Women’s empowerment through inclusive, sustainable and green business models in the upper basin of the Vjosa river, Albania

The ILO has joined forces with UN Women for an intervention that stimulates sustainable and environmentally friendly development in the Upper Basin of the Vjosa River in southern Albania.

The region and its river, often referred to as “the last unexploited river” in Europe, is one of the least populated one in the country and it is affected by high rates of outmigration. The area is characterized by increasing unemployment as well as underemployment rates. As a response to this trend, the ILO conducts a Market Systems Analysis (MSA) in order to address decent work deficits and explore the potential for job creation. The focus is on the green economy and enterprises that can safeguard the environment.

The MSA methodology will explore the root causes that hinder growth. By understanding the constraints, the ILO will design interventions that help enterprises overcome obstacles and lead to more inclusive and sustainable growth. The goal is to create new employment opportunities for women, either through entrepreneurship, or through enterprises with additional capacities to employ new workers.