Gender Equality Must Be an Obligation, Not a Promise

Montenegro is entering a phase of European integration in which gender equality can no longer remain a value only on paper, but must become a systemic obligation. Deeply rooted stereotypes, resistance to change, and a lack of knowledge on how to apply gender perspectives in public administration practices continue to slow down reforms.

This is confirmed by findings from a new survey on the attitudes of citizens and public administration employees, presented at the event “Transforming Institutions for Gender Equality”, organized within the framework of project “United for Gender Equality”, implemented in Montenegro by UNDP in cooperation with the Government of Montenegro, and funded by the European Union.

Every second person in Montenegro believes that gender equality is “overemphasized,” while nearly two-thirds think that women and men still do not have equal rights. More than half of respondents say that men are better leaders, while four out of five believe that motherhood is the most important role for women. More than one third of public administration employees report experiencing some form of harassment, and almost twice as many women as men feel they have been placed at a disadvantage regarding career advancement.

At a panel that brought together representatives of the EU, UNDP and the Government of Montenegro, participants emphasized a shared commitment to strengthening gender-responsive governance and establishing gender equality as a systemic priority.

UNDP Montenegro/ Nebojša Medo Perković

“If the current pace continues, full gender equality will remain out of reach for at least another fifty years — at a time when we are witnessing growing resistance to gender equality. If Europe and Montenegro want to remain competitive in the modern world, we must use all available talent — not just half of it. This requires institutions that authentically reflect the societies they represent,” emphasized Liselotte Isaksson, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Montenegro.

UNDP Montenegro/ Nebojša Medo Perković

“Montenegro stands at a turning point: women’s leadership must take clear responsibility, measurable standards must be introduced, and gender perspectives must be integrated into every process — from budgeting to employment. UNDP remains a partner that builds the capacities and tools of institutions so that rights become practice and gender equality becomes an everyday standard,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova.

UNDP Montenegro/ Nebojša Medo Perković

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević stated that on its path toward the European Union, Montenegro is demonstrating that gender equality must serve as the foundation of institutional development and democratic progress. “Gender equality is not an administrative requirement for me, but a personal belief that we can and must build a society where women and men have equal opportunities to contribute and succeed. Our goal is not only to meet European standards, but to be recognized as a country that creates good practice. Women in institutions, civil society, and business are already driving this change, and the Government’s task is to open space, provide support, and ensure that their energy, knowledge and vision become the engine of systemic transformation,” Gorčević said.

UNDP Montenegro/ Nebojša Medo Perković

Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue Naida Nišić stressed the central role of gender equality in labour policies. “Labour reform in Montenegro is based on a clear principle: dignity and equality at work must be rights, not privileges. By strengthening protection from discrimination and harassment, improving inspection mechanisms, and introducing measurable standards, we are creating conditions where every woman and every man can work in an environment that protects and values them. UNDP’s expert support has been, and remains, essential,” Nišić added.

UNDP Montenegro/ Nebojša Medo Perković

Minister of Public Works Majda Adžović highlighted the importance of including a gender perspective in public investments. “Women’s leadership brings new practices, modern approaches, different prioritization, and greater sensitivity to how decisions affect people’s quality of life. In the public works sector, this means that gender mainstreaming is not an addition but a requirement for designing public projects that respond to the real needs of all citizens.”

MP and Chair of the Committee on Gender Equality, Jelenka Andrić, said that this year the Committee made a historic step forward by increasing the electoral quota to 40 percent and announced upcoming activities: “In the period ahead, we will further strengthen our oversight role, with a particular focus on the work of the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office, bearing in mind the alarmingly high rates of violence against women and femicide. We are also facing a major reform through the new Law on Gender Equality, which предусматрива the establishment of a Gender Equality Agency,” she said.

MP and member of the Committee on Gender Equality, Aleksandra Despotović, emphasized that equal participation of women in politics contributes to the quality of democracy. “Gender equality in politics is not only a matter of rights, but of the efficiency and quality of democracy. Greater participation of women leads to more inclusive decision-making and a society that better responds to the needs of all its members. Stereotypes must not decide. Support for women in politics, mentoring programmes and education are key to equality.”

State Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration, Naim Gjokaj, said that research shows stronger standards and systemic support for gender equality are needed. “This is an important signal for us, not an obstacle. There are already competent and motivated individuals within the system, and this must become the rule, not the exception. Public administration can be professional only to the extent that its leadership is strong,” Gjokaj added.

Director of the Human Resources Administration, Agron Camaj, said that society progresses when public administration equally recognizes the potential of women and men. “Achieving gender equality in public administration is not only a strategic goal—it is a civilizational obligation that defines the quality of our society and the capacity of institutions to serve all citizens equally. Gender equality is not a matter of choice—it is the foundation of a fair, efficient and professional public administration.”

The conference also presented a publicly available Digital Platform that integrates gender equality data, analyses, and tools for developing evidence-based gender-responsive policies avaliable at: https://genderprofile.me