OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports adoption of new Action Plan for a Gender Responsive Parliament 2022–2024

On 24 January 2022, the Gender Equality Committee of Montenegrin Parliament unanimously adopted the new Action Plan for a Gender-responsive Parliament 2022–2024. The document was developed with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, as part of a long-standing co-operation with the Committee in promoting gender equality principles.

Previously, the Mission supported the development and effective implementation of the first Gender Action Plan (GAP) 2016–2018, a document that was the first of its kind in the region and thus recognized as a role model for other parliaments.

Božena Jelušić, Chair of Gender Equality Committee, said that the GAP 2022–2024 is a document that aims to achieve goals by measuring concrete results and represents the Parliament’s readiness to improve gender equality in Montenegro. “As an example of inclusiveness and advocacy of equal access to opportunities, the Parliament is the first to be called upon to make a difference in the access of power, for instance by offering women a significant role in the decision-making processes,” said Jelušić.

Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Deputy Head of the Mission, stated that gender mainstreaming remains a priority for the OSCE and the Mission to Montenegro. “The level of political participation of women and of general understanding of the gender equality concepts still requires further improvement. It is of utmost importance to strengthen our efforts in order to create and maintain a gender sensitive approach, making sure the work of Parliament reflects the gender equality commitments, as outlined in national strategies and action plans,” said Leirtroe.

During the Committee session, Mission-engaged consultants Sanja Elezović and Olivera Komar, who drafted the Action Plan for a Gender-responsive Parliament 2022–2024, presented the process of developing the document and its key objectives and activities.