The role of women in Montenegrin society must not be secondary, supplementary or merely traditional, but essential, developmental and civilizational, it was announced at a conference organized by the Parliament in cooperation with the Institute of History of the University of Montenegro (UCG).
The conference "Women in Montenegro - Historical Retrospective" conveyed the message that equality must not be the decor of a modern state, but must be its essence and practice.
Vice-Rector of the University of Montenegro Veselin Mićanović said that women throughout history and all eras have been the bearers of social change, but that their work was often not visible.
"Modern Montenegro has an obligation to correct this injustice, systematically, consistently and in accordance with the best international standards," emphasized Mićanović.
As he said, a democratic society cannot be truly just until the voice of women is equally strong, accessible, and respected.
"As a husband and parent of four daughters, I deeply believe in equality, not only as a social value, but as a personal obligation," Mićanović said.
He emphasized that women in all their roles, as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, managers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and politicians, are the foundation of every healthy, humane, and democratic society.
"Their role must not be secondary, supplementary or merely traditional, it is essential, developmental and civilizational," emphasized Mićanović.
As he said, in a rapidly changing world, one constant remains - women are the pillar of the family, community, and society.
"And all three rest on their strength, work and dedication. It is our duty to build a Montenegro in which women will not have to choose between professional advancement and family roles," said Mićanović.
According to him, equality should not be the decor of a modern state, but its essence and practice.
"Today's conference is not just a gathering, it is the basis of a platform for change, this conference is a space to define new goals, to open up topics that have been in the shadows for too long and initiate decisions that will have a real impact on the lives of citizens of Montenegro," said Mićanović.
The issue of the position of women, he emphasized, is a question of the quality of democracy, the stability of the community, and the future of the country.
"Thank you to mothers who give life, strength and values that last for generations, thank you to wives who build the stability of home and society with their partnership, thank you to daughters who bring hope, joy and a vision of the future, thank you to every woman who quietly or loudly builds this world," Mićanović emphasized.
Independent MP Radinka Ćinćur said that every woman has the right to live without fear.
She said that the 16 Days of Activism against Violence Against Women is "a call to all of us to act, change and create a safer society."
"Only together can we be the drivers of change," emphasized Ćinćur.
Dr. Radenko Šćekić from the Historical Institute of the University of Montenegro said that the Balkan region, with its centuries-old traditional and rigid patriarchal system, at the core of which are traits such as courage and leadership, has built a special form of selective respect for women, primarily as mothers, sisters, and daughters.
"For centuries, women have suffered various types of disrespect, segregation, and overt, and at times very aggressive, persecution, through various social systems and religious forms," Šćekić stated.
As he said, women were viewed as inferior beings.
"Although even today we see individuals, often social groups, who express primitivism and disapproval of the birth of a female child," added Šćekić.
According to him, the position and role of women in Montenegro have undergone significant evolution, from a traditionally patriarchal environment where their role was dominantly tied to the household, to modernity where women occupy significant positions in all spheres of society.
Šćekić said that when it comes to women's engagement in politics, cultural patterns and the traditional gender roles that arise from them are considered unwritten obstacles.
"In Montenegro, as in the region, there is still a prevailing opinion that politics is primarily a man's job, while women's entry into the public sphere is acceptable, but only in a measured, controlled volume, cosmetic and mostly populist," said Šćekić.
Member of the Women's Club of the Parliament of Montenegro Aleksandra Despotović emphasized that women are the foundation and roof on which the present and the future rest.
"Today, more than ever, it is necessary to empower women's voices and create an environment in which their achievements will be equally visible and appreciated," said Despotović.
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