For Mirela, a 39-year-old mother of two from Bulqiza, the idea of self-empowerment was something she had never considered. In her world, being a mother and wife meant sacrifice—her needs always came second to those of her husband and children. Like many women in her community, she had spent her life prioritizing her family’s well-being over her own, never questioning whether she had the right to dream, learn, or grow beyond her role at home.

For years, she ignored her own mental and emotional well-being, believing that a woman’s strength came from endurance, not self-care. Whenever she felt exhausted or overwhelmed, she pushed through, telling herself, “This is just how life is.”

Then one day, her 14-year-old daughter invited her to attend a meeting at the EmpowerHer – Mother-Daughter Club. Mirela hesitated. What could a club possibly teach her at this stage in life? She was a mother—what more did she need to learn? But she decided to go, if only to support her daughter.

The first session changed everything.

She listened as the facilitators talked about gender equality, leadership, and mental health—topics she had never considered relevant to her own life. When other women in the group began to share their personal stories, she realized she wasn’t alone. Many of them had internalized the same beliefs—that a mother’s role was to serve, not to lead.

As she continued attending, Mirela started seeing things differently. She realized that taking care of herself didn’t mean she was neglecting her family. That self-worth wasn’t selfish, and strength wasn’t just about sacrifice—it was about growth.

One of the most profound moments for her came during a discussion on gender roles and household responsibilities. She decided to bring the conversation home, talking to her husband and children about the importance of shared responsibilities. She explained that raising a family should be a partnership, not a burden placed solely on women.

To her surprise, her husband listened. Her children started helping more around the house, and she felt a newfound sense of balance and respect within her home. It wasn’t a drastic overnight change, but it was a step toward breaking old patterns.

Mirela’s biggest transformation came when she was asked to speak at a community event about her journey. She stood in front of a room full of women—many of them mothers like her—and shared how the club had given her a new perspective on life. She spoke about the importance of women prioritizing their own growth, embracing their dreams, and supporting one another. Her speech resonated deeply with other women, many of whom approached her afterward, expressing how they had never considered their own empowerment before. Some even said they were inspired to join the club because of her words.

Now, Mirela is an active advocate for women’s empowerment in her community. She encourages other mothers to break free from limiting societal expectations, to support their daughters’ ambitions, and to see themselves not just as caregivers, but as individuals with dreams and potential.

Her story is proof that empowerment has no age limit—it is never too late for women to find their voice, challenge outdated norms, and inspire future generations. Through the YWCA initiative, Mirela has transformed not only her own life but the lives of those around her, paving the way for a future where women of all ages embrace their power and purpose.

Note: For the purpose of maintaining anonymity, the name has been changed. Meanwhile, the entire story is based on real experiences.

This story was written as part of the project “Empower Her: Uniting generations to bring change”, financially supported by the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana.