On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Albanian Football Association organized a mini football tournament at the “House of Football”, in cooperation with UN Women Albania, delivering a strong message about the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of girls and women through sport.
Four teams took part in the event, representing different actors of society who contribute throughout the year to supporting the cause of gender equality: a team from the AFA administration, a team from UN Women Albania, a team composed of sports journalists and media representatives, and a team representing civil society.
Through this mini-tournament, the AFA aimed to highlight the important role that sport—especially football—plays in promoting the values of cooperation, inclusion, and respect, as well as in creating equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender.
The event took place in a very positive atmosphere at the House of Football, where the participants demonstrated team spirit, solidarity, and energy, conveying important messages for society and for the role sport can play in empowering women.
The event was also attended by Anila Basha, member of the AFA Executive Committee, who in her welcoming speech emphasized the importance of organizing this mini-tournament for the third consecutive year on the Day of Girls and Women, highlighting the Association’s commitment to the development of girls’ football in Albania.
“Thank you all for coming to the AFA premises to welcome, for the third consecutive year, this mini-tournament that we organize for such an important day as the Day of Girls and Women. As you already know, beyond the emotions we share together, we at the AFA work a lot to grow girls’ football in Albania. The day we celebrate today is very important, and activities for women and girls in Albania should not remain just a single moment. We must all fight against discrimination. These are precisely the principles that football itself conveys—equality and professionalism must be at the forefront of every other development,” said AFA Executive Committee member Anila Basha.
Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania, thanked the AFA for organizing the mini-tournament, appreciating the presence and engagement of girls and women in an activity that delivers important and symbolic messages about equality and inclusion.
“I am very happy to be here. A big thank you to the Albanian Football Federation. This is a fantastic event—one that brings together women from all fields: from the international community, the Football Federation, embassies, the private sector, and the media. Thank you all for being here today and for making this event possible. It would be impossible without you,” said Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania.
At the end of the mini-tournament, the participants were symbolically recognized, and the activity served as a moment of reflection and awareness about the importance of including girls and women in sport. Through initiatives like this, the Albanian Football Federation continues to support and promote gender equality, using football as a powerful platform for positive change in society.
