Comments that insult, humiliate or discriminate against women, such as the statement made by the President of the Municipality of Pljevlja towards journalist and director of the Center for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro Milka Tadić Mijović, are unacceptable and contrary to the principles of integrity, equality and respect that a public official must protect, announced the Minister of Regional and Investment Development and Cooperation with NGOs, Ernad Suljević.
Political debate, she emphasizes, must never escalate into insults, misogyny, or attempts to degrade women who actively participate in social and public life.
"The Ministry of Regional and Investment Development and Cooperation with NGOs strongly condemns any form of verbal attack, disparagement and gender-based discourse towards women in public space. Freedom of expression also carries the obligation of responsibility, especially when it comes from public officials and political representatives," the statement reads.
Suljević said that they work every day to ensure that as many women as possible are included in the creation of public policies, that they are more visible, affirmed and encouraged to participate in social processes.
"Such individual statements do not contribute to that goal. However, I am convinced that such attempts at discrimination will not discourage women who want to engage in public work, politics or work in the civil sector, but will further strengthen their determination to persevere in this. We must not give up on the fight for equality - it must be constant and consistent," Suljević said.
He said that only a society in which respect, appreciation and responsibility take precedence over insults and division can be a society that progresses.
"The state and its institutions will be a reliable support to every woman in protecting her dignity and equal participation in public life," the statement reads.
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