The need for Gender Equality Plans and Gender Budgeting in Albanian Higher Education – Insights from the University of Tirana in the context of sustainable institutional change

Promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls are pivotal objectives for sustainable development, demanding coordinated efforts from nations and institutions worldwide, including the higher education sector. The systemic disadvantage faced by women within Albania’s higher education system underscores the crucial role of gender equality plans and gender budgeting as strategic instruments for fostering sustainable institutional change. This research identifies various aspects of gender inequality in Albania’s higher education sector through secondary research using government statistics and published datasets. Additionally, through a case study approach and survey data, it conducts a comprehensive analysis of the gender context at the University of Tirana, recommending the development of gender budgeting and gender equality plans within the institution. The research aims to pinpoint gender-related issues and propose gender equality plans to address them. Drawing insights from the University of Tirana case, the authors advocate for the adoption of these gender equality plans by other higher education institutions in Albania. This initiative seeks to progressively tackle gender inequalities and integrate sustainable practices into the planning processes of these institutions. Gender budgeting and gender plans should form integral components of the decision-making process in universities. By fostering policies and regulations that support gender equality throughout the institution, they can better respond to the diverse needs of all students, professors, and academic staff.