Despite certain positive developments, the revolution of gender equality has yet to take root in Montenegrin institutions, as well as in everyday life.
Gender stereotypes have been undermining our society for years, imposing a double burden on women – on one hand, they are expected to achieve professional success, and on the other, to assume the majority of family responsibilities.
However, although women make up 50% of Montenegro’s population – and as many as 60% of them hold higher education degrees – they continue to face visible and invisible barriers that hinder their career advancement and access to leadership positions.
When it comes to women’s political participation, Montenegro has recorded certain improvements, but in practice, these are more about fulfilling legal norms than achieving genuine democratic standards that promote gender equality.
That this is largely a numbers game without real influence is further confirmed by the fact that Montenegro has male leaders at the helm of the Presidency, Government, and Parliament, as well as men leading all 25 municipalities. Moreover, all seven deputy prime minister positions in the Government are held by men.
An additional concern is the way funds intended to empower women in politics are being used – often diverted from their original purpose and spent on party-related expenses.
It is hoped that in the coming period, political elites will be less inclined to bypass legal frameworks that encourage women’s participation in politics, which should ultimately lead to the reduction of patriarchal patterns and the development of more inclusive public policies.
Danijela Darmanović
Communications Coordinator, Civic Alliance
