Sexuality, intimacy, and parenthood for people with disabilities remain taboo topics in Albanian society. However, some of us have overcome prejudice and discrimination, managing to build stable relationships, enjoy sexual lives, and become parents. Through a collection of personal testimonies, we are sharing the stories of 10 people with disabilities who speak about their experiences with love, intimacy, and parenthood. This publication, featuring testimonies from people with disabilities, is the first of its kind to highlight intimate relationships and parenthood within the context of Albanian society.
Dr. Manuela Bello, Country representative of the UNFPA Albania Office, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and working together to reduce prejudices while encouraging individuals with disabilities to fulfill their dreams when it comes to parenthood and relationships. At the same time, we hope that this publication will serve as a catalyst for policymakers to improve laws, policies, and practices related to the sexual and reproductive health and rights of people with disabilities, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Albania.
The publication aims to highlight the topic of sexuality, intimate relationships, and parenthood for people with disabilities. This topic is still considered taboo in Albanian society due to deeply rooted perceptions that people with disabilities are vulnerable from a health standpoint and are often considered asexual by the rest of the population.
UNFPA, in collaboration with "Së Bashku Foundation", organized an advocacy forum on sexual and reproductive health and rights for people with disabilities. This forum not only gave voice to the experiences and challenges of people with disabilities but also created a discussion platform with policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders on the steps needed to ensure greater equality in access to quality healthcare services for people with disabilities, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
This collaboration is part of the United Nations Albania Joint Program "Leave No One Behind," supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by four UN agencies: UNDP Albania, UNFPA Albania, UNICEF Albania, and UN Women Albania, in cooperation with the Albanian Government, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and other key actors in the country.
