2020
FINAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Programme „Support to Antidiscrimination and Gender Equality Policies“
Implemented by UNDP in partnership with Department for Gender Equality, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and with financial support of EUROPEAN UNION
Support to Antidiscrimination and Gender Equality Policies
FINAL NARRATIVE REPORT
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ANNEX VI FINAL NARRATIVE REPORT
1. Description 1.1. Name of beneficiary of grant contract: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
1.2. Name and title of the Contact person: Kaca Djurickovic, UNDP Gender Programme Manager
1.3. Name of partners in the Action:
Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, Department for Gender Equality
1.4. Title of the Action:
Support to the anti-discrimination and gender equality policies
1.5. Contract number:
ID: IPA 2015 / 372-002
1.6. Start date and end date of the reporting period: 11th January 2016 – 31st December 2016 1st January 2017 – 31st December 2017 1st January 2018-31st December 2018 1st January 2019 -11th January 2020 1.7. Target country(ies) or region(s):
Montenegro
1.8. Final beneficiaries &/or target groups1 (if different) (including numbers of women and men):
Target Groups: Ministry of Human and Minority Rights - Department for Gender Equality; Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health, Police Directorate, Local government, Parliamentary political parties, Parliamentary Committee for Gender Equality, NGOs, Ministry of Finance, Investment Fund, Directorate for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Welfare Centres, the Police, the Judiciary
Final Beneficiaries: Victims of family violence; women in politics, political parties; Female entrepreneurs; staff of the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights
1.9. Country(ies) in which the activities take place (if different from 1.7):
1 “Target groups” are the groups/entities who will be directly positively affected by the project at the Project Purpose level, and “final beneficiaries” are those who will benefit from the project in the long term at the level of the society or sector at large.
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2. Assessment of implementation of Action activities
2.1. Executive summary of the Action The Action “Support to the anti-discrimination and gender equality policies” will contribute to the protection, promotion and enforcement of human rights and equal opportunities in Montenegro. The Action addresses the need for a stronger implementation of the anti-discrimination and gender equality policies and standards and also aims at enhancing the system of protection of human rights of persons deprived of liberty. It is expected from this Action that the Anti-discrimination framework is known, understood, and implemented especially towards Roma, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex, Persons with disability, Women and Minorities. In addition, an efficient and effective system for accomplishment of gender equality and women’s empowerment standards will be established. Finally, the Action will enhance the system of protection of human rights of persons deprived of liberty. Support to the anti-discrimination and gender equality policies is a comprehensive and innovative approach to address anti-discrimination and in particular gender inequality. It includes a unified engagement point for development partners and a multi-donor financing2 facility to provide resources for human rights protection capacity development from national to local levels with special focus on specialized bodies. Support to the anti-discrimination and gender equality policies is anchored in the government’s national, strategic frameworks, EU integration frameworks and action plans as well as EU progress reports findings and last but not least, with recommendations of UN human rights treaties. In addition, in the area of gender equality the Action will take into account results, achievements and lessons learned from Gender Programme IPA 2010. Our vision of Montenegro’s future is that society is progressively free of social exclusion and enjoys a quality of life that allows people of Montenegro equitable development of full potentials of both women and men. This Action will contribute to fostering of a democratic society that fully respects, protects and fulfils human rights through rule of law, government transparency and accountability. Action will be introducing following key drivers of change, which will respectively ensure a catalytic effect on improvement of social and institutional responsiveness towards promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights and equal opportunities, specifically focusing on the implementation of the anti-discrimination and gender equality policies through: a) A broad, utilized holistic approach to gender equality linked to SDGs in Montenegro utilized by all partners for transformative change in society perceptions; b) Partnering organizations/ institutions / parties / groups – held accountable for human rights and gender equality generating political will and commitment to human rights and gender equality goals; c) Leadership engagement in promoting enforcement of social inclusion and reduced inequalities; d) Non-traditional solutions for active management of female talents as drivers of transformational change in role modelling and mentoring; e) Tailored trainings to ensure impact-oriented capacity development prioritized and focused on the needs of women in targeted fields of work. The overall Action will contribute to the achievement of two specific results while operationally, it will be implemented through 5 following programmatic components: 1) Anti-discrimination 2) Capacity development support 3) Violence in family 4) Political empowerment of women and 5) Women’s entrepreneurship support. An effective anti-discrimination response, which has been defined as first expected result of the Action, requires strong and vibrant institutional mandates and engagements based on knowledge, evidence-based policy-making, participatory and inclusive approaches, as well as accountability and transparency on results. Better understanding and awareness of population will be reached through
2 The Action is designed as a multi-donor undertaking. This Action will be implemented in direct management, through parallel co-financing modality (UNDP and Council of Europe - CoE). Total value of the Action is EUR 1 728 000 while EU contribution is EUR 1 435 000 (EUR 700.000 CoE and EUR 735 000 UNDP). The co-financing from Montenegro will be parallel co-financing of EUR 293 000 (EUR 73 000 UNDP; EUR 70 000 CoE; EUR 150 000 national co-financing of Montenegro) and is separate from the EU contribution. 3
awareness raising work, while professionals will be provided with tailored capacity development support. For its second expected result this Action has defined establishment of an efficient and effective system for accomplishment of gender equality and women’s empowerment standards. This is been embedded in the National Action Plan for Gender Equality developed under the scope of Beijing Action Plan and guided with EU Gender Equality frameworks. Gender Programme IPA 2010 has built the solid grounds for further developments in the areas of violence in family, political empowerment of women and women’s entrepreneurship. All activities will have awareness raising work as strong cross-cutting component enabling that specific fields of intervention do not target broad audience, but have focused interventions on attitudes and behavioural changes of professionals, decision makers and role models, ensuring that their work has been promoted, communicated and explained to population of Montenegro. The Action will apply UNDP principles of the results based management, human rights based approach, gender mainstreaming, capacity development and environment friendly interventions bringing added values and awareness of partners. The Action will remain closely aligned with the national institutions in charge of human rights and gender equality policies implementation, maintaining their commitment and ownership over the process. Management structure: 1) Steering Committee is the main decision-making body of the Programme. It is chaired by the Minister for Human and Minority Rights and gathers representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integrations, Delegation of European Union in Montenegro, Parliamentarian Committee for Gender Equality and UNDP. SC meets at least twice per year but also as per the needs of programme dynamics.
2) Three Advisory Boards (for the components of violence against women, economic empowerment and political participation) gather all the relevant stakeholders in the particular area of concern and have advisory role in the Programme, serving as a formula for inclusive, participatory approach for dialogue around ongoing activities and information sharing. Advisory Boards are flexible and open structures for all interested parties to engage during the whole period of Programme implementation. ABs meet quarterly and/or as per the needs of programme dynamics. The ToR for the Advisory Boards, as well as the lists of members are provided in the (ANNEX 1 Advisory Boards).
3) The implementation of the Project is supervised by the Programme Manager while Programme Assistant/Coordinator is responsible for full programmatic and administrative support in process maintenance and regular project activities flow, within daily responsibilities related to service providing, coordination with partners and overall Programme implementation.
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2.2. Activities and results
Activities related to overall Programme management:
Steering Committee meetings review
First SC meeting was held on 22nd March 2016. Minutes from the SC meetings are attached to this report (ANNEX 2 SC Meeting Minutes). At the First Meeting Project Manager and Head of the Department for Gender Equality have presented planned activities under this Programme to members of SC with accent on the continuation of the previous efforts to support women’s empowerment in three thematic areas as well as on the complementarity and needed synergy among process of social welfare reform process and work on violence in family. Second SC was planned for the last quarter of 2016, but general elections held on October 16th 2016 and delayed establishment of Government, only in early December, caused postponing of AD Programme SC for the first quarter of 2017.
2nd SC meeting was held on 25th September 2017. To date, the Programme team has not received the finalised SC meeting minutes from the Ministry.
3rd SC Meeting was held in March 2018. (Annex Ia)
4th SC Meeting was held on April 19th (Annex Y19_1_SC documentation)
5th SC Meeting was held 21. October 2019 (Annex Y19_1_SC documentation)
Advisory Boards meetings:
During the first year of Programme Implementation, Advisory Boards on violence in family and Advisory Board on women’s entrepreneurships have been established, while establishment of the Advisory Board on political participation was postponed for the period after general elections are held. In the meantime, Women`s Political Network, having been comprised of members of all the parliamentary political parties, took over the mandate of Advisory Board in this area. Advisory Board on Violence was held on September 7th with aim to assure review of the ongoing work on violence in family and recognise entry points for better synergy and complementarity in the work of different institutions and NGOs. Besides lots of information shared about ongoing work around violence in family, few priority topics were listed as needed for better understanding and future presentations such as a) Social Card, b) Statistical data gathering on violence c) Multidisciplinary response and MD Teams, etc. Advisory Board on women’s entrepreneurship was held on September 13th with aim to provide more detailed information to partners in the country related to ongoing efforts to enhance women’s entrepreneurship and encourage dialogue about implementation of the Strategy and AD Programme support. Advisory Board discussions clearly revealed quite number of ongoing activities which still do not contribute to system synchronised support to entrepreneurs and all together do not have strong impact on the women’s entrepreneurship. As Programme will be focusing on Podgorica and Niksic, focus on the Advisory Board will be to assure cooperation among local stakeholders through joint support to women entrepreneurs and close cooperation with IDF as developing partner and financial institution interested to support women’s businesses.
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In 2017, when it comes to meetings of AB for entrepreneurship, due to the specific already agreed- upon activities focused on work with local municipalities of Niksic and Podgorica and the trainings for women, we had regular monthly coordination meetings of the key stakeholders involved- Two NGOs working on mobilisation of women for the programme and its promotion, one NGO working on early mentorship programme for women, a company engaged to conduct a whole set of trainings for women, representatives of municipalities of Niksic and Podgorica, and local consultants for these two municipalities. Also, we had representatives of Investment Development Fund on a number of meetings as well as trainings where they presented their support programme directly to women entrepreneurs. We also gathered representatives of Advisor Board for entrepreneurship on an event focused on the topic of mentorship for women, where we hosted the U.S.A. guest Samira Cook Gaines (more details in the section on women entrepreneurship).
As for the AB on violence meetings, similarly, we gathered them on a needs-basis, focusing on very particular issues of interest. We had the AB members summoned on the SOS line evaluation meeting (24th February), presentation of the preliminary results of the study on violence (24th May) the launch of regional programme Implementing Norms/Changing Minds- inception workshop (30th May), public presentation of the violence study and the follow-up meeting on the same day (27th September). More details provided in a dedicated chapter.
AB meetings for 2018: When it comes to violence, AB meetings were focused around preparations for the new Protocol and its adoption, while when it comes to entrepreneurship, rather than meetings advocacy work was focused on local municipalities in order to ensure funds for women entrepreneurship.
Project Advisory Boards with rolling out of the Project activities have been organised around more sustainable modalities of multisectoral cooperation.
Therefore, AB for political participation has been transferred within core Women’s Political Network team that has been very active with organised intensive meetings and consultations throughout 2018 and 2019 in order to maintain advocacy and adjust according to political dynamics in the country. Team also uses digital platforms for communication and consultancy on daily basis.
At the same time, Advisory Board for violence has been transferred into wider consultative team working on implementation of the Regional Project “Implementing Norms, Channing Minds” and ongoing process of licencing and accreditation of special service providers by Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare that was characterised with great number of consultative meetings related to numerous issues of importance for establishment of multidisciplinary response to violence.
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Result 1:
Anti-discrimination framework is known, understood, and implemented especially towards Roma, LGBTI, Persons with disability, Women and Minorities
Addressing discriminatory perceptions and attitudes
Activity 1.1.1. Study on the scope and types of discrimination against persons with disabilities in Montenegro During the initial meetings with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, it was suggested that the intended activity (two perception surveys to assess discriminatory patterns) appear as CoE planned activities and that this would be unnecessary replication. For the purpose of coordination of the CoE and UNDP work, and responsiveness towards Ministry of Human and Minority Right’s needs, it was agreed at the coordination meeting that UNDP Anti-Discrimination Programme turns the focus of survey on the scope and types of discrimination of people with disabilities. Such study would collect data and evidences that would enable evidence-based policy development in the Ministry as a foundation for drafting the Strategy for Protection Against Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities in Montenegro.
In accordance with agreed ToR for research, UNDP conducted tender / procurement procedure in order to collect proposals from the research companies. IPSOS Strategic Marketing, won the competitive process. The objective of the realised survey about the scope and types of discrimination of persons with disabilities in Montenegro was to analyse from different aspects and standpoints the general picture of current position and key problems that persons with disabilities are faced with in Montenegrin society. Collected information, data and perceptions undoubtedly lead to conclusion that there are clearly identified areas of social and economic life in Montenegro where there are significant limitations, obstacles and elements of discrimination of persons with disabilities which considerably hamper and prevent their equal and full integration in all social spheres of Montenegrin daily life. These are primarily the economic spheres, that is, the spheres of realization of the basic right to work and employment, the right to quality and non-discriminatory integration into the working environment, the right to career advancement and improvement of working skills and abilities. Parallel with this are the issues that are also of an economic nature, exercising the right to financial assistance and support to persons with disabilities whose specific everyday life demands significantly higher cost of living and existence than in case of other social groups.
Study has served as basis for discussions and analyses of the status and discriminatory practices of people with disability and development of the Strategy to Address Discrimination of People with Disabilities (ANNEX 3 Strategy) which has been presented to and adopted by the Government of Montenegro in November 2016.
The summary of the study in English is attached to this report. (ANNEX 4 Executive Summary of the Study)
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Activity 1.1.2. Analysis of media reporting on human rights of most vulnerable groups (OSI, LGBT, Roma and women)
The programme contracted a renowned media-monitoring agency Arhimed to conduct analysis of media reporting on the topics regarding human rights, anti-discrimination, and gender equality, in order to assess to what extent are media in Montenegro proactive in covering important social issues such as human rights, violence against women, promotion of women's rights etc. Moreover, the analysis will show whether, and if so, to what extent the media visibility of the mentioned topics has increased following the activities aimed at their promotion, implemented by the UNDP and our partners, and financed by the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro. The company retrospectively conducted research through monitoring of media content on the topics: Human rights and discrimination; Women in Politics; Violence in Family and Violence against Women and Women's Entrepreneurship, for the period from 1 January 2016 to 31 September 2017. The processed data are further analyzed and graphically presented in a separate document (analysis). Analysis contains the general part, the sections for each topic separately, and the comparative part (general conclusions). In 2018 the analysis was finalized (Annex I b), after which the follow-up was done in terms of conducting the gender review of the Analysis, i.e. Qualitative analysis of quantitative data provided by Arhimed. For each of the selected topics (human rights and anti-discrimination, women in politics, women entrepreneurship and violence in family), interviews were done with professionals from those fields in order to reach to a better overview and understanding of specific nuances pertaining to each sphere of interest.
The aim of the qualitative content analysis is to show whether there is a gender perspective in the reporting of Montenegrin media, which should be applied in the process of media communication. A gender perspective allows for the inequalities faced by women to be put into the spotlight, since they are by matter of routine reflected in the media. Incorporating a gender perspective requires raising the awareness of journalists and the media on how important it is for them to be bearers of social change in achieving greater equality in society. It is not enough that journalists simply avoid gender stereotypes, but it is necessary to actively engage in creating a society of equality for all. Media content analysis contains recommendations on what needs to be changed in media coverage of these topics, how to contribute to adhering to ethical standards and the Code of Conduct of Journalists, and how to introduce a gender perspective into media content. The full document, in Montenegrin, is attached to this report (Annex I c).
Activity 1.1.3. Development of HR innovative knowledge and awareness raising products with youth groups
When it comes to innovative solutions to awareness raising, we have decided to give the opportunity to the NGO who is very advanced in promotion of women`s human rights and are very visible in the public, and that is NGO Women`s Shelter. Out of the possible topics for innovative campaign we opted for violence against women, since the results of the recent study prove that it presents most frequent form of breaching human rights and the phenomenon is still wrongly interpreted and misunderstood. Therefore, the project aims to contribute to a better understanding of the society in general about the importance of the active response of society on a violence against women and domestic violence. The activities that are implemented have a preventive impact on raising public awareness on violence against women, as well as raising the awareness of employees in institutions about the importance of a comprehensive and coordinated approach in providing support and assistance to women victims of domestic violence. The campaign lasted for almost a year, under the slogan ``Krenimo zajedno / Let`s go together``. Through this project, Women's Safe House has significantly raised public awareness of the right of women to life without violence and the victims’ right to an effective coordinated system of protection. These were some of the key components of the campaign: ✓ Promotion of the results on the research on domestic violence and violence against women, via social networks, sponsored publications of 5 gifs with data from the research results (13204 people saw the results of the research via social media) 8
✓ Promoting a coordinated response from the institutions of the protection system: Women’s Safe House, under the approval of the City of Podgorica, drew the support network in a way that linked the institutions of the system of protection and non-governmental organizations: Women's Safe House, Center for Social Work, SOS telephone Podgorica, Center for Women's Rights, Ombudsman, Police Directorate, Violations and the Basic Court in Podgorica. After the development of the support network, an electronic support network for women victims of violence was created and promoted via social media. The support network was displayed on a postcard form and shared it with citizens during the 3 street campaigns we organized. Of the promotional material, 300 postcards were shared with a support network, 165 t-shirts, 100 posters were stamped along the city, as well as 200 umbrellas which were distributed with a campaign message. Photos from street events can be found in the attachment. On social networks, announcements related to the promotion of a coordinated response were seen by 11,287 people. ✓ Creating and promotion of the animated video ``Report violence``. The video has been broadcasted continuously for 20 days on several occasions daily on the following TV stations: TV Prva, RTCG, TV Vijesti, TV Budva and TV A1. Bearing in mind the social significance to the topic of violence against women, as well as the key message, Women's Safe House was approved free of charge broadcasting of the video. ✓ WSH organized a press conference and brunch with journalists in order to promote the video at the EU Info Center on November 5, 2018. Besides promotion of the animated film, the theme of the working breakfast was ethical media coverage of violence against women and domestic violence, followed by guidelines for media on ethical reporting. As suggested at the event, a few journalists who were present wrote the press articles for the media they work for- all of them were made in accordance with ethical standards, indicating a positive impact of the workshop.
Activity 1.1.4. Gender Analyses for Montenegro
The programme engaged a national consultant to conduct a Gender Analysis for Montenegro. The main purpose of the Analyses is to give an insight into situation, policies and gaps related to gender, in order to inform all EU external spending, programming and policy making in accordance with the objectives and methodological guidelines defined in the Joint staff working document Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment: Transforming the Lives of Girls and Women through EU External Relations 2016-2020 (GAP II). As agreed with the EU Delegation in Montenegro, the Gender Analyses covers the following sectors: Rule of Law, that includes 3 topics: political participation of women, violence against women and trafficking in human beings; Education, Employment and Social Protection; Agriculture; Energy; Environment and Climate Change; Transport and Competitiveness and Innovation. The Analyses contains the set of indicators that represent combination of the two types of indicators: • Selection of EU defined indicators, that are proposed in GAP II, which are relevant for the national context and which are available in databases of international statistics (UNESCO, World Bank, Inter-parliamentary Union, etc.) or in the databases of the Montenegrin Bureau for Statistics (MONSTAT).
• National indicators, that are used as a replacement for EU indicators which are not available within abovementioned databases, or which are not listed within the GAP II indicators, but are relevant for understanding of the national context.
The analysis is in the final drafting stage. ANNEX 22 Gender analysis for Montenegro (draft). Analysis was finalised in spring 2018 (Annex Id).
Programme supported the making of the TV mini-series GRUDI. This family drama includes documentary parts to raise awareness about the position of women in our society, but also contains messages covering the overall spectre of anti-discrimination issues, so nicely packed under the broad topic of breast cancer prevention. The series was broadcasted on national TV in prime-time, four consecutive Saturdays after the main information programme. The importance of such an initiative lies in its awareness-raising potential being an innovative artistic form, presented in appealing manner which draws the attention of the vast diversity of audience.
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Activity 1.1.5. Campaign to raise awareness with regards to anti-discrimination has been addressed trough cooperation with team that developed TV mini serial “Grudi” played at 4th quarter 2018 at National TV, but also at three national TV stations in countries of the region - Serbia, Croatia and BIH. Mini-serial participated in national and international festivals and has been awarded several times. Serial was basis for development of movie that was also internationally awarded. Mini serial has been designed to raise awareness in local context about human rights and role of citizens in improving situation. Innovative part of the serial is combination of played with documentary narrations of experts about human rights issues and gender equality. Team that designed “Grudi” are known artists and workers in culture, publicly recognised and visible and therefore their public outreach and visibility was very high. Two team members Ms Marija Perovic and Dubravka Drakic are also professors at the Art Academy and used this advantage to organise set of interactive thematic forums with youth at faculty of art. In addition, second thematic session was organised with community working on promotion of film culture. International and national partners were targeted audience at the thematic forum in Podgorica. Overall, practice of thematic discussion after projections were proved to be very stimulating for audience and their sincere reflections on seen serial “Grudi” that is well known to population living in local community. This immediate reflection provided opportunity not only to have energetic and emotional reactions but also to unpack stigmatisation, violation of human rights in daily routines deeply hidden in the cultural patterns. (Annex Y19_3_GRUDI Serial)
Activity 1.1.6 Analyses of media and human rights - assess the role of media in changing the discriminatory patterns and stereotypes In partnership with Association of Professional Journalists media were in focus in terms of a) capacity development of journalists to recognise and address discriminatory patterns in media reporting and b) assessments of media as employer from gender perspectives and position of women. Capacities of media to mainstream gender equality in their work in terms of protection and promotion of women’s rights has been revealed in the survey that Association of Professional Journalists conducted.
Capacity development of media in cooperation with Association of Professional Journalists has been organised through two tailored workshops for interested journalists to learn about gender impact of media reporting, gender sensitive language in media, public profiling of women’s leadership in media as well as how to increase awareness of the media. These topics were addressed trough interactives sessions designed and delivered by prominent experts and trainers with the significant track-record on gender related issues also working in media - Vesna Rajkovic and Duska Pejovic. They developed training modules and readers for two- day training programme that was attended by 18 journalists. Workshop evaluation showed that selection of participants was excellent and dynamics in the training confirmed that highly motivated group of journalists took part in intensive education delivered by trainers. Although topic of human rights and media is very important for the overall democratization of the society, Association of Professional Journalists reported that not all media wanted to disclose information on number and position of women in their organizations. However, researchers have reached 14 media with national coverage (while 10 were initially targeted). Researchers interviewed
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200 journalists and developed rich source of information developed for the first time. For example, basic data collection on number of women and man working in media as journalists does not exists and this survey collected some of the important information. Survey findings has been presented at the thematic round table on December 13th in Podgorica, that gathered prominent journalists and media Ombud’s to discuss findings, which was attached with vivid discussion about importance of democratisation of media. Some of the survey findings suggest that women in media although present majority of staff, and even take editors roles, power and decision making is frequently decentralised. Also, research revealed that women in journalisms bear burden of balance between private and professional life while frequently being exposed to situations of discrimination at work, pay gap, non- inclusive social coverage etc. Media therefore do present unique frontiers of democratisation often undermining gender equality and its impact. Therefore, further development of capacities in this “fourth cluster of democracy” does become priority as only as gender sensitised and active partner in creation of enabling environment for gender equality in the country can become generator of power to reach equality. (Annex Y19 4 Analiza_ polozaj novinarki u medijima)
Activity 1.1.7. Gender Equality Index Montenegro has been developed by MONSTAT under the guidance and methodological framework provided by EIGE, while narrative report has been developed by national consultant trough support of the Project. Department for Gender Equality and UNDP have moderated process of preparation of the Report which was characterised with limited understanding of the role and scope of the narrative report of Gender Equality Index and interpretation of the findings in context of gender equality. Report was launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Mr Pažin and representatives of partnering institutions - EU Delegation, UNDP, MONSTAT and EIGE, at the Conference on January 27th in Podgorica. This report is the product of collaborative work carried out by a team composed of representatives from various sectors and organisations: the Montenegrin National Statistical Office was primarily in charge of computation with EIGE guidance regarding methodology, representatives from the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights oversaw the process, UNDP Montenegro and EUD inspired and supported the whole process and an independent consultant analysed the data. The Index was calculated in cooperation with European Institute for Gender Equality under Instrument of Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), funded by the European Union. This report is therefore the product of collaborative work carried out by all of the aforementioned subjects. Bearing in mind that this was the first time that the Index was calculated in Montenegro, it was not possible to measure in-country progress. However, the focus of the report was to provide as much
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additional and contextual information as possible to give ‘meaning’ to the data. Calculating the 2021 Index will, however, be evidently much easier to evaluate. Then, it will allow for the evaluation of the effectiveness of efforts made by stakeholders within the process of achieving gender equality in Montenegro. Indeed, the Index should become an integral part of effective gender policy making in Montenegro. The data presented in this report should be considered as the baseline value upon which future progress can be assessed. Introducing the Gender Equality Index to Montenegro is an initiative which aims to address current challenges by assessing the level of achievement against the levels set out in the Action Plan for Achieving Gender Equality 2017-2021 and in the National Strategy for Sustainable Development, 2030. Moreover, bearing in mind its complexity and scope, the Gender Equality Index should be used as an indispensable tool for evaluating and measuring the progress achieved regarding gender equality in Montenegro; indeed, this instrument should also be adopted by future strategic documents in this field. In line with intention to assure that GE Index is used to inform policy development, on the occasion of marking International Women’s Day, Resident Representative of UNDP revisited findings of this assessment and called for accurate data collection, evidence-based policy development and monitoring of progress in regard to women’s empowerment and gender equality. (Annex Y19 5 Gender Equality Index Report and Annex Y19 6 Index rodne ravnopravnosti)
Activity 1.1.8. Supporting NGO M&E coalition with regular coordination meetings
In the framework of the last 12 months UNDP has intensified efforts to assure networking and coalition/based approach of women’s rights groups to frequently share information, build on each- others knowledge and enable more coordinated actions in monitoring progress in the field of women’s rights and reporting against GREVIO, CEDAW and other relevant international commitments made. Women’s Groups have established informal network “Nesalomive” (Unbreakable) that gathers 17 women’s rights groups – SZK, SOSNK, SOS PG, SOSBP, SOS Berane, SOS Plav, SOS Ulcinj, Integritet, Ksena, League of Women Voters, Snazna mama, CZL, Bona Fide, CRINK, NOVA Feminist Culture, Women’s Voices and IKRE. For daily coordination and communication network uses digital platforms - Zoom and Viber and those on-line meetings have been proved as highly efficient and good way of working together in situation of reduced financial resources.
Overview of activity- level indicator fulfilment3
A study on persons with disabilities in Accomplished Montenegro conducted and used for strategic Study completed in 2016. planning 3 NGOs formed M&E coalition with adopted Accomplished action plan and regular coordination meetings (complementary with UN WOMEN regional EU- funded programme Implementing Norms, Changing Minds) NGO coalition for monitoring CEDAW and
3 Complete list of indicators with the updated info on their level of fulfilment can be found in Annex 38 12
GREVIO recommendation formed, led by Women’s Rights Centre and with the participation of Women’s Safe House, SOS Hotline for Victims of Violence Nikšić, SOS Hotline for victims of violence Podgorica, MNE Women`s Lobby and Center for Roma initiatives Women’s Groups have established informal network “Nesalomive” (Unbreakable) that gathers 17 women’s rights groups – SZK, SOSNK, SOS PG, SOSBP, SOS Berane, SOS Plav, SOS Ulcinj, Integritet, Ksena, League of Women Voters, Hrabra Majka, CZL, Bona Fide Pljevlja, CRINK, NOVA Feminist Culture, Women’s Voices and IKRE. 3 HR innovative knowledge and awareness Accomplished raising products developed by at least 2 youth Youth volunteer group (NGO) created a number groups of knowledge products within the “Krenimo zajedno” campaign project HR awareness raising booklet with best practices Accomplished used as knowledge product for training on human Capturing and innovative solution in addressing rights human rights and gender equality will be assured through a combined documentary and played TV serial Media reporting on human rights used as Accomplished evidence-based education for journalists Analysis conducted for 2017 incorporated in training for journalists as well as assessment findings
Strengthening of the national institutional capacity to address the performance on human rights and gender equality
Support to Anti-Discrimination and Gender Equality Policies has been designed to assist in development of the Ministry of Human and Minority capacities, primarily Department for Gender Equality and their work on gender equality issues. Complementary with Council of Europe programmatic intervention, it has been envisaged that support of UNDP, besides basic technical equipment support, will enhance their managerial skill as well as specific skills on gender mainstreaming.
Activity 1.2.1. Gender Mainstreaming Training Gender Equality Law and National Action Plan for Gender Equality are providing solid legal and policy framework for progressive work on the elimination of gender-based discrimination and mainstreaming gender in policies, service delivery and budgets in Montenegro. However, due to lack of structural capacities AD Programme envisaged capacity development intervention of gender mainstreaming training that was designed to generate more interest and commitment towards implementation of legal and strategic framework for gender equality and create basic skillful knowledge as precondition for this work. There are several entry points identified for the gender mainstreaming capacity development that will build on existing frameworks but also make practical and measurable impact. One of the entry points was to start this work with Human Resource Agency that introduces mandatory training working in the government and assure that capacities respond to
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corporate requirements are integrate gender aspects in work routine. At the same time, another entry point was provided through EU accession process and financial instrument, which was the stage when specific programmatic interventions within sectorial programs are designed, and that will contribute to socio-economic, transport and environment planning to be gender aware. Having in mind EU driven processes in the country, this entry point has presented opportunity to endorse gender mainstreaming as EU corporate requirement and to nicely meet National Action Plan and Gender Equality Law requirements in a few specific areas. Therefore, capacity development approach started with training program on gender mainstreaming into EU IPA (2015 and 2016 sectorial operational programs in the following fields: Competitiveness, Transport, Environment and Employment, Education and Social Policy). The training aimed to enable participants to incorporate gender equality concerns in all levels of strategic planning and to equip them with specific knowledge on assessing gender equality contributions in policy design stage. International expert was hired to provide training participants with deeper understanding of gender dynamics expressed by different situations, conditions and needs for women and men and strategies to increase gender responsiveness of policy, programs or projects. Training provided practical exercises on gender analysis and tools for the design, planning and monitoring of programs, through interactive methods of knowledge transfer. Concreate outputs from this training program are gender mainstreamed Operational Programs of the following EU IPA sectors: Competitiveness, Transport, Environment and Employment, Education and Social Policy. It is expected that gender mainstreaming intervention in these sectorial documents will generate programs run based on gathered data and gender analyses and will enable targeted interventions that will affect gender gap and support overall processes of enhancement of gender equality in the country. However, some of the key observations and recommendations from the trainer (ANNEX 5 Training report) are following: a) Ownership of the Gender Mainstreaming by the Government - while Montenegro has clearly made progress in meeting its targets in relation to the acquis’s requirements on equality issues, this progress is lacking a dynamic. Legislative and policy change in the area of gender equality must be matched by efforts to mobilize all efforts through every level and sector of government. Responsibility for gender mainstreaming should rest primarily with the government and should be led from the top. b) Gender Mainstreaming all Government Strategies - Many of the activities under the IPA align with national strategies. When these national strategies neglect the issue of gender equality, it is very difficult to introduce it at the level of IPA programming. This neglect should be remedied as soon as possible and all government strategies should demonstrably reflect the government of Montenegro’s commitment to gender mainstreaming.
Finally, this training program and gender mainstreaming intervention in four sectorial documents have been aligned with EU Strategic engagement for Gender Equality, which has introduced gender as corporate requirement to all EU Delegations while providing assistance to the country in the EU accession process. However, newly designed EU strategic framework for gender equality still requires creating a structure and enabling environment to assure meaningful gender mainstreaming and exemplary commitment and leadership for the Governmental stakeholders.
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UNDP as development agency has gone through similar processes of the capacity development and gender mainstreaming practices in the organisation to respond to corporate requirements of gender mainstreaming and have developed many useful tools that can be exchanged with EUD as well as Government. This is to be recommended in next phases of the UNDP EU cooperation.
Activity 1.2.2. Project Design and Project Management Training Capacity Development support to the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights has been designed as combined support by CoE and UNDP to staff where CoE will provide support in strategic planning capacities, while UNDP will be supporting in development of capacities on Project Design and Project management. This was agreed at the coordination meeting between Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, EU delegation representatives and UNDP. Within the scope of the programme area related to the capacity building of the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, the particular focus needs to be on the Department for Gender Equality staff, as it has been engaged in all aspects of Gender Programme work. Having in mind turn-over of staff, approach to capacity development of current composition of the Department staff includes mentoring and training ensuring that acquired skills could be immediately applied, including managerial capacities in a) work planning, b) management practices and procedures, c) communications.
Based on the request by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, instead of engaging a local consultant, the Programme recruited 1 international consultant to conduct training of the staff of the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights in the area of Project Design and Project Management. The consultant was tasked to conduct the project design and project management needs assessments and identify key training requirements, as well as to design and develop detailed content and material for the training. The training included the following: a) Module I (3 days): Project design and proposal writing. This module included the project problem analysis and development of logical framework matrix, as well as development of program document on the basis of logical framework matrix. b) Module II (3 days): Monitoring of program implementation and financial management
First module took place from 1st till 3rd December 2016 and second module was delivered from December 20th till December 22nd, 2016. Both modules were delivered in Podgorica, UN and Ministry premises. Training methods included interactive and stimulating activities to consolidate and reinforce learning, as well as mechanisms for self-assessment as the course progresses and overall assessment of staff awareness and learning. The participants were assisted to formulate a training follow-up action plan. Upon completion of the training, its effectiveness was evaluated and recommendations for improvement made.
As stated in the training report, general impression from both participants and trainer is that a training programme was successful and that objectives were fulfilled.
Having in mind that before the training, within the Ministry there were no employees ready for independent project proposal writing and project management, based on the trainer's observation and their self-evaluation (in the training evaluation form), one may conclude that after the training there are (out of the training participants): • two persons substantially acquainted with concepts, and ready for independent project proposal writing and project management with supervision; • four persons partially acquainted with concepts, but not ready for independent project proposal writing and project management; • two persons not ready for independent project proposal writing and project management; 15
Consultants reflections on the training were that people employed in the Ministry are highly educated and experienced professionals with high professional integrity and work ethics. They have background in law, economics, journalism etc. However, their educational background did not cover topics connected to modern managerial and people skills and that is something they would need in their every-day performance. Number of employees is very limited and it is expected that in the future, due to increasing workload, new people will be hired. For both present employees and potential newcomers, a set of trainings would be needed in order to further improve their professional and managerial capacities.
In addition, even though there is clear organigram on Ministry, practice shows that there are no clear job descriptions in every-day work. With the growing number of employees, a more focus should be placed on work division and specialization. Staff of "general practice" could not give results as one with high level of expertise in specific area, including project management. Special attention should be paid to the growth and development of the Department for European integration, programming and implementation of EU funds that should be in charge for project methodology across the Ministry. More specifically, one to two persons should be hired in this department and together with the Head should receive heavy capacity building program (training for newcomers and coaching for the Head) on EU, strategy, projects etc.
Consultants observation on possible obstacle was that senior management in the Ministry does not recognize the importance of staff development. During this training participants were often called to leave the training and come back to the office in order to fulfil some every-day routine task. Attending a training is considered almost a waste of time or having a time off. The trainer concludes that this issue should be addressed with the Ministry on a higher level in order to assure that further actions are taken more seriously. More details on training could be found in the consultants Report attached. (ANNEX 6 Consultants Report)
Activity 1.2.3. National Action Plan for Gender Equality Evaluation One of the ad-hoc requests from the partner Ministry, and in accordance with the previous tradition of UNDP support in this area, was to assist the Ministry to conduct evaluation implementation and impact assessment of the expiring National Action Plan for Gender Equality (2013-2017) and map the areas of priority for the new National Action Plan (2017-2021).
The Programme engaged the consultant in order to conduct this assessment, assuring that process is aligned to EU integration process and qualitatively contributing to improvement of women’s human rights fulfilment. Based on the evaluation and impact assessment findings, recommendations for new NAP for the period 2017-2020 were developed to support Department of Gender Equality, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights communication and coordination with other governing authorities. Upon consultations with the partners within “Support to antidiscrimination and Gender Equality Policies” Project, it has been agreed that following should be taken into consideration:
1. Analysis of implementation of objectives and activities within NAP 2013-2017 2. Impact assessment of NAP 2013-2017 3. Recommendations of CEDAW Committee and Istanbul Convention 4. Mapping of expected changes of legal framework and institutional set up that will derive from the process of approximation of national legislation to the EU, CoE and other international legal instruments, standards and practice 16
5. Gender Equality Index complementarity 6. Best practice and lessons learnt from other countries on how the EU integration process can be utilized for strengthening gender equality at the national level, 7. Monitoring and evaluation instruments to be incorporated into new NAP.
As a part of the ongoing consultations and reflections on the achievements of the National Action Plan for Gender Equality, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights have initiated establishment of the National Council for Gender Equality chaired by the Minister of Human and minority Rights and gathering representatives of the national stakeholders including CSOs. Till date, National Council for Gender Equality that oversees work on gender equality has held one meeting where Department for Gender Equality presented Programme Support to Policies on Anti-Discrimination and Gender Equality and driving mechanism of the Department for Gender Equality to address specific gender issues. Consultants Evaluation Report on the National Action Plan has revealed that although there are good steps in the right direction made so far, significant amount of planned activities hasn’t been implemented and therefore planned progress and results have not been achieved. Evaluation (ANNEX 7 Draft Evaluation Report) will serve as platform for development of new National Action Plan 2017-2021 that is supposed to be developed in participatory manner and inclusive process of all stakeholders.
Activity 1.2.4. Drafting the New NAP for Gender Equality Our programme provided logistical and consultancy support to the Department for Gender Equality to organise meetings of the intersectoral working group for development of the new National Action Plan for Gender Equality (2017-2021) with accompanying activity plan for 2017-2018. There were 5 meetings altogether. After the participatory process the new NAP was drafted by the contracted consultant and adopted by the Government in March 2017. (ANNEX 23 NAP Gender Equality 2017- 2021). By the end of 2018 the time came to prepare the new activity plan for 2019-2020, in accordance with the Workplan of the Government for 2019. The process needs to be aligned to EU integration process and qualitatively contributing to improvement of women’s human rights fulfillment. Therefore, a consultant was engaged to develop the new detailed activity plan of Gender Equality Action Plan for 2019-2020, upon observing the work of the Working group for the development of the new NAP. The process of drafting the Activity plan is in its final stage.
In 2020, the global community marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). A five-year milestone will be reached towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 2020 is therefore a pivotal year for the accelerated realization of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, everywhere. As key partners to Department for Gender Equality Country Report on Beijing + 25 implementation in Montenegro was developed based on the methodology provided by UN Women at the global level. Report for Montenegro compiled data and information collected in process of NAP development and progress assessment. Based on the country reports submitted UNECE and UN Women prepared a regional review report on the basis of the national reports, which was discussed at the Beijing+25 Regional Review Meeting held in Geneva in October 2019 in the Palais des Nations, Geneva, and was jointly organized by UNECE and the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. UNDP has been invited to present best regional practices in working with women in politics and invitation to present Women’s Political Network activities at dedicated side event as well as on the plenary session was used to launch video clip for advocacy campaign. At this event, UN Women has invited and supported participation of hundred most prestigious NGO activists and leaders to present their work at the CSO gathering that was organised in Geneva just day before the Regional Review Meeting on which SOS Niksic took part. Although participation costs of Women’s Political Network delegation at the Regional Review 17
Meeting in Geneva were solely UN supported, it is important to be mentioned as outcome under this Project. This is because Project during its implementation have helped country to develop strategic path, set most important milestones and deliver most significant results regarding gender equality presented in the Country Report on Beijing +25.
Act 1.2.6 Training for Trainers on Gender Mainstreaming
With aim to contribute to capacity building of the Department for Gender Equality, MHMR to increase knowledge and skills and improve coordination related to anti-discrimination and gender equality concerns, significant number of activities, different support services on daily basis has been conducted. With those activities, UNDP was enabled to conduct detailed insight in capacities, coordination with other relevant in-house structures, but also national and local institutions. These insights but also number of other factors made project team alter this particular project activity from “training of trainers” into “intensive training programme” on gender mainstreaming. Following key aspects were ground for adjustments of this activity: – Review of current capacities and basic knowledge needs within MHMR – Relevance of TOT training only for MHMR – Complementary and more thorough TOT carried with MHMR – Limited allocated financial resources which do not match defined output etc.
Having in mind above listed, in close consultations with Department for Gender Equality activity has been redesigned into intensive training programme on gender mainstreaming in cooperation with Human Resource Management Authority. Based on the assessment of the interests and knowledge of targeted participants, five days training programme has been designed. Priority application opportunity was given to all employees in the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, while the Human Resource Management Agency sent out invitation to public administration. Overall, all applications were accepted, and 27 participants took part at the intensive week-long training. Still, only 20 participants obtained certificates of accomplishments based on the 80%time participation and fulfilment of individual training tasks. Gender Mainstreaming Intensive Training was conducted by two international consultants. Training highlighted a range of possible actions to take and pitfalls to avoid in: institutionalising gender equality and gender mainstreaming; supporting gender balance in all state institutions (executive, legislative, and judiciary) and structures, and at all levels; developing and sustaining gender mainstreaming capacity in institutions across government; and establishing inclusive accountability structures; integration of gender principles in development of policies and gender budgeting. Certificates of successful attendance was delivered to 20 participants who met all requirements presented during application process. (Annex Y19 7 Training Programme for gender mainstreaming; Annex Y19 7A Compilation of Training PPP; Annex Y19 8 List of participants)
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Overview of activity- level indicator fulfilment
70% of MHMR staff trained to design and Accomplished in 2016 manage projects
50% of MHMR staff attending thematic training Accomplished in 2019 programs on human rights and gender equality
10 trainers recognized by HRMA to conduct Partially Accomplished in 2019 - in accordance gender mainstreaming training for civil servants; with the activity adjustments made, 20 participants obtained Certificate of successful completion out of which 10 are from MHMR
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Result 2:
An efficient and effective system for accomplishment of gender equality and women’s empowerment standards is established
Addressing violence against women and violence in family
Work on violence against women and violence in family has been designed to strengthen system of multidisciplinary support to victims of violence in accordance with standards and provisions assumed with ratification of Istanbul Convention and provided support to the Government in reaching the goals of the Strategy on Violence in Family (2017-2020). In addition, AD Programme builds on results achieved in previous Gender Programme IPA and has been embedded on same work approach that assumes consultative and participatory processes to assure information flow and know how transfer among stakeholders. This work combined interventions from strategic and legal framework levels based on evidence collection to specific activities related to awareness raising initiatives.
Activity 2.1.1. Awareness Raising One billion rising 2016
Traditionally, UNDP supports awareness raising activities in the area of violence against women, and one of them is “One billion rising”, a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. In Montenegro, the event is organised by the NGO Women`s Safe House on February 14th at 12h at the Main Square in Podgorica. One billion rising is the most massive activist movement in the history of the international fight against violence against women. Every year, on February 14, about 200 countries in the world were dancing, including Montenegro. In Podgorica, couple of hundreds participants were gathered despite rainy weather and were addressed by the Minister of Social Welfare and labour Ms Zorica Kovacevic, Minister of Human and Minority Rights Mr. Suad Numanovic, Head of the UN Ms. Fiona McCluney and Ombudsperson Mr. Sucko Bakovic as well as representatives of the Municipality of Podgorica, parliamentarians and women’s rights activists. UNDP has enabled marking of this Global campaign through the small NGO grant to Women’s Safe House as partners in this event. The event had a wide media attention, with very positive feedback via social media from the participants and wider public.
In 2017, One billion rising 2017event was held on 12th February. The specific topic was raising awareness about exploitation of women, globally as well as on the national level. Except citizens, target audience were public institutions from which we required more support and justice for women in Montenegro. In performance participated: President of Women's Safe House, Ljiljana Raičević; Deputy of Ombudsman, Siniša Bjeković and representative of Union of Free trade Unions of Montenegro, Lidija Pejovic. They all addressed the public with a strong message that violence is unacceptable and pointed out issues that in coming period state 20
should work in order to improve the rights of women. The event succeeded to gain significant visibility, with 25 media appearances and reports. Information on our activity was regularly updated and shared via websites of the CSOs and social networks. Photo gallery can be found on the following link http://www.gendermontenegro.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/307, and this is the link to the video from the event: https://youtu.be/DqdmDEHCF5w
In 2018, the theme was zero tolerance to any act or form of violence against women and children.
In 2019, the theme was zero tolerance to any act or form of violence against women and children. Partnering NGOS Women’s Safe House and Women’s Voices have organized drumming classes for women followed with dance performance “Break the Chain” in Delta City due to bad weather conditions.
Activity 2.1.2. Mapping Victims of Violence Support Services System of the support to victims of violence has been modestly developed since the Law on Protection from violence in family has been introduced. However, social sector reform as well as ratification of Istanbul Convention present key milestones that require revisiting of the support services to victims of violence that has been in process of development in Montenegro. Having in mind that UNDP continuously assures comprehensive approach in development of the overall system of support to victim of violence, information about on-going work of other relevant stakeholders is crucial. Therefore, study that provided a review of mapped support services (supported by UNWomen) has been presented to stakeholders involved in this Project in order to assure credible review position as well as assure full oversight of the system in place that we are working on. Findings of the multi-country study on violence against women support services, provide excellent source of data and provides for the good mapping of where Montenegro stands in terms of adhering to the standards of Istanbul convention in the area of victim support services.
Activity 2.1.3 Amendments to the Law on Protection from Violence in Family Law on Protection from Violence in the Family was adopted on 27 July 2010 by Montenegrin Parliament. Practitioners dealing with violence in the family expected that this innovative Law will introduce protective measures towards victims, enabling institutions to respond accordingly in coordinated manner. Still, after 6 years of the practical implementation of the Law there are evident gaps in systematic support to victims which have been additionally stained by personal perceptions on gender equality by professionals dealing with cases of violence.
Therefore, specific attention should be paid to alignment of the Law on Protection from violence in family and translation of the Istanbul Convention principles of “due attention” at all levels by all institutions on the cases of violence, in multidisciplinary response to violence. Therefore, the Programme engaged an international expert to draft amendments to address legal gaps related to protection and support to victims of violence in family that will ensure the enhancement of the legal framework as well as capacities of the judiciary to adequately address cases of violence in family. In addition, consultants task was to reflect on good practices and provide guidance in the practical interpretation of the provisions of the Law on Protection from violence in family 21
that can serve for the discussion in the Parliament. Programme has envisaged by its work-plan to initiate discussions on Law on Protection from Violence in Family in the Parliament with the Committee for Gender Equality and based on these to initiate process of drafting the Amendments to the Law. However, political tensions in the year of the general elections have been present in the Parliament and presence of the oppositional parliamentarians in the Parliaments was questionable which made it impossible for Parliamentary Committee for Gender Equality to work due to lack of quorum. There were two meetings held without presence of the opposition parliamentarians to talk about violence against women and Minister Kovacevic and Numanovic took part in those, but no substantive work has been done due to lack of quorum in the Committee. Such situation has lasted in the course of the whole year and therefore there were no basic preconditions for AD Project to initiate amending of the Law through Parliament. Consultants Report (ANNEX 8 Report Branka Zigante) consists of detailed comments on all Law provisions related to alignment with provisions and principles of Istanbul Convention, as well as practical application. Such detailed document will be valuable knowledge product for public hearings on implementation of the Law and design of new provisions. As soon as the political preconditions are created, AD Programme will proceed with the initiative to amend the Law on Protection from Violence in Family in cooperation with positional and oppositional parliamentarians, members of the Committee for Gender Equality.
At the same time, as AD Programme is constantly assuring synchronised work and cohesion in impact of different initiatives, Programme has built on one of the activities that the Department for Gender Equality conducted with Judiciary. Namely, Action plan for Chapter 23 envisaged training for the members of judiciary on the topic of violence in family, which was held in Podgorica on 28 and 29 November 2016, when UNDP consultant that was engaged to work on proposal for amending the Law took part, with the aim to assure experts dialogue on specific provisions of the Law and their possible amending and impact on better protection of victims and prevention of violence in family. Training for judiciary was organized in cooperation with the Judicial Training Center and NGO Center for Women`s Rights, based on the methodology which was developed following the study on perception of violence among members of judiciary, commissioned by UNDP in 2015. The training was a big success, as the presence of consultant Ms. Zivkovic and her expert’s insights in this field as well as suggestions for further improvements of legislation has been widely supported and praised by judiciary representatives.
Process on initiating amending of the Law of Gender Equality has been put on hold for significant period of time, although extensive process of consultations has been made and experts developed amendment. Namely, Ministry of Justice prioritised number of other legal amending related to EU integrations. Process was severely delayed and project team used power and influence of Women’s Political Network to revitalise those requests and generate stronger commitment of policy makers to uplift legal as well as policy frameworks to adequately response to gender-based violence. After delegation of Women’s Political Network had made agreement with Deputy Prime Minister to amend the Law in late 2018, in March 2019 was organised joint Conference focusing on the Gender Based Violence and equality at which Minister of Justice and Negotiator for Chapter 23 reconfirmed commitment to amend Law on Protection from Violence in Family as well as Criminal Code. Working Group has been officially established and two representatives of WPN enrolled in their work while in parallel consultative process has been organised to review draft amendments with practitioners. Two following consultative meeting were organised - Legal experts’ consultations and - NGOs (7 women’s groups), police, CSW, judges and prosecutors’ consultations. All suggestions have been shared with working Group on amending the Law on Protection from Violence in Family. Finally, in the sphere of Project work related to improved regulatory framework, Project has developed amendments and initiated change of the Law on Protection from Violence in Family which is currently in procedure. Having in mind that life-spam of the Project has been finished and having in mind amount of work conducted in order to generate process of amending, this aim is considered as partially achieved. Efforts till date included: High level Government officials commitment made public; Working group has been established; Consultative process with wide spectrum of practitioners and experts on draft amendments has been 22
accomplished and draft amendments have been present to WG and in general accepted. (Annex Y19 9 Suggestions for LPVF upgrade)
Activity 2.1.2A - Strengthening regulatory and policy framework to address GBV was one of the most important spheres of work in last year. Namely, in order to meet national commitments made towards Istanbul convention to which new Protocol was aligned to, additional regulatory alignments needed to happen. Therefore, Project conducted mapping of needs for the establishment of specialized services for gender-based violence in Montenegro in accordance with Istanbul Convention.
Having in mind that on-going advocacy to assure long-term financing of specialised services for GBV victims, legal recognition of specialised services at the level od secondary normative framework has to be recognised in order to meet requirement for budgetary support. Therefore, development of these bylaws presents one of the important steps ahead to create enabling normative environment. Based on this needs-assessment, Project has supported development of following national frameworks and action plans:
- National Plan for the advancement of general support services to victims of violence in line with Istanbul Convention 2019 – 2021 and - National Plan for the advancement of specialised support services to victims of violence in line with Istanbul Convention 2019 – 2021 - National Plan for Monitoring of the Implementation of GREVIO recommendations 2020 – 2021
(Annex Y19 10 Analiza potreba prioritetnih usluga podrške za žrtve nasilja, Annex Y1911 Akcioni Plan za specijalizovane servise, Annex Y19 12 Akcioni plan za opšte servise; Annex Y19 13 Akcioni plan za primjenu GREVIO preporuka)
Activity 2.1.2.B Institutional and regulatory gaps restricting effective and efficient institutional protection of victims of violence Driven wide consultative process run with all relevant stakeholders in social protection and civil society, and by assessment findings, Project team advocated amending of two bylaws that are not recognising (therefore not including) standards related to introduction of “crises centres” in spectrum of specialised service support in the country. Monitoring of implementation of the new Code of Conduct revealed particular institutional and regulatory gaps restricting effective and efficient institutional protection of victims of violence. Therefore, Project focused on identification of these legal and institutional gaps and providing solutions. It took some time and advocacy efforts before senior management of Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare was convinced to undertake revision of relevant bylaws and recognise crises centres.
Project provided expert and logistical support in development of two bylaws for the specialized services of shelters and crises centres that were adopted by the Government in December 2019:
- Bylaw on minimal regulatory standards for specialised services provisions in shelters - Bylaw on standards related to counselling, psychological and educational service provisions
(Annex Y19 14 Pravilnik o blizim uslovima za smjestaj; Annex Y19 15 Pravilnik o blizim uslovima za pruzanje spihosovijalne usluge)
Activity 2.1.4. Study on Violence against women and Violence in family Evidence based policy development is in the heart of the UNDP approach in addressing policies and recommending system-based solutions. Violence in family as great phenomenon has never been properly addressed and examined in terms of its prevalence, costs, adequate system response etc. Therefore, AD Programme, through its procurement process selected IPSOS Strategic Marketing, to conduct this comprehensive study. Besides assessment of the multisectorial approach to protection of victims of violence in family including perceptions and assessment of cost-effectiveness, it also included the component of regular monitoring of trends related to prevalence of violence, perception 23
of violence, trends in reporting of violence and public understanding of responsibilities of institutions in violence cases. The study will respectively contribute to advancing institutional and human/knowledge/perception platforms which will respectively lead towards better institutional protection of victims of violence in family and enabling access to justice and rule of law. In addition study will be used as powerful tool for the advocacy and awareness raising work around the issue having in mind the following focuses of the research: • Evaluation of the multidisciplinary approach in addressing the cases of violence in family; • An overview of the work of all the institutions included in the victim protection chain, i.e. their compliance with the provisions of the Protocol on action and cooperation in the cases of violence in family, including SOS line for victims of violence in family; • Perceptions within institutions re violence in family; • Estimation of the cost to the state in scenarios of both compliance and non-compliance with the provision of the Protocol on cooperation vs. coordinated action when the case of violence is reported; • Estimation of the prevalence of violence in family in Montenegro.
The study report is in the final drafting phase and will be presented during early March to Advisory board to provide opportunity to all partners in the programme to assure added value and early reflections on the study findings and most importantly on recommendations. Upon Advisory Board Meeting Study will be finalised and launched in the public.
Activity 2.1.5. Regional Conference on Regional Cooperation, Political Participation of Women and Istanbul Convention Thee previous Gender Programme Montenegro has been active in providing forum for dialogue for gender equality stakeholders from the Western Balkans Region on annual basis through thematic regional conferences, and this practice has continued in AD Programme. In December 2016 regional conference was organised with the aim to strengthen cooperation in the Western Balkans and Turkey in fulfilling pre-accession gender equality standards and commitments under international conventions.
During the last regional gathering, in late 2013, representatives of the European Parliament, the EU Delegation in Montenegro, UN, OSCE, EIGE, national parliaments and governments and civil society from the Western Balkans gathered in Montenegro to reflect on the Report from MEP Marije Cornelissen and the European Parliament resolution. This regional event led to a strong consensus on the need to establish more intensive regional cooperation and coordination on women’s empowerment and gender equality in the Western Balkans and establishment of the Regional Gender Equality Platform. Since then there has been an increasing effort to create enabling opportunity for regional gathering and creation of more strategic approach to gender equality work in the Western Balkan region that will generate more commitment within EU accession processes, but also call for accountability for conducting proactive approach to achievement of gender equality in the countries of the region.
In this context, UNDP proposed to bring together key actors in government, parliaments, civil society and international organizations to coordinate and step up efforts towards women’s empowerment and gender mainstreaming at regional and national levels.
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The conference was organized in partnership between UNDP, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, UN Women, the EU Delegation in Montenegro, the European Institute for Gender Equality and the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro, in cooperation with civil society networks “I Sign”, the Central and Eastern European Network for Gender Issues and Women’s Safe House in Montenegro.4 It sought to stimulate joint action and peer support to ensure that national standards on gender equality are aligned with targets outlined in the United Nations Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and those of the European Union (EU).
Near 200 representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey met in Budva, Montenegro, on the 12th and 13th December 2016 to identify challenges to the empowerment of women and achieving gender equality in the region.
The major outcome of the conference was an agreement to establish a Regional Gender Equality Platform for the Western Balkans and Turkey. The platform will coordinate actions to ensure that countries follow EU’s best practices pertaining to achieving gender equality, have institutions guaranteeing and protecting women’s rights, support structures and legal instruments for the enforcement of the gender equality acquis and develop gender equality targets as outlined in the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy, the SDGs and the Istanbul Convention5.
In interactive discussions over two days, national representatives, regional actors and external experts examined gender equality issues at national and regional levels and discussed possible key areas for future cooperation.
During the first day, the participants focused on the continuing challenges in tackling women’s political under-representation in parliaments, governments and local councils and initiatives to address them with the legal instruments and mechanisms at their disposal. During the second day, parliamentarians, practitioners and civil society representatives focused on the identification of actions and structures needed for the full implementation of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating the pervasive scourge of violence against women and violence in the family.
4 All the partners contributed to the conference either with direct covering of particular conference costs or through covering their own participation, so that it carried no financial implications to the AD Programme whatsoever.
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While the Conference Report is about to be launched soon, here are listed key conclusions from the event:
I. Commit to joint efforts to promote gender equality • Revitalize cooperation between national stakeholders to deliver more effectively on UN, EU and national gender equality and women’s empowerment obligations • Create synergies between national and regional levels to strengthen democratic values, social justice, the rule of law, and the protection of rights of women • Strengthen support for gender quality priorities to advance the SDGs • Identify possible sources of financing for region-wide initiatives II. Strengthen political commitment for gender mainstreaming in policies • Enhance the role of women in decision-making (parliament, government, the judiciary) • Promote dialogue between men and women for gender-sensitive policy making • Identify common goals for Western Balkans countries and Turkey and joint actions for the promotion of gender equality
III. Better understand the current status of domestic violence prevention and victim protection • Review strategic initiatives and implementation mechanisms to achieve Istanbul Convention standards • Identify action points to address gaps in service provision and ensure effective regional progress towards achieving the goals of the Istanbul Convention 26
The Regional Conference agenda, List of Participants and background documents are available here.
It is expected that with TAIEX support, follow up regional meeting will be held in early April 2017 where modalities of cooperation and functioning of the Regional Gender Equality Platform will be discussed among delegated representatives of the Gender equality mechanisms from Governments and parliaments, CSOs and international organisations working in this area.
Activity 2.1.7. SOS line evaluation meeting On February 24th 2017 we organised in Podgorica the meeting of the relevant stakeholders, members of our Advisory Board for violence and other representatives of centers for social work, Institute for Social and Child protection as well as the police, and members of national SOS line for victims of violence of family, in order to review the work of SOS line in 2016 and evaluate its cooperation with centers for social work, which has been perceived as weak. The meeting was the good opportunity to identify the bottlenecks in this cooperation and discuss the causes for it, and possible ways ahead. It shed some light on why the data on violence cases still vary from sector to sector and what are the common misconceptions on the role of civil sector and in particular SOS line in the victim protection system. By the end of the meeting we formulated a number of concrete conclusions and recommendations, and a set of priority measures that have been endorsed by the meeting participants, including senior representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and heads of two largest centres for social work- Niksic and Podgorica. (ANNEX 24 SOS line evaluation meeting agenda, conclusions and list of participants)
Activity 2.1.8. Awareness raising – Theatre performance ‚‚Sama je trazila“
Another awareness raising event was also organized with our support by NGO Safe Women’s House in cooperation with the PAN Theatre from Serbia, under the name of “She is to blame“- flash mob and theatrical performance in Podgorica and Niksic. The goal of the project was raising public awareness of violence against women and domestic violence.
During the first month of the project realization, communicational material was created, which includes: posters announcing announcements, informative leaflets containing information about the show, as well as leaflets distributed during the street action, containing messages aimed at breaking prejudices about violence against women. In a patriarchal society, such as Montenegrin, every rebellion of women is unacceptable, and when it happens violence becomes a punitive measure, claiming that ``she asked for it herself``. Therefore, the goal of the action was to send a clear message that no violence is justified and that violence is the sole responsibility of the abuser.
Flashmob was realized in one of the busiest places in the city, at the Roman Square on May 8th at 12h. The flesh mob was attended by a theater team and employees and volunteers in the Safe Women's House. Through the alternative art form, the realization of this activity has raised the public's attention to femicide in Montenegro and that women victims of violence are around us. After the flash mob, information material with messages aimed at breaking down prejudices was distributed to citizens. The informative material also contains the phone numbers to which the victims and witnesses can contact for help.
On Monday, May 8, the performance "SAMO JE TRAZILA" was held in theatrical center in Podgorica. 120 citizens who watched the show and participated in the discussion after the performance. In addition to the director and actress, questions of the audience were answered by Ljiljana Raičević, President of the Safe Women's House.
On Tuesday, 9th of May, a performance was played in Nikšić. About 100 citizens watched the show and took part in a talk after the performance. The interview with the audience after the performance was led by the play director, actresses, SOS line coordinator and the family member of the victim of violence. 27
The structure of the audience and the discussion after the show in Podgorica and Niksic differed significantly. In Podgorica, the audience was mostly professionals in this area, while in Niksic the audience was mostly citizens.
Intention of this activity was to assure preventive impact, raising awareness of violence against women, and encouraging application of new methods for awareness raising. During the project realization, visibility and information on all activities was made available on the website and on social networks, as well as in the media. Video from the event in Podgorica is available at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/prcentar/videos/1059333517500982/ (ANNEX 25 Theatrical performance Sama je trazila- photos)
Activity 2.1.9. Finalisation and presentation of the Study on Violence against women and Violence in family In 2017, the preliminary results of the study were first presented to the interested stakeholders from our Advisory Board for fighting violence against women in order to receive their inputs and comments on main study findings and to jointly formulate conclusions and recommendations.
After the report was completely finalised, we put an effort into producing visual material which would present the main study findings in an understandable and appealing manner. Hence, a 5-minute video animation was produced in both Montenegrin and English language, as well as a shorter version, also in both languages. Likewise, from the animation we took most important messages to be shared via social networks and created 5 GIFs. In addition, PDF presentation and publication of the study have also been put online. This contributed to significant visibility of the programme partners.
The study was officially launched on an event held on 27 September, which received significant media attention. The second part of the event was dedicated to round table discussion on the key challenges of multidisciplinary response to violence, where an agreement was reached to go on with the process of revising the existing Protocol on Action in cases of violence in family in order to align it with the case management system in the centres for social work. Minister of Labour and Social Welfare and the Minister of Interior to initiate the revision process, and the preparations on new Protocol are ongoing.
The study results have been widely used and cited so far in majority of media reports on violence as well as by experts’ groups and institutions. Outreach is extremely high and as most innovative use of the findings is theatre play ``Winter tale`` in which data on violence was incorporated in play roles and dialogue. Furthermore, study was also presented at the seating of the Women`s Parliament during the 16 days of activism campaign when researchers presented in more details participants of the event. All the products have been continuously used and shared online, especially during 16 days of activism campaign.
ANNEX 26 Violence study final materials - 26a- final publication; 26b- power point presentation (ENG); 26c- flyer; 26d- video animation long (ENG); 26e- video animation short (ENG); 26f- GIF1 (ENG); 26g- GIF2 (ENG);26h- GIF3 (ENG); 26i- GIF4 (ENG) 26j- GIF5 (ENG)
Activity 2.1.9.A Comparative assessment on Violence against women and violence in family has been envisaged as phasing-out assessment that will measure progress made in changing public perceptions as well as perceptions of professionals in public institutions.
Survey was conducted by IPSOS Strategic Marketing, with representative sample of citizens. Key findings revealed that there is progress made 28
in changing perceptions, however, progress is slow, and more awareness work needs to be done with slightly changed approaches in communicating these messages. Key findings of the phase2out perception survey are following:
– Visibility of the issue of gender-based violence is increased and citizens see it as one of the most important issues – Number of citizens that find issue of gender-based violence severally under- considered in 2016 was 55% while in 2019 this percentage drops dawn to 38% – Percentage among lower educated citizens that would not report violence is increasing in comparison to 2016 – There is 16% gender gap among men and women who said they would report violence if they see it. – Percentages of reporting cases towards institutions remained same as in 2016.
(Annex Y19 16 Survey PPP on perceptions attitudes and knowledge on GBV)
Activity 2.1.10 16 days campaign During the 16 days of activism campaign our programme engagement was three-fold, as it included social media campaign, high-school lectures and a press conference.
Social media campaign On the occasion of the 16 Days campaign and the European Commission year of focused actions to combat violence against women and girls, UNDP and our partners shared the already designed social media messages on November 30, 2017. The collective sharing activity had quite strong awareness raising impact, but also visibility one.
Our programme also actively engaged in social media to promote results of the research on violence in family and violence against women, by posting video animations, GIFs and other promotional material during the whole period, both in English and in Montenegrin. According to the official Facebook statistics, the study results were seen by as much as 13 204 people.
High school lectures Together with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights we held interactive lectures in three high schools in Montenegro, where we also presented results of the Study on prevalence, perceptions, cost and multidisciplinary response to violence in Montenegro. The lectures were held in Podgorica, Berane in Tivat and the reaction of participants was very positive. ANNEX 27 16 days high school lecture agenda
Press conference/public discussion
With the regard to the beginning of the campaign "Krenimo zajedno", on November 29th in the PR Center, a public discussion was organized "(In)efficient system of protection of women victims of violence". On this event, the WSH invited all citizens, responsible politicians, diplomats, ministers,
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representatives of institutions, representatives of NGOs and all advocates of nonviolence. More information can be found at the: http://szk.org.me/2017/11/30/javna-diskusija-neefikasni-sistem- zastite-zena-zrtava-nasilja-povodom-pocetka-kampanje-krenimo-zajedno/ In public discussion participated 50 citizens. 15 062 people have seen information about this event through social networks. Minutes and conclusions from the public discussion were sent to the Parliament of Montenegro, Ombuds-institution, embassies and international organisations, as well the relevant line ministries. (ANNEX 28 a public discussion conclusion and ANNEX 28 b public discussion photo selection) In 2018, we were focused on reaching common agreement about coordinated multi-institutional response between professionals from different sectors working on violence required detailed discussions with each of them. Achieving common agreement was time consuming but a worthwhile effort. In early 2018, consultations started on the draft new Protocol, which presents a serious milestone in shaping the fight against violence and introduces prevention measures to address violence against women and provide an adequate multidisciplinary response in the treatment of victims. For the purpose of working on the new Protocol, the Programme engaged an international legal expert in Istanbul Convention who facilitated the process of coming to agreement on the step- by-step process to be followed by all institutions in charge of reporting violence cases or treating the victims, with close technical and programmatic cooperation with the staff of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
The process was quite comprehensive, and it started with zero "O" draft of the Protocol by consultants, MLSW and UNDP team. Then followed discussions with individual focus groups - police, CSW, NGOs, judiciary, prosecution, protector, healthcare. After analysis of the suggestions, draft of the draft "1" was produced by the consultant, MLSW and UNDP team. Presentation of the draft "1" of the Protocol to the Working Group was then organised, in parallel to consultations with the representatives of the institutions, in order to come to the Draft „2" of the Protocol to be finally adopted. NGOs has a substantive role in the consultative process, in all its phases, with a number of meetings and provided inputs, in order to make sure not only that they role is properly recognized, but also that heir perspective on the challenges of institutional response is taken into consideration and their suggestions attended to.
In comparison to the previous Protocol, the revised one includes as members in the protection chain licenced NGOs, Ombuds institution and the media, but also recognizes the role of Operational Team for Violence active under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior, and mandates the Coordination body for monitoring implementation of the Istanbul Convention as the monitoring body for Protocol implementation as well, thus enabling a strong link with all the relevant institutional bodies and mechanisms that can enforce its full implementation.
The revised Protocol has a substantive strategic impact, because the multidisciplinary approach, aligned with key legislation acts, case-management system and supported by IT solutions ensures timely effective and adequate response mechanism. It also allows tracking of each team member’s performance and implementation of case management processes, thus creating a database that can be used for evidence- based policy making and process improvements, as well as strengthening the overall accountability of the institutions involved.
Protocol was signed on 28th September 2018, which is when the pilot phase of its implementation started. The implementation was closely monitored to assure that professionals are applying new Code of Conduct in their daily work and information exchange. (Protocol is attached as Annex I)
In parallel to this, we provided technical support on upgrading the police software in order to enable inter-operability with Social Card-in other words, to have automatic data exchange between police and centres for social welfare whenever violence case is reported. After the end of the testing/pilot period, comes the most important part of the actual implementation of the Protocol, that would require some adjustment based on feedback, training for staff, expansion of IT solutions etc, which will be in focus of the upcoming Programme period.
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In addition to this, the Programme engaged the consultant to prepare the Analysis of priority services for the gender-based violence and domestic violence survivors as per the Istanbul Convention. The Analysis offers two types of recommendations: one refers to improvements of the existing support services network, enabling standards-based functioning and fulfilment of needs of women and children victims of violence. Other recommendations suggest several priority support services for women and children victims of violence that need to be established and further developed aiming to achieve adequate and comprehensive protection and support. This activity is complementary with also EU-funded regional UN WOMEN lead Programme: `Implementing Norms, Changing Minds`` which has in its focus strengthening of the women NGOs to be providers of services to victims following the standards of Istanbul Convention. (Annex 1 e)
Activity 2.1.11. Training programs for civil servants on multi-disciplinary response to violence in family was based on needs assessment. Capacity development work under this activity has been envisaged as activity that will:
1. Provide education and enable involvement of wide range of different stakeholders who participated in the design and implementation of new Code of Conduct in order to strengthen this smooth shift and adjust to new way of multidisciplinary work (international expert and author of the Protocol, Judiciary, Police, representatives of MLSW working on “social card”& case management monitoring and NGOs); 2. Create forum for practical learning about all steps in process of implementation of Code of Conduct implementation, assuring in that way proper usage of all new tools; 3. Develop capacities, sensitisation and understanding of phenomenon of gender-based violence of all stakeholders in system of multidisciplinary response; 4. Assure complementary with NGO supported activities under the Regional Programme “Implementing Norms, Changing Minds” grants.
Code of Conduct has been signed on 25th November 2018 and Project team has envisaged that educational activities start in early 2019 so it can be kick-off package for the Protocol implementation.
At the same time, within Regional Project “Implementing Norms, Changing Minds” NGO Centre for Women’s Rights received grant support to
a) Organise training for trainers for key stakeholders in multidisciplinary response and Code of Conduct implementation and b) Accredit educational program with all authors of the Protocol
Such educational package existing with CWR on one hand (supported from Regional Initiative) and use of this educational package in context of national Gender IPA project at other hand - seemed to be ideal match for a) sustainability b) capacity development, c) partnerships and d) complementary approach of the two EU funded projects.
Still, although CWR has been contracted (granted Project) to start TOT educational activities and accredit education programme for Protocol in early 2019, there was no progress in project implementation. This NGO reported that progress is slow due to overwhelming duties in the organisation, primarily in working with clients.
In the meantime, Protocol implementation was set rolling out as of January 2019 and accompanied education was needed. Ideal case scenario - to have CWR gathering authors and talented key stakeholders and training them for trainers for Protocol based on accredited programme (under Regional Project), was melting dawn as progress did not happen.
Only 7 months later, in summer 2019, CWR has started training for trainers’ activities under regional project, but with significant limitations observed by UNDP Gender Team such as and not aligned with approved Project Proposal and principle agreements made such as inclusiveness and respect of all stakeholders who developed Code of Conduct and have ownership on it. Following have been observed: 31
- Most critical stakeholders in trainers’ team were missing (for example: one of the authors of the Protocol and the key staff member in the MLSW who is the knowledge carrier on Social Card, case management and National Data Base minor was practically expelled based on isolated and non-transparent actions of CWR); - Training program for institutions was not developed by CWR as per approved Project, but they used (earlier) accredited training programme of the Serbian NGO (Autonomous Women’s Centre) that officially declared boycott of the Regional Programme and abandoned any cooperation with UNW and UNDP; - Limited information sharing with UNDP and obstruction of monitoring of the Project implementation attached to absence of accurate and correct information sharing, including information on when and where trainings will be held; - Misconduct in delivering transparent work and assuring visibility of the donors and partners involved, was objected by UNDP with request towards CWR to provide justification on such behaviour. - Other women’s groups partnering UNDP under both Regional Programme and Gender IPA reported unfair and belittling attitude of CWR towards them, and incorrect information sharing with other stakeholders that they have observed, such as informing international partners that CWR took the lead in development of Code of Conduct and practically it is thanks to them that the Code of Conduct was developed at all.
(Annex Y19 17 CWR Programme for training; AnnexY19 18 CWR Programme for training; Annex Y19 19 CWR Letter to UNDP PM)
Motives behind such professional twist of this - once trusted and principal partnering NGO - can be guessed, but with all these experiences, trust was certainly vanishing rapidly.
In the meantime, National data Base was officially launched in May, as integral part of Code of Conduct and as software highly dependable on adequate implementation process –demanded fast educational activities to enable adequate use.
Any further delays in conducting education were jeopardising delivery against Project key outputs. All risks have been communicated with CWR including observation of their poor project management, failure to meet basic partnership principles not only with UNDP but with other women’s organisations, authors of the Code of Conduct etc.
Educational activities on Protocol were supposed to start in January or latest February 2019 as per work-plan of Gender IPA programme, but due to failure of CWR to meet agreed timelines, apply inclusive, informed and transparent work, educational activities, got delayed till late autumn 2019, while the process of training programme accreditation hadn’t even started by that time (under assumption that the two accredited programs of Women`s Autonomous Centre were serving the purpose)
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In addition to all of this, and since the Gender IPA project was closing in December 2019, there was no more time to wait and urgent action was needed. While assuring that same principles were applied as expected from CWR – gender team gathered all authors of the Code of Conduct – Police, MLSW, NGOs and invited them to draft educational programme that can meet educational needs for Protocol implementers. This included education in regard to better understanding of Istanbul Convention and GBV that chronically lacks in institutions and education on practical - step by step Code of Conduct implementation and accordingly usage of its tools. Gathered partners who jointly developed educational package on Code of Conduct implementation, have been provided with Case Study Paper that was developed by local consultant through random selection of cases in the National Data Base in order to assure evidence-based approach in joint educational work.
Two licenced NGOs (Women’s Safe House and SOS Niksic) were tasked with education on GBV phenomenon, while senior representative of the Ministry of Interior was tasked to train specifically colleagues from police. One of the leading in best practices judges was tasked to deliver education on legal framework and its application in practice. Last, but not the least, experts from MLSW trained participants on interoperability of IT systems, national data filling and importance of adequate usage of developed tools and multisectoral coordination between all actors.
Trainings were held in two phases. First phase targeted only police officers and their specific needs to use new IT software, in order to obtain needed skilled and assure smooth data exchange with SWC. This process is basis for running National Data Base on GBV. Training was organised in the Ministry of Interior by the IT experts. Second phase of educations was targeting representatives of social welfare centres, police, NGOs and other relevant institutions focused on skills to apply new approach. Those trainings gathered in total 120 professionals and were implemented with support of two NGOs - SOS Niksic and Shelter and key speakers from all relevant institutions. SOS Niksic implemented 2 seminars in Podgorica on 28. - 29. November and in Bijelo Polje 05. - 06. in December 2019 Training in Podgorica was attended by 25 professionals: 12 representatives of Police; 8 from Centers for Social Care; 3 from Misdemeanor court and 2 representatives of NGO. Training in Bijelo Polje was attended by 24 professionals: 13 representatives of Police; 8 from Centers for Social Care; 2 from Misdemeanor court and 1 representatives of NGO. The trainers were the representatives of Police, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Misdemeanour court and SOS Niksic. The trainings were focused on application of human - women rights approach and gender equality based approached in work related to GVB and practical learning through case studies “resolving" in accordance with the Protocol. Evaluation showed that participants were very satisfied with trainings, the content of the training fulfilled their expectations. They stated that they knowledge and skills on applying of Protocol is improved. NGO Shelter implemented 2 seminars in Niksic and Kotor in November and December. Shelter trainings were which were attended by a total of 18 representatives of the Center for Social Work, 18 representatives of the Police, 5 representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and 3 from the court for misdemeanours from the following municipalities: Pljevlja, Zabljak, Niksic, Pluzine, Bijelo Polje, Rozaje, Plav, Budva, Herceg Novi, 33
Tivat and Kotor. The majority of participants evaluated the seminar as extremely useful for practical work, and in the evaluation, participants evaluated their knowledge of the application of the Protocol before the training with an average score of 3.63, while after the training, they evaluated their knowledge with an average score of 4.59. The average grade for the coaches at the seminar ranged from 4.5 to 5 (grades ranging from 1 to 5). Some of the comments of the participants of the seminar are: "Organize more such trainings.", "There are only positive comments, congratulations!", “This type of education is very clear, I would not change anything in particular." The recommendations made by the participants concerned that the lecturers for the part performed by the centre for social work should be from the centre for social work, not the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, and that other institutions such as prosecutors should be included, teachers and doctors.
(Annex Y19 20 Design of Training on violence; Annex Y19 21 Case studies_ Studija slucaja primjene Protokola; Annex Y19 22 Agenda; Annex Y19 23 PPP compilation).
Activity 2.1.12 National Data-Base was launched in May 2019 in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, as well as UNDP and EUD representatives. Creating technical preconditions for Data base was very time consuming and demanded great amount of technical expertise to enable interoperability, alignment of legal and institutional regulatory frameworks for the smooth exchange of data on reported cases of violence. Addressing technical issues required frequent involvement of IT expert teams working on the side of Social Card and on the side of Police which overall resulted with great number of long meetings until all solutions are found.
Data Base is closely attached to Code of Conduct implementation, which is substantive monitoring and case management tool for multidisciplinary approach. IT solutions provided compatible software’s between police and social welfare centres which enable smooth, timely and effective and adequate information exchange and accordingly response mechanism. All this were reasons for making sure that educations involve relevant key staff who are institutional knowledge carriers and can adequately transfer this knowledge to others.
Technically, Data Base in its one segment serves as monitoring tool for operational aspect of GBV case management and in other segment is provides analyses through social card system
Project created technical preconditions for the interoperability of social card and social centres on one side and police software’s and their inspectors for violence on the other side. Exchange of this information creates the National Data Base that is embedded in the Social Card. Social Card is sophisticated software that enables BI (business intelligence) and analyses of data embedded in system based on numerous indicators. 34
System allows tracking of each team member’s performance and implementation of case management processes, thus creating a database that can be used for evidence-based policy making and process improvements, as well as strengthening the overall accountability of the institutions involved. With this, Montenegro makes a great step ahead being first country in the region to have unique data base of this kind and at the same time reaches the objective set in the AP Ch 23.
Activity 2.1.13 Training programmes for media on violence was smaller scale activity that was implemented through two-days seminar for media and number of consultative meeting predominately focusing on consultations on Code of Conduct implementation. Two-day seminar organised for journalists looked into number of topics: gender equality in the country, status of women, prevalence of gender-based violence and responsibility of the media in the elimination of violence against women and girls. Seminar held on 8th-10th March in Budva gathered 22 journalists and was falling on the International Women’s Day which was excellent case-study for numerous media representatives to review practice and learn from hands-on exercises about role of media in creation enabling environment for achievement of gender equality. Journalists had opportunity to learn about history of women’s activists movement in the country, about struggle for political rights, Furthermore, topics that were addressed at seminar are representation of sexual violence in media content. Trainers presented examples how through the commodification of women’s bodies, media content from advertisements, to news, films, and magazines – contributed to the ‘normalisation’ of gender -based violence, sexual assault, rape and other forms of sexual violence and how they reinforced gender inequalities. (Annex Y19 23 Agenda of the training for journalists _Program rada treninga za novinare; Annex Y19 24 PPP at training for journalists)
Overview of activity- level indicator fulfilment 80% of proposed amendments to the Law on Partially accomplished Protection from Violence in Family adopted by High level commitment has been made publicly the Parliament Working group has been established Consultative process with wide spectrum of practitioners on draft amendments has been accomplished Draft amendments have been present to WG and in general accepted
Accomplished At the initiative of Women`s Political Network, amendment of the Criminal Code regarding the compliance of the definition of rape with the Istanbul Convention was adopted Established system of monitoring of prevalence Accomplished of violence against women Study had revealed prevalence for 2016 Conducted phase-out comparative study in 2019
System of monitoring of prevalence is partially attached to Data Base that has BI function as well
In at least 50 % of reported cases assured Accomplished multidisciplinary support to victims of violence; Data collected from sample cases reported in 2019 suggest that system of multidisciplinary support is established. There is room for
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improvement especially in the sphere of “human factor” that require attitude and behavioural change. At least 40 media representatives attending Partially Accomplished educational event on media reporting on human Overall number of journalists reached was 28 as rights and violence against women and violence activity was implemented trough training for in family media and specific meetings
At least 300 professionals implementing the Law Partially Accomplished on Protection from Violence in Family attending In total 220 participants absorbed education on tailored training program; Code of conduct out of which 100 police officers took part in tailored trainings on new software use in order to assure adequate information sharing and functional interoperability 120 participants attended trainings to better understand GBV Code of Conduct step by step and use of practical tools Attached to Code of Conduct implementation and data base development
At least 4 case studies presented by NGOs used Achieved for monitoring institutional response to violence Case studies were collected based on random selection principle from Social Card for the purpose of monitoring of Protocol implementation and education activities in 2019.
Political empowerment of women
Work on political empowerment of women is organised around parliamentary political parties to assure that women in politics are supported through capacity development programme and influenced creation of enabling environment within political parties to integrate gender aspects into internal political party decision-making processes and developed capacities of women politicians to advance their political careers. On the top of this Program is working towards improvement of legal framework for enhanced affirmative measure in the Electoral Law. This year was the year of general elections and therefore programmatic intervention was oriented towards capacity development support for women in political parties that were facing elections and supposed to either take part in electoral process as candidates or support staff in campaigns. Therefore, educational interventions were primarily provided to women’s groups in parliamentary political parties and to trainers from parliamentary political parties as pillars of the capacity development support.
Activity 2.2.2 Trainings for Women’s Organisations in Parliamentary Political Parties Participation of women in electoral processes involves many aspects from active voting rights but also freedom to speak out, ability to take part in public affairs, opportunity to register as a candidate, to campaign, to be elected and to hold office at all levels of government. Under international standards, men and women have an equal right to participate fully in all aspects of the political process. In practice, however, it is often harder for women to exercise this right. Political parties are the most important institutions affecting women’s political participation as they determine which candidates are nominated and elected and which issues achieve national prominence. The role of women in political 36
parties is therefore a key determinant of their prospects for political empowerment, particularly at the national level. Because political parties are so influential in shaping women’s political prospects, we have focused our work towards advancement the participation of women focusing on their roles in political parties and opportunities arising with elections. Training program was designed based on the assessment needs conducted among few political parties’ groups to reassure that designed training modules are responsive to their needs.
The objectives of the education process set were: • Understanding the importance of greater participation of women in public life, especially in decision making places; • The importance of introducing gender perspective in the work of political parties; • Recognizing the current situation in Montenegro in the area of gender equality and women`s rights; • Recognizing mechanisms for achieving gender equality in the country as well as within the parties • Acquiring the skills for advocating gender equality and women`s rights in the context of political work.
In the period between April and June three-day trainings were held for women’s groups of eight parliamentary political parties. Part of the training addresses issues of the gender equality principles and values, as well as issue of women’s political participation. Second part of the training provided women with the opportunity to exercise their public presentations skills in different contexts such as TV interview, public statement and press conference. Training was structured through following specific subject modules: a) Gender equality and political parties (indicators of gender equality, myths about women in politics, political parties and promoters of gender equality); b) Political planning for women’s activism (defining political goal, political messages for targeted female voters, structure of political speech, personal goals in political speech and networking of women in politics); c) Public presentation skills and media appearances in political campaigns (analyses of audience, elements of effective political speech, body language and gestures in function of political presentations, working with media, first impression on voters).
Trainings gathered up to 25 women while training sessions were facilitated by contracted international trainer, AD Program Manger as certified trainer as well as two local trainers for the sessions on public presentations and media appearance. Targeted participants at the training were women active in womens organisations or in political party Main Boards or Presidencies. Invitation for the training was also shared with Presidents of political parties in order to test their readiness that beyond specific political interest join gender training and support women from their political party in their capacity development work. Although all political leaders were invited only few have found it important to joint trainings and express welcome words to women.
Below is presented list of the trainings held with information on trainers, number of participants and support of party leadership:
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• Bosnjacka Stranka, 29 April – 1 May, Hotel “Palas” Petrovac Trainers Jasmina Cikotic BS and Kaca Djurickovic UNDP, Media training team: Duska Pejovic and Vlado Vucinic Leadership support: Mr Suljo Mustafic, Deputy President of BS Party participated at training
• FORZA, 29 April – 1 May Hotel “Palas” Petrovac Trainers Ilmira Lika FORZA and Kaca Djurickovic UNDP Media training team: Duska Pejovic and Vlado Vucinic Leadership support: no leaders expressed interest to take part at the training
• POZITIVNA, 6-8 May Hotel “Palas” Petrovac Trainers Zorica Martinovic, POZITIVNA and Kaca Djurickovic UNDP Media training team: Duska Pejovic and Vlado Vucinic Leadership support: no leaders expressed interest to take part at the training
• SDP, 6 - 8 May Hotel “Palas” Petrovac Trainers Milena Tomanovic SDP and Kaca Djurickovic UNDP Media training team: Duska Pejovic and Vlado Vucinic Leadership support: Ms Mirel R. Ljubisavljevic, Deputy President of SDP and Head of Women’s Forum participated at training
• SNP, 13-15 May Hotel “Palas” Petrovac Trainers Natasa Vukovic SNP, Jelena Radenovic SNP and Kaca Djurickovic Media training team: Duska Pejovic and Vlado Vucinic Leadership support: Mr Srdjan Milic, President of SNP participated at training
• DPS, 13-15 May Hotel” Riviera” Petrovac Trainers Sonja Damjanovic DPS and Kaca Djurickovic Media training team: Duska Pejovic and Vlado Vucinic Leadership support: no leaders expressed interest to take part at the training
• DF, 27-29 May Hotel “Palas” Petrovac Trainers Tanja Petrovic PZP, Natasa Jevric NOVA and Biljana Maletin Media training team: Duska Pejovic and Vlado Vucinic Leadership support: no leaders expressed interest to take part at the training
• SD, 27-19 May Hotel “Palas” Petrovac Trainers Zana Perovic SD and Kaca Djurickovic UNDP Media training team: Duska Pejovic and Vlado Vucinic Leadership support: Mr Ivan Brajovic, President of SD participated at training
▪ DEMOS 7th of November, hotel “Podgorica” in Podgorica Trainer: Kaca Djurickovic Leadership support: Miodrag Lekic, President of DEMOS
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Evaluation of the trainings have shown that trainings have met expectations of participants for 10% of participants while exceeded expectations for 90% of participants. In addition, participants evaluated with very high marks trainers and subjects have been seen as very relevant and useful for their political work and for their capacities. Timely training was very frequently commented by participants while as added value was recognised team of trainers coming from different backgrounds and enriching discussions and learning experience. Recommendation of the participants was that seminar should last longer than three days and that trainings should be held more frequently.
All women’s groups from political parties have been equipped with training material with narratives on subject that have been addressed during the training, as well as recommendations for their future work. (ANNEX 9 SDP Gender training manual)
Political parties that have been trained on gender equality have demonstrated significant improvement in regard to internal processes on the recruitment of women for electoral lists. Namely, trainings have been used for forums of dialogue regarding in-party nomination processes and it has been requested from women’s groups to use party regulatory frameworks and assure that female candidates are actually nominated by women’s groups. It has been evident from the party lists that majority of women’s groups have actually mobilised training participants for their political work, confirming that they took as serious their political planning at the training. Result of this work were training participants present with at least 60% of candidates at electoral party lists. This was also confirmation for us that our training had well targeted intervention and was very successful from motivational aspect. Last, but not least, specifically encouraging aspect that appeared as outcome of the trainings were gender aware programs of few political parties, and for the first time in history of political campaigning, we had political messages and political program exclusively for women voters.
In the context of the Electoral Law and affirmative action (30% quota) for women to be applied for the first time with all control provisions (sanction, replacement of women by women and positioning at least every fourth place), expectations that number of women in Parliament will increase up to 26% have been proven as no political party invested additional effort to cross 30% of required quota for women.
Activity 2.2.3. Training for Trainers for Gender Equality from Political Parties The program has a strong focus on increasing the gender equality and representation of women in decision-making positions in parliamentary parties in the country. This work has started with Gender Programme IPA 2010 and continues in AD Program operating on several dimensions with regards to gender equality: a) increasing the number of women in party and decision-making positions on local, and central levels of party work; b) changing attitudes within the parties about gender equality and raising these issues on the political agenda; c) strengthening the capacities of women in the parties, which is done through ToT programs and respectively trainings they conduct within parties increasing the capacities of women’s organizations.
During the training program for Women’s groups T0T for new generation of the trainers has been announced and leaders of Women’s groups have been requested to initiate process of candidacy for trainers within their groups (ANNEX 10 Sample Letter to PZP). UNDP in consultation with external trainer for gender equality has determined clear requirements that all nominees should fulfil in order to be accepted for ToT programme. These requirements for ToT candidates were related to following competences: - Background in human rights and gender equality work - Demonstrates citizens openess and telerance - Expresses cultural, gender, religious sensitivity and demonstrates personal sensibility - Has strong communication skills and ability to adjust to different profiles - Has ability to learn and demonstrates passion for personal development
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- Has capacity to adjust to different work dynamic - Able to develop professional relationship with people and keep focus on expected results - Demonstrates ability to work under pressure and has capacity to maintain positive attitude Has strong organisational skills and personal commitment to gender work in party.
All parliamentary political parties have actively responded to call and nominated following candidates for Training for Trainers programme: Tanja Grabić, HGI Tanja Bakalbasic, HGI Vesna Gogic, DPS Marija Djurickovic, DPS Sanja Lakovic, DPS Jelica Janicic, DF Jelena Bozovic, DF Ljiljana Kolundzic, POZITIVNA Ljiljana Lutovac, SNP Sladjana Zivkovic, SNP Ivana Rascanin, SD Marija Blagojevic, SD Valentina Tadic, DF Iva Bajkovic DF Asmina Omeragic Sanela Ramusovic BS Belma Hadziosmanovic, SDP Vjolca Lika Cobovic, FORCA
Trainers for trainers from political parties were certified trainers on gender equality -externally hired consultant Ms Biljana Maletin and Kaća Đuričković, UNDP Gender Programme Manager. Training for trainers also enabled discussions with visiting lecturers – parliamentarians and CSO leaders such as Nada Drobnjak, Sneža Jonica, Maja Raičević, Duška Pejović, Vladimir Vučinić.
Training for trainers provided learning opportunities for new trainers through three training cycles and number of learning modules in the period between Jun and December 2016.
Intensive training programme has started in June (15-19. 06.2016.) with focus on gender equality issues and women’s empowerment concerns in the country. (ANNEX 11 Agenda of the ToT) Training manuals have been used as modified ToT manuals used in previous learning cycle for trainers (ANNEX 12 Training Manual) After intensive training programme new generation of the trainers have been gathered from 1st to 4th September in Hotel Princess in Bar with the focus on technical skills of trainers and practical exercises. (ANNEX 13 Agenda of the ToT) Trainers were again Biljana Maletin and Kaca Djurickovic as well as authors of the Trainers Manual for the Trainers techniques 40
that was used and distributed to candidates (ANNEX 14 Training Manual on Techniques). Commitment and strong networking was evident among candidates for trainers since very first moment but their synergy and supportive attitude has increased significantly till September. Trainers were tasked to prepare different presentations on number of issues and with their readiness and thoroughness demonstrated their commitment to this work. After the Regional Conference that was another entry point for trainers to gain information, network and meet people from the region, trainers gathered on last, third module related to advocacy and lobbying from 15th till 18th December in Hotel „Palma“in Tivat (ANNEX 15 Agenda ToT training Tivat and Trainers Manual) Training was also the opportunity to jointly plan process of practical exercise of trainers to be and process of certification. It was agreed that trainers will conduct one training in pairs and will start preparing for that practice already in February 2017 so that all trainings can be realised till late March.
Advanced T4T, for generation of trainers from Gender Programme IPA 2010 was held from 23 -26 June 2016. In hotel “Oliva“ Petrovac (ANNEX 16 Agenda of Advanced ToT) with the aim to jointly review planned and implemented activities in the period between two programs and to further enhance their skills, specifically in light of the upcoming elections in October 2016. Specific focus of the joint work has been given to the processes of the party recruitments and women’s political networking. Trainers have agreed to develop Women’s Political network and jointly act strategically and politically on gender equality and women’s empowerment subjects.
Activity 2.2.4 Assessment on gender sensitivity of political parties and media Understanding that accountability and strategic contribution of political parties to gender equality in the country and ways they assure participation of women in decision making is key driving force for political empowerment of women, our tasks was to make sure we screen current situation and evaluate progress. In order to assure critical assessment of the existing gender capacities in the political parties beyond our Programmatic view, but also to help identify further development entry points, AD Programme engaged national consultant to provide credible view. Focus of the national consultant was also towards assessment of political parties understanding of significance of gender-balanced leadership and benefit from gender-sensitive approach to politics. Within the scope of this, the consultant analysed Parliamentary political parties Statutes, Programs, official documents of the Parliament of Montenegro and Electoral Body in relation to how they treat gender issue.
Assessment of political parties has revealed that Montenegro on Inter Parliamentary Union ranking list is positioned at the 100th place. With results from the most recent elections where 26% of MPs are women, Montenegro is placed higher than average of 22% of women in politics and made few steps closer to Macedonia (33%), Serbia (33%) and Slovenia (37%). Although parliamentary political parties do have declarative support to women’s political empowerment in their Statutes and some have party quota introduced, overall situation with women’s participation in party structures is not as it should be. Singled out political parties seen from gender participatory perspective are looking as follows:
Main Board Presidency women participation in % women participation in % DPS 29% 20% SNP 24% /
SDP 20% 14% PZP 23% 16%
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NOVA 4% 0% DNP 20% 15% BS 25% 10% DEMOKRATE 28% / DEMOS 28% 36%
All parliamentary political parties have established women’s groups but their position in the parties’ infrastructure in not always clear nor delegation mechanisms have been assured. In addition, although political parties are gaining significant financial support for their political work, none of women’s groups have registered annual budgets nor regulatory arrangement on 5% of the overall budget that they receive from overall financial party incomes.
Political party State Budget allocations for political parties (2012-2016) DPS 7,2 million EUR DF 5,3 million EUR SNP 2,5 million EUR
SDP 2,4 million EUR
Pozitivna CG 1,6 million EUR Bošnjačka stranka 916 thousand EUR HGI 469 thousand EUR
Liberal party 424 thousand EUR
FORCA 238 thousand EUR Democratic party 205 thousand EUR
Democratic Union 170 thousand EUR
Albanian Alternative 89 thousand EUR Total: 21,5 million EUR
Gender equality and women’s empowerment in political parties are inseparable process from enhancement of media gender sensitivity, irrespective of the technology used. One of the main obstacles that has been mapped by women politicians during training events was law level of visibility and lack of opportunity to develop strong public political profile specially in electoral year. Therefore, specific attention in the media monitoring was paid to the ways they present and report women as well as ways they use women in politics.
Starting point and basic paradigm in the analyses conducted by the national consultant was that media should be reflecting the composition of society, and human experiences, actions, views and concerns. However, coverage of news and current affairs and fair portrayal of women and men in media is significantly different and besides the fact, mentioned above, related to reduced opportunities for women in politics to create good public profile there is another very important point made. Namely, media replicate stereotypes and supports cultural maintenance of the traditional gender roles in our society. This is because several key factors influence media content and therefore have strong influence on its final product. These factors are: 42
a) Personal experiences, knowledge and perceptions of journalist b) Ideological, religious, political and cultural background of journalist c) Journalist routine d) Editorial criteria of media e) News and media format
National Consultant in AD Program has long lasting experience of journalist in couple of different media formats (from radio, TV and press) with strong gender background and women’s activism. Consultant has conducted analyses (ANNEX 17 Report on media gender sensitivity) on the basis of monitoring of 5 key electronic media (TV stations), 5 key info portals, 5 press media over a random selection of time frame before electoral campaign has started and became political campaigns driven content of media reports. Main findings are following: • In political portfolio of media (TV and press) reports women were represented in 13,2%
• In portfolio on society reports in media (TV and press), women were represented in 28,5%
• In news portfolio of all media, women appear in 20,5%
When it comes to the issue of media coverages where they use women or men as resource persons for their stories situation is following: • In political portfolio of media reports (TV and press) women are resource persons in 14%
• In portfolio on society reports in media (TV and press), women are resource persons in 34,9%
In the spheres of culture, media has stories where women were included in 21% In the spheres of sports, media reported about sportswomen in 10% On the main pages of media, only 16% reports included women. Following media included women on main pages
Media main pages % of subjects with women involved
VIJESTI 13,6 %
DAN 23,5 %
POBJEDA 13,2 %
DNEVNE NOVINE 6,4 %
INFORMER 20,8 %
Activity 2.2.5. Solemn Academy on the occasion of 70 years since women gained political rights in Montenegro Tracing women’s history and contributing to visibility of women’s efforts to achieve equality is one of the key challenges in modern times of feminist’s efforts. While in many countries established after fall of Yugoslavia women have done lots of work in collecting historical evidences and materials to assure knowledge transfer. Through this programme, for the first-time systemic data collection of the historical evidences about women’s political work between two wars has been initiated and an issue of women’s political heritage in Montenegro raised. While a number of materials have been used in the training process with political parties, majority of the data has been chronically listed and story about women’s political work between two world wars as well as political activism under communism has been drafted to remind, warn and encourage new generations of politicians.
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Women have gained political rights by Constitution from 1946 and 70th anniversary was an excellent opportunity not only to mark this important development milestone, but also to raise awareness and more strongly advocate for gender equality in political programs. Therefore, UNDP has gathered team to assure that women’s political history is drafted in script with support of playwright, director and actresses that will bring history closer to audience and revive some important struggles for women’s political interests and issues, which are still accurate. This is how Solemn Academy multimedia play ''Women's political history'' was designed and presents a combination of fiction, whereby particular situations from women’s lives in different periods are portrayed, and excerpts from documentaries, photos, and music of the particular periods in history. The play covers the period from the 1930s to today and begins with the suffrage movement in Montenegro where women fought for their civil rights, finally gaining the right to vote in 1946. It spans through the establishment and dissolution of the Antifascist Women’s Movement in the 1960s, the anti-war movement in the 1990s to the present political climate in Montenegro characterized by the human rights agenda. It eventually leads to the conclusion that women’s status hasn’t substantially changed and that barriers to women’s political participation in Montenegro today are, on many levels, similar to those faced by women in the 1940s.
The play’s first performance took place in the Montenegrin National Theatre in June 2016, and it received excellent feedback from the audience. It has been also presented to Regional Conference participants in mid-December where the team received endless compliments by our guests. Finally, in order to assure the usage of those valuable historical data that were chronically presented in Academy, UNDP will initiate discussions with the Ministry of culture to assure that theatre life if given to this play in some more theatre typical play format. At the same time UNDP will approach the Ministry of Education to suggest that Play in existing format is shown to youth in all Gymnasiums across Montenegro.
Activity 2.2.6. Within-the-party trainings Although the adoption of gender quotas in electoral law has become key strategy in recent decades, it is not the only strategy used by political parties to promote women in the political process. Political parties around the world have established women’s wings and committees within their structures, used financial incentives and assistance programs, allocated funds for training and skills-building, and created discussion and lobbying platforms for women to succeed in politics. In previous programmatic cycle, almost all political parties established women’s groups in political parties, so significant effort in this cycle was to apply combined strategy and work with a) elected women at local and national levels b) train women’s groups within political parties c) assure networking among women in politics from different political parties d) identify common issues of concern and develop evidence based advocacy campaigns
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All aspects of work are equally important as the aim of the programmatic intervention is to encourage political parties to support integration of gender aspects into internal political party decision-making processes and developed capacities of women politicians to advance their political careers. Such holistic approach to gender equality in political parties required tailored approach to political parties, enabling space for open and frank dialogue about internal dynamics, engagement of leaders and search for non-traditional solutions in their mutual work.
Political parties play a key role in promoting women in politics specially when it comes to political parties’ processes and elections in terms of nominations to their party lists, campaign funding, rally voters, and creation of local or national political platforms for elections. Therefore, it is critical that parties create enabling environment, demonstrate leadership and commitment and work to strengthen women in their party women’s branches. But it is also substantive that women candidates are empowered, provided with strengthening opportunities and appropriate training support. Consequently, role of women’s groups in political parties becomes extremely important in terms of strengthen women’s representation within the party and in the political process in general.
The establishment of a women’s branch is projected to become the vehicle for change in male attitudes but also attract women into the party as women’s branch can be a more comfortable place for women entering politics. Furthermore, it is also of substantive importance to assure increased number of women’s votes, needed to have influence in party decision making or policy development. Finally, it is crucial to integrate a women’s groups into party’s structures and parties’ life and avoid risk of becoming marginalized and powerless. All these aspects of women’s political empowerment were subjects of discussion at the training events organised within political parties.
Building on the previous training activities within women’s party forums, trainers in political parties decided to create a set of complementary training programs for women as voters, activists, elections officials, political party members, candidates and office holders. Training was designed to trigger discussions around women’s political participation and recognize that it does not exist in a vacuum but rather it affects (and it is affected by) many factors in local and national level. Trainings provided at the local level provided space for dialogue and analyses of obstacles to women’s full participation in public life, including cultural and social issues, traditional political structures, access to resources, discriminatory legislation, educational and economic barriers and gender-based violence. Since circumstances affecting women’s political participation are complex and often specific in its own way in every municipality, it was discussed how can be adapted approach for the particular local context in which the program is taking place, and the needs and opportunities at the time of implementation.
Having in mind mixed group of participants at the trainings conducted by trainers at local level, programme integrated following sections: - Why gender equality is a political issue; - Indicators of gender equality in local community; - Indicators of gender equality in Montenegro; - Gender Equality mechanisms; - Stereotypes and women in politics; - Political parties as promoters of gender equality; - Women’s political alliance and networking.
Open dialogue, identification of mutual concerns and understanding of the context and proper gender analyses presents basis for further joint activities and understanding of common grounds for women’s political work no matter to which political party they belong.
Trainings conducted by trainers were held for 162 participants from 17 municipalities:
1. Pljevlja, March 4th gathered 22 participants from Pljevlja and Zabljak. Trainers team was Belma Hadziosmanovic (SDP) and Sanja Lakovic (DPS).
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2. Podgorica, March 17th gathered 19 participants from Podgorica and Niksic. Trainers team was Marija Djurickovic (DPS) and Jelica Janicic (DF) 3. Podgorica, March 18th gathered 20 participants from Podgorica and Cetinje. Trainers team was Marija Blagojevic (SD) and Vesna Gogic (DPS) 4. Podgorica, March 19th gathered 18 participants from Tivat and Podgorica. Trainers team was Tanja Grabic (HGI) and Ivana Rascanin (SD) 5. Ulcinj, March 20th gathered 18 participants from Ulcinj. Trainers team was Vjolca Lika Cobaj (FORCA) and Ilmira Lika(FORCA). Training was conducted in Albanian language. 6. Podgorica, March 21st gathered 23 participants from Podgorica and Budva. Trainers team was Ljiljana Lutovac(SNP) and Valentina Tadic (DF). 7. Berane, March 22nd gathered 24 participants from Berane, Rozaje and Plav. Trainers team was Jelena Bozovic (DF) and Asmina Omeragic (BS). 8. Podgorica, March 25th gathered 18 participants from Kolasin, Danilovgrad and Podgorica. Trainers team was Ljiljana Kolundzic (POZ) and Sladjana Kaludjerovic (SNP).
Understanding that gender analyses and political context are key to identifying opportunities for women to engage in political life has been attached to skills-based approach in those trainings. Delivering of local trainings for training couples was mandatory practice required in order to obtain certificate and prerequisite for trainers to become well versed practitioners with strong transformative learning practices and should have experience holding group discussions in a circle, triggering experience sharing in the group.
Expectations from the trainers delivering those trainings were therefore two-fold. One is to mobilise interest, trigger curiosity and feminist learning and empowerment and at the same time ensuring professional quality complying with strainers standards: - Trainers had to use the training methodology described in manual, digital presentations, videos, role plays and prescribed activities that are provided through detailed guide instructions; - Trainers were expected to offer high level commitment to learning of attendees;
- Trainers supposed to assure that attendees have work material and take active part in the session activities taking also part in team discussions and expressing views;
- Trainers needed to assure that training materials are kept up-to-date and adjusted to attendees’ interests.
Each training pair was assessed based on team approach criteria, but also on individual bases. Technical assessment criteria were: methodological approach, time management, group dynamic management, information flow and tools used. On the content side trainers were assessed through experts’ gender knowledge, preparation with data and examples, communication style, crises management, and thematic interaction in the group and among trainers. Beyond this training of trainers’ perspective, perception of training attendees was of greater importance for the overall assessment. The evaluation sheets capture participants impressions on seven key areas namely; the overall organization and servicing of the meeting, relevance and quality of the presentations and discussions, overall usefulness of the training, suggestions to strengthen similar trainings in the future. While 98% of attendees evaluated training as excellent in all key areas, we are listing here most frequent recommendations by training participants:
- Continuous training programs for women from all parties - Longer trainings at least two days duration - Develop small joint action plans at the training - Assure follow up meetings - Organise women alone, but also men and women targeting trainings on gender equality 46
- Integrate specific trainings for female politicians on campaign running and public promotion.
Considering the fact that those one-day trainings proved to be highly motivating and provided strong input for consideration of gender equality perspectives in local politics.
Evaluation also revealed that more than 80% of training participants for the first time took part in such training although majority has been active in their parties for longer than 5 years. This clearly suggests that this empowerment opportunity provided was good response that reached well targeted political activists in different political parties (local party branches) with limited capacity development opportunities.
Activity 2.2.7. Capacity development, local female councillors and networking - Strategic path Since the Electoral Law was amended with prerequisite that 30% of women should be on the list with additional norm that one in four candidates should be less represented sex, local elections were held in all municipalities. In order to meet legal requirement, political parties have recruited local female candidates who became members of local parliaments with almost no or very limited political experience. They took over those seats from more experienced male colleagues who tended to be in local parliament for many years in row. Women who got into local parliament, besides the fact that many had limited political experience, at the same time, vast majority never attended gender training nor intervened in women’s empowerment activities. Such situation at local level, resulted with very negative environment in local parties and more experienced women in politics frequently reported that this is happening as very negative trend and presents long-term trend. They also reported that political parties had invested latterly no (or just some effort) in helping women in their new political capacity in local councils, that was necessary in order to help them deliver against party expectations. Such situation slightly turned into arguments against quota and slowly started to question this strategy pulling the dialogue back in predominately in two directions. The first one is – if electoral quota assured that competent female politicians occupied seats in the local parliaments (as well as national), do we see that party gains anything from this? Second direction of discussion was related to internal party democracy and internal election mechanisms used, if women were choosing their candidates would they be the least experienced or they would see application of quota in different way.
Programmatically, there was no dilemma that we need to bring gender perspectives to local councillors and reach as much women politicians as possible, in order to help them address obstacles and unite in addressing this systemic obstacle within all parties. Discussions with gender equality women leaders who advocated for introduction of quota, there was no concern that we are introducing non-ideal system with relative efficiency, looking for a dramatic increase in women's representation. With empowered women’s wings within parties, in couple of years’ time it was expected mature generation of female politicians. However, parties failed to provide thorough support to women in the parties for their political work, predominately failing to provide financial support nor for trainings, or coordinated actions, nor continuous women’s meetings and not to mention electoral campaigns. At the same time topic of quotas remained serious questions and, in some cases maintained strong resistance. Criticism equally comes from both women and men, including female politicians who gained political positions thanks to quota. Either way, it was evident that dialogue about strategies for women’s political empowerment needed to happen, but primarily among women, in order to assure understanding, knowledge and creation of wider credible group of women politicians who would stand joined to oppose retrograde developments and uphold progress in women’s political empowerment in future. To do so, the only way was to raise the bar further. Good starting point was that Montenegro is among the group of UN member countries which have officially adopted a key development document – National Strategy for Sustainable Development until 2030, which follows the UN Agenda 2030. One of the measures related to gender equality (2.1.2.) as indicator of success was determined participation of at least 40% of women in political decision-making bodies. Consequently, request for integration of the same goal and indicator in the National Action Plan for Gender Equality was adopted. That assured that strategic frameworks do recognise development path while political parties and the Government are held accountable.
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Still, number of other preconditions were needed in order to assure that we hold the wheel of women’s political empowerment process and these are – leadership for gender equality; legal frameworks, capacity for gender equality, enabling environment and strong partnerships.
Programme identified leadership in sense of women’s leadership and party leadership where women’s leadership was recognised in a) strong individuals with long term experience in this work; b) local level women’s leaderships are also highly positioned while third group of women’s leaders was grounded on knowledge and trainers potential c) trainers for gender equality. Leadership was also recognised at party level leadership and effort was made toward identifying party that would take lead in addressing those concerns and making the topic present at party level perspectives. Efforts were made to recognize male colleagues who are supporting process of women’s political empowerment and who could be important allies in this work. However, it should be mentioned that “gender mirror” of political parties did not reveal substantive effort to assure women’s progress in political sphere while programmatic activities predominately focused on women’s empowerment and activities designed in proposal were predominately focused on capacity development, networking and partnerships and legal framework improvement.
In Project design it was envisaged that specific attention will be paid on drivers of change, enabling catalytic effect on improvement of institutional/organisation and in this sense political parties’ responsiveness towards promotion, protection and enforcement of equal opportunities and gender equality policies. It was envisaged that parties involved should be held accountable for gender equality and for generating political will and commitment to human rights and gender equality goals. Also, intention was to look into non-traditional solutions for active management of female talents as drivers of transformational change in role modelling and mentoring as well as tailored trainings to ensure impact oriented capacity development prioritized and focused on the needs of women in targeted fields of work.
In order to maintain gained trust and reach trust of newcomers, it is clear that design of work with women of political parties required only trustful relationship, but open and fair communication, participatory process of collective thinking among group of politicians that were together through capacity development process.
What was learned in previous programme was that training programme for women politicians belong to women in political parties and cannot be used for Governmental PR activities, especially if the oppositional party is in question. This was not welcomed by Department for Gender Equality, and they felt that they are not able to participate in this part of programmatic work, feeling that they do not have ownership over process. At the same time, lack of understanding of sensitivity of work with different political parties, need of politicians to talk without “eyes and ears” of governmental staff, especially in very complex political environment, clearly suggests that needs for tailored events, different and adjustable approach are needed if we are keen to get to results. Furthermore, while previous management of the Department for Gender Equality was full of understanding and support for responsive approach to women in political parties and tailored trainings, current management does not seem to have understanding why women from political parties need their own space in educational programme. This remains as a subject for potential follow up work with political parties, as understanding among each other is critical, as much as fact that we need to provide space for transformational work even if it does not present usual workshop with introduction speeches and press release. Fact that we were not reaching public after each event was one of the reasons why politicians started to trust our honest and sincere intention to make things work better.
Furthermore, additional lesson learned from the previous work was related to leadership of women in politics holding positions of Presidents of Women’s groups in parties or parliamentarians. Namely, in previous cycle of advocating for quota for women we built our strategy around MPs and heads of women’s party groups, but we learned that they are mostly under very strong party influence and not ready to keep up with gender goal after they receive political pressures. We have seen this in advocacy around quota two times, and also when we set up Political Club for fight against violence against women. Almost same weakness happened and mostly due to lack of developed personal, professional and political relationships based on shared trust and support. 48
Therefore, focus in this Programme was given to trainers for gender equality from two generations that have developed strong personal connections, mutual respect and trust and were ready to take women’s political leadership role on the advanced level and perceptions on leadership extend from formal holders of power positions such as MPs and Presidents of women’s groups. Investment of time and effort for active management of trainers as female talents, knowledge carriers and holders of commitment for actions to serve as drivers of transformational change, supposed to be confirmed. Therefore, participative, consultative process was run in a way to ensure impact oriented action in targeted fields of work.
Union of two generations of trainers followed at the meeting “From trainer’s team to women’s political network” organised on April 1- 2nd in Podgorica. Gathered politicians, trainers for gender equality worked according to mutually designed programme with aim to exchange opinions and views on following:
- What is the current situation on gender equality in political life? - Political environments, window opportunities and Gender Equality mechanisms; - Analyses of strengths and weaknesses of women’s political activism and political leaders, MPs; - Political parties’ environments and internal support mechanisms; - Women’s political alliance and networking / mission and values - Work of trainers in parties / assessment of impact positions - Women’s political network
At the event there was 21 following participants: Natasa Vukovic, Jelena Radenovic, Sonja Damjanovic, Milena Tomanovic, Marija Blagojevic, Tatjana Perovic, Natasa Jevric, Ilmira Lika, Vesna Gogic, Zorica Martinovic, Jelica Janicic, Jelena Bozovic, Ljiljana Kolundzic, Sladjana Zivkovic, Ljiljana Lutovac, Ivana Rascanin, Valentina Tadic, Vjollca Lika, Biljana Maletin and Kaca Djurickovic
Team revisited different suggestions for mutual work and following was mutually agreed: ▪ Women’s political network name is to be defined. ▪ Women’s political network mission is – We are joined in political action to advance women’s rights and position, through increased participation, until gender equality is reached. ▪ Common values are: solidarity, courage, activism, engagement, feminisms or gender equality and diversity; ▪ Our focus is on - participation in development of key legislation; Assure of women’s visibility in politics; permanent education of women in parties;
Key areas of influence were grouped in three groups of activities as following: 1. Impact electoral laws (40% at electoral lists; Provisions on one in three candidates for less represented sex; Petition towards ministry on accountability mechanisms; Lobbing plans towards parties, parliament, government; letters to embassies, international organisations; State Electoral body; media) 2. Participation in design of key laws and policies (Law on protection from violence in family) 3. Increase women’s visibility (State electoral body meeting; „I’m feminist„ campaign with leaders of political parties, use of 70 years of voting rights materials)
Communication and Team Coordination was defined in following way: 1. Information sharing / UNDP, internally via Email group and Viber group, fosuc on ongoing tnigs in parties and politics. 2. Regular thematic meetings. 3. Follow up on launch of network. 4. Training pairs in team. 5. 2 network coordinators which are at this stage Natasa Vukovic and Zorica Martinovic while logistical support comes from UNDP. 49
Most important segment of this joint planning exercise was reach towards common strategic vision and rough plan that, shaped by broad-based inputs from both internal and external constituencies (trainers but also training participants and consultants), is strengthened by the team that emerged from the process. Through the process of identifying a common understanding of the networks future direction, a shared purpose was created that transcended traditional political party boundaries and shaped a cohesive team focused on mutual goals. Now, with a focused on strategic planning and trainers cantered on a shared purpose, the team is beginning to effectively deliver. Although planning process started way before this event happened, somehow it was clear that women’s Political Network will rise from trainer’s team as a core of future networking.
On May 26 ceremony of handing out certificates to 2nd generation of trainers was organised. Ceremony of handing in was held on May 26th in the UN Eco building. Representatives of international organizations were Fiona McCluney, UN RC and UNDP RR and Plamena Halacheva, Head of Political, European Integration and Trade Section in EU Delegation to Montenegro. On behalf of national stakeholders at the ceremony were present and handed in certificates Speaker of the Montenegrin Parliament, Ivan Brajovic, Minister of Human and Minority Rights Mehmed Zenka and Head of Parliamentarian Committee for Gender Equality Nada Drobnjak. Annex 29 Ceremony of handing certificates photo selection
As stated by the representative of trainer’s team, thanks to this educational programme, trainers felt truly empowered and well equipped with knowledge and skills to further support process of women’s political empowerment and their colleagues. They have expressed thankfulness for being able to learn from reach programme that provided them with opportunity to learn about different perspectives, which are very important for their political work as well.
Following trainers took part in the educational programme. 1. Ivana Raščanin, SD 2. Tanja Grabic HGI 3. Belma Hadziosmanovic SDP 4. Jelena Bozovic, DF 5. Jelica Janicic, DF 6. Ljiljana Kolundzic, POZITIVNA 7. Ljiljana Lutovic, SNP 8. Marija Blagojevic, SD 9. Marija Đuričković, DPS 10. Sanja Lakovic DPS 11. Sladjana Zivkovic, SNP 12. Valentina Tadic, PZP 13. Vesna Gogic, DPS 14. Vjolca Lika Cobovic, FORCA 15. Iva Pavlovic DF 16. Asmina Omeragic BS.
Media coverage of the event was very good and following media reported on the event: National Broadcaster, News 2 and News 3; Pink M, Info 2; Newspapers Dan (page 4); Portal Analitika, Politika, Vijesti, AntenaM.net, Dan online, Kodex.me, Kolektiv.me; Dnevne novine (page 12), Politika, Pobjeda (21st page)
Ceremony of handing out certificates was followed by the initial meeting of the Women`s Political Network. Meeting of the Women’s political network in the process of establishment had in its focus areas of work and discussions about first topics that supposed to be addressed. Discussion was led around initiatives to work on areas that are covered by UNDP programme as they learned predominately from this work and practice and which are entrepreneurship, violence and political participation. While majority of trainers agreed that all three topics should be addressed through political action of women, disagreement among trainers was regarding issue of violence against 50
women. Risk that was recognised was that launch of women’s political network with work on violence will fuel stereotypes that women are in politics for “soft” topics such as violence. Meeting was concluded with agreement to think about different aspects of work we want to cover and to follow up with more detailed planning at the next joint event, where civil society representatives will join seminar and present their views, based on which network can test their ideas about steps ahead. What was also agreed was name for women’s political network. Agreement was should be called simply and should it be one of the first issues to be publicly discussed.
After meeting of trainers organised with aim to assess situation on gender equality in political life and identify strategic window opportunities for women’s political actions, next step followed with strategic planning of trainer’s team in mid-June (17-18 June). The aim was to
• Assure unique understanding of the process od development of Women’s political network and our joint mission;
• Assure high level od interactions and consultations with key stakeholders;
• Consider using best strategies from other countries and consider its applications in MNE;
• Information collection regarding developments in key areas of interest of WPN future work;
• Identify priorities for actions in 2017.
Speaking guest at the gathering of trainers were Maja Raicevic from Center for Women's Rights who talked about situation in field of violence against women and Ljubica Bukarica from Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Jovana Vukcevic from Municipality of Podgorica who spoke about women’s entrepreneurship and local support to women’s entrepreneurship. Both topics were of great interest for joint political actions and trainers were keen to learn more about perspectives of CSOs on work needed to be done. At the time when the event was organised, Criminal Code was submitted for the Parliamentary discussion. Amending was result of alignment of national criminal provisions with Istanbul Convention. Representative of the NGO draw attention of Women’s Political Network to the fact that rape in marriage was not integrated and provision needed to be addressed. As draft Law was already in Parliament, WPM had to think of the way to make impact. This was exam for WPM influence in first concrete political action and strong connection with MPs and Ministry of Justice was needed in order to make some change at late stage of amending of Criminal Code. Therefore, delegation of WPN (Nada Drobnjak, MP, Marija Blagojevic advisor to President of Parliament, Maja Raicevic as NGO partner and Kaca Djurickovic, UNDP, met Deputy Minister Marijana Maja Lakovic and discussed needed change. During two-hours meeting, initiative was translated into concrete amendment on Art 204. Of Criminal Code that was submitted by MP Nada Drobnjak and adopted in Parliament. Although there was certain resistance regarding late inputs, the way WPN communicated and acted together was exemplary model of trust, information flow and putting the overall interest ahead of political party interests. Networked action of women from WPM was not only success story, but important example for WPN before it was publicly launched on importance of joint work and alliances with CSOs. Annex 30 Amendment to the Criminal Code prepared by WPN
Discussions at the event in mind-June were also fruitful in terms of defining path for field work with local councils and educational sessions within political parties. Field work and targeting of local councils was important due to fact that many elected women never had opportunity to go through gender specific training and learn about WPN actions.
Therefore, trainers designed educational plan that was designed and fully implemented. Aiming to draw attention to gender equality work at local level, municipalities were requested to hold trainings in premises of municipal parliaments.
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Furthermore, understanding that key power of women’s Political Network is in the capacity to extend the group of supporters through knowledge, trainers also developed plan for in-party activities which certified trainers conducted within their parties.
Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment trainings for local councillors and women leaders were organised covering 20 municipalities out of 23.
▪ 29. Jun at VERDE in Podgorica, for Cetinje, Tuzi and Golubovci (Coordinators were Milena Tomanovic and Zorica Martinovic for CT while Tuzi and Golubovci coordinated Marija Djurickovic. 23 women took part at the training) ▪ 30. Jun at VERDE in Podgorica, for Podgorica (Coordinators were Marija Djurickovic, Ljilja Kolundzic, Tanja Perovic and Ivana Rascanin. 26 women took part at the training) ▪ 3. July in Sheraton, Kolasin, for Bijelo Polje, Kolasin, Mojkovac (Coordinators were Sladjana Zivkovic, Sonja Damnjanovic and Natasa Vukovic. 16 participants took part at the training) ▪ 4. July in Sheraton, Kolasin, for Bijelo Polje, Mojkovac (Coordinators were Sladjana Zivkovic, Sonja Damjanovic, Natasa Vukovic. 21 women took part at the event) ▪ 5 July, in Berane, for Andrijevica, Rozaje, Petnjica, Plav and Gusinje (Coordinators were Jelena Bozovic, Jasmina Cikotic, Marija Blagojevic and Spomenka Djalovic. 19 women took part at the training) ▪ 6 July, in Berane, for Andrijevica, Rozaje, Petnjica, Plav i Gusinje (Coordinators were Jelena Bozovic, Jasmina Cikotic and Marija Blagojevic and Spomenka Djalovic. 17 women took part at the training) ▪ 18 July, in Pljevlja (coordinators Sanja Lakovic and Belma Hadziosmanovic. 22 women took part at the training) ▪ 19. July in Niksic, for Niksic Pluzine and Savnik (Coordinators were Jelica Janicic and Ivana Rascanin. 27 women took part) ▪ 20. July Niksic, for Niskic, Pluzine and Savnik (Coordinators were Jelica Janicic and Ivana Rascanin and 16 women took part) ▪ 21, July in Podgorica, for Podgorica and Danilovgrad (Coordinators Marija Djurickovic and Jelena Radenovic and 21 women took part) ▪ 25 July in Budva (Coordinators were Valentina Tadic and Iva Bajkovic. 17 women took part at the training) ▪ 26 July in Kotor, for Tivat and Kotor (Coordinators were Marija Blagojevic and Natasa Jevric. 26 women took part at the training)
Out of 23 municipalities, trainings covered 20 municipalities or 87% and did not include only following three: Ulcinj, Bar and Herceg Novi. Having in mind that local elections are now completed in all three, trainings will be provided while 2018. Total number of participants at the trainings was 251 out of which 144 or 59% were local councillors. The evaluation assessed impressions on seven key areas out of which we can group them in two groups. First one is technical and organizational aspect and another one is related to content of training. Evaluations revealed high level of satisfaction (97%) and more importantly, responsiveness on women’s political networking initiative was extremely high or 100%. Namely all participants signed in to be part of Women’s Political Network initiative, to be informed and involved in joint activities. Although expectation was to have significant number of women supporting this, it was great achievement that all participants in the process had no reservations regarding women’s political network. After successful initiative around Code of Conduct, such positive feedback from training program was important encouragement. Providing women with forum for dialogue and the exchange of ideas, proved to be critical in putting women’s issues on political agendas and creating women’s alliances for the advancement of gender equality and women in politics.
Activity 2.2.7. Establishment of Woman`s Political Network Political empowerment of women was rich as programmatic strategies were directed towards: a) improved legal framework (introduced quota which increased participation from 11 to 24% on national level)
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b) capacity development of women in parties through trained trainers, establishment of women’s party wings (we progressed from one party with women’s wing towards almost all parties have women’s groups now), and c) cross-party networking and issue based networking (thematic alliances around women’s quota, women’s entrepreneurship, violence against women and violence in family, women in media).
Substantive part of the work was targeting in-party capacity development as well as networking among women through educational processes. Process of setting up women’s political network has been present for quite a while although certain period of time was needed in order to test it in different occasions, get “mature” and gain more argumentation through time in both ways, politically and at the personal level.
Strategy on setting up core team of the Women’s Political Network was significantly different than it was done in other countries. Also, based on lessons learned from previous years, coalition building around women that already occupy political seats has been avoided. Women’s Political Network is therefore gathered around specific ideas, core team are trainers as knowledge carriers and women with gender expertise. Identifies ideas are concrete subject of common interest, in which women-politicians have found minimum of agreement that a) topic/initiative is a priority and b) we have agreement on desired outcome. Strategies on how it should be reached are discussed and agreed among participants. In order to agree on joint initiative at least 6 trainers from different political parties need to agree on it and only in that case initiative can be considered as initiative of WPN. This modality of 6 trainers agreeing also applies for final decision making unless agreement has been made with majority. However, participatory approach is very important having in mind that certain parties do not have trainers for gender equality (URA, DEMOKRATE and DEMOS). After two strategic gatherings which enabled interaction among two generations of trainers and exchange of strategic thinking, few smaller scale initiatives were launched as test for the networked approach.
Finally, Political empowerment was launch of Women’s Political Network in November 2017. in the very complex political context when there was literally no dialogue between oppositional and positional parties neither in formal or informal manner. Therefore, the launch of Women’s Political Network and efforts with the aim to set up new culture of political dialogue and new political values with principles of gender equality has created lots of public visibility, but consequently, lots of pressure on Network members, from many sides. However, Network members are strongly rooted through long term processes and anchored with common values identified in joint actions and through joint experience, and united around common gender equality goals.
Event that gathered women politicians for Action Plan development and agreement on launch of the Women’s Political Network was held in Budva, Hotel “Avala” on 10th to 12th November. At the event were present trainers and activists - representatives of following political parties: BS, DEMOS, DPS, DUA, FORCA, NOVA, POZITIVNA, PZP, SD, SDP, SNP i URA. At the training on behalf of CSO were present Duska Pejovic, journalist, Olivera Komar, academic and Natasa Nelevic, NGO activist who also took part in discussions and in the design of the first Action Plan and agreement on launch event of the women’s Political Network.
Key areas of work identified by politicians are: 1. Women’s political participation where aimed targets were: 1.1 Improved Electoral Law 1.2 Improved Law on political parties 1.3 Improved Law on Financing of Political Parties 1.4 Political party leadership support for advancing mechanisms 1.5 Education of women and strengthening in-party capacities for gender equality work 2. Women’s entrepreneurship and Women’s economic status / position at labour market 2.1 Local budgets have integrated specific financial support for women’s entrepreneurship 2.2 Local government have introduced mechanisms of support to women’s entrepreneurship 2.3 Law on Guarantee fund initiated 2.4 Status of women at labour market
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2.5 Gender pay gap 3. Women in media 3.1 Programme schemes integrate gender equality concerns 3.2 Media more sensitive and gender aware in reporting 3.3 Ethical codex of journalists’ gender mainstreamed 4. Violence against women 4.1 Improved legal framework / Law on protection from violence in family
Women’s Political Network has developed Action Plan for the first three months period in order to assure that first initiatives are closely monitored and analysed based on which further improvements are made in future. Three months plan has focused on political participation and included following actions: 1. Developed amendments on the Electoral Law / including new provisions on 1 in 3 candidates on electoral lists to be women and raised bar on 40% of women on lists. 2. Developed amendments on the Improved Law on political parties / including provision on mandatory establishment of women’s wing in political party 3. Improved Law on Financing of Political Parties / allocation of tenth part of financial resources that party gains from the budget for the women’s party wing activities 4. Advocacy meetings with political party’s leadership 5. Present amendments to key stakeholders beyond political parties’ leadership (Working group ODIHR, European Parliament, OSCE/ODIHR, CEDAW, CoE etc) 6. Organise meetings with women MPs and Presidents of women’s forums/wings in parties
Annex 31 Conclusions on the necessary amendments to the relevant Montenegrin legislation aimed at enhancing gender equality in political decision-making
Besides political participation focus was also given to women’s entrepreneurship. At the time when event was held there was public discussion about local budgets and immediate intervention of politicians with programme team support was request for specific budgetary resources for women entrepreneurs. Gathering of trainers and activists of Women’s Political Network with supporting local women councils was organised on December 2nd 2017.
The Network composed of representatives of 14 position and opposition parties in Montenegro (BS, DEMOS, DPS, DUA, FORCA, LP, NOVA, POZITIVNA, PZP, SD, SDP, SNP i URA), got together to present their request to local municipalities. More than 120 activists of women’s Political Network gathered in Centre Ville and discussed obstacles women entrepreneurs face at the local level and confirmed that long-term goal should be the Law on guarantee funds that should be subject of long term planning while immediate request towards local municipalities should be allocation of specific finances on non-refundable basis for women in business. Modality suggested was based on NGO grants modality as this was well known for local municipalities and has been known mechanism of evaluation, selection and monitoring. Six municipalities (Podgorica, Budva, Bar, Danilovgrad, Kolasin, Herceg Novi) allocated special funds for women entrepreneurship in the budgets for 2018, at the initiative of the WPN, with the total amount of 120,000 EUR. Under this initiative mayors of four municipalities have met delegation of Women’s Political Network – Bar, Budva, Podgorica and 54
Danilovgrad. There are three more municipalities are currently pending and are expected to support same initiative which are Berane, Ulcinj and Cetinje. Due to local elections held in these municipalities budgets are to be approved in mid or late March.
Annex 32 Model WPN`s proposal for introducing the budget line for women entrepreneurship Annex 33 Photo selection from WPN activities
Work towards media and violence against women are subjects that WPN will address in upcoming year. In the meantime, official request was sent to RTCG as part of public discussion on the Contract with Government where WPM requested that programmatic quota is introduced for topics of gender equality. Same modality is used for rights of minority and disadvantaged groups but gender equality concerns were not integrated. In addition, meeting with Director of RTCG was requested several times, but there was no response, although Women’s Political Network several timesinitiated communication regarding this meeting. But no responsiveness was express from the side of RTCG Director. Having in mind that RTCG is public broadcaster and key stakeholder in this work, targeted initiatives will follow in order to trigger change in their perceptions and attitudes towards gender equality and consequently reporting and public profiling. Also, overall initiative towards media, including private media, will be grounded on media monitoring report that will present good ground for dialogue with directors and media. During 2018 Women’s Political Network has implemented continuous advocacy work with Programme support. Permanent activities were around gathering of background information, which were used to maintain a strong foundation for campaign objectives, strategies and communications. That background information was necessary to enable solid understanding of the nature of the problem within each political party and specific issues and perceptions that needed to be communicated with party leaders and “opinion leaders” to assure effective campaigning. The most effective arguments in campaigning was used by women from political parties (members of Women’s Political Network) that were internally known party facts and figures based on which party leaders were prepared for meetings with WPN delegations and had clear understanding that campaign is run, not only based on general requirements, but also based on up-to-date, credible data referring to internal dynamics in the specific party. On the top of that, campaign was empowered by two international organisations who acted as allies (EU and UNDP) and linked requirements of Women’s political Network to international framework, standards and best practices and called for accountability for existing strategic frameworks and goals set (laws and regulations related to quota). Clear advocacy objectives and advocacy process is firmly attached to political accountability of party leaders and commitments made was translated into short video clip that was produced with intention to advance and echo party leaders commitments towards WPN requests presented. Video was important communication tool in further process of advocacy work. Having in mind that advocacy work is grounded on strong partnership among women from political parties and with support of allies from international organisations, it was very important to develop it adjusted to overall social and political context. At the time of deep political divides, existing patriarchal culture, and absence of the support and understanding of the advocacy objective of the overall public – matter of public profiling of Women’s political network was very important. Therefore, additional communication product was developed to present Women’s Political Network to public and generate positive attitudes and perceptions.
With understanding that media broadcasting is another important step in the campaigning and depends on good timing and broadcasting frequency of the video clip, there were two important activities that determined success. One was support provided by Ministry of Human and minority Rights through official communication with Agency for public broadcasting that allows licenced TV stations to broadcast video messages related to overall common good of society for free. In addition, representatives of political parties communicated importance of this request to Director of RTCG and WPN clip was successfully presented to public for few months, assuring lots of visibility and public introduction of the Women’s Political Network in very demanding political and social environment.
With very experienced politicians onboard, Women’s Political Network was working with clear focus to assure that decision-making dots were connected. In this case, having electoral legislation in focus, change could be made with 2/3 support in Parliament which, without biggest political party in the 55
country was not possible to reach goal. Also, biggest oppositional coalition Democratic Front was in focus of WPN as significant number of members from these political parties. Therefore, meetings with leaders of DPS, DNP, NOVA, PZP and Albanian parties, including all preparatory work of women from these parties, for the meeting with Women’s Political Network in advance to the meeting with EU and UNDP representatives and statements on their position regarding WPN demands. Meetings that were held with targeted political party leaders in the course of 2018 were following: Meeting with President of DPS was held in DPS premises in Podgorica. WPN, EU and UNDP have discussed requests and shared argumentation prepared that resulted with DPS leader supporting all requests presented (40% and positioning of candidates on the electoral lists, resources for women’s forums and support to women’s entrepreneurship initiative) Reservation made was in terms of 40% quota and time-lines for the implementation. Discussion revealed that majority of political parties, specifically smaller ones need some time to prepare municipality party boards and recruit female political candidates. In that sense, education and field work of Women’s Political Network is very important for future activities. Meeting with President of DNP was held on October 5th in DNP premises in Podgorica, Leader of DNP welcomed initiative for women’s political empowerment through proposed measures by WPN but has made reservations about his final commitment to vote for 40% quota, having in mind that this party belongs to Democratic Front alliance and they need to agree on such initiatives at the level of coalition. At the same time, he committed himself to advocate for the positive outcome of such conclusion at the level of coalition. Initiative on financial allocations, violence and entrepreneurship were accepted with no reservations. Meeting with President of PZP was held on October 5th in Podgorica and was characterised with very positive discussions about support of this party to the initiative of WPN. They have highlighted that PZP is party that stands on position of citizens interests and all WPN requests would be considered as fully aligned with PZP programme. However, being part of DF political alliance their decision on voting in the Parliament will be made at the level of DF coalition. Therefore, no specific commitments have been made by the leader on electoral legislation accept that he will lobby for positive outcome within coalition. Meeting with President of NOVA was held on October 9th in premises of this party in Podgorica. Delegation of WPN, EU and UNDP have presented the argumentation and initiative. President of this party was the only political leader that clearly stated that NOVA is not ready to accept 40% quota for women and that political environment is not ready for such initiatives. However, they have supported requests to allocate 10% of resources for women wings in their parties and highlighted that initiative around violence against women and women’s entrepreneurship are very welcomed.
In each advocacy work important aspect is to identify policy champions and practices that have been very successful and put the lite on those as role-model, bringing stronger partnerships and support. In addition, with very limited resources and reduced options for possible donors in future activities, specific event for supportive international community has been organised. Women’s political network members focused advocacy work around EU delegation, UN Resident Coordinator and Swedish Ambassador in particular encouraging their further support to this process and making sure that in the very fragile stage they do not leave initiative. This is because at the time, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights has developed the draft for follow up project with no follow up activities on this matter. They had no interest in continuing support to women in politics with unclear and mixed messages weather this area of work is priority concern or weather they would like to be in more control over the process and work with political parties. Event organised in Hotel Hilton was part of advocacy work that was used to reconsider commitments for further partnership of EU with Women’s Political Network through UNDP programme, and reconsider future possible support in this advocacy work. Also, tis meeting was opportunity to reassure key international partners that WPN is serious and committed actor that will continue act strategically till the objectives are achieved demonstrating that Women’s Political Network is keen to become determining factor for creation of more gender responsive policies in future.
Upon slight stabilisation of the situation in political scene of the country, and return of part of oppositional parties to Parliament, Women’s Political Network has delivered event at which they gathered all party leaders, MPs and international partners as well as partners from civil society and revealed results of negotiations and advocacy campaign. Event held(Annex media report) in October 56
draw public attention and generated public debate about demands of WPN having for its consequence more frequent media and other public events on the topic of gender equality in Montenegrin society.
Having in mind that programmatic strategy has been directed towards: a) improved legal framework (introduced quota in Electoral law); b) capacity development of women in parties through trained trainers, and c) cross-party networking and issue-based networking building on our previous work with women in politics.
Rise of Women’s Political Network came as timely, fortifying support of those in whom we have invested time, efforts, knowledge and resources since EU funded project started in 2011. Kick-off advocacy campaign for women’s political empowerment came in very demanding political context when divides were so deep, making parliamentary democracy blocked, with literally no dialogue between opposition and government coalition parties neither in formal or informal manner. Women’s political network has proved to be reliable, committed partner and most logical programmatic decision was to bring them close in programme activity implementation making their efforts empowered and WPN visible and at the same time delivering designed programme activities together.
Therefore, planned mentoring was started with support of politicians from Women’s political network who had expertise in political and electoral cycles, in issue of entrepreneurship and violence against women and have been chosen by members of WPN to coordinate and lead on these issues. Chosen coordinators of Women’s Political Network:
1. Political empowerment of women – Snezana Jonica (opposition) and Marija Maja Catovic (position). Snezana and Maja are well known parliamentarians with decades long political experience and with strong track record in political life and fight for gender equality. Their knowledge, political skills and networks have been important resource for WPN and they have shared it with trainers and WPN activists intensively while working on in-party strategies for meetings with party leaders and designing the advocacy campaign;
2. Women’s Entrepreneurship – Jelena Radenovic (opposition) and Marija Djurickovic (position) who are both local councillors and many years party activists. This knowledge on functioning of local council and local governance was very valuable in designing the initiative and determining steps and regulatory framework for the initiative that assured that excellent idea is implementable and supported by local authorities. Both politicians have been equipped with knowledge on entrepreneurship issues from programme experts to women entrepreneurs and local officials. Their coordinators role enabled them to share their knowledge with whole WPN team. The whole initiative around women’s political network has been coordinated with programme team and WPN in order to assure that results are achieved. As a result, 144.000 euro has been allocated in 13 municipalities as specific budget line for women’s entrepreneurship on basis of grant modality. (Annex Pregled realizovanih aktivnosti) After the budgetary allocations, specific efforts need to be invested in adoption of Regulatory framework for distribution of the resources as well as Templates for business ideas are adopted so the content and nature of this initiative is not lost in the practice. (Annex Odluka, Obrasci). While municipalities of Danilovgrad, Herceg Novi and Tivat already advanced in implementation and already processed adoption of regulatory framework attached to budgetary lines for women entrepreneurs, for remaining 10 municipalities this yet needs to be assured.
3. Violence against women – is third thematic issue that WPN wanted to contribute and appointed for coordinators Natasa Vukovic(opposition) and Ivana Rascanin (position) They are both experienced professionals with background in working with this issue. Ivana as social-welfare specialist, well-aware of social welfare reform and case management approach, while Natasa is psychologist, member of multidisciplinary team in Bijelo Polje and court expert. Their tremendous experience was important in development of plan of activities and targeting legislation, having in mind good understanding of systemic gaps. Their interest is to target legislative framework and initiated meetings with Deputy Prime Minister held on which was agreed that set of laws should be amended in upcoming year including following: Law on Protection from violence in family, Criminal Law and 57
Law on Criminal Proceeding, Law on courts; Law on Interior Affairs. (Annex Saopstenje Pazina) In addition, WPN initiated discussion with Minister of interior in regard to improvement of legislation on arms and which is related to security and safety of victims in particular in families where violence has been reported and there is registered weapon owner. Deputy Minister of police was very supportive and interested in improving provisions on Law on arms and work more closely with WPN on the issues of concern in future.
Sustainability, effectiveness and efficiency of the programme implementation can be evaluated through few financial parameters. Although with modest resources, advocacy and capacity development were combined to assure that overall process is built around personal influence positions of WPN members such as Snezana Jonica and Marija Maja Catovic. Sustainability of such work will have long lasting impact causing systemic and structural impact, changed based on capacity development pillars of that desired change. Therefore, action needs to have permanent support till results are achieved. Also, if we take overall programme budget for women’s entrepreneurship and put it against allocations for women’s entrepreneurship from 13 local budgets, efficiency will become self- explanatory. At the same time horizontal impact of such approach is spread knowledge, enhanced partnerships, activated and more sensitised political parties and women in politics for more gender targeted policies.
Women`s Political Network continued regional collaboration believing that regional approach has the greatest power to elicit genuine and ground-breaking changes to happen, especially starting from women in decision-making. In 2018 the Delegation of the Women’s Political Network (WPN) visited Brussels where they met with the highest representatives of the EU Parliament, including Eduard Kukan, Charles Tannock and many others. Establishment of the WPN was commended as a great model for promoting participation of women in politics and achieving cross-party dialogue. The study visit was preceded by a meeting at the EU Delegation, where WPN met with ambassadors of EU member states, to advocate for the changes in national legislation. Following up on Event of Women’s Political Network at which were revealed results of negotiations with party leaders, in October this year, Serbian Parliament has invited WPN to present initiative to Serbian women MPs. Month later UNDP programme partners and WPN constituted the delegation in the Regional Western Balkans forum on implementation of Istanbul Convention where new initiatives on regional cooperation in this area were launched within complementary EU supported programme “Implementing Norms – Changing Minds”.
WPN had been a tremendous breakthrough in the political scene, which will impact the overall women participation in decision making. Still, the planned activities depend on external dynamics of the key actors: Slower pace parliament function (due to a boycott), long negotiations over the Electoral law revision (due to extreme political polarization and boycott) did not allow full implementation as envisaged in the Project. However, the situation has changed in the course of the last years and the political parties have agreed on the framework for the Electoral changes setting up new Parliamentary group on electoral legislation, which provides WPN chance to step in and bring advocacy process to its end in most positive way.
Activity 2.2.8 Activities focused on advocacy for electoral legislation Advocacy roadmap has been designed at gathering in Budva at the Strategic planning event of Women’s Political Network that was predominately directed towards continuation of support work towards improved legal framework of three targeted electoral laws.
With support from UNDP, the Women`s Political Network was constituted with women representatives of all parliamentary political parties. This exciting and breakthrough alliance of the opposition and ruling coalition women politicians was able to clearly define its goals and to articulate them in public: to set up new culture of political dialogue and demand new political values with principles of gender equality; to create enabling environment for women in politics and increase quota in electoral law and dedicate resources for political work of women; showcase policies for gender equality with advocacy targeting budget allocations.
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Final advocacy work included lobbing DEMOKRATE as second biggest oppositional party which has not meet with Women’s Political Network and discussed measures in proposed for Electoral Law and Law on Financing Political Parties. This was important milestone having in mind their possible commitment to gaining 2/3 of the majority votes in the Parliament. Meeting with DEMOKRATE was arranged after successful advocacy campaign that had impact on this political subject. Meeting was held on September 20th in their premises. On behalf of WPN at the meeting were Marija Blagojevic and Natasa Vukovic. EU RR and UNDP Head of Political Section joined meeting. Outcome of the meeting was that DEMOKRATE supported initiative. In addition, women from DEMOKRATE expressed interest to join WPN in capacity of members and to contribute to future efforts.
According to Advocacy Plan WPN planned to organise meeting with FORCA _ the only Albanian national party that has MO in the Parliament. Therefore, on September 30th delegation of WPN represented by Maja Catovic and Snezana Jonica joined with UNDP RR Ms Gasparikova met President of FORCA Mr Nimanbegu. This i the only meeting that was not joined with representatives of EUD but President of FORCA was informed that EU support this initiative. Meeting was held in constructive dialogue that besides discussion about women in politics dialogue was run around status of minorities and normative solutions for their status as important subject in the process of electoral law reform. President of FORCA supported advocacy initiative of WPN and promised their MP support in the Parliament. (Annex Y19 25 Agenda of the WPN advocacy planning gathering in February in Budva;)
Parliamentary Working Group on electoral legislation became more active in the course of 2019 and started drafting proposals for the set of amendments to electoral laws. Work was organised in subgroups that have organised frequent meetings and communicated with CSOs and experts community ways to improve legislation. Women’s Political Network coordinators for issues of political participation - Maja Catovic and Snezana Jonica - participated in Sub-Working groups on Electoral Law and Law on Financing of Political Parties with positive outcome. Parliamentary Working group No 5 that was working on development of proposal to advance Law on Financing Political Parties has organised meeting on July 24th at which WPN delegation participated and presented initiative on financing of women’s party wings. Ms Catovic and Ms Jonica also informed MPs about commitments made by the leaders of all political parties and announced public campaign to inform about WPN demands. Outcome of the meeting was positive and draft Law on Financing of Political Parties integrated WPN requests. Law was adopted in December which for the result has more than 500,000 Euro to be allocated in 2020 for women’s party groups. Financial support measures to support women’s political participation is rare 59
mechanism and presents one of the most advances approaches and affirmative actions attached to other non-financial measures of enhancement of women’s political participation. With this measure Montenegro becomes one of the few countries in the Europe with financial affirmative measures in legislation for acceleration of women’s political participation
Delegation of WPN also took part at two working sessions of Working Groups on Electoral Law, first time chaired by Jovanka Lalicic and second time chaired by Marta Scepanovic. At the both meetings discussion was in principle supportive, but representatives of the academic community in the Working Group Mr Djordje Blazic challenged mandatory formulation of the provision related to positioning at the list. After discussion about possible outcomes if norm on positioning on list would be removed, Working Group agreed with norms suggested by WPN and it became integral part of the draft Electoral Law submitted to Parliament for voting. Unfortunately, Parliament could not enable voting as oppositional MPs did not decide to accept this draft in general and therefore voting with 2/3 was not conducted. With this said, WPN will monitor situation further and will continue advocacy work.
Activity 2.2.9 - Design co-operating modules with women’s groups, acting collectively on issues of mutual concern Number of networking efforts have been initiated in 2019 among which following activities were important in terms of development of partnerships and creation of networks of impact. None of these activities had financial implications on this Project budget, but were supported by UNDP resources. Still, as Women’s Political Network raised from Gender Programme, we would like to share some of key activities in 2019 related to enhanced cooperation and enhancing “feminist influence networks”: • “Generation Equality” global meeting of feminist community in Tunis, in organisation of UN Women, UNDP, Swedish Government and Tunis Government. Representative of WPN was speaker. • “Regional Review of Beijing +25” in Geneva in organisation of UN Women and UNECE. Delegation of WPN participated, had its own side event and speaker at the main panel. • “Next Generation Gender Equality” Regional Meeting in organisation of regional UNDP office gathered leading gender experts in politics and gender focal points from EUC and Swedish Government. • “Women’s Entrepreneurship” Regional meeting of women in politics, government gender focal points and entrepreneurs in Sarajevo. • Brunch with U.S. Ambassador Judy Rising Reinke at her residence. • Working lunch with UNDP Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau, Assistant Secretary- General of the United Nations and Assistant Administrator of UNDP and UNDP RR in Montenegro.
Women’s Political Network has been organised its work and leadership around clusters of themes around which they could find common interest to work.
Women’s Political Network has chosen Coordinators of each cluster take most active role in leading activities around those issues – Political participation (Snezana Jonica and Maja Catovic), Economic empowerment (Marija Djurickovic and Jelena Radenovic), Violence against Women (Natasa Vukovic and Jelena Radenovic) Labour Market and Internal WPN Regulations (Marija Blagojevic and Jelica Janicic) and Communication and Visibility (Valentina Tadic and Ljiljana Kolundzic) – there is “core team” from each party that participates in daily level communication and coordination:
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DNP
1. Maja Vukićević, Deputy President of DNP
DPS
2. Maja Ćatović, MP in national Parliament and in Council of Europe Assembly, member of Presidency of DPS
SNP – Sneža Jonica, coordinator of WPN for political participation, former MP in national Parliament and in Council of Europe Assembly, participant in the International Leadership 3. Programu USAmbassy
SD - Marija Blagojević, Member of Presidency of SD, Advisor to Speaker of the Montenegrin parliament, trainer for gender 4. equality
LP - Dubravka Vujačić, Deputy President of LP 5.
BS - Jasmina Cikotić, Member of Main Board of BS, local 6. councelour in Plav, trainer for gender equality
HGI - Marija Vučinović, Minister witout portfolio in 7. Government of Montenegro, former President of HGI
8. FORCA – Aferdita Pelingu, Member of Main Board of FORCA, Director of TV Teuta, trainer for gender equality
DUA – Hatidža Đoni, Deputy President of Municipality of 9. Ulcinj, Deputy President of DUA
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DEMOS – Nataša Đurić, Member of Presidency of DEMOS 10. and memeber of Executive Board of Podgorica
11. URA – Marija Radulović, Local councelour in Podgorica
DF, PZP – Tanja Perović, memeber of Main Board of PZP, 12. President of Womens Forum of PZP, trainer for gender equality
DF, NOVA – Nataša Jelić, Member of Presidency of NOVA, 13. former MP, trainer for gender equality
UCG – Branka Mišurović, Member of Presidency of UCG 14. Predsjedništva UCG, advisor in the Agency for protection of personal data.
POZITIVNA – Ljiljana Kolundžić, President of the Municipal 15. Board and memeber of Main Board of POZITIVNA, Deputy Director Museums and Galeries of Podgorica, trainer for gender equality
16. SDP Milena Tomanovic, Deputy President of Women’s Forum, of SDP, trainer for gender equality
Activity 2.2.9. Advocacy campaign was aligned with political context and Parliamentary dynamics. WPN during 2019 has been working on creation of number of communication products that are supporting visibility of WPN as well as maintain momentum on demands for political requests. Video Clips were produced and financed by UNDP with no financial impact on this Project. Videos were helpful in created increase of WPN visibility in public. For example, Women’s Political Network campaign video clip reached 378,000 viewers or almost 50% of overall country population in only two weeks.
Advocacy at bilateral level continued and WPN had number of meetings with international representatives in the country and in the region. Intensive communication was held via on-line platform with colleagues from the region from political parties and civil societies.
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Campaign and overall activities of Women’s Political Network had significant media attention with positive approach in reporting.
Advocacy work has been implemented mainly during the boycott of the Parliament and the only forum for dialogue of the ruling and opposition parties was within the Women’s Political Network (WPN) where unified requests of women from ruling and oppositional parties to improve electoral laws including following key measures included – 40% of women on electoral lists; at least 1 in 3 candidates on electoral lists and ten percent of budgetary allocations for parties for women’s party wings.
With this continuous pressure and presence in public, we would observe some positive developments in terms of women’s political participation in the composition of Parliament. After the elections, the share of women MPs has increased from 17% to 24% and in last year it has been increased further to 29,6%. That said, overall participation of women in politics remains below the minimum defined by the Electoral Law and far below expected parity defined by the Gender Equality Law and relevant SDG target.5. Women's Political Network initiative to increase affirmative measure / quota to 40% and to allocate 10% of political party resources to women's party wings has been integrated in draft laws by the Parliamentary Committee for the electoral legislation and this work is to be continued until its formal adoption in the Plenary voting.
At the same time, Law on Financing of Political parties was voted in Parliament and gained support for measures for financial allocations from party budget for women’s political work. This will ensure sustainability of investment in women’s political empowerment process, placing Montenegro among the very few countries in the world that have such support mechanism and presents pivotal efforts in the Western Balkans region.
Activity 2.2.10. - Establishment of mentorship schemes at national and regional level between women and experienced political figures Strategic planning event held on 8 - 10 February had in its focus review of activities conducted in previous year, but also assessment of the WPN work methodology and strategies to assure continuous empowerment and capacity development. Trainers and members of the WPN core group have established their own party level networks of women who are provided with tailored capacity development by more experience colleagues. Political Network in last 24 months reached out to more than 1,200 women political activists who attended educational sessions, gathered near 60 peers from the countries in the Western Balkan sub- region to discuss regional approach to women’s empowerment
Women’s Political Network marked two years since public launch of their initiative around quota but also other political activities
Activity 2.2.11 - Institutionalizing gender equality in political party policies, processes and practices. Besides advocacy work in 2019, capacity development of women in political parties with support of trained trainers and Women’s Political Network has been in focus of work.
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Planning exercise was conducted at the level of all political parties among activists that attended intensive gender training with WPN. This process involved 78 politicians who relied on 4 advocacy plans developed by WPN core team which included – 1. Electoral legislation, 2. Entrepreneurship, 3. Violence and, 4. Labor market and economy.
Capacity development work continued throughout the year in different forms and targeting different groups among which 368 women from parliamentary political parties were trained on gender equality.
Adoption of the Law on Financing of Political Parties has strengthened programing and planning of women in parliamentary political parties as for the first time since their establishment they had independent financial resources and can plan accordingly their work and actions. Overall amount of resources gained from state budget was bit more than 500,000 Euro and this was distributed equally on all 18 political parties. Each women’s organization got around 28,000 Euro for their activities in upcoming 12 months.
With understanding of internal party dynamics, pressures, lack of gender sensitivity, Women’s Political Network has publicly acknowledged risk of using these resources for work and activities that replicates gender stereotypes rather than promoting gender equality and continue struggles for women’s empowerment. Women’s Political Network will therefore closely monitor activities of women’s groups within parties.
Activity 2.1.3.A Conference on the Istanbul Convention implementation and flashback to retrograde processed represented a partnership initiative of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, Women's Political Network and Gender Equality Program, implemented by UNDP and the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights with the support of the EU Delegation, with the aim of resolving the issue of the improvement of legal framework and enforcing decisive institutional steps, in order to determinedly influence the change of perceptions in society and terminate a high degree of tolerance of violence against women and domestic violence. The Conference brought together representatives of state bodies dealing with this issue, the international community and civil society with the aim to define the most urgent steps in responding to violence against women. Regional and international experts shared rich experience with more than 100 participants among which were five ministers, MPs and politicians, institutional representatives, civil society and expert guest from the region.
Some of the key recommendations and commitments made at the Conference, these days present advices for WPN as well as for NGOs and international organisations. Following key recommendations are till date in focus of our Programmatic work: - Urgent establishment of the Working Group for amending Law on Protection from Violence in Family; - Enforcement of mandatory police and judiciary trainings on GBV and Istanbul Convention enabling knowledge sharing and better understanding of gender-based violence; Introduction of classes on GBV at Police Academy; Develop with Centre for Education of judges and prosecutors accredited educational programs for GBV and Istanbul Convention application
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- Development of the detailed Action Plan around GREVIO recommendations that will be time measures taken in accordance with the Istanbul Convention ensuring holistic and comprehensive approach - Create enabling normative framework for the establishment of specialised service support to victims - Establish solid financial mechanisms for specialised services for victims of violence and assure long term support - Reinforce application of victims’ protection measures and create tools and communication - Empower networks of cooperation among women’s groups and women in politics to monitor institutional responsiveness and upgrade normative framework.
As a follow up to Conference WPN has developed internal monitoring frameworks to demand accountability of high officials for the implementation of commitments made at the event.
ANNEX Y19 27 Implementation of Istanbul Convention- Conference 18th March 2019
Overview of activity- level indicator fulfilment All parliamentary political parties` women’s groups Accomplished trained in gender equality and conducted at least one 162 of women politicians from 17 municipalities political action specifically addressing gender equality undergone training, with 98% of them having evaluated training as excellent in all key areas. More than 80% of training participants for the first time took part in such training although majority has been active in their parties for longer than 5 years. 368 women from parliamentary political parties were trained on gender equality.
At least 15 certified trainers for women in politics Accomplished 16 women reached the final stages of the training, while 15 of them got trainers ‘certificates At least 300 local women councilors in municipalities Accomplished attended gender equality trainings 251 local female politicians out of which 144 or 59% were local councillors Trainings for women councillors covered 20 out of 23 municipalities.
At least one annual conference gathered regional key Accomplished advocated on women’s political empowerment Programme Manager and members of WPN attended complementary regional events on women`s political empowerment, while through the programme next event is due in 2018. 50% of Montenegrin media assessed from the Accomplished perspective of gender sensitivity Study attached in the previous report (2016)
80% of Montenegrin political parties assessed from the Accomplished perspective of gender equality Study attached in the previous report (2016)
At least one monthly (TV, radio) show broadcasted Accomplished addressing the issue of gender equality concerns; Media monitoring on presence of politicians revealed high level of media activity. At least 80% of women’s party forums have developed Accomplished gender action plans within their own parties; All parliamentary political parties established women’s wings with programs At least 2 joint actions per year by women’s groups Accomplished from different parties on issues of mutual concern; WPN in 2017 had 4 joint actions
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• Amendments of the Criminal Law adopted • Meeting with the Parliament`s working group for the implementation of the OSCE / ODIHR recommendations for amending the electoral legislation, where they presented the Conclusion on Necessary Amendments to Montenegrin Legislation with the aim of improving the political participation of women in Montenegro • Obtained support from 17 political parties for the proposed changes in the electoral legislation • 6 municipalities for development of women entrepreneurship with total allocation of 120,000 euro in 2017 • 16 municipalities allocated 220,000 Euro for grant based support to women’s entrepreneurship - Danilovgrad, Bar, Podgorica, Budva, Ulcinj, Berane, Kolasin, Kotor, Bijelo Polje, Rozaje, Gusinje, Plav, Mojkovac, Pljevlja, Tivat, Herceg Novi At least 3 political parties mainstreamed gender Accomplished equality through political party policies, processes and Within electoral campaign in October 2016 as well as practices; local elections in 2017 more than 5 political parties
integrated gender in their electoral programs At least 20 women politicians received mentorship Accomplished support from experienced politicians. 38 WPN core teams members received mentorship support
Addressing women’s entrepreneurship at the local level
Work within this segment of the AD Program has been focused on women’s entrepreneurship empowerment work in Podgorica and Niksic, as two biggest municipalities in Montenegro. Driven by previous experience from Gender Programme, UNDP has gathered around this initiative many partners as the strategy was two-fold. On one side, programme will work at grass roots level with NGOs to mobilise women interested to enter entrepreneurship, while women will get experts support by local consultants and knowledge based NGO in this area that will provide learning opportunities. This will respectively create bottom-up initiative towards institutions to address in more systematic level women’s entrepreneurship. At the same time, UNDP will work in close cooperation with national consultants hired to help women but also to assure link and local institutional responsiveness, but more importantly, based on ongoing processes UNDP and Department for Gender Equality will work strategically to address top-dawn response and regulatory frameworks adjustments of local institutions but also Investment Development Fund as state owned fund.
Activity 2.3.1. Open Call for NGOs working on women’s entrepreneurship and consultants recruitments for Niksic and Podgorica Besides wide range of partners gathered in Advisory Boards, UNDP has identified key partners in the direct project implementation based on the Open call for NGOs that would like to support Project implementations and which meet required criteria: working in areas of Niksic and Podgorica, have longer than 5 years of experience in women’s entrepreneurship, have ability and 66
competent team to work in the fields, understand key obstacles in development of women’s entrepreneurship, aware and knowledgeable on business plan development process etc. Organisations that have submitted applications have been two women’s entrepreneurial associations with good track record in work on enhancement of women’s entrepreneurship, and the third NGO (Business Start up center Bar), which works on developing online promotion and online sale. Business Women Association has been tasked to work in Niksic, while Association of Women Entrepreneurs has been tasked to work in Podgorica on the following: • Field promotion of the program • Learning needs assessment of applicants, jointly with the consultant • Networking and assuring business connections • Providing opportunity for online marketing and sale of products • Promotion of successful women entrepreneurs • Social and traditional media campaigns on women entrepreneurship
Their priority task for the first phase of the project was mobilisation of interested women to start-up business or enhance existing for the training and educational programs. Each of the organisations mobilised in their towns near 100 interested women and assessed their motivation and interest to join the programme. As most challenging aspect of the programme is identification of highly motivated women that will be committed and will participate in the educational process till end. It is also important to identify women that are in need for this kind of programmatic support and not well advanced entrepreneurs that will take opportunity to network. Finally, Program team is tasked to assure that women are gaining real support service from developing of the business idea into business plan through capacity development training programme.
UNDP has established cooperation with municipalities, while the Department for Gender Equality as main partner of this Project has signed MOU with both municipalities in regard to support in gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives. Therefore, it was decided by Program Manager that MOU will be developed in next stage of the Project implementation, when more explicit requests and support needed will be identified by consultants and women involved in project as beneficiaries. Two consultants will help around development of business ideas, training follow up consultations and maintenance of close cooperation local institutions in regard to optimisation of the realisation of business plans.
Activity 2.3.2. Promotion and engaging women from Podgorica and Niksic
A well-known women’s group Business Women Association has been tasked to work in Niksic, while Association of Women Entrepreneurs have been tasked to work in Podgorica on starting with field promotion of the Program. Recruitment of women started with official launch of Project in Niksic in November and more intensive field work that resulted with long lists with initially registered women for training programme. UNDP has organised couple of meetings with national consultants, NGOs, Department for gender equality and IDF to align selection criteria for
follow up educational programme for women entrepreneurs. At the beginning of 2017, at the list of interested women for training
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programme and support from Niksic (ANNEX 18) that should start in March 2017 there were 67 women out of which 31 are start-ups and 36 are for enhancement of their existing businesses. In Podgorica, the number of interested women for training programme and support raised up to 110 women (ANNEX 19 List from Podgorica) There is ongoing effort of the consultant to filter through agreed criteria interested candidates and prepare them for trainings in March. In addition, NGOs and Consultants are entering stage where they will jointly conduct learning needs assessments for applicants so that learning modules can be adjusted to their learning needs as much as possible.
UNDP continues to address through communication with local authorities measures that should be piloted at the local level, such as establishment of guarantee fund, that would increase the number of women entrepreneurs in Podgorica and Niksic, and enable gender-sensitive and flexible approach to the development of the local economy.
Activity 2.3.3. Training Programme for Women Entrepreneurs Delivering training programme for selected women applicants for entrepreneurship has been divided in two specific trainings. One will provide education in setting up the business and basic skills and knowledge needed for successful management of business. Second will provide education that will enable enhancement of the business management skills and networking. As project started with mobilisation of the women and will assure that educational package is much as possible needs driven, process of UNDP tendering for service provider has been designed around main issues of business running. On the basis of Tender / procurement process as best selected company was CEED Consulting company that suggested following key topics to be included in the education of women entrepreneurs:
o Assessment of market opportunities and business plan sustainability from demand-supply side o Business plan development and steps in business registration o Financial management and financing o Time management and business management o Bookkeeping and daily business management o Employing and motivation of staff o Communication and networking
Ongoing learning needs assessment of the applicants will influence in terms of adjustments of the specific teams for the education. In addition, consultancy face to face will be assured to all women participations in the education as a follow up to thematic workshops, aligning individual’s knowledge perceptions and expectations to programmatic scope.
In 2017 we initiated and finalised a whole comprehensive process of programme promotion and mobilization of women, consultancy, trainings, and mentoring for developing business plans.
Aiming that each woman entrepreneur gets maximum from this program, CEED Consulting conducted an introductory survey to get acquainted with their ideas and expectations, but also to do the training needs assessment. The results of the survey showed that training for business plan development was the most needed as it facilitates the application for loan, while other trainings can be classified as specific for additional business skills improvement.
In total, 69 women entrepreneurs from Podgorica and 65 women entrepreneurs from Niksic have joined education program.
The training for business plan development was consisted of three training days covering the following topics: ▪ Introduction into business plan development, ▪ Analysis and market research in the context of business plan, ▪ Financial part of the business plan.
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The first training day covered preparation for business plan writing according to the methodology of the Investment Development Fund (IDF)6 along with the development of a business idea, based on concrete exercises like SWOT and PEST analysis. At the second training day, the emphasis was on the sale, procurement and competition market with reality simulation exercises. The financial part of the business plan included the calculation of investments, revenues and expenditures, and projections of the balance sheet and income statement. Representatives of the Investment Development Fund participated at each ‘Financial part of the business plan development’ training. They introduced woman entrepreneurs with credit lines and got familiar with their ideas and businesses. In addition, they used the opportunity at each training to talk for a while with every single woman entrepreneur and to give advice or suggestion at what would be the best for her and her business.
The model of business plan training in three days with pauses aimed at involving women entrepreneurs into the process and to work independently on the business plan, not just to get a completed document, which is a typical feature of similar trainings. In this case, the goal was the direct development of skills and sustainable impact, since every woman entrepreneur could, in the following period, be able to prepare the business plan and various projections of the business operations independently, regardless of whether it is needed when applying for a loan or internally, for herself.
Besides business plan training, CEED Consulting also provided additional specific trainings at the following topics:
▪ Business administration and registration ▪ Business management ▪ Marketing ▪ Product promotion on social networks ▪ Networking with business entities ▪ Business communication ▪ Tax system ▪ Financial management ▪ Leadership and motivation ▪ Human Resources and team selection ▪ Sale and product presentation ▪ Preparation for meeting with creditors ▪ Branding ▪ Product declaration ▪ Product standardization
During the implementation of the education program, CEED Consulting maintained constant communication with women entrepreneurs both on organized trainings and via the phone and e-mail, creating cooperation with mutual confidence, giving suggestions and advice, motivating women entrepreneurs and pointing out to the opportunities that should be used in further development of their ideas and businesses.
The evaluation conducted after the finalisation of the training process showed that women entrepreneurs from both towns are fully or to the great extent satisfied with entire program (90.7% in Podgorica and 94.5% in Niksic), while only three women entrepreneurs said they expected more concrete support for obtaining a loan.
One-to-one consultations and early diagnostic mentoring
CEED Consulting offered each woman entrepreneur ‘one-to-one consultations’, as a support in business plan writing, from June to December 2017. The consultations proved to be helpful and valuable for all of them who decided to write a business plan according to IDF methodology. For most
6 IDF methodology is simple, comprehensive and the most commonly used. It could be easily adjusted for the needs of any other loan. More and more businesses are interested in IDF credit lines as the most favourable. 69
of them, filling the financial part was pretty challenging as they lack of knowledge from finances and have no projections how their business will grow. The consultants invested their efforts to provide support to each woman entrepreneur who showed the least will and interest to write the document, taking into account her business and even family situation, motivating her at the same time.
In Podgorica, the process of consultations was successful and 24 women entrepreneurs decided to develop a business plan. In total, there were 39 held consultations, on average four per each woman entrepreneur. They were carried out twice a week and lasted from 45 min to 60 min per each woman entrepreneur.
In parallel to business plan consultations, contracted NGO Business start-up centre Bar provided the service of early business diagnostic mentoring. Diagnosis of the current business of women entrepreneurs was carried out on the basis of their knowledge and experience with financial management, sales and marketing, production management, etc. The mentor analysed the current situation to clarify the problems and disadvantages that women entrepreneurs, after which they would jointly find solutions.
Each diagnostic process consisted of analysing the following elements: ▪ Profile of entrepreneur/ company ▪ Business Description ▪ SWOT analysis – conducted jointly with women entrepreneur ▪ Cross SWOT analysis - implemented by mentor for identifying - key success factors for their business ▪ Solution (Improvements proposal). This includes combining the benefits and formulas for problem solving and systematization of the solution. Creating a possible business plan. ▪ Introducing action plan and intervention
Each mentoring contained 2 interviews face-to-face with potential candidate (women who want to start or expand business), communication regarding tasks that were assigned to consultant as well as to the beneficiary and the proposal for final improvements.
Based on the expression of interest in Podgorica and Niksic 15 meetings with women were scheduled. After initial meeting 12 women (4 from Podgorica and 8 from Niksic) have decided to enter mentoring support. As a result of the mentorship processes, we can identify the following gaps:
• Access to finance (lacking support in forms of grants, collaterals for loans, credit guarantee fund etc.) • Legal and financial literacy of women needs to improve • Business education with a particular focus in start-ups and the skills for starting-up business • Networking of women at local level is lacking (tis is pre-condition for creating value chains and clusters) • Investment climate and enabling environment for women entrepreneurship – reduction of administrative barriers, local support programs and networking
One of the main recommendation is for government and local authorities to work on improving business environment for women business. By developing programs that are focused on closing the above-mentioned gaps the situation on market would improve.
Activity 2.3.4. Local municipalities` assessment Within this programme component, apart from direct work with women entrepreneurs, we worked towards creating the conditions for the economic empowerment of women and gender-sensitive approach in creating economic policies at the local level. Therefore, we engaged the local consultants who will assist the Municipality of Niksic and Municipality of Podgorica to upgrade support services for entrepreneurs within the Secretariats for Economy/Entrepreneurship, as well as to assist in creating more favorable environment and conditions for financing women`s businesses. Working with these two municipalities it became obvious that the situation is quite different when it comes to their
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understanding of the need for gender sensitive approach to entrepreneurship and their readiness to go forward with creating enabling environment for women to engage in their own business.
While Podgorica has a number of affirmative measures for women which have just upscaled during the duration of the programme intervention, Niksic has not introduced them still, despite continuous lobbying efforts and provided opportunities for experience exchange. Podgorica even accepted the initiative of Women’s Political Network to set aside special budget line for women entrepreneurship in their 2018 budgets, by earmarking 30,000 EUR for this purpose. With Niksic we did not have this kind of response. Consultant`s reports are attached in annexes. ANNEX 34 Consultant`s report-Podgorica ANNEX 35 Consultant`s report- Niksic
Activity 2.3.5. Web-portal for women entrepreneurs One of the set objectives of the programme was to provide the women entrepreneurs with the opportunity to promote their products and to be visible in the online world. Therefore, apart from writing website stories and sharing them via social networks, we also put up the new portal where we present women and their success stories, as well as their products. Contact details of each woman is provided so that whoever is interested may contact them directly and inquire about the products. We will ensure the visibility of this portal by sharing the info through social networks and through women`s associations. The portal can be accessed at the following link http://www.zenski-biznis.com but some updates are still in process.
Activity 2.3.6. Mentorship for women-Perspectives and comparative experiences of Montenegro and the USA, meeting In partnership with the US Embassy to Montenegro, on 25th September 2017 we hosted Samira Cook Gaines, the founder and President of the Women's Business Center in Washington. Samira has many years of experience in providing support to entrepreneurs through training, counselling and mentoring, for which the White House has recently awarded her as a Champion Change in the field of mentoring for women. We have used her visit to Montenegro to hear innovative experiences from America and put them in the context of our efforts to support entrepreneurs, but also to improve the institutional framework for the development of women entrepreneurship. The event was designed as an interactive discussion forum where, after several introductory presentations and presentations, the participants got involved in the discussion, in order to come up with more concrete and more sensible recommendations for improving the support to entrepreneurs through the next phase of our program. The event was attended by our programme beneficiaries from Podgorica and Niksic, representatives of these municipalities and their relevant secretariats, as well as the members of the Advisory Board for women entrepreneurship. ANNEX 36 Samira Cook Gaines event photos
Activity 2.3.7. Analysis of the best practice model for the development of Guarantee fund Through our programme we identified serious barriers to women entrepreneurship, both in terms of stereotypes, patriarchal mentality, lack of entrepreneurial motivation, lack of family support, but also serious lack of knowledge and skills, to add to institutional/systemic barriers. The latter is mainly related to the fact that only a small percentage of women can afford available IDF and bank credits because they cannot offer collaterals, and because they don`t have adequate support during the implementation of their business plans. As a consequence, sustainability of female business is questionable and risky and represents additional demotivating factor for potential entrepreneurs.
Therefore, specific financial mechanisms such as the Guarantee Fund (GF), which will enable women, youth and other groups who cannot afford collateral to have access to affordable loans of Investment Development Fund are much needed. Piloting of such an initiative in the long term will result in an increased number of women in business and a more gender-sensitive and flexible approach from financial institutions. In order to make sure that we are responding to all women’s needs and to ensure popular and favourable conditions proved in the region and internationally, we will initiate a national- level discussion on the initiation of such a fund. The first step in this process is that we hired a national 71
consultant to develop an analysis of best practice model for its development. This paper is the basis for discussion to follow in 2018. ANNEX 37 Draft Policy Discussion Paper on Guarantee Fund
In 2018, women entrepreneurship activities were focused around the initiatives of Women’s Political Network. Namely, while in the Programme we had planned to target only two municipalities to work towards development of local mechanisms for support to women’s entrepreneurship (Podgorica and Niksic) Women`s Political Network initiative revealed 5 additional municipalities (Herceg Novi, Bar, Budva, Kolasin, Danilovgrad) in which replication of the local mechanism would be welcomed. Their allocation of specific financial resources for women entrepreneurship was a clear indication that they are deeply interested to move ahead, and for the Programme this was great entry opportunity for work with additional municipalities on setting up supportive measures for women entrepreneurs. Therefore, the Programme continued supporting and strengthening capacities of local women to use their entrepreneurial potential and to open new businesses in the municipalities where specific budget lines for women entrepreneurs have been introduced.
In the first year of realization, the initiative of the Women's Political Network was accepted by 7 Montenegrin municipalities, and in the budgets for 2018 in Podgorica, Danilovgrad, Kolasin, Bar, Budva, Ulcinj and Herceg Novi 130,000 euros were earmarked to support female entrepreneurship.
In order to get the allocated funds as soon as possible, the ZPM has developed a Model Decision on the criteria, method and procedure for allocating funds for supporting women entrepreneurship at the local level, and at a meeting with the representatives of the municipalities that accepted the initiative, high level of agreement on its content was achieved, which indicated that they will very soon be adopted at the sessions of the Assembly, thereby enabling the allocated funds in the budgets to be implemented.
However, due to various factors from all 7 municipalities, the Herceg Novi initiative was realized only to the end, the other municipalities did not adopt the necessary Decision, which resulted in funds being left captured in the budgets, or unrealized.
The Women's Political Network continued to lobby for this initiative in December 2018 and as a result, we received funds in the 2019 budgets for supporting women entrepreneurship in 11 municipalities: Danilovgrad, Podgorica, Ulcinj, Bar, Budva, Herceg Novi, Mojkovac, Bijelo Polje, Pljevlja, Berane, Rozaje in the total amount of 144,000 euros. ZPM expects funds from two Montenegrin municipalities, because in the municipalities of Kotor and Kolašin separate budget lines for women entrepreneurship have been allocated, a total of 25,000 euros, these funds will be operational in March 2019 when decisions are made on the budgets in these municipalities.
In addition to Herceg Novi, the Decision on allocation of funds has been adopted also in the Municipality of Danilovgrad, and these municipalities are already in the phase of announcing a call for distribution of funds. The Women's Political Network monitors developments in the other 9 or 11 districts that have opted or will allocate funds during this year. After that, the ŽPM will continue its initiative to support female entrepreneurship as an unavoidable budget line and become a new local policy in all the municipalities in Montenegro.
The allocated funds in the amount of 144,000 - 169,000 euros, perhaps from the point of view of entrepreneurship, are not very significant, but they certainly have an immeasurable significance for stimulating women's entrepreneurship and a major step in the development of new local policies that will have mutual benefits. From the aspect of municipalities, the continuity of this practice in the coming years will be providing new jobs, employment of local staff, increase of tax and contribution income as well as other different benefits that the local company, depending on the activity, brings to the local community.
In order to ensure long-term sustainability of this initiative and support women in applying for the funds, UNDP engaged a consultant to provide one-to-one counselling to women entrepreneurs from 72
the municipalities that have allocated budgets for women entrepreneurs as well as to continue with counselling support for women who have already undergone the training through the programme in 2017 but are in need for further assistance in development of their business idea. In addition, when it comes to advocating for systemic changes in the area of entrepreneurship, the Consultant is in the process of preparing a cost-benefit analysis of non-taxation incentive for women start-ups (consultant report for 2018 attached-Annex I f). In parallel to this, we engaged an NGO to provide training support to the municipal structures that will be engaged in the women entrepreneurship support process, and to provide networking and mentorship support to the entrepreneurs in more developed stages of business for the purpose of broadening market opportunities (NGO report for 2018 attached-Annex I g). In 2018, the consultant and NGO were focused on working with women enterpreneurs and municipal structures from Herceg Novi, while work with other municipalities will have its stronger focus in 2019 following the announcement of calls for distribution of funds. Three women received non- returnable grants from the municipality of Herceg Novi for starting their businesses. and 5 more received mentorship and business plan writing services. In addition to the above-mentioned, the Programme continued supporting the promotion and networking of women`s businesses, by participating in organisation of the Women Entrepreneurship Fair in May 2018, and enabling online promotion of success stories, through the portal http://zenski- biznis.com (more than 80 women businesses presented).
Activity 2.3.6 Support to Women’s Entrepreneurship Women’s Political Network is supporting program intervention on women’s entrepreneurship component. While in the Programme we had planned to target only two municipalities to work towards development of local mechanisms for support to women’s entrepreneurship (Podgorica and Niksic) Women`s Political Network initiative revealed following additional municipalities that allocated of specific financial resources for women entrepreneurship.
In 2019, following municipalities allocated 201,000 Euro for women’s entrepreneurship: Danilovgrad, Bar, Podgorica, Budva, Ulcinj, Berane, Kolsin, Kotor, Bijelo Polje, Rozaje, Gusinje, Plav, Mojkovac, Pljevlja, Tivat, Herceg Novi Having in mind financial contribution of the programme component and outcome we have with more than 200,000 Euro in 2019 to be allocated from local budgets - presents high financial outcome of this Project component.
The Programme is to continue supporting and strengthening capacities of local women to use their entrepreneurial potential and to open new businesses in the municipalities where specific budget lines for women entrepreneurs have been introduced.
Local consultant provided mentorship and expert support to 102 women entrepreneurs while 4 municipalities have been provided with institutional capacity development support.
Mentorship review 2019 Municipality H. Novi Danilovgrad Tivat Podgorica Kolasin Number 25 9 7 55 6 Total 102
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Till date of submission of the Final Report 116, 000 Euro has been allocated for 42 women’s start-ups. Eight municipalities were start-ups concentrated while type of businesses are as per bellow information:
Municipality Number of Type of business businesses supported
Bar, Tivat, Herceg Novi, 42 Food production, Cosmetic services Marketing Podgorica, Danilovgrad, Maintenance services, Food production, Tourism, Bijelo Polje, Rozaje, Tivat Agriculture, Care Services and Publishing
Activity 2.3.7 Local governance and women’s entrepreneurship empowerment Activities for development of local level capacities to provide support to women entrepreneurship were planned for the municipalities which had showed readiness to adopt the grant support program for women entrepreneurs. The activities were planned for the Podgorica, Danilovgrad, Kolasin, Bar, Budva, Herceg Novi and divided into two groups:
1. Providing trainings for relevant municipal structures in the six municipalities in order to enhance the capacity to support women entrepreneurship 2. Supporting the networking and mentoring process for women entrepreneurs who already have a business in order to expand their market opportunities
In partnership with IPER as long term partner in working on capacity development for women’s entrepreneurship, analyses of existing mechanisms for supporting women entrepreneurship in all six municipalities were planned as well as proposals for business environment improvement and promotional activities in order to approximate their competencies to the entrepreneurs, creating space for better joint work and cooperation.
In addition, on-the-job trainings on previously identified needs were planned in order to build the skills of municipal staff providing assistance to women in business (preparation of forms and supporting documentation for support programs, as well as standardization of application procedures).
Based on planned Situation Analysis of the current state of business environment and services for women entrepreneurs has been developed. Based on this IPER prepared set of measures for each municipality which summarizes the situation for the entrepreneurship development and made recommendations for improvement. The analysis was delivered to the Secretaries of the Secretariats in following municipalities: Herceg Novi, Danilovgrad, Tivat, Kolasin, Budva.
Organizing of the on-the-job training was based on needs assessment that was conducted by IPER. The Secretaries of the Secretariat, in consultation with their colleagues selected the training topics. The following topics were included in TNA: Development of business plan and financial part of the business plan; Market analysis and research; Legal regulation and harmonization with municipal regulations; Motivation, self-motivation and leadership. Below is presented review of trainings delivered based on learning needs assessment: Municipality Danilovgrad Date Training topic Number of participants November, 06, 2019 Emotional intelligence, motivation and stress 10 management November, 12, 2019 Business communication 4 November, 14, 2019 Business plan development 9 Total: 23 74
Municipality Herceg Novi Date Training topic Number of participants November, 25, 2019 Emotional intelligence, motivation and stress 11 management November, 27, 2019 Business plan development 12 December, 04, 2019 Business communication 15 Total: 38
Municipality Kolasin Date Training topic Number of participants December, 05, 2019 Business communication 7 December, 06, 2019 Business plan development 5 December, 13, 2019 Emotional intelligence, motivation and stress 3 management Total: 15
Municipality Tivat Date Training topic Number of participants December, 02, 2019 Business communication 8 December, 10, 2019 Motivation and leadership 9 December, 17, 2019 Emotional intelligence 7 Total: 24
Regarding business topics, three municipalities out of four opted for Business plan development training having in mind that municipal staff should work with women entrepreneurs in future on development of their business ideas. For this training, the methodology of the Investment Development Fund was used as a common form for support program encompassing every segment of the business.
When it is about soft skills, four out of four municipalities, opted for emotional intelligence and motivation. All of them lack motivation on their workplace pointing out that things are slowly being changed despite the invested efforts and very often they have ‘difficult clients’ so emotional intelligence was more than desirable.
Highest interest for trainings was in Herceg Novi while the poorest was in Kolasin while almost the same interest was present in Danilovgrad and Tivat.
According to the evaluation papers, attendees at the trainings in all four municipalities were very satisfied, they had no any objection regarding methodology, presentation, trainer or usefulness of the obtained materials.
AnnexY19 28 IPER Report; AnnexY19 29 Information on grants distribution from local municipalities
Overview of activity- level indicator fulfilment At least 3 support measures by the Municipalities of Achieved Podgorica and Niksic to the women entrepreneurship Podgorica 3 soft and 1 financial measures program; Niksic two soft measures Budva 1 financial and 1 soft measures Bar 1 financial and 1 soft measures 75
Herceg Novi 1 financial and soft measures Danilovgrad 1 financial and soft measures Kolasin 1 financial and 1 soft measures
At least 70 women per municipality actively Accomplished involved in the training program 69 women entrepreneurs from Podgorica 65 women entrepreneurs from Niksic
At least 40 women per municipality receive Accomplished mentorship support 37 women so far have received mentorship
support (12 women received early diagnostic mentorship support, and 25 women received consultations for business plans development) 102 women entrepreneurs from H. Novi, Danilovgrad, Tivat, Podgorica and Kolasin 80% of women from the program included in business Accomplished association networks 100% of women included in programme joined
women’s business associations At least 50% of developed business plans considered In progress by the IRF • 14 women in Niksic developed business
plans, 15 in the process of development • 10 women in Podgorica developed plans, 12 in the process of development. • 13 women registered business (6 in Podgorica and 7 in Niksic) Majority of women still unwilling to apply for funds with IDF Only 5% of supported women expressed interest to apply for IRH support At least 70% of programme staff from the Accomplished municipalities working on women entrepreneurship 67% in Podgorica - two staff member out of 3 included in the tailored training programme from the relevant secretariat actively participated
in all the programme activities and trainings. 100 % in Niksic - 5 women from the relevant secretariats included in the trainings 100% Herceg Novi, Danilovgrad, Tivat, Kolasin, Budva. At least 10 women promoted as role models through Accomplished social media communication tools 18 women promoted
COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES
• Calendar of activities developed for the AD Programme implementation as integral part of the UNDP Communication Plan • Media Plan developed by the Programme team and implemented in cooperation with communication units of UNDP and EU Delegation following all activities. Media advisories and press-releases followed all public events
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• Web-site and social media for AD Programme have been designed to assure accurate and smooth information flow. This is still in development phase. • Specific awareness raising activities were: a) One Billion Raising b) Solemn Academy on Women’s Political History c) Brunch with political parties and media on assessment of gender sensitivity • Launch of the entrepreneurship programme in Niksic in the cooperation with Innovative entrepreneurial centre „Technopolis“: NGO Business Women Association organized a conference in Niksic, 9th November 2016, which brought together a large number of participants, in the aim to inform the general public about the beginning of the project. The conference was followed by appearances on national and local TV and radio stations. The conference was attended by the the President of the Assembly of Municipality, UNDP representative, Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, Employment Agency, Center for Social Work Niksic, IPC Tehnopolis etc. • In 2017, major communications activities were reported above, under relevant sections: ▪ Let`s go together campaign ▪ One Billion Rising 2017 ▪ Theater performance “Sama je trazila” ▪ Launch of the Violence study ▪ 16 days campaign event- social media posting of violence study materials, high school lectures and public discussion
• Gender programme website and Facebook page, portal for women entrepreneurs
• Women`s Political Network – launch event publicly presented with high level officials presence and great media coverage followed with number of highly visible events. In addition, WPN Facebook page has been created with visibility of programme included.
• Our programme was even featured on a Euroefe portal, in Spanish language. It can be accessed via the following link: http://euroefe.euractiv.es/6478_europarlamento/5038347_pan-paz-y- rosas.html?platform=hootsuite
In 2018, major communications activities were reported above, under relevant sections: ▪ Let`s go together campaign: animated video ``Report violence``; Electronic map and post-card on support services for victims ▪ One Billion Rising 2018 ▪ Two WPN promotional videos ▪ TV series ``GRUDI`` ▪ High-level WPN event In 2019 key communication activities were following Advocacy campaign of Women’s Political Network campaign on quota reached 378,000 viewers or almost 50% of overall population of the country. Similar outreach was achieved with video that announced campaign while it can be concluded that WPN visibility was very high during 2019.
Please list activities that were planned and that you were not able to implement, explaining the reasons for these. Finalisation of the amending of the Law on Protection from Violence in Family was not completed in the time-frame of the project as Working Group had only one meeting since it was established. Reason behind it is fact that Ministry of Justice team is overwhelmed with number of tasks related to EU integration and alignment of national legislation with AQUI. However, Working group has been equipped with suggestions based on consultative process that was run with NGOs, judiciary and lawyers.
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2.3. What is your assessment of the results of the Action so far?
In the reporting period, implementation of the Action has been in line with the defined work. Significant efforts have been invested in settling down the participatory culture of the Programme implementation, i.e. in shaping constructive dialogue with stakeholders’ groups within ABs. The Programme team maintained intensive daily communication and knowledge exchange with partners from the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights in order to smoothly communicate all implementation activities and to synchronize, wherever possible, regular activities of the Programme with those planned and implemented by the Ministry itself. The Programme established ad-hoc partnership with other international institutions in order to get more support for its advocacy efforts and to influence decision makers more intensively. As an example, the Regional Conference on political participation of women and Istanbul Convention has been implemented in cooperation with number of regional stakeholders. Specific quantified results of the Program for the first year will be shared in Annual Executive Summary.
Progress has been steady in terms of results accomplishments. However, new initiative around Women’s Political Network and their interest to become active player in gender equality work will require a bit more dedication of Project Team in supporting them in their dialogue, agreements and plans made. Also, delays in addressing legal framework occurred due to political crises and boycott of Parliament from oppositional parties. In order not to lose momentum, programme should consider non-cost extension for additional period of time. In addition, development of the new, revised Code of Conduct for violence in family that supposed to provide adjustments to new systemic response to violence might require a bit extended time frame for implementation. It is of highest priority to assure that data-base has been aligned with new multidisciplinary framework and tested in certain period of time. For this activity, extended period of Project duration is necessary. Finally, Women’s Political Network has strongly impacted 6 municipalities and through advocacy initiative resulted with financial allocations for women’s business. Development of financial support package is only one of important mechanism which, without soft support package that includes support around development of business planes, counselling, taxation policies etc. Programme will invest effort to work with local municipalities to introduce complementary mechanisms of support to women entrepreneurs. It is also of great importance that time- frame of programme is therefore extended and programmatic support is provided.
The External Final Evaluation of the Programme “Support to Anti-discrimination and Gender Equality Policies” was conducted by the independent international evaluator with aim to:
• Assess Programme results achieved against planned objectives, targets and indicators; Assessment effectiveness and efficiency of the intervention and sustainability of Programme benefits beyond its lifetime;
• Identify and consolidate good practices, lessons learned and make recommendations on process, management, partnerships, transparency, stakeholders’ participation and other aspects of project implementation that would benefit future engagement of UNDP in this area.
The evaluation addressed objectives, results and four different components of the programme.
The four components are: • Capacity development support • Violence against women and domestic violence • Political empowerment of women • Women’s entrepreneurship
Each component was evaluated since the themes, the stakeholders, the beneficiaries, the objectives and the programme activities are different.
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Each component was evaluated in three phases:
• Desk review of project document, progress reports, relevant analysis including the all analysis and special reports are developed under the programme, policy and legal documents.
• Field visit with interviews with key stakeholders including representatives of the Steering Committee, Government, Police, Jurisdiction, Social Welfare Centres, Municipalities, Women's NGOs, Women’s Political Network, journalists, Delegation of European Union and UNDP staff.
• Preparation of final evaluation report.
Evaluation process envisaged – desk review, field visit and final Report
1. Desk Review The relevant documents were analysed in order to answer some of the questions above. The main issues are: • Assessment of the success of achieving the overall objective, specific objective, two results and to what extend the indicators have been met • The analysis of secondary sources during desk review assisted the evaluator in refining her approach to the field enquiry.
2. The Field Visit The field visit was conducted in cooperation with UNDP Montenegro and it consist of interviews with key stakeholders representing the four components in the project. The interviews were organized as semi-structured interviews and group interviews. The field visit was scheduled to last eight days and it took place in Podgorica, Herceg Novi and Niksic in order to ensure that different stakeholders from different municipalities are involved in the evaluation process. The field visit started with kick off meeting UNDP staff. The individual and group interviews included representatives the local and national Government, public institutions, public services, women’s business associations, women NGOs, Women’s Political Network, and the Delegation of European Union in Montenegro. A full list was prepared in cooperation with UNDP that organized the appointments.
The Final Report The final report included the relevant questions from the desk review and followed up with the answers from the field visit. The draft was sent for comments to UNDP and is finalized with the comments from the Steering Committee.
• The report followed the above mentioned structure and is divided into the four different components of the project; Capacity development support, Elimination of violence against women, Political empowerment of women, Women’s entrepreneurship.
Besides from assessing the compliance of the objectives, results and indicators the report focused on the sustainability of the project(s). (Annex Y19 30 Evaluation Report; Annex Y19 31 Sustainability Strategy)
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Partners and other Co-operation
How do you assess the relationship between the formal partners of this Action (i.e. those partners which have signed a partnership statement)?
The Programme team is highly concerned with the fact that Department for Gender Equality within the partner Ministry for Human and Minority Rights still faces issue of limited capacities and budget. Although two staff have been employed none of them has not more than 3 years of work experience in these areas and respectfully they require lots of technical assistance on a daily basis. Despite of all elaborated shortcomings, employees of the Department demonstrate committed to the Programme goals and have invest sufficient efforts in implementation of Programme activities.
Advisory Boards have been seen as excellent practice and gathering of all relevant stakeholders to interact and share experience and know how proved to be very supportive to our work.
The Programme team remains concerned with the fact that Department for Gender Equality within the partnering Ministry for Human and Minority Rights still faces limited capacities in both financial and human resource aspects. Although it was announced that with new systematisation Department for Gender Equality will get one more staff, for some reason it has not happened. While Department is expected to develop number of reports related to international treaties, they struggle with collection of data and solid inputs from line ministries. Repeatedly they complain about quality of their colleagues’ inputs and understanding of gender equality work. Overall, gender equality concerns are at the bottom of understanding and prioritisation scale at all levels.
Undermining perceptions about gender equality work can be also seen in act of forcing Department for Gender Equality team to leave their offices in Governmental building which exposed team to unpleasant situation of not having even space for work.
Furthermore, although two staff have been employed none of them has substantive expertise in the gender areas of work and lack understanding of specificities of work within different sectors, mandates etc. Maybe, the best example of lack of understanding and gender knowledge is with regards to political participation. Traditionally, following best practices globally, but also responding to very demanding political environment in Montenegro, among oppositional and positional parties, trainings for politicians are held within their own political circles. This is subject of creation of enabling environment and space for open dialogue and discussions among politicians regarding problems they face in their parties. This is traditionally enabled in the Gender Programme, and while previous management had no issues with that, current Head of Department for Gender Equality feels excluded from the programme, because she does not participate at trainings for politicians. Although all- inclusive activities (such as Women’s Political Network planning exercises) involved representative of Department for Gender Equality, and although project team explained need of political party members to work without government representatives, Head of Department does not show understanding.
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Despite of all elaborated shortcomings, employees of the Department demonstrate committed to the Programme goals and have invested sufficient efforts in implementation of Programme activities.
How would you assess the relationship between your organisation and State authorities in the Action countries? How has this relationship affected the Action?
Gender equality is a cross-cutting issue and should be, by its nature, implemented through multi- sectorial approach. In practice, this approach is lacking and some of the Government bodies (like, for example, Ministry for labour and Social Care, which is directly responsible for implementing Strategy for protection of violence in family) should be more interested in cooperation with the Programme, regardless the fact that they are not a direct Programme partner. Therefore, the Programme team plans to invest additional efforts to coordinate activities among different Government bodies by engaging them more intensively in Advisory Boards and sharing all available information among all related stakeholders.
In the line Ministries, involved in the Project implementation there is no gender expertise in place and in daily practice it creates lots of problems in implementations. Gender mainstreaming is unenabled from the levels of basic understanding to system support and leadership. Consequently, there is no accountability mechanism in place. All these aspects present challenge in programme implementation and require additional efforts in explaining all steps in process and necessity for the work on gender equality issue.
Where applicable, describe your relationship with any other organisations involved in implementing the Action: • Associate(s) (if any) • Sub-contractor(s) (if any) • Final Beneficiaries and Target groups • Other third parties involved (including other donors, other government agencies or local government units, NGOs, etc)
The Programme closely cooperates with other UN agencies, international organizations based in Montenegro, as well as with civil society, in order to secure strategically coordinated approach to set of issues surrounding gender equality (changes of related legal framework, implementation of supporting and complementary policies, etc.). At the same time, the Programme intensively works to develop transparent and efficient coordinating mechanism for the Programme implementation, though Advisory Boards. Regular meetings of ABs support delivering of the Programme outcomes, measuring its related impact and also addressing any issues which may arise during the Programme implementation. 2.4. Where applicable, outline any links and synergies you have developed with other actions.
2.5. If your organisation has received previous EU grants in view of strengthening the same target group, in how far has this Action been able to build upon/complement the previous one(s)? (List all previous relevant EU grants).
3. Visibility How is the visibility of the EU contribution being ensured in the Action?
All communication and documentation have been developed and shared on the template leatherhead with logos of partners including EU.
All public events, like official launch, media conferences, signing of the Code of Conduct for Protection from Family Violence, conference on political participation of women, etc., had clear presentation of the Programmatic framework under which this activity has been developed. EU
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flag and logo were visible on the communication tools used for press. EU high representatives have been invited to speak on all public events.
UNDP Communications representative and EU Delegation Information Officer with other EU funded personnel and UN team held a consultative meeting on required visibility procedures to secure the smooth and effective visibility.
Visibility was assured in all the public appearances, organised events, produced publications, and social media announcements. Advocacy campaign of WPN in 2019 has been financially supported by UNDP, but having in mind that WPN raised from process generated within this Programme, visibility of EU was assured by applying communication products that were produced. The European Commission may wish to publicise the results of Actions. Do you have any objection to this report being published on the EuropeAid website? If so, please state your objections here.
No objections
Name of the contact person for the Action: Kaca Djurickovic, Programme Manager
Signature: Location: Podgorica, Montenegro Date report due: April 2020. Date report sent: April 2020
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