Mandić: Significant progress has been made in gender equality, but there are challenges that require action

Montenegro has made significant progress in the field of gender equality over the past 25 years, but there are still challenges that require joint action by institutions and society, said Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić.

Mandić, as announced by the Parliament, opened the session of the Women's Parliament, dedicated to marking 25 years since the establishment of the Gender Equality Committee, the first institutional mechanism for gender equality in Montenegro.

He said that this anniversary represents an important moment for reviewing the achieved results, but also an opportunity to recognize all women and men who, through their work, dedication and courage, have contributed to gender equality issues becoming an integral part of the legislative and public policy of Montenegro.

"Since the establishment of the Committee a quarter of a century ago, significant progress has been made in the field of gender equality through improving the legislative framework, greater representation of women in political and public life, strengthening awareness of the importance of equal opportunities, and creating conditions for stronger participation of women in decision-making," Mandić assessed.

He also emphasized that there are still challenges that require a joint response from institutions and society as a whole, pointing out that no society can be satisfied as long as there are obstacles that limit the equal participation of women, violence against women, and economic and social inequalities that affect the lives of numerous female citizens.

Mandić said that it is the responsibility of the legislative and executive branches, institutions, civil society, the academic community and the media to continue working together to build a society in which gender equality will be an everyday practice, and not just a constitutional and legal principle.

He stressed that Montenegro has tied its European future to the values ​​of equality, human rights and the rule of law, emphasizing that gender equality is not a matter of meeting international standards or negotiating obligations, but rather a matter of the quality of democracy and overall social development.

Referring to the anniversary of the Gender Equality Committee, Mandić said that 25 years of its work represent an important part of the institutional history of the Parliament and a history of perseverance, dialogue, and joint work to build a more just society.

It is stated that Mandić expressed his belief that the experience gained during the past period will represent a strong incentive for new initiatives and further progress in the field of gender equality.

The President of the Gender Equality Committee, Jelenka Andrić, emphasized that the anniversary represents an opportunity to review the path that Montenegro has taken in the field of gender equality, to recognize all those who have contributed to that process, and to confirm the commitment to further strengthening a society of equal opportunities, dignity, and respect for human rights.

Andrić recalled that over the past 25 years, the Committee has been a forum for dialogue, a place for joint action and the initiator of numerous initiatives that have contributed to the improvement of the legislative and institutional framework in the field of human rights and equal opportunities.

Speaking about the achieved results, Andrić pointed to the greater participation of women in political life and decision-making processes, the improved legislative framework for protection against discrimination and violence, as well as the growing awareness that gender equality represents one of the key issues of democratic development, social justice and sustainable development.

She stressed that the progress achieved should be an incentive for further action, especially when it comes to removing the obstacles that women still face in the labor market, in economic empowerment and in decision-making positions, as well as in the fight against all forms of violence and discrimination.

Andrić assessed that, in a time of numerous global challenges, preserving the values ​​of equality, inclusiveness, and social cohesion is of particular importance.

According to Andrić, no society can achieve its full potential if it does not utilize the potential of all its citizens.

She thanked international organizations, the diplomatic corps and development partners for their continued support to Montenegro in advancing gender equality policies, as well as all current and former members of the Committee - women who contributed to social change through their engagement, but also men who recognized that gender equality is a shared responsibility.

Andrić recalled that during its work, the Committee actively participated in the creation and monitoring of legal and strategic documents, the promotion of gender equality policies, the strengthening of institutional capacities and regional cooperation, as well as the consideration of international recommendations in this area.

She pointed to the Committee's contribution to improving the representation of women in politics and the economy, combating violence against women, promoting gender-responsive budgeting and education, as well as the implementation of numerous projects, research and public campaigns that have contributed to changing social patterns and reducing gender stereotypes.

Andrić emphasized that, despite the achieved results, numerous challenges still exist, which is why, as she stated, it is necessary to continue with continuous work, further strengthening institutional capacities and a strong commitment to achieving full gender equality in Montenegro.

She said that the 19th session of the Women's Parliament once again confirmed the importance of continuous dialogue and cooperation between institutions, civil society and international partners, with a shared assessment that it is necessary to continue implementing policies that will contribute to building a more just and inclusive society and creating better conditions for all women in Montenegro.

Vice President of the Assembly and Co-President of the Women's Club, Zdenka Popović, said that for years the Women's Parliament has represented an important space for dialogue, exchange of experiences and joint reflection on ways to build a society of equal opportunities, in which knowledge, responsibility and dedication will be the only measures of success.

She, as stated, particularly emphasized the significance of the fact that the 19th session of the Women's Parliament was held after the Summit of Women Political Leaders, which was organized in the Parliament of Montenegro a few months ago.

Popović recalled that on that occasion, Montenegro hosted female parliament speakers, parliamentarians and political leaders from 65 countries around the world, which, according to her, positioned itself at the center of the global dialogue on women's political leadership.

Speaking about the Summit's messages, Popović emphasized that no society can achieve its full potential if women are not given equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.

She stated that she is encouraged by the fact that today an increasing number of women hold responsible positions in politics, the judiciary, the economy and science, but warned that full gender equality has not yet been achieved.

Popović pointed out that women still bear the brunt of unpaid housework and family care, while simultaneously achieving exceptional professional results.

Which is why, as she emphasized, it is necessary to continue with policies that promote gender equality and equal representation of women in all spheres of society.

Popović addressed the issue of women's political participation, assessing that increasing the electoral quota represents an important step towards greater participation of women in decision-making processes.

She emphasized that quotas are not a goal in themselves, but an instrument that provides women with equal opportunities and enables the full utilization of society's potential.

Popović added that we should not stop at existing solutions, but continue to improve the legislative framework and create conditions that will enable women to participate equally and meaningfully in political life.

She concluded that only through a combination of appropriate legal solutions, quality education, strong institutional support and consistent promotion of equal opportunities can true gender equality and greater representation of women in politics be achieved, not only through formal mechanisms, but also through their real influence on the creation of public policies and the development of society.