Gender balance transcends political correctness; it is a political obligation for those in authority to create a just and equitable system, stated President Jakov Milatović, emphasizing the importance of strengthening women’s roles in Montenegrin society.

According to an announcement from his office, Milatović participated in the conference titled “Decision-Making Power Without Gender Balance,” organized by the Civic Alliance.

Milatović remarked that issues related to equality in decision-making should never be regarded as marginal.

“When we discuss power lacking gender balance, we are talking about incomplete systems, societies that are not functioning optimally, and institutions that are not universally accessible,” Milatović articulated.

He asserted that institutions fail to serve everyone if they don’t reflect the entirety of society.

“This is not merely a political statement—it is an institutional truth. State institutions govern the resources belonging to all citizens. However, if they do not acknowledge the gender diversity within their management structures, their decisions lack full legitimacy,” Milatović explained.

He noted that, as per an analysis conducted by the Civic Alliance, the ten largest state-owned companies boast 53 board members, but only eight are women.

“That’s merely 15 percent. In five of those companies, there isn’t a single woman. Such figures indicate not just injustice but a critical absence of institutional balance,” Milatović assessed.

He clarified that decision-making based on exclusion will not yield positive results or foster trust over time.

“When public companies overlook all layers of society, they disrupt their connection to the reality they are supposed to represent. Therefore, we must assert: there can be no sustainable decision-making without representation, and no representation without equality,” Milatović stressed.

Milatović reiterated that gender balance is not about political correctness, but rather a political responsibility.

“Too often, equality has been perceived as a peripheral issue—an aspect of etiquette, image, or temporary initiative. However, gender balance is fundamentally the responsibility of those in power to create a fair, equal, and principled system,” Milatović stated.

He mentioned that during his tenure as Minister of Economic Development, amendments to the Law on Business Companies were initiated to promote greater representation of women in management structures, aligning Montenegrin legislation with European and global standards.

Milatović also highlighted his active support for initiatives like “Women on Boards” as President, advocating for professional and educated women to no longer face closed doors in decision-making.

“These doors must be opened systematically, not just symbolically—through laws, criteria, and practices. This is why I take pride in the fact that women hold key positions in the majority of my Cabinet, and that I nominated a woman to lead the Central Bank, who was subsequently confirmed by parliament,” Milatović shared.

He further expressed his satisfaction that the candidate proposed by the President for the Constitutional Court judge is also a woman.

“This highlights the distinction between political marketing and genuine political accountability—whether it concerns state-owned enterprises, the judiciary, education, healthcare, or legislative and executive power,” Milatović emphasized.

According to him, equality in decision-making is a benchmark rather than a demand of developed democracies.

“This message is crucial for the future of a country aspiring for European Union (EU) membership and economic transformation. Democracy is advanced not just through elections, but also through inclusion,” Milatović elucidated.

He remarked that an economy cannot grow if it neglects half of its potential.

“Research shows that nations that empower women in decision-making achieve superior outcomes—whether in management efficiency, transparency, or innovation. This is not merely an ideological stance but a matter of proven economic performance,” Milatović affirmed.

He pointed out that the EU has mandated through a Directive that public companies must ensure at least 33 percent representation of the underrepresented gender in management structures by 2026.

“I take particular pride in having launched legal reforms as a minister to ensure our companies reflect this percentage. Montenegro is not pursuing this objective because someone external demands it; rather, we seek it from within. Without including the underrepresented gender, no decision can be regarded as complete, legitimate, or sustainable,” Milatović concluded.

He reaffirmed that for him, the pursuit of equality in decision-making is neither a campaign nor a trend.

“It embodies my personal and political conviction: that a society where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute will ultimately thrive,” Milatović stated.

He declared his commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at making the country more equitable.

“We may not yet be where we need to be, but if we commit to building an equitable society devoid of excuses, we can achieve it,” Milatović concluded.

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