“My Tradition” in Albania, women from vulnerable groups are employed in the EU-funded social enterprise

“My Craft Tradition” in Elbasan, a city in Central Albania, is a social enterprise that preserves cultural heritage by employing women from vulnerable or marginalized groups, especially those from rural areas.

In this social enterprise, 16 women are employed through the project “TWIST – Towards a new model of social entrepreneurship on confiscated assets in Albania,” funded by the EU.

“TWIST – Towards a new model of social entrepreneurship on confiscated assets in Albania,” is a three-year project aimed at contributing to strengthening the effectiveness of social entrepreneurship as a viable practice for increasing the social reuse of assets confiscated from organized crime and as an effective model of inclusive economy or social business to provide services, skills, employment, and support for vulnerable groups, such as victims of organized crime.

Artisanal women in “My Tradition” are trained and then employed to produce handmade items like carpets, tablecloths, crochet bags, wallets, hats, gloves, and socks. Using traditional looms and local materials like sheep wool, they have created a brand that attracts both Albanian and international customers. Their products include traditional Albanian motifs from Elbasan and other regions, as well as national symbols and seasonal designs like New Year’s Santa, aiming to serve diverse audiences. Their workspace is renovated and adapted to provide the necessary conditions.

Women from different backgrounds have gathered here to preserve traditional crafts by supporting their families, despite the challenges they face