At the regional conference “Advancing the Gender Equality Agenda in the Western Balkans and Turkey”, which is being held in Bečići, President of the Parliament of Montenegro  Mr Ivan Brajović expressed confidence that equal participation of both genders in public and political life was one of the conditions for democracy.

- Equality primarily implies equality in family relations, economic sphere and equal representation in all branches of power, especially in decision-making. When it comes to representation of women in the Parliament, since the adoption of appropriate set of laws, a number of female MPs has risen from 13.6 to 23.45%. Even though I do not support empowerment through quotas, it is obvious that such legislation has provided the result at the very beginning of the process.

The President of the Montenegrin Parliament thinks that is that necessary to contribute to change of the mentality attitude towards women in certain professions by promoting true values, education and economic empowerment of women.

- Through many years of work I have become convinced that women, like the men, if not better, are able to be at leading positions, show initiative, and make difficult and responsible decisions.

Mr Brajović was the first speaker at the introductory session moderated by Ms Fiona Mc Cluny, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for Montenegro.