The panel discussion “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls” was held at Europe House ahead of the commemoration of International Women’s Day.
The panellists spoke about the challenges and concrete solutions, sending a strong message to all women that their voices should be heard.
The President of the Gender Equality Committee of the Parliament of Montenegro, Jelenka Andrić, said that women politicians and women in the public sphere are making maximum efforts to ensure that gender equality becomes a reality.
“Progress has been made, but we certainly do not yet live in equality, as the figures clearly show at all levels. When it comes to violence against women, I believe the situation is even more alarming. One of the things I am most proud of since entering politics is the amendment of the Criminal Code. During the Gender Equality Committee sessions last year, Minister Božović announced amendments that will be crucial in this area. They concern the introduction of femicide as a separate criminal offence, as well as a new criminal offence that will be included in the Criminal Code of Montenegro, relating to severe hate speech. Here, I primarily refer to the hate speech to which women working in the public sphere are exposed,” Andrić added.
Psychologist and women’s rights activist Nataša Vuković highlighted the importance of gender equality.
“When I left politics, I said that the only thing that would keep me connected to politics is the issue of gender equality. A woman should be a symbol of strength, power and choice, rather than of imposed roles,” Vuković added.
Dragana Božović, from the NGO “Nova žena” (New Woman), said that the problems faced by women and children with disabilities remain visible.
“Traditional views are still present that women and children with disabilities should remain at home.”
Božović explained that Nova žena is trying to reach those families and empower them to step forward and realise their full potential.
The moderator of today’s panel, journalist Vanja Rakonjac, briefly reflected on the holiday and said that 8 March most strongly carries the scent of a woman.
“However, that scent is often a façade for what women lack during all the other days of the calendar. The point is not that single day when restrictions and barriers are momentarily overlooked. The stage on which a woman shines on that single day is also reserved for her voice, yet that voice is often unheard and inaccessible. Instead of festive superficiality, today we choose substance. Instead of talking about discounts at cosmetic and hair salons and flower shops, we discuss discouraging statistics, misogyny, and women who have succeeded, despite social stereotypes, in becoming inspiring and successful in their professions. Their presence in the public sphere requires firm attitudes, and taking a stand often makes them targets of insults and misogynistic comments,” Rakonjac emphasised, among other things.
Article and photo source: Radio Bijelo Polje