This paper examines the situation of women’s access to employment in Kosovo and Albania. It discusses the current employment situation of women in both countries by shedding light on the factors that fuel employment inequality. In this regard a number of problems have been identified such as:

• Engaging women as unpaid workers;
• Division of professions based on gender stereotypes;
• The high level of education of women compared to men not reflected in employment;
• Under-representation of women in managerial positions;
• Small number of women who own and inherit family property;
• Gender pay and representation gap;
• High degree of informality.

The legal framework and employment policies in Kosovo and Albania have been addressed in terms of ensuring women’s access to employment given the existing barriers. Although the legal framework of both countries is considered to be quite advanced in providing equal gender protection in all aspects of life, including employment, the problems remain in achieving equality through adequate policies.

The paper highlights the progress made as well as the remaining challenges in this regard. Consequently, it provides a set of recommendations for actions that improve women’s access to employment in Kosovo and Albania.