNFPA, these events give survivors a voice and foster thriving, violence-free communities.

Gender-based violence affects everyone—women, men, families, and communities. Together, we can create a world free from fear and harm. Raise your voice. Support survivors. Advocate for change.

No more excuses.