In the Regional Water Supply Company of the Montenegrin Coast, women make up 35% of the total workforce. Although numerically a minority, women in this company occupy key positions and contribute to the stable and sustainable development of the water supply system with their knowledge, expertise and dedication. Among them are prominent women leaders, who prove every day that professionalism, initiative and responsibility have no gender. Their contribution is visible in areas such as engineering, project management, planning, quality control and public relations, where they raise the standards of the entire organization with their work.
Danijela Žujovic
head of laboratory
Being a leader in a water quality testing laboratory means taking responsibility for both the results and the people who create them. “My story at the Regional Water Supply Company began fifteen years ago, when, almost from the very beginning, I took over the management of the laboratory with a clear goal: to test and act to ensure that the water reaching consumers is safe for health,” says Žujović.
"My role is not only to organize the work, but also to ensure that it is carried out safely, precisely and with full confidence. Analytical work requires skill and mental readiness, especially since the means of work are chemicals of the most diverse categories. That is why I take care of who is ready and when to take on certain tasks. When necessary, I personally take on part of the work so that the process runs smoothly and the team remains protected. My principle is clear: the work must not suffer, but neither must the employees." Through almost three decades of work experience, she has learned, as she says, that a leader is not someone who stands above the team, but someone who stands with their team.
"The team culture that we have built over the years is based on trust, respect and mutual assistance, with written and unwritten norms that guide us towards a common goal. When there is trust, challenges are easier to overcome. When there is support, progress is faster. When there is motivation, results are inevitable. In a team that is mostly women, mothers, and certainly the pillars of their families, leadership requires an additional dose of empathy, understanding and flexibility," said Žujović.
She emphasized that she is proud of the path they have taken.
"From a laboratory with modest capacities, we have created a modern and functional space in which professionalism, responsibility and team spirit are nurtured. My message to young leaders: Don't be afraid to be compassionate, firm when necessary and consistent with your values. Lead by example, build trust and don't forget, leadership is not a title, but service and inspiration!"
Sandra Krapović
Public Relations Manager at the Regional Water Supply Company
Sandra Krapović has been building a career in the field of communications for five years, constantly improving and acquiring new knowledge and skills. As she says, this process of continuous learning is crucial for the progress of every company, but also of every individual employee. She adds that the Regional Waterworks actively provides the opportunity for continuous improvement and acquiring new knowledge in the field of communications, which further motivates employees to develop their skills and achieve better results. Krapović points out that women who embark on business careers often feel additional pressure compared to their male colleagues, because in addition to business tasks, they also balance family obligations, social expectations and everyday challenges they face.
"As a mother of three children and a woman engaged in the business world, I know very well that it is not easy to balance all the obligations. Sometimes it seems as if there are not enough hours in the day. But it is precisely in these challenges that our greatest strength is born. Balancing family and work does not make us weaker, but extremely capable, resilient and inspiring," says Krapović.
According to her, one of the most common mistakes women make in business is the belief that they have to do everything themselves:
"The desire to control every detail often leads to exhaustion and loss of focus. A good team is not a luxury, but the foundation of every success. I am lucky to be surrounded by people who share the same values and possess the knowledge that makes our team complete. You don't have to know everything yourself, it's important to know how to bring together those who complement you."
She emphasizes that the size of the team is not crucial, but its functionality. "Sometimes it is enough to have one or two associates who will take over part of the tasks, whether in administration, marketing or social networks. The task of every manager is to recognize the strengths of each employee and connect them into a team that cooperates, with a clear focus on common goals and the well-being of the company."
Krapović finally tells all women not to underestimate their own strength and potential:
"In a rapidly changing world, authenticity and courage are our most important traits. Share your ideas, speak up when something is wrong, and ask for help when you need it. Leadership is not just a title, it's how we influence the people around us."
Marija Đukanović
Associate for control, planning and analysis
Marija Đukanović has been part of the team for eight years, during which she has made significant professional progress. This period, as she points out, was marked by intensive training and acquisition of new knowledge, especially in the areas of strategic financial management, Company performance analysis, financial planning, controlling and business process optimization.
"Improving my knowledge was not limited to the narrow area of my daily work, but also included a detailed understanding of the Company's operations as a whole, with all the specifics of its sectors. This was necessary in order to prepare comprehensive analyses for management, aimed at making quality and strategically important decisions," emphasized Đukanović. According to her, education is imperative for professional advancement, because continuous learning allows us to remain competitive, proactive and adaptable in a dynamic business environment.
Bojana Rajković
advisor for relations with state authorities
Bojana Rajković is a legal specialist and government relations advisor, with almost a decade of professional experience behind her. She currently serves as a government relations advisor at the company, a job that requires detailed preparation, clear communication, and great patience, especially when working with institutions and procedures that have their own established rhythm.
"Throughout the years of work, I have developed the ability to remain calm and focused, to understand processes and to always be one step ahead," she said. As she points out, she particularly appreciates work that is done precisely, efficiently and on time, without unnecessary complications. She believes that consistency, professionalism and a fair attitude towards people are most valued in the long run. In her private life, she strives to maintain a healthy balance between work obligations and family life.
As a mother of a little girl, she learned to organize her time well, set clear priorities, and accept that not everything has to be perfect, it's important that it be done correctly and responsibly.
"I don't like big words about leadership, but I think it's important to be a person you can count on, who stands behind their decisions and who works stably and professionally," Rajković pointed out.
It is with this approach that she strives to contribute to her team and the company as a whole. She particularly emphasizes that it is important to her that her work has real meaning and brings concrete benefits to the organization. She is genuinely happy when she sees the company's progress and when she knows that she is part of that process.
Biljana Joncic
planning and project documentation advisor
Biljana Jončić has been working for 17 years at the company Regionalni vodovod Crnogorsko primorje DOO Budva, where she has held several responsible positions during her career.
Since 2008, she has been engaged in the construction of the Regional Water Supply System, on the section from the Đurmani Reservoir to the Budva Pumping Station, as well as on the project for the rehabilitation of the pipeline from the Prijevor Interruption Chamber to the Tivat Interruption Chamber, as an associate for construction and supervision of works. After the completion of the system, she participated in its commissioning, and then worked for many years as a water distribution engineer, in close cooperation with local water utilities in the Montenegrin coastal area.
In recent years, she has been working as an advisor for planning and project documentation. Thanks to her detailed knowledge of the regional water supply system, she has been working intensively with representatives of local governments, as well as with the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property. Through the implementation of legal procedures, she and her team protect the built regional system in the process of implementing new development projects, ensuring its sustainability and functionality.
"I am happy to pass on my knowledge and many years of experience to younger colleagues who are starting their careers in this company," said Jončić.
It is with particular pride that he emphasizes that the "Regional Water Supply Montenegrin Coast" rightly bears the slogan "The project that changed Montenegro", because it is an infrastructure project that has permanently improved the quality of life on the Montenegrin coast.
Marijana Zenovic
Head of the Water Quality Control and Environmental Protection Service
Marijana Zenović is an engineer who has been involved in improving responsible water resource management for 15 years. Through working in various positions, she gradually built up experience and gained insight into all the processes that make up a demanding and complex company. Today, she coordinates the monitoring of drinking water quality and treatment, takes care of environmental protection and manages occupational health and safety, tasks that require a high level of expertise, precision and continuous improvement.
"It's a great privilege when someone gives you the chance to work and learn through different jobs. That's when you actually understand how the company functions as a whole," says Marijana. For her, a management position is not just a professional step forward, but primarily a responsibility: "It's not just an item on your CV, but a responsibility to approach your work seriously and be ready to respond to every challenge," said Zenović.
In his development, he particularly emphasizes the importance of hard work, not as an incidental trait, but as a fundamental principle.
"You can have talent and knowledge, but without effort and a willingness to give your best, it's difficult to make a breakthrough. Dedication, in my opinion, is the key to progress," she points out.
It is precisely this responsibility, willingness to learn and perseverance in everyday obligations, as he says, that most shapes every professional – be they women or men. He also particularly emphasizes the importance of the environment in which one works. He says that he is privileged to collaborate with exceptional professionals who share his dedication to his work and high standards.
"Having a team that is professional, responsible, and willing to contribute to a common goal every day is a huge advantage. It motivates, raises the bar, and creates an environment in which you all grow," she adds.
Finally, Marijana offers encouragement to new generations of women who are choosing engineering, management positions, and responsible professions:
"Believe in your knowledge and never underestimate the power of dedicated work. Don't let challenges discourage you, they are an integral part of every path forward. Be brave, hardworking and persistent. Don't wait for the perfect moment, create it. And always surround yourself with people you can learn from, that is the greatest advantage of every beginning."
(Regional Water Supply Montenegrin Littoral)
