New regional initiative to end discrimination and violence against women kicks off in Montenegro
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A new three-year programme “Implementing norms, changing minds” aiming to end discrimination and violence against women and girls kicked off today in Montenegro and brought together representatives of the EU Delegation, UNDP and UN agencies, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and civil society. Funded by the EU in the amount of 5 million euros – out of which Montenegro component is valued almost 380,000 euros – this regional programme will be implemented by UN Women in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo[1], the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey. UNDP will implement the programme in Montenegro.
At the launch event, ambassador Aivo Orav, Head of EU Delegation to Montenegro pointed out that: “As noted in the European Commission's latest annual report on Montenegro, despite some positive steps taken, gender-based violence continues to be of concern. The capacity of existing institutions in this area, including the police and judiciary, need to be strengthened to better protect victims and deter perpetrators. I wish to call on all stakeholders – Parliament, Government, judiciary, social welfare centres, Police, NGOs – to join forces to end violence in the family. Successful fight against violence, coupled with the economic empowerment and women’s equal participation, are all part of the same picture contributing to gender equality.”
To see the full press release, visit UNDP in Montenegro’s website.
[1] All references to Kosovo on this website shall be understood to be in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).