Jozefina Topalli

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Jozefina Topalli is an Albanian politician who was the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Parliament, from September 2, 2005, to September 9, 2013. She has been a member of Parliament since 1996, with a break between 2017 and 2022, and has been affiliated mainly with the Democratic Party (1996–2017, 2022–present), with a brief period in the Movement for Change (2020–2021).

Education and early career
- Born on November 26, 1963, in Shkodër, Albania.
- Studied mathematics and law at Luigj Gurakuqi University in Shkodër.
- Studied international relations at the University of Padua in Italy.
- Earned master's degrees in public administration and European studies from the University of Tirana.
- Completed a PhD at the University of Tirana in 2010 on the role of the National Parliament in Albania’s European integration.
- Speaks English, Russian, French, and Italian.
- Worked at the Shkodër Chamber of Commerce (1992–1995) and was a chancellor and lecturer at Luigj Gurakuqi University (1995–1996).

Parliament and leadership
- Elected to Parliament in 1996 and re-elected multiple times.
- Served on the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Family, and was Deputy President of the Children’s Committee.
- Was Deputy Speaker of the Assembly in 1997–2001 and 2001–2005.
- Became Speaker of the Albanian Parliament from 2005 to 2013, the first woman to hold the post.
- As Speaker, she promoted Albania’s EU integration, helped advance NATO accession, and advocated for Kosovo’s recognition.

Awards and honors
- Received the 2010 Mediterranean Award.
- Named UNICEF Ambassador for children’s rights in Albania.
- Awarded the Medal of Honor by the Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg.
- Won the Millennium Peace Award, Cavaliere per la Pace, by the International Peace Union.
- Named an Honorary Citizen of Čair Municipality in North Macedonia in 2012.

Personal life
- She is married and has a son named Tony Topalli.