Afërdita Haxhijaha holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management (Pittsburg University).

Worked in gender equality and women rights since 1998 for SIDA, USAID, World Bank, UNDP, UN Women, European Union, Swiss Development Cooperation, the central and local governments in the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM), Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Lebanon and Euro-Med region. She has undertaken 36 short- and long-term assignments with some being four-year project engagements. Afërdita has facilitated capacity development for 50 Civil Society Organizations (CSO) that advocate for women rights and political participation in Western Balkan countries through trainings, workshops, technical advice and guidance. Provided expert opinions to representatives of 10 political parties in RNM and 8 political parties in Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Hercegovina. Facilitated exchange of expertise and experience in gender integration within election processes for electoral administration bodies in 15 countries and as part of UNDP offices in ECA Region and as a part of International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Regional projects. Afërdita has lead and contributed in development of evidence based policy papers and briefs; formulation of legislation on women rights to elect and be elected; drafting strategies on social inclusion and equal opportunities; research, reviews and mapping.