Women and Migration in Albania: A View from the Village

Abstract

Since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, Albania has experienced migrations of epic proportions: 17 years later almost one in four Albanians has emigrated and lives abroad, primarily in Greece and Italy. Albanian emigration has by and large represented a typically male-dominated model, whereby men have 'led the way' and women have followed as family members. In spite of Whilst some 'traditional' norms and values persist and are reinforced during migration, change does take place, albeit at a slow and gradual pace. However, for the emancipatory benefits women could accrue through migration to be enhanced, immigration policies need adjusting to address their position as fully autonomous economic and social actors, thus reducing their dependency on male 'bread-winners'. Albanian women's particular migratory experiences, combined with their increasing numbers as migrants, make a compelling case for further attention from researchers and policymakers.

Domestic Violence against Albanian Immigrant Women in Greece: Facing Patriarchy

“…At the familial level, their victimization is culturally determined since Albanian culture dictates traditional differentiated gender roles with explicit or tacit approval of family violence. However, research has commented on how migration process has the potential to confront and transform gendered relations by altering "status and power within or outside the household" [24,31]. This is what happened in some immigrant families where moving to another country contributed to the growth of women's expectations, elevation of their status and expansion of their choices.…”

“…One might doubt whether simultaneously working several difficult jobs with meager pay could be interpreted as a pathway to an increase in autonomy and empowerment. However, gender and migration scholars have repeatedly pointed out that paid employment could lead to an increase in self-esteem and agency [24] and be "a new source of power within their households and a basis from which to negotiate individual identities and gender relations. It is also a source of stress for men, especially during periods of unemployment" ( [64], p. 129).…”

“…Vullnetari argues that it would be too simplistic to explain female Albanian migration solely through the lens of family reunion. Albanian women "emigrated for a variety of reasons that reflected their position and status in Albanian society, including poverty, lack of economic opportunities, improvement of career prospects, personal advancement, being with their family, as well as in order to escape the constant surveillance of their local communities and the social consequences of practices related to 'honour' and 'shame'" ( [24], p. 173).…”

Returning and Re-Emigrating Gendered Trajectories of (Re)Integration from Greece

“…The majority of Albanians migrated mostly in Greece (600,000) and Italy (250,000) (reference).Albanian migration is considered a unique case study for the fact that it has experienced quite a massive migration concentration within a short period of time. King sees Albanian as a 'laboratory for the study of migration and development' (King, 2005), while Carletto et al use the term 'country on the move' (Vullnetari, 2012). Contemporary Albanian migration is divided into three stages: The first stage correspond to 1990-1993, which correspond with the massive exodus of Albanian after the collapse of communist regime.…”

“…The second episode has been the period of 97, triggered by the collapse of pyramid schemes in Albania. The third episode was triggered by the Kosovo's crises of 1999-2000 (Vullnetari, 2012).…”