Albania's transition to democracy and the connected social changes in the early-1990s saw women's movements organising for the first time. Vera Lesko was among many women at this time to become involved with voluntary work. She and other women in Vlora, a port town in southern Albania, focused their work on issues of violence against women. In 1996, Vera was asked to undertake some research on trafficking, and she was shocked by the results. Many Albanian girls were being trafficked and large numbers of them were taken in speedboats from Vlora across the Adriatic to Italy, where they were forced into prostitution. The illegal activities of the traffickers went on under the noses of corrupt officials. Vera Lesko resolved to work against the trafficking of girls and women into prostitution, despite facing threats to her and her family.

In 1997, Vera founded The Hearth of Vlora Women, an organisation that has pioneered anti-trafficking efforts in Albania. They set up a prevention and social services centre in 1999. The prevention centre carries out awareness raising activities such as training seminars, work in schools and media work, as well as providing social services including counselling, medical and legal assistance. The areas they work on include human trafficking and other social problems, such as drug abuse and violence, particularly against women.

In 2001, The Hearth opened the first shelter in the country for trafficked Albanian women and girls. The shelter provides secure accommodation and assistance to victims of trafficking. It also offers such rehabilitation and reintegration services as legal and medical counselling, vocational training and assistance in accessing employment and education.

Vera Lesko and The Hearth have built up strong relations with the Government, diplomats and other social organisations in Albania, but it has been a long battle to have Albania recognised as a country from which people are trafficked, and there is still a need for more vital assistance and support services. In particular Vera is campaigning for international help for victims of trafficking, to ensure these young women are able to find a way out of trafficking and are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety.

Trafficking in Albania background