Gender equality is at the center of Montenegro's democratic and economic transformation, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.
She made the remarks at the panel "Women's Leadership and Challenging Global Trends" at the session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), in New York.
"Gender equality is not only a key foundation of European values, but an imperative in the process of Montenegro's accession to the European Union (EU) and it remains at the center of Montenegro's democratic and economic transformation," said Gorčević.
She stressed that no country can fully integrate into the EU without ignoring the rights of half of its population.
Gorčević, as announced by the relevant ministry, spoke about the role of women leaders and their networks in overcoming institutional obstacles and shaping a new generation of European policies.
"In a world full of crises and uncertainties, gender equality must not be compromised. Democratic regression and the undermining of the principle of equality pose a serious threat to sustainable development, and I see women as leaders in resisting these practices," Gorčević emphasized.
She stated that, in order to prevent regression and ensure the institutionalization of gender equality, it is necessary to adopt clear and binding policies, while strengthening accountability mechanisms.
"We must be loud and decisive in opposing retrograde trends and the increasing attempts to challenge women's hard-won rights," said Gorčević.
She assessed that gender-responsive policies are a strategic necessity for strengthening democratic institutions, improving social cohesion, and achieving sustainable economic growth.
According to her, Montenegro must continue harmonizing its national legislation in this area with EU standards.
Gorčević added that institutional mechanisms are not sufficient without women in leadership positions.
"We must take responsibility, as our ancestors did, who enabled us to speak freely, work freely, and choose our future today," emphasized Gorčević.
Gorčević, as a member of the Women's Leadership Network, highlighted their engagement in the previous period.
"The Government of Montenegro and the Women Leaders Network, with the support of UNDP, will ensure that gender equality is integrated into all levels of governance," said Gorčević.
She said that, like the Women Leaders Network, she is committed to ensuring that gender equality remains a non-negotiable priority.
"We know - when women lead, democracy is strengthened, economies flourish, and societies progress," said Gorčević.
She emphasized that as the EU accession date approaches, Montenegro will be further committed to setting an example and positioning Montenegro as a regional knowledge center for gender equality within the EU.
"The Western Balkans can only progress through collective effort, and together we can ensure that gender equality remains the foundation of our democratic and developmental progress," concluded Gorčević.
As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs, the panel was organized at the United Nations headquarters by the Government of Montenegro, UNDP and the Women's Leadership Network. After introductory speeches by the Minister for Human and Minority Rights Fatmir Đeko and the UN Assistant Secretary-General Ivana Živković, the panel was attended by, in addition to Minister Gorčević, numerous regionally and globally recognized advocates of human rights and gender policies.
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