Budva, (MINA-BUSINESS) – It was concluded at a conference in Budva that gender equality must be an integral part of economic reforms, the labour market, and the European integration process, as without the full participation of women there can be no sustainable development, a more competitive economy, or a fairer society.

The two-day regional dialogue titled “Women Leading: Economy, Partnerships and the Future of Integration,” is jointly organized by the Ministry of European Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the European Union (EU).

According to the organizers, the dialogue brought together representatives of governments, international organizations, the business and academic communities, as well as civil society from the region and Europe.

Data presented at the event show that women make up nearly two-thirds of the inactive and unemployed working-age population in the region, while one in three businesses run by women identifies limited access to finance as a major obstacle.

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic said that the goal is not only formal alignment with European standards in gender equality, but also for Montenegro to become a regional leader in implementing those standards.

UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro Ekaterina Paniklova said that joint efforts are focused on removing barriers that limit women’s participation in the economy.

“Our shared focus is on practical solutions – improving access to finance, strengthening childcare services, and creating opportunities in the digital and green sectors. Women still make up nearly two-thirds of the inactive and unemployed working-age population, and increasing their participation is a direct way to strengthen the economy and deliver tangible results for citizens and businesses,” Paniklova said.

Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Liselotte Isaksson, said that the EU continues to strengthen its response to gender equality challenges through its policies.

“The new EU Gender Equality Strategy is a response to the growing global backlash on this issue and confirms that the European Union is not giving up, but is further strengthening its efforts to promote women’s rights and gender equality,” Isaksson said.

The regional dialogue is organized as part of the regional EU4GenderEquality programme funded by the European Commission and jointly implemented by UNDP and UN Women.