Barazisë

Barazisë is the Albanian term for equality, defined as the condition in which individuals enjoy equal rights, status, and opportunities, and are protected by the same legal framework. The word derives from baraz-, meaning “equal,” with the abstract noun form barazia meaning “the equality.” In Albanian, inflected forms such as barazisë appear in phrases like për barazinë (for equality) or në barazinë e të drejtave (in the equality of rights).

Barazisë is used across legal, political, and civil society discourse. It is applied to legal equality before the law, anti-discrimination, and to specific dimensions such as barazia gjinore (gender equality), barazia sociale (social equality), and barazia ekonomike (economic equality). Debates distinguish formal equality—laws that apply equally—from substantive equality—outcomes that ensure real parity in access to education, employment, healthcare, and political participation.

In Albania, Kosovo, and other Albanian-speaking communities, barazisë has been a central aim of constitutional and legislative reforms, especially in the context of post-communist transition and European Union integration. Advocates emphasize that achieving barazinë in practice requires addressing structural barriers, social norms, and resource distribution, not just enacting laws.

Related terms include barazia gjinore (gender equality) and barazia ligjore (legal equality). The concept remains central to human rights and democratic governance discussions in Albanian-speaking societies.