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World YWCA 

17 Dec 2008

 

Albania - YWCA of Albania Reaches Out to Female Prisoners

 

Female prisoners are often considered the most difficult prison population to manage. The stigma attached to female prisoners leaves them vulnerable to discriminatory care and support services while imprisoned. The stigma continues on release of their prison sentence as they struggle to reintegrate back into their communities.

The YWCA of Albania is determined to change this reality for female prisoners and is one of the leading organisations in the country who has initiated visits and training activities for female prisoners in the Albanian capital, Tirana.

“Based on YWCA of Albania research, observations during our visits and conversations with female prisoners and prison authorities, we designed a project tailored to female prisoners that will greatly assist them not only during their time inside prison but also after their release,” says Donika Godaj, General Secretary of the YWCA of Albania.

The association provides vocational training programmes on janitor, art and handcraft skills while also offering educational social activities that raise awareness on topics determined by the YWCA and the prison authorities. “ The YWCA works very closely with the prison authorities to determine the best approach on providing vocational training programmes,‘ said Godaj. "We invite psychologists, actresses, artists, writers, medical doctors and other Albanian celebrities to be part of the programme.”

At a recent fundraiser, the YWCA of Albania invited eight female prisoners to sell their handicrafts and talk about their experience with the programme. Among the visitors was the Albanian Deputy Minister of Interior, Iva Zajmi who took the time to speak with the female prisoners and staff of the YWCA of Albania. “She expressed her appreciation for the impressive work the YWCA of Albania is doing to help this target group. She mentioned the contribution YWCA has given to vulnerable communities in Albania and expressed her commitment to have a stronger cooperation with the YWCA.”

Other guests to the event included representatives from the European Union, USAID, the US Embassy, parliamentarians and local and central government delegates, civil society and YWCA members and supporters. “In an hour and a half, we were able to raise 450 Euro. We didn't expect that much, but the idea of having the imprisoned women selling the products themselves was perfect. People were able not only to admire and purchase the products, but also talk to the women. They could share what they have learned during our training courses, as well as how they feel and how our work has helped them to overcome their trauma. All the women were so proud when people appreciated what they have achieved.”

The money raised will go directly to imprisoned women to help improve their economic situation. “They need money to buy food, clothes and personal things as the state budget is extremely low’, says Godaj. “The money will also be used to purchase essential items for the women’s children that are in orphanages. The rest will be spent to buy more materials so the women can produce new products in the coming months.”

The programme is so important to the YWCA of Albania that they have plans to help renovate the area in the prison used as the current training facility. “ It will be a classroom with tables, chairs, a white board, necessary lighting and an accessible bathroom.”

Godaj believes the programme is helping female prisoners in their healing process. “We strongly believe that all female prisoners deserve a chance to reintegrate into society and the YWCA will play a crucial role to assist them not to return to illegal activities or prostitution. This is the vision of the YWCA for these women and the ultimate goal of our project with female prisoners in Albania.”





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