Since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, Albania has experienced migrations of epic proportions: 17 years later almost one in four Albanians has emigrated and lives abroad, primarily in Greece and Italy. Albanian emigration has by and large represented a typically male-dominated model, whereby men have 'led the way' and women have followed as family members. In spite of Whilst some 'traditional' norms and values persist and are reinforced during migration, change does take place, albeit at a slow and gradual pace. However, for the emancipatory benefits women could accrue through migration to be enhanced, immigration policies need adjusting to address their position as fully autonomous economic and social actors, thus reducing their dependency on male 'bread-winners'. Albanian women's particular migratory experiences, combined with their increasing numbers as migrants, make a compelling case for further attention from researchers and policymakers.