EN
Albanian society differs from the rest of Europe. It is dominated by the present form of a traditional institution, the patrilineal family, which has evolved over time. Networks of family and kin fulfil several functions undertaken elsewhere by a range of institutions. This structure limits possibilities for women, but it is also a major resource. The changes since 1990, one of the most important being land privatisation, have given rural households more autonomy and, on balance, have had an empowering effect for women, though at the cost of increasing their work and responsibility. Not all changes have been to womens advantage. In the public sector cuts and shortages have disproportionately affected women, and their representation in political fora has greatly declined.