The Evolution of Women's Property Rights in Albania

Abstract

The status of Albanian women in relation to property rights has undergone significant transformations, evolving from the era of customary law to the modern democratic principles of equality among citizens. Historically, within the traditional Albanian family, legal capacity was unequally distributed in a patriarchal system, reflecting pronounced gender disparities. Men, regardless of age, were entitled to inheritance, whereas women were largely excluded from this institution in both their family of origin and their husband’s family (Pupuvoci, n.d., pp. 70–80). Property rights are recognized as fundamental human rights, enshrined in Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and Article 41 of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania. These rights are considered primary, inherent to the individual from birth, and essential for ensuring social and economic equality. In contemporary legal frameworks, the status of women’s property rights is recognized as fully equivalent to that of men. Gender equality in property need policy, interdisciplinary oversight. The effective implementation of this rights requires  not only legal reform, but also the removal of administrative barriers, increased public awareness, and regular monitoring of gender disaggregated property statistic to ensure practical and equitable access.