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Olta XhackaAlbanian politician
Date of Birth: 25.12.1979
Country:  Albania |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Civil Society Activism and Academic Work
- Political Career
- Human Rights Advocacy and Committee Roles
- Ministerial Appointments
- Minister of Defense
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Olta Xhaçka was born in Albania and earned a bachelor's degree in political science and international relations from Clark University in the United States.
Civil Society Activism and Academic Work
Before entering politics, Xhaçka was actively involved in civil society, particularly in the area of human rights. She also taught political science at the University of New York Tirana for three years.
Political Career
Parliamentary and Party InvolvementIn 2009, Xhaçka was elected to the Albanian Parliament as a member of the Socialist Parliamentary Group. She has served as a representative for the Korça region for two terms. Within the Socialist Party, she has been a member of the party's leadership and has headed its Women's Forum since 2010.
Human Rights Advocacy and Committee Roles
As a human rights advocate, particularly in the area of gender equality, Xhaçka has chaired the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Minors, Gender Equality, and Domestic Violence since 2014. She has also served on the Committee on Labor, Social Issues, and Health and the Committee on International Relations.
Ministerial Appointments
In March 2017, Xhaçka was appointed as Minister of Social Protection and Youth. This position was short-lived, however, as the ministry was dissolved in August 2017 and its responsibilities were absorbed by other ministries.
Minister of Defense
Xhaçka was re-elected to Parliament in June 2017, this time representing Tirana. Her district saw the highest increase in votes for the Socialist Party in the capital. In September 2017, she assumed the role of Minister of Defense in Rama's second government, becoming the second woman to hold this position after Mimi Kodheli. In April 2018, she made an official visit to the United States and met with Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis at the Pentagon.
Personal Life
Xhaçka is married to Artan Gaçi, a former Socialist MP, and they have a daughter named Hana.
