Indirect discrimination and gender equality: Barriers to Women’s property rights in times of crises

Ensuring gender equality in property rights is vital to addressing gender-based discrimination, which often appears indirectly through deeply rooted stereotypes. While laws may seem neutral, they often fail to address underlying inequalities. These issues become more severe during crises and emergencies, which can deepen existing disparities. This paper examines Albania’s legislative and institutional responses to gender equality in property rights, focusing on two major crises: the urban crisis caused by illegal construction and the 2019 post-earthquake recovery. Using anti-discrimination principles as a framework, the study identifies gaps in legal protections and enforcement that allow indirect gender discrimination to persist. It argues for stronger, gender-sensitive policies and practices that address immediate challenges during crises while building a foundation for long-term equality in property rights.