In a country where political arrogance often overshadows genuine contributions to society, Sevim Arbana stands as a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. A lifelong activist for human rights and women's empowerment, Arbana has fought battles not for personal gain, but for the betterment of Albanian society. Yet, when she was nominated for the Nobel Prize, the reaction of the Albanian government was nothing short of disgraceful—absolute indifference.
A Life Devoted to Feminism and Justice
Appearing on the show "Profil" with journalist Greta Topjana, Arbana shared her deeply personal journey. Raised without a father, she grew up with her mother and sisters, unknowingly embracing feminism before she even understood the term. This early experience shaped her mission in life—to fight for equality and justice in a country where women's voices are often silenced.
Her activism has earned her numerous prestigious awards, but none as shocking as her nomination for the Nobel Prize in 2005. Arbana recalls vividly the moment she received the email confirming her nomination as one of the "1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize." She was in a computer center due to a power outage in her office when the email arrived. Overcome with disbelief, she screamed in excitement. However, what followed was an unforgivable betrayal by the Albanian state.
The Shameful Silence of the Albanian Government
As per Nobel Prize procedures, after an initial selection, the final nominees must be endorsed by their respective states. Arbana made the cut, and the Nobel organizers informed the Albanian government to publicly support her candidacy. But what did the Albanian authorities do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
This deliberate negligence speaks volumes about the priorities of Albania’s leadership. When it comes to self-promotion, corruption, and power plays, the government moves mountains. But when an Albanian woman, a tireless human rights defender, is given a chance at global recognition, they remain silent, proving once again that they do not care about real change—only about maintaining their grip on power.
Edi Rama: The Hypocrite-in-Chief
One would expect at least a word of support from Prime Minister Edi Rama, but expecting decency from him is like expecting integrity in Albanian politics—futile. Rama, known for his appalling treatment of women within his own Socialist Party, has a history of publicly humiliating and degrading female colleagues. His misogyny is no secret, and his indifference to Arbana’s Nobel nomination only reaffirms his contempt for strong, outspoken women.
Arbana herself has not been spared from his pettiness. She is currently entangled in a ridiculous legal battle against Rama, who initially demanded she pay 10 million lek in damages. The court, however, reduced this to a mere 200,000 old lek, a laughable amount compared to the Prime Minister’s ego. The legal dispute stems from a comment Arbana made, calling Rama a "psychopath at 20 and now a super-psychopath." Clearly, truth hurts.
But what is even more telling is Rama’s own behavior. Arbana recounted an incident where he openly pinched a female MP during a meeting, demonstrating once again his utter lack of respect for women. His autocratic tendencies are evident—he does not tolerate opposing views, and when confronted, he resorts to legal bullying.
A Nation That Fails Its Heroes
Sevim Arbana is a warrior in a country that does not deserve her. While Albania’s leaders bask in their own mediocrity, individuals like her fight for real change. The government's failure to support her Nobel candidacy was not just a missed opportunity—it was an act of disgrace.
This is the sad reality of Albania under Edi Rama: a state that silences its brightest, ignores its humanitarians, and bows only to power and corruption. Yet, despite this, Sevim Arbana remains undeterred. She continues her fight, knowing that true recognition does not come from the government, but from the people she has tirelessly defended.