Days of Dialogue: improving visibility of contributions by women and integrating regional potentials

Budva, Avala Hotel, 28 February 2020 – In order to strengthen the social cohesion in the region, it is necessary to make the contribution made by women more visible, as well as to additionally improve networking activities so that all the potentials are used – this is one of the conclusions of a two-day event titled Days of Dialogue: the role of women in social cohesion. The conference brought together more than a hundred women participants from the region, with the aim of recognising the contribution made by women, indicating the best practices, and defining the recommendations for improvement of the social cohesion. The event was organised by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro, within the “Dialogue for the Future” regional programme, financed by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund and jointly implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO and the competent institutions in Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Serbia.
Summarising the conclusions of the two-day event, Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to Montenegro indicated that social cohesion and gender equality required greater visibility of the results and success stories achieved by women that are changing the region for the better. “A key benefit of Dialogue for the Future is that these events generate a wealth of ideas and innovative solutions, which will be transformed into specific actions. The numerous mechanisms for achieving equality include gender-sensitive budgeting, because priorities are there where there are funds,” Gasparikova said.

Minister of Science of Montenegro Sanja Damjanović reminded those present of the Sustainable Development Goals, the only global agenda that aims to transform the world by 2030. “In order to succeed in this endeavour to transform the world, we need to connect science, technology and innovations. A concept that can integrate all three elements is the South East European Institute for Sustainable Technologies (SEEIIST). This institute has the potential to prevent brain drain in the entire region and to improve research in oncology. This would accelerate innovation, boost the economy, improve the health of people and achieve overall benefits,” she indicated. Minister Damjanović also pointed out that it was necessary to involve more women in science and research, as well as to strengthen their contribution through creativity and emotions they wholeheartedly infuse into their daily work.

Within the working sessions and solution laboratories, the participants suggested a number of concrete actions, including a few recommendations: training for teaching staff on gender equality; creating a network of allies in positions of power; taking actions against gender based discrimination in employment and in workplace; promoting the stories of successful women; media activism and the application of the gender perspective in journalism; empowering and supporting women activists in small and rural communities.
***
At the official opening, Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, said that global experiences proved that the voice of women played a key role in building social cohesion and peace, and that their contribution facilitated long-term results. “Dialogue for the Future” encourages a new perspective of the regional challenges and provides a platform for representatives of different sectors, citizens and decision-makers to jointly create solutions for the benefit of all citizens and countries,” McCluney concluded.

Nada Drobnjak, Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality, said that the region always acted and would continue to act as a system of communicating vessels. “This is why it is important that we talk, share experiences, learn and support each other and build the future of our countries, while jointly shaping the better future of the entire region. If we do not talk there will be no agreement, if we do not ask there will be no answers and if we do not embrace what connects us we will remain separated.”

Days of Dialogue brought together participants from countries of the region, including representatives of civil society, education sector, institutions, private sector, academic community, etc. The event aimed to initiate a discussion on the role and contribution of women to social cohesion.

The three key aspects of a cohesive society are connections between people, trust in institutions and equal access to opportunities and rights, along with a focus on the common good. In terms of equal access, gender equality is one of the fundamental elements of social cohesion. Therefore, the “Dialogue for the Future” programme largely focuses on empowering women and strengthening their role and visibility in all social processes.
Dialogue for the Future offers a platform through which people from all social domains can meet, talk and create solutions for a better future.

UNDP Montenegro