Department of Strategy and Donor Coordination

Figure 25. Unemployment level by gender
79
79
77
75
73
71
69
75.9
74.3
73.9
72.9
70
69.5
2005 2006 2007 2008
Female jobseekers
Male jobseekers
72.2
Source: INSTAT
In Albania, the level of unemployment in total has been steadily falling in recent years, for all age groups, and
for both genders (Figures 24 and 25). Regarding gender, the unemployment level decreased to just 72,200 males
unemployed in 2008 compared to 79,000 in 2005, and 69,000 females in 2008 compared to 74,300 in 2005. The
unemployment level among females was estimated at 16.1 per cent, while that among males was at 10.8 per
cent. The unemployment level varied from one region to another. In Tirana, the level of unemployment was the
lowest in the whole country, at just 7.1 per cent, while in northern areas, it stood at 24 per cent, the highest in
the country. Employment in the public sector constituted around 18 per cent of the total number of employed,
while non-farming private sector employees constituted around 25 per cent. Compared to 2005, there was
an increase of 24,000 in the number of people employed in the non-farming private sector, and a decrease in
employment in the public sector, as result of the restructuring of the Albanian economy.
Intervention aimed at improving the labour market situation in areas outside of Tirana, and for separate
categories, was carried out through design and implementation of efficient policies, supported with respective
funding. The fund for employment growth policies for categories such as females, youth and vulnerable people
is being implemented throughout the country, and especially in the North. Support of the proactive labour
market policies remains a priority and the funds dedicated to this purpose have increased year after year. In
2008, the sum allocated for this fund from the state budget reached 200 million ALL. In 2008 alone, more than
12,000 people, 43 per cent of them women and 27 per cent youths, were employed.
In 2008, within the framework of poverty alleviation, passive labour market policies were improved. The
number of people receiving unemployment benefit increased in comparison to 2007, mostly as a result of the
privatisation of ARMO and ALBPETROL. From 1 January 2008, the minimum unemployment assistance was
increased by 14.2 per cent to reach the same level as the minimal wage.
During 2008, three new public vocational training centres financed by the state budget were opened, in Fier,
Gjirokastra and a mobile centre for the North-eastern areas. In order to achieve the objective of quantitative
and qualitative expansion of public vocational training centres throughout the country, the construction and
reconstruction of centres in some cities will continue, as well as implementation of policies aimed at opening
new work places. Increase in the number and quality of trainings, and strengthening of vocational skills and
retraining are necessary because of the labour market demands and the increasing need for qualified people
and new professions in accordance with the new developments in the country’s economy.
3.3.2 gender equality
Indicator: Female labour force participation rate
The institutional environment plays an important role in meeting the needs of employees, particularly in
the implementation of policies that address gender disparities and promote equality. Employment promotion
NSDI 2008 Progress Report | 47