Distinguished Ambassador Popa,

Dear guests,

For years, UNDP in Montenegro has been working to contribute to the empowerment of women in all spheres of life, advocating for rights of women as a non-negotiable pillar of inclusive society.

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a sustainable world and a driver of sustainable development. Achieving this goal will not be possible if we miss to engage more than 50% of human capital in Montenegro.

In addition to our long year committed efforts to increase political participation of women, empower their economic position and combat gender-based violence, now we are going beyond. We are exploring the intersection between art, culture, media, and exert influence those have on each other. As a diffused collection of practices, attitudes, beliefs and values – culture and media indeed frame people’s minds, societal patterns and narratives of public discourse.

Today we see just a small fraction of amazing women’s legacy and their contribution to Montenegro’s development. These women, just like women all around the world, were pioneers in emancipating societies and setting the grounds for current generations to enjoy their rights and freedoms.

Celebrating and paying tribute to them is our duty, but also a reminder of how fragile human and women’s rights are in times of crisis. Honouring and remembering women from past is a way to encourage progressive women of today – and strengthening their capabilities to emancipate themselves and their communities, will lead us to equal future.

We are grateful to our EU partners for the continues support and joint work in improving the position of women in Montenegro, and happy to have art and culture employed to inspire rethinking of traditional values and attitudes in Montenegro, thus accelerating achievement of gender equality.