Dozens of young people from rural areas of the country gathered at the Artificial Lake area in Tirana for a massive cycling event, as part of the closing activity of the "EU for Gender Equality" project funded by the European Union, implemented by UNFPA Albania and UN Women in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

Throughout the implementation period, the "EU for Gender Equality" project has addressed topics such as early marriage, selective abortion, bullying, including online bullying that is so widespread in the era of social networks, the need for more open discussions in schools and families with children and young people, about things that are still considered taboo in society.

At the conclusion of the 2-year project, 24 young people gathered for a different activity to share their experiences, create partnerships, and strengthen youth networks. Cycling was the best way, serving as a metaphor that suits the objective of the project: cycling, just like gender equality, is an issue that requires effort and balance. Similarly, in cycling, as in life, you must keep moving forward, otherwise you fall. In cycling, just like in the challenges youth face, you need energy, self-confidence, and resilience.

The youth involved in the project now know more about themselves, their bodies, freedom of expression and choices, early marriage effects, selective abortion, harmful social norms, institutions, and protective mechanisms for their rights, and they will continue to share this knowledge with their peers."