OSCE-supported Regional Forum in Cetinje highlights importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening women entrepreneurship
The 18th annual Cetinje Parliamentary Forum on Women in Business was held on 8 and 9 June 2015 bringing together parliamentarians from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia. The Forum was organized by the Parliament of Montenegro and supported by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the Gender Task Force of Montenegro and the Regional Co-operation Council.
Opening the Forum, Chair of the Montenegrin Parliamentary Committee for Economy, Finance and Budget, Aleksandar Damjanovic, noted that more work has to be done on changing the mind-set as more women in business can bring benefits for everyone and all can contribute from their positions.
Nada Drobnjak, Chair of the Committee on Gender Equality, emphasized that women and men have to be equal on all levels if women are to be successful in business, and mentioned the equal distribution of work labour, economic independence, and the decrease of violence against women as necessary prerequisites.
Lia Magnaguagno from the OSCE Mission to Montenegro reiterated the need for further economic empowerment of women, but also stressed the importance of regional co-operation and called for further action: “Women entrepreneurs must be encouraged by adjusting the legal framework or enhancing measures for affirmative action.”
The participants also discussed the perspectives and challenges for women entrepreneurs in their respective countries, but also the role of local self-government, lessons learned and positive practices for further advancing women’s entrepreneurship. A joint declaration was adopted by all countries which include clear recommendations for using parliamentary diplomacy to promote participation of women in the economy and strengthening women’s entrepreneurship.