From a formal legal standpoint, Montenegro has created all the necessary legislative preconditions for gender equality to become an integral part of its legal and strategic framework, continuously aligning with the latest international standards. Gender equality is thus one of Montenegro’s core commitments in terms of human rights, strategic priorities, and sustainable development. However, a perspective on gender equality that goes beyond legal regulation reveals the persistence of discrimination and unequal opportunities, as well as the lack of real progress in the exercise of guaranteed rights.

What makes gender equality a specific policy domain is that it intersects with all systemic and institutional policies, regardless of sector. The role of institutions in building a society where no personal characteristic becomes a basis for inequality and discrimination is not symbolic or formal—it is essential. Without significant strengthening of the institutional framework and political accountability, the implementation of gender equality in Montenegro will remain merely declarative. At the same time, one of the biggest obstacles to advancing gender equality is the lack of data and systemic analyses that can accurately define the direction of future institutional action in Montenegro. This analysis of gender mainstreaming practices in public administration focuses on reviewing existing approaches to public policy development, with particular attention to gender equality. It clearly identifies the (non-)existence of gender impact assessment mechanisms, the availability of gender expertise, and the extent to which gender policies are integrated into the institutional framework. The aim of this analysis is to identify practical opportunities for strengthening gender equality integration into public policies.

Additionally, this analysis, through an in-depth examination of the state of public administration, offers a series of concrete recommendations to improve legislative and strategic structures, develop institutional capacities, enhance accountability and monitoring, secure financial support for gender equality policies, and strengthen cooperation with civil society and international partners. It also maps sectors in which legal and institutional reform is needed, including the introduction of clear legal obligations and the strengthening of the role of institutions in applying a gender perspective in the legislative process. This is particularly important given Montenegro’s serious shortage of gender equality experts, especially within public administration. The analysis serves as an important tool in emphasizing the need for an effective monitoring and evaluation system for gender equality implementation. Without oversight of policy implementation, assessments of the actual situation and future steps remain unfounded. 

In exploring current gender mainstreaming practices in public administration, the analysis first evaluates the institutional, legal, and strategic framework, as well as the commitment to gender equality, followed by an assessment of human resources, implementation and accountability, and key challenges and barriers. A notable contribution of this analysis is its presentation of existing cooperation mechanisms between the Government and civil society and international organizations, as well as the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups in these processes.

The publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union (EU), through the project “United in Gender Equality,” implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office in Montenegro. Short excerpts from this publication may be reproduced without permission, provided that the source is acknowledged and the content remains unchanged.