The position of women in Montenegro needs to be improved in all areas of public and private life through professional dialogue and mutual respect, it was announced at the scientific conference "Women in Montenegro - a historical retrospective: in the family, politics, war, profession, science, position in modern times".
As announced by the Parliament, the two-day conference was organized by the Women's Club, in cooperation with the Institute of History of the University of Montenegro.
Co-president of the Women's Club of the Parliament, Radinka Ćinćur, emphasized that the conference brings together all those who strive to preserve the noble values of Montenegrin tradition, but also progress through the adoption of modern social standards.
Ćinćur recalled that women have historically been the pillar of the traditional Montenegrin family and expressed her belief that this role can be upgraded today through active participation in building a modern, educated and progressive society.
She emphasized that the suppression of women is not a natural, but a social category, and that restoring dignity to women whose contributions often remained invisible is an act of historical justice.
Ćinćur emphasized that the gathering represents a contribution to women's emancipation in Montenegro, because opening up relevant topics provides a clearer insight into where society was, where it is today, and which path it wants to take.
The Director of the Institute of History of the University of Montenegro, Radenko Šćekić, emphasized that the conference focuses on women and their multiple contributions to the development of society - as a pillar of the family, science, art, culture, politics, and institutions.
He recalled that the position of women in the Balkans has been shaped over the centuries by a rigid patriarchal legacy, within which selective respect for women was fostered, but which also created numerous challenges, inequality and stereotypes.
Šćekić pointed out that attitudes about gender roles are socially learned and as such are subject to change through education, culture and media activity.
In reviewing the historical development of women's political rights, he pointed out that key developments occurred during periods when their contribution to society became undeniable, especially during the First World War.
As he emphasized, the experience of women who took on the most responsible roles in the war effort showed that they could not be denied political and social rights under the pretext of "inferiority."
Speaking about contemporary Montenegrin society, Šćekić said that the role of women has undergone significant evolution - from traditional frameworks related to family and household, to increasingly strong participation in public and political life.
Šćekić particularly emphasized the importance of women's solidarity and the role of the Women's Club of the Parliament of Montenegro, which represents a positive example of joint action, regardless of political differences.
MP and member of the Women's Club of the Parliament Aleksandra Despotović noted that the conference confirms the collective obligation to improve the position of women in all areas of public and private life through professional dialogue and mutual respect.
Despotović reminded that today's gathering represents an opportunity to recognize generations of women who, with their knowledge, work and dedication, have shaped the communities in which we live.
"The goal of the conference is not only to cherish memories, but also to create a new vision of society," said Despotović, adding that women are both the foundation and the roof on which the present and future of Montenegro rest.
She pointed out the importance of opening space for new ideas, partnerships and initiatives that contribute to the progress and prosperity of society.
"Today, more than ever, it is necessary to strengthen the voice of women and provide an environment in which their contribution will be visible and equally appreciated," said Despotović.
She said she believes the discussions at the conference will encourage all participants to continue building a future in which equality is an everyday reality, not just an ideal.
The Vice-Rector of the University of Montenegro, Veselin Mićanović, said that the goal of the event is to affirm the values and contributions of women who have been the bearers of social change throughout history, although their work has often not been recognized.
"Modern Montenegro has an obligation to correct this injustice systematically and in accordance with international standards," said Mićanović, reminding that a democratic society cannot be complete until the voice of women is equally strong and respected.
He highlighted the role of the Historical Institute of Montenegro, which, as he stated, continuously works on the valorization of women's contributions to society through an interdisciplinary scientific and research approach.
Mićanović assessed that women in all their roles, from family to professional, represent the foundation of a healthy, humane and democratic society.
He pointed out the obligation of institutions and society to create policies and mechanisms that will enable equal opportunities, remove gender barriers, and empower women in public, professional, and private life.
Mićanović said that the conference is not just a gathering, but a platform for change, a space for defining new goals and opening up topics that have been in the shadows for too long.
As announced by the Parliament, during the first day of the conference, participants considered, through historical analysis, the social, political and cultural role of women in different periods of Montenegro's development, with special emphasis on key challenges and achievements in the fight for gender equality.
It is added that the second day of the conference provided space for scientific reviews, discussions and presentations of research that contribute to a better understanding of the position of women throughout history and in contemporary Montenegrin society.
"The discussions held during the conference represent the scientific works of the participants, which will be compiled into a collection planned for publication next year, which will give the results of this meeting lasting scientific value and contribute to further study of the position of women in Montenegro," the Assembly said in a statement.
As it is emphasized, the two-day conference confirmed the commitment of the parliament and the academic community to improving social dialogue on gender equality and valorizing the historical contribution of women, but also opened the space for further research and institutional initiatives in this area.
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