Montenegro has fewer than ten female ambassadors and has never had a female foreign minister, the Center for Civic Education (CCE) announced.
On the occasion of International Women in Diplomacy Day, they expressed their respect and gratitude to all female diplomats who have represented and continue to represent Montenegro on the international stage.
CCE emphasized that, in times of global crises, diplomacy is more important than ever, adding that a strong network of diplomats representing Montenegro is crucial for the country's future.
"However, women are still underrepresented," warned the CCE, recalling that, according to United Nations data, from 1992 to 2019, only 13 percent of women participated in peace negotiations, and only six percent were signatories to peace agreements.
CCE reminded that the first female ambassador from the former Yugoslavia was from Montenegro - Stana Tomašević.
"In 1963, she was appointed ambassador to Norway, and from 1974 to 1978, she served in Denmark. For her diplomatic work, she was awarded with recognitions from Norway, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands and Luxembourg," CCE stated.
They warned that Montenegro today has fewer than ten female ambassadors.
"Today, Montenegro has fewer than ten female ambassadors, one of whom is in a war zone, namely Ukraine, and has never had a female foreign minister," the CCE stated.
According to them, the fact that Women in Diplomacy Day is being celebrated for the first time by establishing the Network of Montenegrin Women Diplomats is an important and symbolic step forward.
"We hope that June 24 will become an opportunity for more girls and women to be inspired for a career in diplomacy - through institutional support, visibility of role models, and clear gender equality policies," said CCE.
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