Vućić Popović takes part in the Care Forum in Istanbul

The Government of Montenegro remains strongly committed to further advancing gender equality policies and developing the care economy, in full partnership with international organisations and regional initiatives said Deputy Secretary-General of the Government of Montenegro Irena Vućić Popović at the Care Forum in Istanbul. She emphasised that the priority is to create a modern working environment that recognises the care economy as a collective rather than an individual responsibility.

Our goal is clear - to build an inclusive, fair, and European society in which gender equality will be visible in the everyday lives of citizens, and not only in strategic documents, she said.

Vućić Popović stressed that gender equality and the development of a sustainable care system are not solely social issues, but also matters of overall social development, economic stability, and respect for fundamental human rights. She added that this is also an important part of the European integration process and alignment with the acquis of the European Union, as well as with international obligations.

Montenegro, she noted, is determined to build a society of equal opportunities in which care responsibilities will not rest exclusively on women, but will instead become a shared responsibility of society and institutions. In this regard, the Government of Montenegro is continuously working on improving the strategic, legislative, and institutional framework aimed at advancing gender equality and strengthening the position of women in all areas of social and economic life.

The Deputy Secretary-General highlighted the adoption of the National Gender Equality Strategy 2025-2029 and its accompanying Action Plan, as well as the preparation of a new Law on Gender Equality and the adoption of amendments to the Labour Law.

Through the Labour Law reforms, we are introducing measures that for the first time systematically contribute to a better work-life balance in line with EU Directives, while also helping create an environment that promotes women's economic independence. These reforms introduce the right to paternity leave, improve the rights of parents and caregivers, develop flexible working arrangements, and strengthen mechanisms for pay transparency and equal pay.

She concluded that these reforms not only improve the position of employees, but also create conditions for greater economic security for families, stronger participation of women in the labour market, and a fairer distribution of responsibilities within society.