Montenegro is entering a phase of European integration in which gender equality can no longer be a value on paper, but an obligation of the system, it was announced at the conference "Transforming Institutions for Gender Equality", organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro.
The findings of a new survey on the attitudes of citizens and public administration employees, presented at today's event, show that deep-rooted stereotypes, resistance to change, and lack of knowledge to apply a gender perspective in public administration practices are slowing down reforms.
As stated by the UNDP, every second person in Montenegro believes that the issue of gender equality is "overemphasized", while almost two-thirds believe that women and men still do not have equal rights.
"More than half of respondents say that men are better leaders, and four-fifths say that motherhood is a woman's most important role," the statement said.
It is added that more than a third of public administration employees have experienced some form of harassment, and almost twice as many women as men feel that they have been in an unequal position regarding promotion.
The panel, which brought together representatives of the EU, UNDP and the Government of Montenegro, emphasized their shared commitment to strengthening gender-responsive governance and establishing gender equality as a systemic priority.
Deputy Head of the Cooperation Sector at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Liselot Isakson, said that if this pace continues, full gender equality will remain unattainable for at least another 50 years.
"And this at a time when we are witnessing an increasingly pronounced resistance to gender equality. If Europe and Montenegro want to remain competitive in the modern world, we must utilize all the available talent, not just half," added Isakson.
This, as I stated, implies institutions that authentically reflect the societies they represent.
UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro Ekaterina Paniklova said that Montenegro is at a turning point today.
"It is necessary for female leadership to take clear responsibility, for measurable standards to be introduced, and for the gender perspective to become part of every process - from budgeting to hiring," said Paniklova.
She said that UNDP remains a partner that builds the capacities and tools of institutions, so that the law becomes practice and gender equality becomes an everyday standard.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević said that gender equality is not an administrative task for her, but a personal belief.
"In this Government, women are successfully leading some of the most demanding departments - they stand shoulder to shoulder with their fellow ministers on an equal footing. In this hall sits a woman who will introduce a seven-hour workday, a woman who builds infrastructure and manages public works and investments," said Gorčević.
She added that there is also a woman who will complete Montenegro's negotiations with the EU next year.
"Women are not quotas - women lead the country," said Gorčević, adding that, with 40 percent of women in parliament, Montenegro is already on par with many EU member states.
Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue Naida Nišić pointed to the central role of gender equality in labor policies.
She said that labor reform in Montenegro is based on a clear principle - dignity and equality at work must be rights, not privileges.
"By strengthening protection against discrimination and harassment, improving inspection mechanisms and introducing measurable standards, we are creating conditions so that every woman and every man can work in an environment that protects and values them. UNDP's expert support has been and remains of crucial importance in this," added Nišić.
Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović emphasized the importance of including a gender perspective in public investments.
"For me, gender equality is not a formality and is not an adornment of the political process, it is primarily a tool to make state decisions efficient and fair. When we take into account the needs of all women and men in planning, we build infrastructure tailored to the needs of all citizens," said Adžović.
She stated that her goal is to make the gendering of public works a practice that is not deviated from in order to build a state that truly functions.
MP and member of the Gender Equality Committee Aleksandra Despotović emphasized that equal participation of women in politics contributes to the quality of democracy.
"Gender equality in politics is not just a matter of rights, but also of the efficiency and quality of democracy. Greater participation of women contributes to more inclusive decisions and a society that better meets the needs of all its members," said Despotović.
She said that stereotypes should not be the deciding factor.
"Support for women in politics, mentoring programs and education are key to equality," added Desepotović.
Director of the Human Resources Directorate, Agron Camaj, said that society progresses when public administration equally recognizes the potential of women and men.
"Achieving gender equality in state administration is not just a strategic goal - it is a civilizational obligation that determines the quality of our society and the capacity of institutions to serve all citizens equally," said Camaj.
He said that gender equality is not a matter of choice, but the foundation of a fair, efficient and professional public administration.
UNDP said that the conference also presented and made publicly available a Digital Platform that brings together gender equality data, analysis, and tools for creating gender-responsive, evidence-based policies.
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