LocationsPACT FOR THE FUTURE
Women leaders from the Government, Parliament, and civil society united to create a new gender equality agenda in Montenegro
November 19, 2024
UNDP/Ivan Mandić and Nebojša Perković
Podgorica, November 19, 2024 – Despite women having fought for political, economic, and other rights nearly a century ago, gender-based discrimination remains a persistent challenge in Montenegro across all spheres of society. Women continue to face gender-based violence, remain underrepresented in decision-making positions, have lower salaries, and limited opportunities for professional, economic, and social advancement. Numerous barriers and unwritten rules keep a society of equal opportunities out of reach, necessitating strategic and tangible actions to transform Montenegro in the shortest time possible.
This is the message conveyed at the "Pact for the Future" event jointly organized by the United Nations Development Programme in Montenegro (UNDP) and the Women’s Leadership Network. The event introduced a new agenda for gender equality and the advancement of women’s position in Montenegro under the slogan “Half the sky, half the land, half the power.”
In September this year, after years of inclusive processes, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future, achieving the broadest international consensus in decades to address contemporary challenges. Gender equality took center stage, recognizing women’s critical role in building a sustainable and just future. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized: “We cannot build a future for our descendants using systems devised by our ancestors.”
Ekaterina Paniklova, UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, highlighted that the state of gender equality in Montenegro requires collective action to create a society of equal opportunities. This goal is not merely an idea but a concrete reality that future generations should enjoy.
“It is crucial to create policies that empower women through specific economic measures, encourage equality at all levels of political participation, demonstrate zero tolerance for violence, and shift societal norms that limit potential. Achieving gender equality requires unified efforts, leveraging the dedication, strength, and enthusiasm of diverse actors - a mission UNDP has been committed to for over a decade. Today, I am particularly pleased that the women of Montenegro - from the Government, Parliament, and civil society - have united to implement the Pact for the Future. I am proud of their vision and leadership,” Paniklova said.
At the event, it was stressed that the Women’s Leadership Network is working towards developing concrete policies in Montenegro that aim to bring long-term changes and improvements in women’s lives.
“To reduce the gender gap in Montenegro, a historical injustice spanning centuries, united and concrete efforts are needed to achieve results such as empowering women in the labor market, ensuring representation at all levels of political decision-making, and combating gender-based violence”, stated Vice-President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Zdenka Popović.
Maida Gorčević, Minister for European Affairs, emphasized that gender equality is a fundamental EU value. She added that Montenegro, as the next member state, should align its overall reform processes to create a fairer society for all its citizens.
“The Women’s Leadership Network is a driving force in the EU integration process, ensuring that human capital is not overlooked. The knowledge, skills, and competencies of both women and men in public administration and society at large will be directed toward a common goal –emancipatory transformation and EU membership. Montenegro should set an example and contribute to shaping the next generation of European policies”, said Gorčević.
Aleksandra Despotović, Member of the Parliament of Montenegro, stressed that responding to the prolonged discrimination and inequality women face in Montenegro requires organized and determined action.
“Violence against women demands immediate action. Attacks on journalists and politicians highlight how pressing this issue is. Furthermore, Montenegro must address the situation of rural women, who remain invisible. It is clear that gender equality is not just a goal—it is a societal necessity and moral obligation. Only through united action can we tackle these complex issues”, Despotović stated.
Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević noted that significant progress has been achieved through joint efforts.
“Whenever we united, we successfully changed laws. For instance, the Electoral Law introduced quotas as a result of collective efforts, with UNDP providing strong support then as it does today. To ensure further progress in women’s status in Montenegro, we must continuously and collectively raise the bar for development. This means not only increasing women’s representation but also implementing standards and conditions for creating gender-responsive policies in all spheres”, Vukićević said.
Professor at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Montenegro, Olivera Komar, emphasized the critical importance of gender equality as a cornerstone for the development of modern society. She highlighted that equality in decision-making and the implementation of gender-responsive policies are matters of justice but also necessary prerequisites for the full realization of human rights.
"Parity in decision-making positions is a necessity for modern society, and gender equality policies are the duty of all institutions and policymakers at every level. Therefore, half the sky, half the land, half the power – is the only true measure of human rights", said Komar.
Numerous attendees, including members of Montenegro’s Government, Parliament, and civil society, had the opportunity to learn about the current status of women in Montenegro and the objectives set for the future. The audience also gained insights into systemic measures, progress, and setbacks during the historical struggle for women’s rights in Montenegro through the performance “The Political History of Women in Montenegro.”
