Under-representation of women in representative bodies and decision making process in general, is one of problems that Montenegro has been dealt with very little in last ten years. Although the women in Montenegro make up more than 50% of the population, the percentage of women in the Parliament of Montenegro is only about 11%, which is one of the lowest in the region. However, the number of women in leading positions is not high even in other state and municipal institutions and bodies.
Through its activities CDT promotes equal participation of women and men in all spheres of social and political life, and supports measures and activities directed to ensuring and improving gender equality in the areas of social life with identified problems of under-representation of women and men.
During 2008/2009 in cooperation with the Nansen Dialogue Center (NDC), Independent Daily Newspaper and Television VIjesti, we realized the project of Women's Government, aimed at promoting women in public life in Montenegro. Funds for the implementation of the Women’s Government were provided through the following international and domestic companies: Erste Bank AD Podgorica, Coca Cola Hellenic Montenegro - Rosa Emotion, Diners Club International, Semper, Paris Kotor Ltd., Hotel Queen of Montenegro.
in numbers:
- The Project was supported by the citizens with text messages (SMS) sent from 25 000 telephone numbers.
- Nighteen (19) hour-long TV shows were made on the TV Vijesti.
- Over 50 articles were published in the Daily Newspaper Vijesti.
- There are over 300 articles about the Women's Government of Montenegro.
- 146 of women applied to participate in the project.
- Forty six (46) candidates were shortlisted. Fourteen (14) participants in the Women's Government program, among whom there were eight elected ministers, were represented on the electoral lists of parties and coalitions contestants in parliamentary election.
- Of 18 elected women, nine were non-party candidates, while the rest nine were party members and officials, where there were three from SNP and SDP each, two from DPS and one from DSS.
- Four ministers of the Women's Government were from Podgorice, three from Herceg Novi and Bijelo Polje each, two from Bar and Rožaje each, and one from Pljevlja, NIkšić, Žabljak and Kotor each.
- Two Media Companies participated in the project.
- Six Montenegrin companies financially supported the project.
- Two versions of promotional video were produced.