The Ambassador of Italy in Montenegro, Andreana Marsela, supported the Women on Boards development program for economic decision-making positions, which aims for Montenegro to ensure gender equality in leadership positions.
"The program for the development of female leaders for economic decision-making positions, which was initiated by the Investment and Development Fund (IRF) Women on Boards, is in accordance with the EU Directive, and all with the aim of ensuring gender equality in leadership positions in Montenegro and thus helping women to reach the highest level of corporate leadership," said Marcela, expressing strong support for the program.
She stated that the Women on Boards program led by the IRF is implemented knowing that Montenegro, like many other countries, still has a lot to do to ensure gender equality in leadership positions.
"This program is in line with the EU Directive, with the intention of providing tangible assistance to help women reach the highest level of corporate leadership. Because of all that, we wholeheartedly support this project," said Marcela.
She pointed out that the key role of women in the business world is now widely recognized, and that the exclusion of half of the population from a productive context has proven to be counterproductive.
"Because it has been confirmed that the most prosperous companies are those that are also the most inclusive, especially when it comes to leading positions. This highlights the importance of increasing the presence of women in corporate boards and executive positions. This concept is well established within the European Union, and you recognize the value of including women in the business world," said Marsela.
That is why, as she added, the EU adopted a directive aimed at achieving gender balance in leadership positions, giving member countries until 2026 to adapt.
"The directive served as a good wake-up call for many nations, including my home country, Italy," Marcela said.
Citing the example of Italy, Marcela said that special laws were adopted in that country to ensure readiness for the deadline set by the EU.
"Through the National Strategy for Gender Equality, which runs from 2021 to 2026, which is in line with the EU strategy, we have identified priorities, established indicators and set goals. The main goal is to increase the presence of women in key leadership positions within companies and to increase the number of companies led by women. This is exactly the goal of the Women on Boards program run by the IRF. Women on boards - if we work together, this will grow from an ordinary phrase into a strong and concrete reality", concluded Marsela.
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