Gender-based discrimination is a continuous challenge in Montenegro in all spheres of society, even though women won political, economic and other rights almost a century ago.
This was assessed at the event "Pact for the Future", organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Montenegro and the Women's Leadership Network.
As announced by UNDP, the event was organized with the aim of presenting a new agenda for gender equality and improving the position of women in Montenegro under the slogan "Half the sky, half the earth, half the power".
At the event, it was assessed that women are still drastically affected by violence, underrepresented in decision-making positions, faced with lower wages and limited opportunities for advancement both professionally, economically and socially.
"Numerous obstacles and unwritten rules mean that a society of equal opportunities is still far away, which is why it is necessary to act strategically in a concrete way in order to transform Montenegro in the shortest possible time," the event said.
The UNDP stated that in September, after a multi-year inclusive process, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future, thus achieving the widest international agreement in the last few decades in response to the challenges of the modern age.
"Gender equality takes center stage, recognizing the key role of women in building a sustainable and just future," the statement said.
The permanent representative of UNDP in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, emphasized that the situation in the domain of gender equality in Montenegro obliges us to work together to create a society of equal chances and opportunities.
"It is important that we work on creating policies that empower women through concrete economic measures, encouraging equality at all levels of political participation, zero tolerance for violence and changing social norms that limit social potential," said Paniklova.
It is necessary, as she said, to work together on gender equality, with the commitment, strength and enthusiasm of various actors, which UNDP has been working on for more than a decade.
"Therefore, today I am particularly pleased that the women of Montenegro - from the Government, the Assembly and civil society - jointly started the implementation of the Pact for the Future in Montenegro. I am proud of their vision and leadership," Paniklova said.
At the event, it was announced that the Women's Leadership Network works towards the development of specific policies in Montenegro that should lead to long-term changes and improvements in women's lives.
The Vice-President of the Assembly Zdenka Popović said that in order to reduce the gender gap in Montenegro, which arose as a centuries-old injustice, joint and concrete work is necessary in order to achieve results such as the empowerment of women in the labor market, in all places of political decision-making, as well as for suppression of gender-based violence.
The Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, pointed out that gender equality is a fundamental value of the European Union (EU), and that Montenegro, as the first next member, should put the overall reform processes into the function of creating a fairer society for all citizens.
"The female leadership network is a strength in the process of EU integration, in which the issue of human capital will not be neglected," Gorčević said.
As she said, the knowledge, skills and competencies of both women and men in public administration and in the entire society will be directed towards a common goal - emancipatory transformation and membership in the EU.
"Montenegro should become an example and contribute to the creation of a new generation of European policies," said Gorčević.
MP Aleksandra Despotović emphasized that the response to long-term discrimination and inequality that women face in Montenegro must be organized and decisive.
She emphasized that violence against women requires action without delay.
According to Despotović, the attacks on female journalists and politicians indicate how alarming this issue is.
"Furthermore, Montenegro must shed light on the issue of women from rural areas who remain invisible," said Depostović.
It is clear, as she said, that gender equality is not only a goal, but a social necessity and moral obligation.
"Only through joint action can we provide an answer to these complex questions," said Despotović.
Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević stressed that a lot has been achieved so far through united action.
"Whenever we teamed up, we successfully changed laws. An example is the Election Law, in which a quota was introduced as a result of joint efforts," said Vukićević.
She added that UNDP was a strong support then, as it is today.
"In order to ensure progress in the position of women in Montenegro, we must continuously raise the development scale together, and this means that we must simultaneously introduce standards and conditions for the creation of gender-responsive policies in all spheres along with measures for greater representation of women," she said. Vukicevic.
Professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Montenegro, Olivera Komar, emphasized the crucial importance of gender equality as a foundation for the development of modern society.
She emphasized that equality in decision-making and the implementation of gender-responsive policies are a necessary prerequisite for the realization of human rights in their full capacity.
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