Invisible Walls: Employment Struggles of Women with Limited Education in Albania

This literature review addresses the many challenges that Albanian women with lower levels of education face in their search for stable and fulfilling work. From limited access to quality job opportunities to cultural expectations, skill gaps, and economic barriers, these issues reveal complex realities that many women face—realities that have only become tougher with global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

2.1 Educational and skill limitations

As Neimanis [7] pointed out, education level can say a lot about a woman’s opportunities and standing in society. In Albania’s increasingly competitive job market, the need for specialized skills is growing, which makes it difficult for women with limited education to find stable, well-paying jobs. Many urban roles require qualifications that aren’t attainable for women who lack access to higher education. This leaves them with limited choices, often pushing them into low-paying jobs with little chance for advancement. Kossek and Ozeki [8] found that women with less education are especially vulnerable, often locked out of positions that offer flexibility or room for growth. In Albania, access to vocational training is opaque, further complicating the picture. For instance, female residents of a region might find it challenging to develop skills within sectors that are calling for high employment. And even when career programs are offered, financial constraints and a lack of awareness prevent many women from participating, making growing even more difficult. To these challenges, socially constructed roles of women as caregivers to the family are placed which compel some of the women to opt out of work and focus on family responsibilities. This is the case more for women with less education who have a limited number of jobs to choose from that are family oriented. Eby et al. [9] noted that this issue is more compounded in women who have low educational attainment as there are lesser opportunities to sustain work family balance.

2.2 High rates of informal and unpaid work

Many women in Albania, especially in rural areas, are confined to unpaid roles in family businesses or low-wage jobs in agriculture. Globally, nearly a quarter of women are involved in unpaid family work, which makes it difficult for them to gain financial independence or access benefits like healthcare and pensions [1, 2]. Women in Albania, and those who have low levels of education in particular, often fail in attempts to obtain formal, more stable, and better-paying job opportunities. This forces them into informal situations of work where protection by the law and job security are minimal. As noted by Topi [3] and International Labour Office [1], most Albanian women end up in either informal or unpaid work with agriculture or family enterprises. Usually, such jobs lack contracts, health insurance, or pension plans, which generally implies that women have very troublesome times achieving financial independence or security. Kalaja and Tahiri [10] stated that even though many women in Albania make a great contribution to ensuring the economic stability of their family, they still remain in a very precarious financial position because of the lack of legal protection and job security in their employment. Women are overrepresented in informal and unpaid family jobs-a section that diminishes one's chances of finding formal employment and also holds back long-term economic mobility [2].

2.3 Skill mismatch with market needs

Women who lack education often don't have the skills employers want in the Albanian job market. This limits their job choices. They might struggle to find formal work or end up in jobs that don't use all their abilities. By closing this skills gap is key to boost job chances for women [4]. Many women in Albania find that their education failed to meet the requirements or needs of the labor market because they are underemployed. Most women with low and medium education lack technical or professional skills that employers want. They hold them back from qualifying into stable, better-paying jobs; hence, they usually end up in either low-paid jobs, informal work, or part-time status that does not use their full skills in a manner that allows progress in their careers [4]. This shortage is further exacerbated by the general lack of job training programs that can give women the qualification they need to access better jobs. According to an EBRD report [2], without these kinds of programs, the less educated women will continue to be denied their possible relevant work, hence perpetuating the gender divide in labor force inequality in Albania.

2.4 Patriarchal social norms

In rural areas where family responsibilities often take center stage, old-fashioned beliefs about the role of men and women in Albania tend to stifle women's opportunities to be gainfully employed. Social demands could deny a woman the chance for an outright job or even for promotion [2, 3]. The factor of traditional gender roles also influences women in Albania: according to the male-dominated customs, women are supposed to take care of the homestead. This setting gives them little time and leeway to seek employment opportunities. Furthermore, it is reported that traditions of such kinds reduce female access to jobs, above all by lower-educated persons, because women may lack information about employing rights and existing jobs [3]. In such a setting, the perception is usually built in terms of their family priorities over careers [9]. An outcome or, perhaps more precisely-a result-will be worse achievements of work goals along with an opportunity to obtain flexible jobs.

2.5 Role of family and caregiving responsibilities

A significant problem faced by women is the stress caused by role conflict or the pressure of managing multiple roles. Women typically juggle various responsibilities, including work obligations, family management, and societal commitments [11]. With increased work demands, traditional gender roles and societal expectations, this balancing act also introduces various challenges that can affect their well-being and overall life satisfaction significantly [12]. Women still take most of the housework and childcare with no payment. They may find that these traditional responsibilities limits their career opportunities, that demands of work and family life are often in conflict or that they guilty or dissatisfied if they feel unable to meet either set of expectations [8]. From the countryside, it often places women at an even more restricted chance in seeking job security as homemakers and family caregivers. The effect of that reason often tends to find women mostly into low-paid jobs or any available informal ones, in adaption for the need concerning family rather than economic empowerment opportunities and promotions. These challenges for women — poor parents in particular — are compounded by a shortage of affordable daycare. Although research by Grzywacz and Carlson [13] has found that women commonly experience heightened levels of stress, burnout and diminished well-being as they struggle to balance work and family responsibilities. This challenge mostly hits women with low educational backgrounds, who find it much harder to get into more understanding work environments. Wider societal norms push women into caregiver roles, which makes it hard for them to follow fulfilling careers together with family responsibilities. According to Creed and Hood [12], this can restrict women's advancement and lead to guilt or frustration when managing competing time commitments. When it comes to prioritizing between family and work, Albanian women are often disadvantaged, as traditional gender roles prescribe that family should always come first. Moreover, according to Mittal et al. [11], a lack of family aid obstructs growth of working women. Families do not allow women to quit housework work and go to work. Concrete actions should be taken to open more public nurseries, but also within institutions, for the care of children to harmonise professional and personal life since women are reluctant to engage more in their careers due to their obligations to many family members [14].

2.6 Employer inflexibility and lack of support services

Inflexible workplace policies and a lack of support services are major barriers to many women, particularly those with caring responsibilities. Scarce and expensive childcare, along with irregular and unreliable transportation, often complicate attempts to balance work and family life. This is especially the case in rural areas where there are limited transportation options available. According to the World Bank [15], limited transport choices prevent many women from accessing jobs available outside their immediate communities, which in turn denies them access to a wider job market and limits their economic growth. Besides, a lot of firms do not have flexible conditions of work, hence making life even more complicated for women with family obligations. Higher absenteeism and job insecurity associated with inflexible working arrangements tend to hit women particularly hard in the lowly paid, lower-level positions. Despite calls for flexibility at work, the Women in the Workplace report [16] shows many companies cutting back on such benefits, with women with caring responsibilities being hit hardest.

2.7 Discrimination and gender bias

Gender discrimination influences the ability to recruit, salaries, and promotion of women, especially in men's dominated fields in Albania. This bias often creates fewer job opportunities for women and lower wages [1, 2]. Deep-seated cultural expectations about gender roles mold the work landscape for women in Albania and create various barriers to career advancement and job security. For example, research by the EBRD [2] highlights the societal attitude as one of the critical deterrents to women's inclusion in the economy and hinders them from getting sufficient chances to build a stable, fulfilled career. Albanian women generally receive lower wages than men; this is a problem long in existence that places limitation on their financial independence and career growth [11].

2.8 Limited access to financial resources and networking

Women with lower levels of education often face barriers to accessing networks and mentoring programs that support their career development. Organizations such as GADC emphasize that the Internet is essential to help women integrate into the labor market [10]. In addition, many women, especially those with less education, face economic exclusion. According to EBRD [2], a large part of Albanian women does not have access to formal financial services in a position to enable them to save, invest, or start a business. All these challenges are further compounded by the lack of financial literacy in either accessing loans or opportunities to improve their financial situation. While many initiatives focus on promoting women's entrepreneurship, in INSTAT [17] discovered that complicated application procedures and a lack of awareness often lead to business opportunities being out of reach for less qualified women. It is through streamlining these processes and offering focused support that new avenues toward economic independence and empowerment will become accessible.

2.9 Economic challenges faced by low-education women during the COVID-19 pandemic

The economic setbacks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have lingered on, especially among women with lower education levels who were involved in informal jobs. The economic shutdowns cost women jobs, cut hours in industries like hospitality and retail that employ large numbers of vulnerable workers, along with those engaged in informal work. Lockdowns and financial instability made a dire situation worse, particularly for women of low-income groups. According to the World Bank [15], these job losses increased financial fragility, hence a need for targeted support to facilitate women's recovery. The pandemic increased caregiving needs as a result of the closure of schools and childcare facilities. Many women had to face reduced income and increased caregiving burdens-especially household heads and those in rural areas. Some women, out of economic necessity, had to work in unsafe conditions despite their low level of attainment and limited choices.

2.10 Economic barriers

The challenge facing Albanian women with low to medium education is economic inequality. Many are overrepresented in low-wage agriculture, retail, and unskilled-labor sectors, exposing them to job insecurity, limited benefits, and little opportunity for advancement. In 2022, rural women generally lacked legal protection and were not assured job security since they participated more often than others in the informal economy [18]. According to UN Women Albania [18], while informal work may ensure a certain level of income in the short run, it puts women in a vulnerable position-that is, exploited without long-term financial security. This vicious circle of economic dependence hardly allows the targeted women to break loose and free themselves into better-paid jobs with financial independence and opportunities.

4.1 First interview

We had the opportunity to speak with a woman who has a limited education during our first interview. She showed some difficulties, at the beginning, talking about her experiences in the job market. Her story highlights the difficult reality that many women in similar situations face, shedding light on the systemic barriers that continue to restrict their career opportunities. She emphasized right away how difficult it is to find respectable employment without a college degree. She described how many employers give preference to applicants with degrees, saying, “It's like there's an invisible barrier.” “I am aware of my abilities and experience, but I frequently feel marginalized simply because I lack documentation to support it.” This feeling is quite common among women in similar situations, who frequently sense that potential employers overlook their hands-on experience. One concern she highlighted was job insecurity. She often finds herself in temporary or part-time positions that provide minimal benefits or stability, resulting in a work environment that is both erratic and stressful. “I feel like I can’t make any plans for the future since I don’t know if I’ll have any work next month.” This uncertainty makes it really difficult to balance her everyday expenditures and recognize any type of economic stability. Saving for significant goals, such as retirement or purchasing a home, feels like an unattainable dream when she can’t rely on a consistent paycheck. The difficulties don't end there; her work life is further complicated by her family obligations. She was honest in her discussion of the conventional expectations that are imposed on women, particularly those who are caregivers. “I frequently feel torn between my family and my work,” she remarked. “I’m grappling with the heartbreaking reality that I may have to let go of a wonderful opportunity because my children need me at home. It’s tough knowing that the lack of supportive policies or flexible work options at my job makes this choice even harder. I’m torn between my desire to advance my career and my commitment to being there for my family.” Not only is this juggling act exhausting, but many women are too familiar with the ongoing emotional strain it causes. She also emphasized the lack of opportunities for professional development as a major obstacle. She expressed her frustration by saying, “I want to learn and grow, but there just aren't enough resources available for people like me.” Without access to training programs tailored to people with her background, she felt trapped in low-paying jobs. “How can I break out of this cycle if I can’t improve my skills?” she asked, illustrating a common dilemma faced by many women who want to build a better future. Throughout our conversation, her determination was clear in spite of these challenges. She described excitedly her efforts to find new learning opportunities, often through community projects or web resources. “I’ve learned how important it is to have people around you who lift you up,” she said. It was the encouragement and resources from friends, as well as local organizations and community groups around her, that propelled her to move ahead. “I know I can’t do this alone,” she said, emphasizing the importance of community in her journey. Her story provides a powerful reminder of the urgent need for change in the job market. She thinks that implementing more accessible training programs and inclusive policies could greatly help women like her, allowing them to succeed professionally and enhance their quality of life. She said, “I wish there were more opportunities for people who want to learn and work hard.” Her experiences represent a larger issue that face many women with low to medium levels of education. It is an appeal for us all to support a fairer labor market where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. She represents the spirit of all those women that work towards a better future with tenacity and determination. Her story highlights our shared responsibility to foster an atmosphere in which all individuals, regardless of background, can prosper.

4.2 Second interview

We had the opportunity of having a sincere talk with a woman who was the primary provider for her family and was aware of the intricate duties involved in being a devoted mother. Having a medium level of education, she has encountered many obstacles in the workplace and has felt the weight of balancing work and family obligations. From the beginning, she shared her educational background, though it helped her secure basic positions, often feels more like a barrier than a bridge to better opportunities. “It’s frustrating,” she explained. “Even with my experience, I often find myself competing against candidates with higher degrees. It appears that my credentials are insufficient, although I am certain that I am capable of doing the work.” This fact has made looking for a job especially challenging. In an attempt to support her family, she has applied for jobs that don't fit her goals or skills. She is under a great pressure as the head of the household. She held several part-time jobs, all of which require long hours and left her exhausted at the end of the day. She admitted, that there are days when her energy levels were significantly low, making it difficult to maintain productivity. She confessed. “I get up early to prepare the kids for school, then I head off to work, and when I come home, I start working on homework and dinner right away.” From her voice, it is obvious the tiredness but the love for her children and her commitment to support them fuels her determined effort. Her unstable employment is a major obstacle. She is constantly worried about her financial future because many of the positions she has taken on are temporary or part-time. “There’s this fear of not knowing if I’ll have enough hours next week or if I’ll even have a job,” she shared. She suffers greatly from the uncertainty, which has an impact on her mental and financial well-being. As an example of the stress that comes with living paycheck to paycheck, she acknowledged, “I lie awake at night, worrying if I'll be able to pay the bills or if an emergency will throw everything off balance.” Her strength is evident in spite of these challenges. She wants to expand her education in order to increase her chances of finding employment. Lack of reasonably priced training programs hinders her goals. “I want to better myself, but every time I consider returning to school, the expenses and the time it would take away from my children overwhelm me,” she said. She feels trapped in a circle and she does not see an apparent way out. Thus, she finds it tough to strike a balance in her life. Community support plays a significant role in her life. She talked about her friends and family and highlighted that they prop each other up to battle life's challenges. She fought in her eyes as she made the statement, “From childcare to job leads to only a listening ear when it hurts,” thinking about the thought of her family and friends who support her. Letting her know she isn't going it alone—struggling—such support does more than lend its usefulness but breeds hope when everything seems lost. At the end her experience illustrates the difficulties encountered by several women in comparable circumstances. She is concerned about giving her kids a better life. She strongly emphasizes for her children the value of having access to opportunities and education that she was denied. She speaks about this, showing her dedication: “I want them to dream big and not feel limited by their circumstances.” Her experiences have highlighted the need for job training and educational resources for women like her: head-of-households with limited educational backgrounds trying to make ends meet. Her life is an example of tenacity and determination, showing the strength so many women have. She is certain that with the right help, she will be able to build a better life for herself and her children.

4.3 Third interview

We had an open discussion with a woman who has experienced severe discrimination in her career, primarily because of her lack of education. As she told her story it became clear how profoundly these experiences have influenced her life and goals. She has faced many challenges that many people might not consider in the modern workforce. She said, draped in the expression that conveys the anger that comes with marginalization, “My education often makes me feel like I am lacking.” She has been in her field for years, but she is often overlooked for senior positions and development opportunities. “Because of their degrees, I have watched colleagues with less experience get promoted. “I just think it’s so unfair,” she said, referring to how this affected her motivation and ambitions. Delving deeper into her past, she told about particular moments that had a profound impact on her self-assurance. “I once applied for a supervisory position for which I was certain of my qualifications. Even though I was qualified and experienced, I was passed over for this position by someone with less practical experience. They told me they simply didn't think someone with my background could handle it when I asked for feedback. The emotional impact that such rejections have had on her voice was evident from the obvious remorse in her voice. It was a blow to my self-esteem. I’ve worked hard, and to be told I’m not capable because of my education? I was deeply impacted by it. Her self-doubt has persisted as a result of these experiences. With a hint of vulnerability in her voice, she acknowledged, “I often question myself and start to wonder if this is the career path for me or if I should just take something less.” The constant questioning has taken a toll on her mental health. “Some days, it feels like I am against an invisible wall. It’s fatiguing,” she confided, and she was pointing to the psychological toll that discrimination at work can take on a person. Her difficulties are made worse by her financial instability. Her educational background limits her employment options, which keeps her in low-paying jobs. “I want my children to have better life, but it hard for me, I can hardly live, she said, voice determined but tinged, too, with desperation. I dream of a stable home, of a future when they won’t have to think about money, and yet that feels so far away.” She wants more for her children and that keeps her wanting to better her situation, but it really feels like she is fighting an uphill battle sometimes. Although she struggles with a lack of easily accessible resources, her strong desire for both professional and personal growth is sincere. “For people like me, I wish there were more programs that offered training or skill development,” she said. “I want to learn and grow, but it’s hard to find the right opportunities.” It's frustrating to see others move ahead and myself still stuck at the same place. The quote reveals that systemic barriers have prevented her from career advancement. Community, however, has become a vital source of support for her. With a smile in her face, she added, “My friends and family have been my lifeline. They push me to keep moving forward even when I feel like I'm losing and remind me that I'm worth it.” This sense of solidarity not only offers helpful advice but also builds resilience, enabling her to overcome the obstacles she encounters on a daily basis. As our conversation drew to a close, she expressed a heartfelt wish for change—not just for herself, but for all women facing similar hurdles. She fervently stated, “I want to see workplaces where everyone has a fair shot, regardless of their education level.” “Everyone should have the opportunity to prove themselves. We should stop focusing on just the degrees but instead start to see that potential.” In a society where formal qualifications can overshadow talent and hard work, the desire for inclusion and equality creates an emotional connection. Her experience is a powerful reminder of the ongoing obstacles that many low-educated women face in the workplace. It highlights how urgently inclusive laws and support networks are needed in order to remove these barriers and enable people to thrive on the basis of their abilities rather than their academic credentials. Her story is one of perseverance, demonstrating the strength and determination of women who do not allow their education to define them. Through her story, we are inspired to take action in support of a more equal workplace for all.

This article supports the argument that low or secondary educated Albanian women face serious obstacles in accessing and advancing in the labor market. As seen from the analysis, job opportunities, social expectations, and financial constraints have placed them in low-paid, part-time or informal positions.

Traditional gender norms play a critical role in shaping these outcomes. Women are frequently confined to caregiving roles and expected to prioritize family responsibilities over professional ambitions. As a result, many are limited to unpaid, informal, or low-wage work. These positions offer little to no income and minimal opportunities for advancement, reinforcing a cycle of economic dependence and insecurity.

The gap is that the required skills by the employers are not met by the qualifications of these women. Most formal sector jobs require such skills which are hard to be acquired without higher education. Yet, vocational training programs-which could help bridge this gap-remain inaccessible to many women, especially due to financial and geographical constraints. Thus, it puts them in a no-win situation where the cycle of limited choices exacerbates economic dependence.

Without policies that would grant flexible working hours or cheaper child care, this becomes impossible to handle; the outcome is often falling into informal or part-time jobs with very little security. Most of the women employed in low-wage sectors have poor benefits and limited protection such as health insurance and pensions.

Economic fragility further worsens these problems. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these vulnerabilities, as women in precarious work face a loss of income, exacerbating their financial insecurity and reducing their chances of secure employment.

Future research could expand the understanding of the employment challenges of Albanian women with low to moderate education by expanding the sample size to include more participants from different regions and backgrounds (perhaps through a comprehensive survey). Structural questionnaires can perceive broader experiences and quantitatively identify factors such as stable work, access to training and social expectations for the impact of career development.