Vujović: Misogynistic attacks on Kordić have flooded the digital space, public office must not be a reason for dehumanization

Public office must not be a reason for dehumanization, but a call for responsibility, dialogue and reasoned disagreement, said Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović.

In a press release, she condemned the offensive and misogynistic attacks on Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić, which, she stated, have been flooding the digital space in recent days.

"These attacks are not just an expression of personal intolerance, but dangerous indicators of the normalization of hate speech and violence against women who hold public office," said Vujović.

She stated that she supports the views of the Women's Club of the Parliament of Montenegro that such attacks are not just an attack on one person, but an attempt to undermine the role that women have and should have in political and public life.

"By introducing a legal minimum of 40 percent representation of women on electoral lists, space has been opened for greater participation of women, for a stronger voice and presence in decision-making processes," Vujović pointed out.

But, she added, such attacks clearly show that quotas are not enough if they are not accompanied by a genuine change in social consciousness.

"Public office must not be a reason for dehumanization, but a call for responsibility, dialogue and reasoned disagreement," said Vujović.

According to her, the culture of dialogue and freedom of expression must not be an alibi for insults, sexism and violence.

"As a society, we must show maturity and clearly draw the line between legitimate criticism and online abuse," Vujović said.

She called on all media, as well as social media users, to be part of the resistance to the culture of violence and part of the change that leads Montenegro towards a society based on respect, equality and dignity.

"I take this opportunity to encourage all victims of online harassment, especially public figures, to file reports of hate speech, as the law gives them the opportunity to react quickly," Vujović said.

As she pointed out, this sends a clear message to all women that we can and must fight against misogynistic and unacceptable behavior using all institutional means.