Economic insecurity and vulnerability to human trafficking.
Albania remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. Through our grassroots level work we witness first-hand how economic insecurity and poverty are directly linked to an increased risk of human trafficking. Similarly, we witness how economic stress and a lack of basic financial resources can act as a trigger for violence against family members.
Our economic empowerment programme includes the entire spectrum of our initiatives and efforts to assist our beneficiaries in achieving financial and economic stability.
The Albanian job market is dominated by unskilled labour positions in the construction sector, shoe and clothing production industry and seasonal summer employment in the tourism industry. For this reason, MWL invests heavily in vocational training opportunities for youth, women and men as a way to achieve permanent employment and a steady income. In addition to providing training in CV writing, ASC members routinely facilitate employment opportunities for beneficiaries with local businesses and other NGOs, such as Dev-Aid.
Response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Continued disruptions to livelihoods caused by the pandemic have increased economic and food insecurity among the most vulnerable individuals our ASCs serve. With borders closed for Albanian migrant workers, MWL began partnering with local businesses and public institutions to assist the unemployed in accessing available public services and support.
For those remaining employed, fear of losing their only source of income has increased the danger of workplace exploitation. Specifically, women employed in the textile and garment sector are at greater risk of abuse an ill treatment. Human trafficking in the supply chain system has increased significantly. With a lack of government oversight and enforcement, exploitation is becoming normalized. Such developments significantly complicate the identification of workplace exploitation. In response, those seeking services at ASCs are now routinely provided information on labour codes and workers’ rights. To date, 5 individuals have received support in transitioning from exploitive work conditions to other employment.
Social Business initiatives
Women’s economic livelihoods continue to be supported by two social business initiatives launched by MWL. The transfer of the day-to-day running of a touristic workshop in Tropoja to one of the female employees marks an important moment in the economic empowerment of our beneficiaries in the area. Utilizing business skills acquired through MWL training, the manager now independently coordinates the activities of the workshop. By doing so, she supports the livelihood of 20 women through the production and sales of their handicrafts. The handover represents the achievement of our highest hopes and aspirations for this initiative. Although the second business is not yet in a position to run independently, the Kallmet Workshop continues to provide 5 women with a regular source of income.
This article is compiled from the findings of the Mary Ward Loreto Annual Report 2021. Download the full report here.
Conflict resolution and peace-building specialist, Redion Qirjazi, announced as the CEO of Mary Ward Loreto
Redion Qirjazi, who served as Country Director for the British Government’s SOC Prevent programme in Albania, has been appointed as the new CEO for Mary Ward Loreto, taking over from founding CEO and anti-human-trafficking dynamo, Sister Imelda Poole.
In an introductory interview with celebrated UK journalist and Patron of Mary Ward Loreto, Julie Etchingham, the Albanian-born CEO-designate set out his ambition for the organisation, telling viewers that his vision is to “see Albania on the map for good and positive reasons”.
Discussing the opportunities of the role ahead, Redion identifies that success in Albania requires a continued global community effort. “From a practical standpoint, I want to ensure that we remain at the heart of the communities that we are working with and where we make the biggest impact. But of course we need help from our friends – from home, from abroad – so that we can ensure to remain effective for the upcoming challenges ahead.”
Reflecting on his professional experience in the field of conflict resolution and peace-building in both Albania and the UK, Redion told Etchingham that he believes “serious and organised crime is almost like a chameleon: it changes form but the nature is always the same. It’s the same systemic vulnerabilities that pull or push youth into serious organised crime in the UK; they are the ones that will do the same here in Albania. Tackling those issues needs to come from a holistic and joint approach.”
Holding advanced qualifications across three continents, Redion was the first Albanian in history to graduate from the illustrious West Point Military Academy in New York – an institution which boasts two former US presidents, moonwalking astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and poet Edgar Allen Poe, amongst its notable alumni.
From West Point, Redion was awarded a Chevening Scholarship by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office to undertake a Masters in Applied Security and Strategy at Exeter University, UK. In addition to these formal qualifications, the incoming CEO has undertaken formative studies through the United Nations, Rotary International Peace Fellowship, and the Hague Academy.
In response to Etchingham’s enquiries into the faith-based foundations of Mary Ward Loreto – named for the foundress of the Congregation of Jesus and IBVM female religious orders – Redion celebrated this heritage and what it has meant for the organisation through the immense success of his predecessor.
“Taking over the leadership of Sister Imelda Poole is a great honour. She has been rightly decorated for her services by the British Crown and the US State Department. These are very big shoes to fill and I feel very humbled to be taking over that position.”
“Imelda has brought with her an almost 500 year-long running period of incredible women who have fought for the education, freedom, justice, and progress in the lives of those would come after them. That’s a legacy we need to harness and [women religious are a] community with I hope we will continue to work closely into the future.”
Redion stressed the importance of continuing to raise public awareness to “shed light on” the ongoing prevalence of human trafficking across Albania, noting that in the first 100 days of his leadership he would be unveiling a new strategy for the organisation.
He praised strongly the accomplishments, resilience, and talents of the existing Mary Ward Loreto team and noted that he wanted to work with them to “be able to convey some joy at the heart of the mission”.
In closing the interview, Redion stated that he was “incredibly excited about taking over at this point in time” and signalled his ambition to continue working with the global partners behind Mary Ward Loreto, noting that the organisation has a “fantastic brand…superb people, we have the right mindset and values, and also the belief to realise our ambitions. These are all the right ingredients we need to make this organisation grow further and I’m really looking forward to ‘grip hands’ with all of our partners, all of our supporters and stakeholders, so that together we can advance the legacy and the mission of Mary Ward Loreto in Albania.”
Founder and President of Mary Ward Loreto, outgoing CEO Imelda Poole, said of Redion’s appointment:
“Mary Ward Loreto is delighted with the appointment of Redion Qirjazi. He come to this mission with experience in managing diverse teams, strategic planning, international development, implementation of donor funded programs, and business development. He is a longtime advocate for social justice, human rights, and for making a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable. His experience as a Team Leader has been essential to improving his ability to motivate and inspire individuals towards a common goal. Mary Ward Loreto staff team and Board members were in one voice in making this announcement and for this we congratulate Redion and wish him every success and joy in his future mission with the Foundation.”
Treasurer of Mary Ward Loreto UK, CCLA Investment Management chief, Peter Hugh Smith, said:
“We have started to see a more concerted effort in recent years to devastate the trafficking networks which bring so much pain and suffering into all of our communities. From here in the City of London to the countryside in Albania, the impact of Mary Ward Loreto has never been more vital and more necessary. The Trustees of MWL UK are thrilled to have such an ambitious leader stepping into this role who can help the organisation adapt to the immense challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Mary Ward Loreto Patron and Catholic philanthropist, Sir Christian Sweeting KCSG, said:
“Mary Ward Loreto has been one of the anti-human trafficking world’s most successful secrets. Imelda and her team have managed to bring so much hope and resilience to hidden communities and we hope that – through Redion’s appointment – we can educate and inspire more people to get behind this incredible organisation.”
Redion takes up his role officially on 1 March 2024 working from the organisation’s headquarters in Tirana, Albania, and supported by Mary Ward Loreto’s partner charity based in the UK.
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