Bijelo Polje, (MINA-BUSINESS) – It was noted at the event marking the International Day of Rural Women that, in rural areas of Montenegro, women faced numerous challenges that highlighted the necessity for systemic changes to ensure equal access to resources, decision-making, and economic opportunities.
On this occasion, it was concluded that this was a prerequisite for the sustainable development of rural areas and Montenegrin agriculture and economy.
The event was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the Municipality Bijelo Polje, the Municipality Plav and the Municipality Berane.
Research conducted since 2020 by UNDP, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management, the OSCE, and De Facto, as well as data from the publication “Invisible Women” and the National Gender Analysis, shed light on the depth of the problems faced by women in rural areas of Montenegro.
“Only 16 percent of women own farms, and 32 percent own land. In the register of farmers in Montenegro, men make up over 70 percent of insurance holders. Most women from rural areas will inherit nothing from their families,” stated a press release.