While there have been some positive changes, the movement for gender equality has yet to take firm root within Montenegrin institutions and daily life, according to a statement released today by the non-governmental organization Civic Alliance (GA).

“Gender stereotypes have plagued our society for years, placing a double burden on women—expected to excel professionally while simultaneously managing most familial duties. Although women represent 50% of Montenegro’s population and over 60% hold higher education degrees, they continue to encounter both visible and hidden obstacles hindering their professional advancement and opportunities for leadership roles,” stated Danijela Darmanović, communications coordinator at the Association of Democratic Institutions (CA).

The statement further noted that Montenegro is making progress regarding women’s involvement in politics.

“However, this progress leans more towards fulfilling legal requirements rather than establishing genuine democratic standards that foster gender equality. This approach reduces the issue to a numbers game, which lacks true influence; evidenced by the fact that all leadership roles within the president’s office, government, and parliament, along with all 25 municipal heads, are occupied by men. Moreover, all seven vice-presidential roles in the Government of Montenegro are also held by men,” the statement elaborated.

The CA emphasized that additional issues arise from the appropriation of funds designated for enhancing women’s political empowerment, which tend to be diverted for party benefits instead of their actual development.

“We hope that in the near future, political leaders will cease to sidestep legal frameworks designed to bolster women’s political participation, ultimately contributing to the reduction of patriarchal norms and the establishment of more inclusive state policies,” the CA stated.

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