Gynaecological Care and Psychosocial Counselling in the Women’s Centre of Tirana
Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe – an almost forgotten area of crisis. One of the biggest problems in Albania is the dramatic situation of the majority of women and girls. The lives of many women in Albania are characterised by grinding poverty, unemployment, violence, trafficking in women and blood feuds.
Since 1999, medica Tirana has been providing support and assistance to girls and women suffering from domestic violence and oppression. The women’s organisation fights against the increasing impoverishment and social isolation of women in Albania and acts against the atrocious trafficking in women and forced prostitution.
Along with the support of Kosovan refugees by medica mondiale Köln, medica Tirana was founded towards the end of the 1990s. In 2004, the small Albanian women’s organisation became independent – the third project of medica mondiale in the Balkans to do so. Since then, medica mondiale Köln provides guidance and advice and supports parts of the work of medica Tirana through donated funds.
The Therapy Centre in Tirana as an Important Point of Contact for Girls and Women
The therapy and counselling centre of medica Tirana has turned into an important place to turn to for girls and women in the capital Tirana and its surroundings. Support is provided to Albanian women who have experienced various types of violence. Members of medica Tirana take care of every single woman, applying a holistic approach that combines medical care and therapeutic counselling. All female physicians, nurses and social workers of the centre have received special training in trauma sensitive treatment and counselling methods and psychodrama.
Raising Awareness in the Slums of Tirana
The social workers and doctors of medica Tirana visit the slums around the capital Tirana several times a week. Many families from the north of Albania “get stranded“ in the slums. In these areas, women and girls live in extreme poverty and often encounter violence in their immediate surroundings. The team of medica Tirana offers support through counselling and health education and encourages women to participate in trauma therapy groups.
On the Way to a Self-determined Life
The vocational training courses in sewing and cooking are an important pillar of the work of medica Tirana. The three month courses mainly aim at enhancing women’s opportunities in the labour market. At the same time, counsellors of medica Tirana regulraly encourage women to take part in social activities such as excursions and tours or visits to a museum to draw women out of their isolation.
Further Training in Schools, Police Stations and Hospitals
In addition to the counselling offers for victims of sexualised violence, the team of medica Tirana also raises public awareness among different occupational groups in society. These groups include teachers, police officers, hospital personnel and pupils and students. During seminars and workshops, the counsellors impart knowledge on sexualised violence, trauma and the risks involved in trafficking in women. In 2007, approximately 530 persons participated in these workshops.
