Today, on International Women’s Day, March 8, we highlight the importance of the fight for gender equality and the empowerment of women around the world. We also want to look back at the position of women in Montenegro, recognizing the efforts that have been made but also recognizing the challenges that lie ahead.
All over the world, women face challenges arising from their female identity and often encounter more difficult conditions than men, solely because of their gender affiliation. Moreover, women belonging to different minority groups, refugees, persons with disabilities, and members of the LBTQ community are often exposed to increased risks and face additional obstacles in exercising their basic rights to a safe and dignified life free from discrimination.
Despite global efforts to improve the status of women, injustice, discrimination, and violence remain deeply rooted in societies around the world. It is a devastating fact that the situation is not any better in Montenegro either and that we have reached the point where violence against women and femicide has become a frequent occurrence instead of an exception. As in many other parts of the world, we are faced with the need to consider and act against these problems seriously. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us to change awareness and abolish norms that tolerate gender inequality. To this end, with joint efforts, thoughtful policies, and an inclusive approach, we can create a society where women will not be exposed to injustice and violence just because they are women.
We use the opportunity to draw special attention to women in politics and invite all decision-makers to create conditions to increase their participation in decision-making and greater representation in political institutions to promote diverse perspectives and create a more inclusive society. In this context, we would like to highlight that nine women’s councilor clubs were founded in Montenegro, following the example of the Women’s Club of the Parliament of Montenegro. The goal is to unite local female politicians and jointly contribute to the affirmation of gender equality at all decision-making levels, encourage women to participate more in political and public life, and improve the position of women and children in all spheres of society. We are pleased with the fact that the Civic Alliance is part of this historic process that will eventually create a significant alliance of female politicians who will contribute to the achievement of the set goals in the coming period.
In addition, it is necessary to improve economic equality and support programs and initiatives that promote equal opportunities for women in the business world, as well as ensure equal pay for equal work.
There is no democracy if it is not inclusive, and today’s International Women’s Day is a reminder of the still unequal position of women in Montenegro, and that in many ways we can all contribute to changing the current situation in this regard.
