Women in rural areas are often the backbone of their families, custodians of tradition, and essential contributors to the local economy, particularly in agriculture, stated Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Zdenka Popović.

However, she noted that these women frequently remain unseen in decision-making roles.

The 18th session of the “Women’s Parliament” took place today, focusing on the theme “Voice of Women in Rural Montenegro.” This session was organized by the Parliamentary Committee for Gender Equality in collaboration with the Women’s Club of the Parliament of Montenegro and the Rural Development Network of Montenegro, alongside the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

In her opening remarks, Popović emphasized that this gathering serves as a platform for empowerment, facilitating dialogue and initiating a process through which the needs, ideas, and strengths of rural women can be transformed into actionable policies and measures.

“As the Vice President of the Parliament and a member of the Women’s Club, I passionately support the ratification of the Declaration of the First Women’s Rural Parliament. This declaration should serve as a robust document that shapes institutional responses to the needs of rural women, encompassing areas from education and healthcare to support for women’s entrepreneurship and equitable involvement in political life,” Popović remarked, as communicated by the Parliament.

Member of the Gender Equality Committee, Aleksandra Despotović, highlighted the immense daily burden carried by rural women, including family, economic, and cultural responsibilities, and pointed to the obstacles and stereotypes that often hinder their inclusion in social spheres. She stressed that a genuine understanding of women’s positions in rural settings requires a comprehensive view of the cultural, economic, and social context, while patriarchal norms continue to define women primarily through the lenses of wife, mother, and homemaker in villages and small communities.

Despotović indicated that addressing inheritance issues and providing additional support programs, education, and entrepreneurship incentives are essential for women to attain leadership roles.

“The voices of women from rural Montenegro can no longer be silenced, overlooked, or disregarded. Their experiences, labor, knowledge, and wisdom are invaluable assets to our society. Empowering these women is not merely a matter of justice; it is essential for the development, stability, and progress of the entire nation,” she stated.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Vladimir Joković stressed the importance of including women’s voices from rural Montenegro in national development. He recounted the historical significance of rural communities in Montenegro and their vital role in societal progress, adding that women have been instrumental in all processes. Joković noted the obligation of relevant departments to enhance agriculture and rural areas, asserting that support for women is foundational for sustainable development.

“We are here to provide unwavering support. I have great respect for all of you and for everything you have done and continue to do for Montenegro. Your voices must be amplified,” he asserted.

Deputy Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia and Head of the FAO Office for Montenegro, Nabil Ganji, characterized the session as a “powerful and symbolic moment of change,” emphasizing that rural communities deserve not only respect but also full decision-making rights. He affirmed FAO’s commitment to gender equality, describing it as integral to progress. Ganji highlighted the completion of the first Report on Empowering Women in Agriculture and Food, emphasizing that it reflects reality, challenges, and the resilience of rural women.

He acknowledged Montenegro’s commendable strides toward incorporating gender equality into national policies and expressed that through investment in knowledge, technical support, and capacity development, the country will receive comprehensive backing from FAO.

Ratko Bataković, President of the Rural Development Network of Montenegro, voiced optimism that the empowerment process for women in rural communities would lead to sufficient empowerment and the realization of women’s rights. He expressed encouragement at the understanding between the Parliament of Montenegro and the relevant Committee, which indirectly facilitates direct communication between rural women and policymakers.

“This institution possesses robust bodies, like the Equality Committee and the Women’s Club, which serve as effective mechanisms to ensure the voices of all women, particularly those from rural areas, are heard while promoting all available support and rights. Therefore, utilize these mechanisms as your own and make the most of the extended support now available,” Bataković advised.

Miloš Vujisić, President of the Open Network for Agriculture and Rural Development “My Farmer,” remarked that today’s session stands as a robust platform indicating that rural women are not forgotten—they are fundamental to development, custodians of resources, and agents of change. He asserted that the value of these women’s contributions transcends statistics, as the survival of villages increasingly depends on their knowledge, perseverance, and initiative.

“Today, I am not only speaking as a representative of an organization but as someone who believes that solutions arise through connections—regionally, internationally, and among women. Solutions where rural women are not secondary players but key partners in development,” Vujisić concluded.

Following initial presentations, participants from the Women’s Parliament representing rural areas posed 20 questions to relevant ministries, which they answered during the session.

A Declaration was adopted subsequent to the session.

Attendees included members of the Women’s Club, MPs, representatives of rural communities, relevant ministries, members of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and domestic institutions and businesses.

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