From: The Feminist Collective
20 Roads for 20 Women Murdered in One Year

On Thursday (13 January), activists of the Feminist Collective in Tirana took symbolic and awareness activities to react to women killed by patriarchal violence in Albania.

Public space has been occupied by replacing 20 names of the capital’s streets with the names of 20 femicide victims throughout the past year, including the latest case, Gjyle Topalli in Vau e Dejes.

In a society where structural and patriarchal violence turns women into victims and men into criminals where crime is justified, and the victim is constantly blamed, a massive reaction to a radical transformation is necessary.

Above all, the killing of women and gender-based violence are not private issues but social and political. Consequently, their address deserves comprehensive attention and concrete institutional acts that guarantee justice for the victims, protection, safety and welfare for survivors and social policies that prevent violence and pave the way for social justice equality.
In memory of everyone who shared violently, we unite in the ongoing effort for a life of dignity and freedom!

These are the 20 women murdered in Albania over the last 12 months.

Lumturi Bici, 50 years old, killed by her husband, Librazhd, 2021

Clarita Ismalaja, 45 years old, killed by her husband, Kruja, 2021

Diana Vuka, 59, killed by her brother, Shkodra, 2021

Zhaneta Metani, raped, used for prostitution and killed by Pëparim Tela, Tirana, 2021

Kristina Bardhi, used for prostitution and killed by Pëparim Tela, Tirana 2021

Liljana Buzo, 54, killed by her husband, Elbasan, 2021

Dorina Alla, 39 years old, killed by her husband, in the presence of children, Italy, 2021

Fëllënza Shirja, 45 years old, killed by her husband, Kavaja, 2021

Irvana Hyka, 28, was killed by her husband in the presence of children while pregnant, Fier, 2021

Luljeta Heshta, 47 years old, killed by partner, Italy, 2021

Sanije Bandula, 83 years old, killed by her husband, Shkodra, 2021

Anisa Shehu, 31, killed by her husband, Greece, 2021

Joana Peca, 27 years old, shot by her husband in the presence of children, Florida, USA, 2021

Sabrina Bengaj, 23, murdered by ex-husband Fier, 2021

Violeta Gurraj, 47 years old, was killed in her home by her husband, Shkodra

Fëllënxë Rrasa, 45 years old, killed by her husband, Divjaka, 2021

Jawsackie Jaboah, 31, killed by Albanian husband, Tirana, 2021

Elinda Topalli, 50 years old, killed by her husband, Austria, 2021

Elona Ibrushi, 36, killed by her husband, Greece, 2021

Gjyle Topalli, 40 years old, killed by ex-husband, Vau i Dejë, 2022