The request of the Gender Equality Committee to introduce a 40 percent quota for the less represented gender in the Law on the Election of Councilors and Representatives is a key step forward towards achieving real political equality, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has assessed.
UNDP said that they recognize yesterday's session of the Parliamentary Committee, at which the issue of introducing a 40 percent quota for the less represented gender was raised again, as an important step towards achieving gender equality in the political life of the country.
"Women have once again shown determination and consistency in their demands, rightly advocating for the inclusion of a 40 percent quota for the underrepresented gender in the electoral reform, with measures that require at least one woman among three candidates on electoral lists, as well as sanctions for failure to meet these conditions," the statement said.
As it is emphasized, this request by the Gender Equality Committee, the joint members of the Women's Political and Women's Leadership Networks, represents a key step forward towards achieving real political equality.
UNDP said that the trend of women networking in various spheres of social life is becoming part of a strong social movement and that the organization remains committed to providing full support in achieving the goals of the Gender Equality Strategy.
"This movement, based on solidarity and joint struggle, represents a true guarantee for the sustainable development of society and progress in achieving gender equality," the UNDP said.
They assessed that, although significant steps have been achieved, serious challenges remain in realizing women's full rights, including structural discrimination, women's exclusion from decision-making, lack of adequate financial support, and violence against women in the public sphere and politics.
These challenges, as emphasized by UNDP, must not be an obstacle to further progress.
"On the contrary, the joint efforts of women and men, together with strong networking among women, constitute the foundation for building a society of equal opportunities," the statement said.
UNDP said they welcome the efforts of all relevant stakeholders who are committed to advancing gender equality through the Law on the Election of Councilors and Representatives.
"The initiative to introduce a 40 percent quota in the Parliament of Montenegro, with sanctions for non-compliance, represents a concrete step towards achieving sustainable changes," the statement said.
UNDP believes that only through policies that equally include all citizens - both women and men - is it possible to achieve just and sustainable development.
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